Ditto's unique ability Imposter causes it to transform into the opposing Pokemon, also copying any stat changes. These stat changes also overwrite whatever was affecting Ditto initially, allowing Ditto to decimate most Sticky Web teams. With a Choice Scarf, Ditto can always outspeed what it transforms into, unless that Pokemon is also holding a Choice Scarf. This allows Ditto to operate as an excellent revenge killer. In addition, Ditto can handle stall teams by copying recovery, hazard removal, and cleric support, and its transformations come with fresh PP. With a reliable Regenerator partner, Ditto can have pseudo-infinite PP and win the long game against stall. Ditto also provides team support by scouting movesets.

In OU, Ditto is best suited for bulky teams as an anti-setup, anti-offense, and anti-stall option. However, because Ditto is forced to run Choice Scarf to avoid Speed ties, it has trouble with defensive setup Pokemon like Calm Mind Clefable and Reuniclus. Ditto can also be difficult to bring in safely against offensive teams due to its low HP stat and the likely low bulk and high offensive stats of the Pokemon it seeks to revenge kill. Additionally, Imposter and Transform are blocked by Substitute, leaving Ditto and its team vulnerable against setup sweepers that utilize said move, such as Serperior and Mega Gyarados.