How to get Shiny Ditto in Pokemon Go

The iconic Generation 1 shapeshifting Pokemon, Ditto, can be a bit difficult to catch in Niantic’s Pokemon Go, which makes its Shiny form that much rarer.

Despite making its debut in Pokemon Go back in November 2016, the ever-elusive Gen 1 monster only received its Shiny form during the Kanto Tour event in February 2021, where it was locked behind a ticketed Special Research story.

Nowadays, Trainers haven’t got too many different methods available for them to be able to get a Ditto — so it’ll take some luck to encounter a Shiny Pokemon variant.

Finding a Shiny Ditto in Pokemon Go

As of 2024, there are a couple of different ways available to encounter a Shiny Ditto:

• Completing the Pokemon Go Tour: Kanto Special Research story.
• Getting lucky and encountering a Shiny Ditto in the wild.

The above methods are the only surefire ways of catching the Transform Pokemon, making it one of the trickiest monsters to catch in the game. This is because the adorable pink blob can disguise itself as an ever-changing roster of other creatures, making getting a Shiny version much harder.

The Pokemon Company

Pokemon Go players have a few ways they can find a Shiny Ditto.

Below, we’ll run through the details behind both of these methods, so you’ll come away with a clearer idea of what can be done to help boost your chances of catching one.

1. Shiny Ditto wild encounters

Niantic / The Pokemon Company

Trainers can now encounter a Shiny Ditto in the wild.

One of the biggest changes that September 2021’s Season of Mischief introduced was that Shiny Ditto is no longer exclusive to the ticketed Pokemon Go Tour: Kanto Special Research and can be encountered in the wild.

This means that nowadays, Trainers have the chance to encounter and catch a Shiny Ditto naturally, just by playing. Doing this won’t be easy, though, as Ditto takes on various disguises that change over time out on the overworld.

You’ll need to keep tabs on what Ditto is currently disguising itself as, head outside and keep an eye out for any of its disguises — and simply try catching them to see if they’ll reveal themselves to be the Transform ‘mon, and a Shiny one at that. So stock up on those Poke Balls and get ready for what will likely be a rather long process with a reported 1/64 odds.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that a Shiny Ditto will not be disguised as a Shiny Pokemon.

Note: While it’s worth pointing out that this is the most difficult way to find a Shiny Ditto, it will be many Trainers’ best and only option.

2. Pokemon Go Tour: Kanto Special Research

Niantic / The Pokemon Company

Trainers had a chance to encounter Shiny Ditto in the Kanto Tour event.

If you’re a long-time Pokemon Go player, there may be another option available for you to get a Shiny Ditto. Through an event featured on February 20, 2021, Trainers who purchased a ticket for the Pokemon Go Tour: Kanto event were able to complete a Special Research story that guaranteed an encounter with Shiny Ditto.

Sadly, there’s no way to access this Special Research if you haven’t already purchased a ticket for the Kanto event. However, if you do have access to the Special Research, you can find all of the tasks and rewards below:

Step 1

• Claim Reward (Poke Ball x 10)
• Claim Reward (Razz Berry x 3)
• Claim Reward (Potion x 3)

Total Rewards: 150 XP, Incense x 3, Charmander/Bulbasaur Encounter

Step 2

• Use an Incense (Poke Ball x 50)
• Catch 30 Pokemon ( Tangela Encounter)
• Take a snapshot of Charmander/Bulbasaur (Poffin x 1)

Total Rewards: Poke Ball x 50, Chansey Encounter, Charmander/Bulbasaur Candy x 25

Step 3

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

Total Rewards: Incense x 2, Cubone Encounter, Ultra Ball x 25

Step 4

• Use an Incense (Egg Incubator x 1)
• Send 3 Gifts to friends (Pinap Berry x 5)
• Trade 3 Pokemon (Red or Green) with a friend (Charmander/Bulbasaur Candy x 25)

Total Rewards: Stardust x 500, Lickitung Encounter, Cubone Candy x 25

Step 5

• Make 3 Nice Throws in a row (Aerodactyl Encounter)
• Catch 10 different species of Pokémon (Star Piece x 1)
• Use 20 Berries to help Catch Pokemon (Red or Green) (Charmander/Bulbasaur Candy x 25)

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

Step 6

• Power up Pokemon 5 times (Red or Green) (Charmander/Bulbasaur Candy x 25)
• Battle in 3 Raids (Mewtwo Candy x 20)
• Evolve 1 Pokemon (Tour Cap x 1)

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

Step 7

• Catch 30 Pokemon (3000 XP)
• Catch 15 different species of Pokemon (Rare Candy x 3)
• Transfer 20 Pokemon (3000 XP)

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

Step 8

• Claim Reward (3000 XP)
• Claim Reward (Stardust x 3000)
• Claim Reward (3000 XP)

Total Rewards: Ditto Candy x 20, Mew Candy x 20, Ditto Sticker x 10

Now you’re fully up to date on all things Shiny Ditto, make sure to check out how to play Pokemon Go if you’re just getting into the game, the latest available promo codes, a rundown of the current events schedule, and Spotlight Hour, the current Field Research tasks, or what’s in the Shop this week.