Why does Sketch not work when copying moves from a transformed Ditto in GSC?

Jun. 10, 2023

I’m familiar with how to use Sketch with Smeargle back in SM, but I’m playing GSC and am having difficulties trying the same method.

I’m starting to suspect that in Gen 2 that a Sketch will automatically fail if I’m using it to copy a move from an already transformed Ditto. Is there anyone who can confirm this?

Pleaselog inorregisterto add a comment.

Sketch will fail if:- The move tries to copy a move the user already knows.- The battle does not allow experience points to be earned (such as link battles or Battle Tower battles).-The target is transformed.

Source

Yes, in Generation 2, Sketch fails when used on a transformed Pokemon.

In Crystal, you can still find wild Parasect that know Spore in Mt. Silver, but unfortunately that is post-game. Since Paras and Parasect are the only Spore learners in Gen 2, this is the only way to Sketch Spore onto Smeargle in Gen 2.

Hope I could help!