Ditto EV Training

Overview

Ditto can turn Route 47 into a flexible EV-training spot. The idea is simple: lead with a Pokémon that gives the EVs you want, let Ditto transform into it, then knock out the transformed Ditto.

This is best treated as an advanced training method. It needs setup, but it can cover any stat from one location once you have the right lead Pokémon.

Why This Works

When Ditto transforms, it copies the target Pokémon for battle. Player testing reports that the transformed Ditto can be used as an EV target for the transformed Pokémon's yield.

One important caveat from the ROM source: EXP appears to still use Ditto's stored base EXP value, not the transformed Pokémon's base EXP value. Treat this as an EV-training method, not an EXP-farming method.

Because this is a mechanics-heavy method, check your EV totals as you train if you are building a precise competitive spread.

What You Need

• Access to the grass path by the waterfall on Route 47
• A lead Pokémon with the EV yield you want Ditto to copy
• A strong Pokémon that can safely beat the transformed Ditto
• Optional but recommended:
  • Power Items for the stat you are training
  • Exp. Share on Pokémon you want to train passively
  • Sweet Honey for catching level-scaled setup Pokémon

Basic Method

1. Put the EV-yield Pokémon in the lead slot.
2. Find a wild Ditto on Route 47.
3. Let Ditto transform into your lead.
4. Switch to the Pokémon that will safely KO the transformed Ditto, if needed.
5. Make sure the Pokémon you are training are holding the right Power Item or Exp. Share.
6. Knock out Ditto.
7. Repeat with a different lead Pokémon when you want to train a different stat.

Choosing Lead Pokémon

Use Pokémon with simple movesets and the EV yield you want. The best leads are ones that:

• Give 2 or 3 EVs in the target stat
• Are easy for your KO Pokémon to defeat after Ditto transforms
• Do not have dangerous setup, recovery, or self-KO moves

If your best EV-yield Pokémon is too low-level, Sweet Honey can help you catch wild Pokémon scaled around your current team. A higher-level setup Pokémon gives Ditto better stats, so make sure your KO Pokémon can handle it.

Route 47 Level Note

A player report for version 3.2.3 says Route 47's postgame level cap is 62. If you are training during a different part of the game or on a later version, the exact level range may differ. The method still works as long as your team can safely defeat the transformed Ditto.

Tips

• Keep the setup lead's moves harmless when possible.
• Bring healing so a bad transform does not end the session.
• Track EVs carefully; Power Items make EVs add up fast.
• If a transformed Ditto is awkward to KO, pick a different Pokémon with the same EV yield.