Ultimate Guide to Catching Shiny Ditto in Pokemon Go

The legendary Gen 1 shapeshifter, Ditto, presents a unique challenge for trainers in Niantic’s Pokémon Go, especially when it comes to capturing its elusive Shiny variant.

Although Ditto first appeared in Pokémon Go back in November 2016, its Shiny form was only introduced later during the Kanto Tour event in February 2021, where it was exclusively available through a ticketed Special Research quest.

Currently, players have limited options to encounter Ditto, meaning that encountering a Shiny version requires a bit of luck and persistence.

How to Find a Shiny Ditto in Pokémon Go

As we step into 2024, there are a few avenues available for spotting a Shiny Ditto:

Completing the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto Special Research missions.
Having the good fortune to find a Shiny Ditto in its natural habitat.

The aforementioned methods are the only reliable ways to encounter this Transform Pokémon, making it one of the harder catches in the game, as Ditto can take on various disguises, complicating the search for its Shiny form.

In Pokémon Go, trainers have several strategies to locate a Shiny Ditto.

Below, we’ll detail both methods, equipping you with the information needed to increase your chances of capturing one.

1. Wild Encounters with Shiny Ditto

Shiny Ditto in Pokémon Go — Image courtesy of Niantic / The Pokémon Company

Trainers now have the opportunity to encounter a Shiny Ditto while exploring the wild.

A significant change brought about by the Season of Mischief in September 2021 is that Shiny Ditto can now be found outside of the ticketed Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto Special Research, allowing trainers to catch it in its natural environment.

This doesn’t mean it’s an easy task, though—Ditto frequently shifts its appearance to various Pokémon, which change periodically in the wild.

To succeed, you’ll need to stay updated on Ditto’s current disguises, venture outdoors, and keep an eye out for its alternate forms, attempting to catch them to see if they transform into a Shiny version of the Transform Pokémon. It’s advisable to gather plenty of Poké Balls for what looks to be a lengthy endeavor, with reported odds of around 1 in 64.

Keep in mind that a Shiny Ditto will not take the form of a Shiny Pokémon.

2. Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto Special Research

Kanto Tour event in Pokémon Go — Image courtesy of Niantic / The Pokémon Company

During the Kanto Tour event, trainers could find Shiny Ditto.

Long-time Pokémon Go players might have another chance to obtain a Shiny Ditto. At the event held on February 20, 2021, Trainers who purchased a ticket for the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto were able to complete a Special Research storyline that ensured an encounter with Shiny Ditto.

Step 1

Claim Rewards (10 Poké Balls)
Claim Rewards (3 Razz Berries)
Claim Rewards (3 Potions)

Overall Rewards: 150 XP, 3 Incense, Encounter with Charmander/Bulbasaur

Step 2

Use an Incense (50 Poké Balls)
Catch 30 Pokémon (Encounter with Tangela)
Take a snapshot of Charmander/Bulbasaur (1 Poffin)

Total Rewards: 50 Poké Balls, Encounter with Chansey, 25 Candy for Charmander/Bulbasaur

Step 3

Earn 3 hearts with your Buddy (300 Stardust)
Catch 30 Pokémon (500 XP)
Evolve a Charmander/Bulbasaur (25 Candy for Charmander/Bulbasaur)

Total Rewards: 2 Incense, Encounter with Cubone, 25 Ultra Balls

Step 4

Use an Incense (1 Egg Incubator)
Send 3 Gifts to friends (5 Pinap Berries)
Trade 3 Pokémon (Charmander/Bulbasaur Candy x 25) with a friend (either red or green)

Total Rewards: 500 Stardust, Encounter with Lickitung, 25 Candy for Cubone

Step 5

Make 3 Nice Throws in a row (Encounter with Aerodactyl)
Catch 10 different species of Pokémon (1 Star Piece)
Use 20 Berries to assist in Catching Pokémon (25 Candy for Charmander/Bulbasaur)

Total Rewards: 1 Premium Battle Pass, Encounter with Snorlax, 25 Candy for Cubone

Step 6

Power up Pokémon 5 times (25 Candy for Charmander/Bulbasaur)
Battle in 3 Raids (20 Candy for Mewtwo)
Evolve 1 Pokémon (1 Tour Cap)

Total Rewards: 1 Fast TM, Encounter with Lapras, 1 Charged TM

Step 7

Catch 30 Pokémon (3000 XP)
Catch 15 different species of Pokémon (3 Rare Candies)
Transfer 20 Pokémon (3000 XP)

Total Rewards: 1 Lure Module, Encounter with Shiny Ditto, 1 Lucky Egg

Step 8

Claim Rewards (3000 XP)
Claim Rewards (3000 Stardust)
Claim Rewards (3000 XP)

Total Rewards: 20 Ditto Candy, 20 Mew Candy, 10 Ditto Stickers

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