Transform (move)
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| Transform へんしん Transform | ||||||||||||
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Transform (Japanese: へんしん Transform) is a non-damaging Normal-type move introduced in Generation I. It is notable for being the only move of Ditto despite never being a signature move, because Mew can also learn it.
Effect
Generation I
Transform changes the user's current type, current stats, current stat modifications, current moves, current species, and current cry to that of the target's.
Each move copied by Transform will have 5 PP. With this in mind, if a Ditto encounters another Ditto in this game, both Ditto will continually Transform into each other, replenishing the 5 PP constantly and making the battle seemingly endless.
Transform does not copy the target's status conditions, level, current or maximum HP, base experience, palette colors or the generic minimize image. If a transformed Pokémon takes damage from a critical hit, its original stats will be used rather than its stats after Transform. The probability of a transformed Pokémon scoring a critical hit is based on the original Pokémon's base Speed, not the base Speed of the Pokémon it transformed into.
Transform bypasses accuracy checks to always hit, even during the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly.
In-game, if a wild Pokémon uses Transform and is subsequently caught, it will become a Ditto, regardless of what species it originally was. It will then have all the stats and moves of a Ditto, except for its current HP, which will remain unaltered by this change.
If a wild Pokémon uses Transform twice and is subsequently caught, its DVs will be the DVs of the first Pokémon it transformed into.
In Stadium, Transform will not work if the target's current species is Ditto.
Generation II
Transform, if used by a Shiny Pokémon, will cause the Pokémon species transformed into to appear Shiny. Likewise, a normal Pokémon transforming into a Shiny target's species will appear as a normal version. A transformed Pokémon retains its original species for determining if it is boosted by Pokémon-specific stat-enhancing items, with the exception of Metal Powder, which uses the target's species.
Transform will now fail if used on an opponent who has already transformed or if they are in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly. Wild Pokémon are now treated as their original species upon capture after transforming, rather than being treated as Ditto like in Generation I.
Generation III
Transform copies the target Pokémon's Ability, replacing its own. Starting in this generation, Transform also copies the base experience and the EV yield of the target.
During a Pokémon Contest, the Pokémon will transform into one of the other contestants.
Generation IV
Unlike Generations II and III, the user of the move copies the target's coloration and form; therefore, if the target is Shiny, then the user's transformed state will be Shiny as well. If Transform is used on a Spiky-eared Pichu, then the Pokémon who used it will transform into a Spiky-eared Pichu. If the alternate form requires holding an item, such as with Origin Forme Giratina or Arceus, and the Pokémon who used Transform is not holding the required item, the Pokémon will first transform to its target's current form, then immediately revert to the form dictated by the transformed Pokémon's held item; therefore, if it transforms into an Arceus but holds a Plate, it will first assume the target Arceus's form, then immediately change to the form corresponding to its Plate.
A transformed Pokémon retains its original species for determining if it is boosted by Pokémon-specific stat-enhancing items, with the exception of Metal Powder and Quick Powder, which use the target's species.
During a Pokémon Super Contest, the Pokémon will transform into one of other contestants.
Generation V
Transform no longer copies the target's catch rate. Transform will now fail if used on a Pokémon behind a Substitute or a Pokémon under the effect of Illusion. If Transform is used on an Origin Forme Giratina, the Pokémon who used Transform will remain in Origin Forme even if it is not holding a Griseous Orb, instead of reverting to Altered Forme. If Transform is used on an Arceus, the Pokémon will retain the target Arceus's type and not revert to the type corresponding to its held Plate (or lack of one).
Imposter, Ditto's signature Ability introduced in this generation, automatically causes the user to transform into the opponent.
Pokémon that know Transform are banned from participating in Pokéstar Studios films.
Generation VI
The user will transform into Mega-Evolved Pokémon and maintain the form regardless of whether it holds the required Mega Stone. This has no effect on the restriction that only allows each player one Mega Evolution per battle.
Transform will fail if used on a Pokémon that is protected by Crafty Shield.
In Pokémon Contest Spectacular, if Transform is used, a Substitute doll would be thrown in the stage. The user would then transform into the doll. The effects of Transform will last for the round it is used in.
Generation VII
If powered up by a Normalium Z into Z-Transform, the user's HP is fully restored.
Description
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Learnset
By leveling up
| # | Pokémon | Types | Egg Groups | Level | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | ||||||
| 0132 | 
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Ditto | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||
| 0151 | 
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style="text-align:center; background:#Template:Undiscovered egg color;" width="140px" colspan="2" | Undiscovered | style="text-align:center; display:none; background:#Template:Undiscovered egg color;" | Undiscovered | 10 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation. | ||||||||||||||
Oddities
Because Transform takes on the exact form of the Pokémon transformed into, strange things can occur when a Pokémon uses the move to become another. Specifically, Pokémon with multiple forms cause the transforming Pokémon to behave oddly.
Gastro Acid
If the Pokémon that is Transforming has previously had Gastro Acid used on it and then subsequently uses Transform without switching out beforehand, the Pokémon that it transforms into will not regain its Ability, and thus will not change forms if the Ability of the Pokémon transformed into causes this.
Origin Forme Giratina
In Generation IV, when a Pokémon transforms into Origin Forme Giratina, they will retain this form only briefly, and then will revert to Altered Forme. This is because only Giratina can hold the Griseous Orb, which forces this form outside of the Distortion World. Note that if the player is able to have a Pokémon that can transform when battling Giratina for the first time in the Distortion World, that Pokémon will be able to retain its transformation into Origin Forme (due to being inside of the Distortion World).
In contrast, in Generation V, when a Pokémon transforms into Origin Forme Giratina, it will retain the Origin Forme.
Shaymin
If a Pokémon transforms into Shaymin in its Sky Forme and is then frozen, it will stay in Sky Forme despite this normally causing a Shaymin to revert to Land Forme.
Arceus
In Generation IV, when a Pokémon transforms into Arceus, it will become Arceus in its Normal form, unless it is holding a Plate. Holding a Plate, the transformed Pokémon will at first take Arceus's current form, and then subsequently transform into the alternate form dictated by the Plate.
In contrast, in Generation V, when a Pokémon transforms into a Plate-holding Arceus, it will retain the Arceus's appearance and type, but Judgment will remain Normal unless the transformed Pokémon is holding a Plate itself, as the move copies the Plate's type rather than the holder's.
Transform loop
In Generation I if Ditto (or another Pokémon with only Transform) faces another Pokémon with Transform in a Trainer battle where neither Trainer has any items and no Pokémon besides the Pokémon with Transform, the battle will never end. This is because when Transform is used, the Pokémon will turn into its opponent, resulting in a Transform moveset of, again, only Transform. Since every time Transform is used, it gives the Pokémon using it the target's moveset with 5 PP each, Transform will continue to Transform into itself, restoring the PP every time it is used. Due to this, one will never reach a point where it can only use Struggle, unlike Wynaut and Wobbuffet in later generations who, although they too have no directly damaging moves, will eventually run out of PP and thus be able to use Struggle. This is likely why few Trainers have Ditto in the Generation I games.
This issue is not present in any other games because of a change in Transform mechanics: from Generation II onwards, it is not possible to Transform into a Pokémon that is the Transformation of another Pokémon.
PP restoration
While transformed, any attempt to use a PP restoring item on the moves acquired during transformation will fail. However, if the transformed Pokémon is holding a Leppa Berry, a copied move low on PP will be restored.
Glitches
--
- Main article: -- (move)
In Generation I, if a Pokémon transforms into another Pokémon that knows more moves and, while transformed, switches the position of the move in the slot of a legitimate move and one which should contain no move, after reverting to its original form, it will have access to the glitch move --.
Ditto glitch
- Main article: Mew glitch
The primary method of the Mew glitch involves having a wild Ditto transform into the player's Pokémon, as this copies the Special stat, which is used to modify the species of Pokémon encountered.
Transform assumption glitch
In Generation I and II, any Pokémon that uses Transform is regarded as a Ditto in its new form; this means that if the player catches a Mew or a glitch Pokémon which has used the move Transform, or a Pokémon which has used Transform via Mirror Move, instead they will obtain a Ditto. Mew turning into Ditto was not an issue in these games because a wild Mew could not be legitimately encountered, but this system was changed in Generation III where it could.
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Shiny Ditto glitch
The Shiny Ditto glitch requires a game from Generation I and Generation II, but only has an effect on a Generation II game. In Generation I, if a Pokémon uses the move Transform while already transformed, after being caught it will retain the IVs of the Pokémon it transformed into. Due to Shininess being determined by IVs in Generations I and II, this allows the player to make a wild Ditto Shiny by having it use Transform while already Transformed; this can be accomplished by either having a Shiny Pokémon that knows Transform (Mew, certain glitch Pokémon, or another Ditto), or by teaching a Shiny Pokémon Mimic, then having the wild Ditto use Mimic on the move Transform. While Shiny Pokémon do not exist in Generation I, due to being determined by IVs, this Ditto will be Shiny when traded to Generation II.
Sketch glitch
- Main article: Sketch glitch
In Generation II, if a Pokémon uses Sketch while transformed, it will permanently learn the Sketched move.
Transform held item glitch
In Japanese versions of Diamond and Pearl, if a Pokémon holding an item uses Transform and has its item stolen, as long as it does not faint before the end of the battle, both the transforming Pokémon and the thief will retain the item after the battle.
Mimic glitch
- Main article: Mimic glitch
In Japanese versions of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, if a Pokémon uses Transform via Mimic then faints, it will keep the moves it learned via Transform.
Rage glitch
- Main article: Rage glitch
In Generation IV, if a transformed Pokémon uses Rage and causes the message "Rage is building" to appear, then defeats or captures the opponent, the Pokémon will permanently learn the moves it knew while transformed.
In other games
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series
Transform causes the user to take only the form of a random hostile Pokémon on the dungeon's floor. It does not copy that Pokémon's moves, type combination, Abilities or stats. It has only 1 PP, leaving the user only the basic attack and Struggle left to use (unless the user knows moves other than Transform).
Description
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In the anime
 Duplica's Ditto  Drake's Ditto  Mew  Ditto One and Two | |||
| The user transforms into a copy of the foe right down to having the same move set. | |||
| Pokémon | Method | ||
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| User | First Used In | Notes | |
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Ditto's body glows white, multicolored or yellow, then transforms into the opponent. | ||
| Duplica's Ditto | Ditto's Mysterious Mansion | Debut | |
| Drake's Ditto | Hello, Pummelo! | None | |
| Duplica's Mini-Dit | Imitation Confrontation | None | |
| Brodie's Ditto | Unfair Weather Friends | None | |
| A wild Ditto | Pikachu's Ghost Carnival | None | |
| Narissa's Ditto 1 | Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama! | None | |
| Narissa's Ditto 2 | Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama! | None | |
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Mew's body glows white or multicolored, then it transforms into any Pokémon. | ||
| A wild Mew | The Journey to be a Pokémon Master Begins!! | None | |
| A wild Mew | Lucario and the Mystery of Mew | None | |
In the manga
In the Aim to Be a Card Master!! manga
 Ditto
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| The user transforms into the opposing Pokémon. | |||
| Pokémon | Method | ||
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| User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
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Ditto's transforms into the opposing Pokémon. | ||
| Kenta's Ditto | District Convention "Kenta, to the Open Sea" | Debut | |
In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga
| The user morphs its body to look like the target. | |||
| Pokémon | Method | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
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Ditto morphs its body into a flimsy, giggly copy of the opponent. | ||
| Duplica's Ditto | Pikachu's Excellent Adventure | Debut | |
| Drake's Ditto | The Orange Crew Supreme Gym Leader | None | |
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
 Ditto
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| The user transforms into a copy of the foe right down to having the same move set. | |||
| Pokémon | Method | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
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Ditto morphs its body into the shape of something. It also gains the opponent's abilities as well. | ||
| Green's Ditty | Tauros the Tyrant | Debut | |
| A Team Rocket Grunt's Ditto | Miltank Melee | None | |
In the Pokémon Gold and Silver: The Golden Boys manga
 Ditto
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| The user transforms into a replica of something else. | |||
| Pokémon | Method | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
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Ditto turns into an exact replica of something else. | ||
| Whitney's Ditto | For Pikachu's Sake!! The Search For The Missing Farfetch'd | Debut | |
In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga
 Ditto
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| The user transforms into a copy of something else. | |||
| Pokémon | Method | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
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Ditto turns into a copy of something else. | ||
| Shu's Ditto | Get Moltres? | Debut | |
In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga
 Ditto  Clefairy | |||
| The user transforms into a replica of the foe. | |||
| Pokémon | Method | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
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Clefairy transforms into an animate object. | ||
| Red's Clefairy | Bring Down the Powerful Opponent Onix!! | Debut Clefairy cannot legally learn Transform | |
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Ditto turns into an exact replica of the opponent. | ||
| Giovanni's Ditto | Who's The Real Clefairy?! | None | |
In the Pokémon Zensho manga
 Ditto
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| The user transforms into the opposing Pokémon. | |||
| Pokémon | Method | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
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Ditto's transforms into the opposing Pokémon. | ||
| Satoshi's Ditto | Fuchsia City | Debut | |
In other generations
Trivia
- In the German version of the Generation II games, this move was renamed from Wandler into Verwandler. The reason for this is unknown. Even though the difference in meaning is minimal, this change was retracted in the following generations.
- Transform is the only way to see the battle animation of Cherrim's Sunshine Form prior to Generation V, as Cherrim sent from a Poké Ball will always be sent out in Overcast Form, and Cherrim is not available in the wild in Generation IV. A Ditto that transforms into Cherrim, however, will play the animation of the alternate form if it escapes from a thrown Poké Ball.
- With the help of Transform, Pokémon can legitimately have more than 510 total effort values: if the target has EVs in some stats beside HP and the Transform user has EVs in HP, after transforming the total number of its EVs can exceed 510 due to HP not being copied.
In other languages
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This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games. |
