Imposter

1Pokémon

1Hidden Ability

Gen VGeneration

Effect

This Pokémon transforms into a random opponent upon entering battle. This effect is identical to the move Transform.

GenerationGen V

Pokemon1

Hidden Ability Holders1

Game Descriptions

Gen VIt transforms itself into the Pokémon it is facing.

Gen VIThe Pokémon transforms itself into the Pokémon it’s facing.

Gen VIIThe Pokémon transforms itself into the Pokémon it’s facing.

Gen VIIIThe Pokémon transforms itself into the Pokémon it’s facing.

Gen IXThe Pokémon transforms itself into the Pokémon it's facing.

Imposter in Battle

Imposter automatically transforms the Pokemon into the opponent as soon as it enters the battle. The transformation is identical to the move Transform — the Pokemon copies the target's species, type, moves, ability, stat stages, and all stats except HP. The copy uses 5 PP for each of the copied moves rather than the original PP values.

What makes Imposter competitively devastating is its speed — the transformation happens on switch-in, before any moves are executed, meaning the opponent has no chance to react. This is exclusively Ditto's ability and is the cornerstone of its competitive viability. By copying a boosted sweeper, Ditto can turn an opponent's setup against them, inheriting any Attack, Speed, or other stat boosts they have accumulated. However, Ditto's low base HP is not copied over, which often leaves it frailer than the Pokemon it copies. Imposter also fails if the opponent is behind a Substitute or has used Disguise. Introduced in Generation V as Ditto's Hidden Ability, Imposter is unique to a single Pokemon.

Pokemon With Imposter (1)

# ▲		Name	Type	Other Abilities	Hidden?	HP	Atk	Def	SpA	SpD	Spe	Total
#132		Ditto	Normal	Limber	HA	48	48	48	48	48	48	288

Related Abilities (Gen V)

Ability	Pokemon	Description
Pickpocket	16	Steals attacking Pokémon's held items on contact.
Sheer Force	37	Strengthens moves with extra effects to 1.3× their power, but prevents their extra effects.
Contrary	11	Inverts stat changes.
Unnerve	28	Prevents opposing Pokémon from eating held Berries.
Defiant	16	Raises Attack two stages upon having any stat lowered.
Defeatist	2	Halves Attack and Special Attack at 50% max HP or less.
Cursed Body	15	Has a 30% chance of Disabling any move that hits the Pokémon.
Healer	12	Has a 30% chance of curing each adjacent ally of any major status ailment after each turn.

FAQ

What does Imposter do?

This Pokémon transforms into a random opponent upon entering battle. This effect is identical to the move Transform.

How many Pokemon have Imposter?

1 Pokemon can have Imposter as their ability, including both regular and hidden ability holders.

Is Imposter a Hidden Ability?

Imposter is a Hidden Ability for 1 Pokemon. Other Pokemon may have it as a regular ability.

When was Imposter introduced?

Imposter was introduced in Generation V.