Pokemon Go users can now finally catch Ditto

It appears Niantic has finally introduced Ditto to its hit mobile game Pokémon Go, after excited players from around the world started reporting that they have captured the shape-shifting pocket monster after months of searching.

Due to Ditto's unique ability to take on the form and abilities of the Pokémon it battles, it does not show up on a map like any other Pokémon. Players have reported that upon catching common, low-level beasties such as Rattata, Pidgey, Magikarps or Zubat, they then revert to the familiar pink blob form of Ditto.

Using Pokémon incense or lures are reportedly helpful in attracting lower-tier Pokémon that may or may not transform into Ditto.

Players who do manage to catch a Ditto successfully, will see a dialogue screen pop up that reads, "Oh?" after which the captured Pokémon will change into its true form. After the Ditto has revealed itself, its own CP level will be displayed, which is often higher than that of the Pokémon they initially captured.

Whilst battling at a Pokémon gym, a Ditto transforms into its opposing Pokémon and replicates its abilities and moves. If made a buddy, it reportedly requires a 3km walk to acquire new candies and experience.

In November, data miners at The Silph Road reported discovering a new "Transform" move, a move associated with Ditto, which had been added to the popular AR-powered smartphone game.

Niantic also revealed on Tuesday (22 November) that its Nearby feature, which was only being tested in San Francisco, is now available to trainers in the following areas:

• United States of America: All states west of the Mississippi River (except Hawaii and Alaska)
• Canada: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the western half of Ontario
• Australia: All states and territories

"We have changed the feature to only show the Nearby feature if a PokéStop is close to your location," Niantic wrote in a blog post, adding that changes to its Sightings feature have also been made, but did not specify what those tweaks entail.

Following its successful Halloween event, the developer is also launching a special Thanksgiving event during which players can score double XP and Stardust when completing in-game actions between midnight on 23 November until midnight on 30 November.

"Our first six months has been nothing short of exciting and your continued support has been inspiring," the development team said. "We have a lot of content, features, and functionality that we will be implementing over the coming months and years. Our goal is to always improve on existing features where we can while also releasing new content and functionality."