Pokémon Masters EX

This article is about the game. For the type of Trainer, see Pokémon Master. For the tournament featured in the anime, see Masters Eight Tournament.

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Pokémon Masters ポケモンマスターズ
Logo of Pokémon Masters
Pokémon Masters EX ポケモンマスターズ EX
Logo of Pokémon Masters EX
Basic info
Platform:	iOS, iPadOS, Android
Category:	RPG
Players:	N/A
Connectivity:	N/A
Developer:	DeNA
Publisher:	DeNA
Part of:	Generation VII - IX spin-off
Ratings
CERO:	N/A
ESRB:	E10+
ACB:	G
OFLC:	N/A
PEGI:	3
GRAC:	N/A
GSRR:	6+
Release dates
Japan:	August 29, 2019 (Masters) August 25, 2020 (Masters EX)
North America:	August 28, 2019 (Masters) August 24, 2020 (Masters EX)
Australia:	August 29, 2019 (Masters) August 25, 2020 (Masters EX)
Europe:	August 29, 2019 (Masters) August 25, 2020 (Masters EX)
South Korea:	August 29, 2019 (Masters) August 25, 2020 (Masters EX)
Hong Kong:	August 29, 2019 (Masters) August 25, 2020 (Masters EX)
Taiwan:	August 29, 2019 (Masters) August 25, 2020 (Masters EX)
Websites
Japanese:	Official site
English:	Official site Pokemon.com

Pokémon Masters EX (Japanese: ポケモンマスターズ EX), previously known as Pokémon Masters, is a free-to-start spin-off Pokémon gacha game for iOS, iPadOS, and Android. It allows players to battle various Pokémon Trainers from the core series games and anime series. It was released worldwide on August 29, 2019. This game is set on the artificial island of Pasio.

It was officially revealed at the Pokémon 2019 Press Conference on May 29, 2019. More details were revealed on June 27, 2019. A preview version of the game was released in Singapore on July 25, 2019, and in Canada on August 6, 2019.

Blurb

Start a new adventure in the Pokémon world! Explore the all-new island of Pasio!

There's a tournament of 3-on-3 battles being held on Pasio called the Pokémon Masters League. Aim to become its champion as you battle with famous Trainers and make a dream team of friends on the way!

Form a team with three Trainers and their Pokémon to target your opponents' weaknesses and deal big damage!

Enjoy co-op play with friends all around the world! In co-op play, three players team up for fun, exciting battles! Work together to emerge victorious!

Gameplay

Sync pairs

Main article: Sync pair

A sync pair is a pair consisting of one Pokémon Trainer and one Pokémon. Each sync pair is able to know up to four moves which can be used in battle. Sync pairs also have passive skills that grant passive effects in battle, similar to Abilities. There are five types of sync pairs:

• Strike sync pairs, which are focused on attacking.
• Support sync pairs, which are focused on defending, healing HP, and increasing stats of the whole team.
• Tech sync pairs, which are focused on disrupting the opponents, such as lowering their stats and inflicting status conditions.
• Sprint sync pairs, which are focused on attacking fast and reducing the sync move countdown.
• Field sync pairs, which are focused on setting up field effects.

The level of a sync pair can be increased gaining experience through battles or by using Level-Up Manuals. Various sync pair stats, moves and skills can be further strengthened using the sync grid feature.

Sync pairs can be recruited by playing the main story, playing special events, or through the Sync Pair Scout at the shop.

Battle mechanics

Main article: Pokémon battle (Masters)

A battle in Pokémon Masters EX

Battles in Pokémon Masters EX are primarily three-on-three battles. Unlike in the core series games, they take place in real-time instead of being turn-based. During battle, the player is able to choose up to one action for each allied sync pair at a time. Some actions require a number of move gauge slots to be used and become highlighted whenever the appropriate number of slots in the move gauge are full. The speed at which the gauge fills up depends on sum of the Speed stats of the sync pairs in the player's team. During battle, the player can freely choose which opponent each ally can target at any time. The opposing side will target whichever sync pair the player chooses as the primary target, as assigned in the Tactics menu.

Players can also team up with up to two other players in co-op battles. Each player brings a team of up to three sync pairs, but only has one sync pair out on the field at a time; players are able to switch between their sync pairs, although switching takes one turn. Each player's team has their own move gauge with which to act and using certain moves will fill the unity gauge, which unleashes a special unity attack when filled.

The battle is won when all sync pairs on a team have been eliminated. If the player wins, the sync pairs will gain experience and obtain items as rewards. If the opposing side wins, the player will be given the option to retry the battle.

Moves

Main article: List of moves in Pokémon Masters EX

As a sync pair, both the Pokémon and Trainer can use moves in a battle. Moves used by Pokémon function in the same way as they do in the core series games, retaining the same type, damage category, and properties under normal circumstances. Buddy moves are a special variant of Pokémon moves unique to sync pairs and can only be selected when certain battle conditions are met. Trainers can use non-damaging moves that influence the field in different ways; some Trainer moves are based on items that can be used during battle, and others are unique to the Trainer that influence the allied field of play. Certain moves have a set number of move points (MP) that limit how many times it can be selected in battle, similar to PP in other games.

Sync moves are powerful moves that a sync pair can unleash once the sync move countdown reaches 0. The player's countdown begins at 9, while the opponent's countdown starts at 6. When a move is used, the countdown goes down by one. Once a sync move is used, the countdown resets to the original maximum value. Max Moves can also be used by certain pairs once per battle.

Items

Main article: List of items in Pokémon Masters EX

There are many items in Pokémon Masters EX with varied uses. They are often obtained as battle rewards or through item exchange at the shop.

Coins

Coins are the main currency in Pokémon Masters EX. These can be obtained as rewards from battles, by exchanging gears, and are also obtained when event items expire. Coins are used to exchange for items at the shop and to upgrade gear.

Gems

Main article: Gem (Masters)

Gems are the premium currency. They can be obtained as first-time battle rewards. They are often also made available through special log-in bonuses and event missions or mission bingos. Gems are used for sync pair scouting.

Stamina

Main article: Stamina (Masters)

Stamina is a mechanic for certain battles which limits how much they can be played in a day. It recharges on its own at a rate 1 stamina every 4 minutes, but can also be manually refilled through Stamina Refill items. Spending stamina raises Player Rank by an equivalent amount.

Missions

Main article: Mission (Masters)

Missions are specific goals for the player to achieve in the game. The player is rewarded with special items such as Gems when the mission is completed. There are three types of missions: Daily, General, and Event missions.

Mission Bingo was introduced in version 1.5.0. These are special missions in a 3×3 bingo format, with each mission representing one tile of the bingo. When the mission is fulfilled, the player will obtain the reward for that mission tile. In addition, if a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row of missions is completed, the player will receive extra rewards. Once all tiles are filled, then there will be a "Blackout!" and the player will be given a special bingo reward.

Poryphone

Poryphone

The Poryphone is a multi-purpose information device that allows the player to communicate with other sync pairs in the team. It is given to the player by Trista once the player registers for the Pokémon Masters League. It has a sync stone embedded in it, allowing the player to use sync moves.

The Poryphone has a menu of functions available to the player:

• Player details: the player's user profile can be edited here. Favorites and hashtags can be assigned, as well as a title and a photo from the Photo Creator.
• Medals
• Missions
• Settings: allows players to change certain settings such as the player's nickname and certain battle settings.
• Dex: provides a list of all sync available pairs.
• Friends: players can befriend up to 100 friends. Players can request and accept pending friend requests through this tab.
• Bag: details the number of items the player has.
• Game Center/Google Play: allows connection with Game Center^iOS/Google Play^Android.
• Account: allows connection with a Nintendo account.
• Invitations: players can join co-op battles initiated by friends.

The Poryphone is also used to recruit other sync pairs through sync pair scout.

Pokémon Center

Pokémon Center

The Pokémon Center acts as a central point for the player. There are three receptionists at the center:

• Trista staffs the reception desk. Talking to her opens the Explore or the Tips menu.
• Tricia staffs the shop. Talking to her opens the shop menu.
• Trinnia staffs the café. Talking to her opens the Sync Pairs menu.

Shop

Main article: Shop (Masters)

Players can perform a variety of exchanges using currency such as coins or Gems at the shop run by Tricia. In-game microtransactions with real-world currency to purchase Gems or other items can also be performed at the shop.

The shop also includes the sync pair scout, where players can recruit sync pairs that are not available through the main story. It costs 300 Gems (or 100 paid Gems) to scout one sync pair, which is chosen randomly from a pool of sync pairs. There is a 73% chance of obtaining a 3★ sync pair (70% during Poké Fair scouts), 20% chance of a 4★ sync pair, and 7% chance of a 5★ sync pair (10% during Poké Fair scouts, and 12% during Master Fair scouts). If rainbow sparks appear when the Pokémon Center doors open at the end of the scouting animation, at least one 5★ sync pair is guaranteed to be scouted. Players can also use the ticket scout to scout for sync pairs using ticket items instead of directly using Gems.

Jukebox

Main article: Jukebox (Masters)

Introduced in version 2.17.0, the Jukebox allows players to listen to songs from the game's soundtrack. New tracks can be obtained via Song Keys which are either bought from the shop with Music Coins or by levelling up specific sync pairs to 6★ EX.

Main story

PML Arc

Main article: PML Arc

The main character is Scottie or Bettie with their partner Pokémon, Pikachu. The game starts with Blue introducing the player, a new Trainer in Pasio, to the Pokémon Masters League, or PML for short. The player registers for the PML at the Pokémon Center, and Trista introduces the player to Brock and Misty who are looking for a Trainer to join their team for the PML.

To enter the PML the player must collect at least five Badges by defeating the PML Leaders. As a team, Brock, Misty, and the player explore Pasio to look for other Trainers and PML Leaders. Along the way, various Trainers join the team and they also battle members of Team Break, whose goal is to steal strong Pokémon from other Trainers and disrupt the PML. They also meet Lear, the founder of Pasio and the PML, and his subordinates, Sawyer and Rachel.

After having collected five Badges, the player's team enters the PML to battle against numerous other teams in order to become the first Champions of the PML.

The story consists of multiple chapters, with the next chapter unlocked once the previous one is completed. Co-op mode is available from Interlude 1. Hard Mode for the main story is unlocked after completing Chapter 4.

Chapter		Sync pair recruited
	Chapter 1: New Adventure, New Goal	Rosa & Snivy
	Chapter 2: New Friends, New Foes	Barry & Piplup
	Chapter 3: Rise Beyond the Flames	Flannery & Torkoal
	Chapter 4: From Bud to Blossom	Erika & Vileplume
	Chapter 5: The High-Flying Girl	Skyla & Swanna
	Chapter 6: A Telling Aura	Korrina & Lucario
	Chapter 7: Bravery is Half the Victory	Norman & Slaking
	Chapter 8: A Cold, Harsh Winter	Pryce & Seel
	Chapter 9: The Beauty of Friendship	Iris & Haxorus
	Chapter 10: A Matter of Pride	Hapu & Mudsdale
	Interlude 1: Brock's Grit	Sygna Suit Brock & Tyranitar
	Chapter 11: Alola's Rising Stars	Hau & Raichu
	Chapter 12: Candle and Flame	Flint & Infernape
	Chapter 13: Cold Confidence	Clair & Kingdra
	Chapter 14: Bug Experts	Viola & Surskit
	Chapter 15: Dubious Duo	Nanu & Persian
	Chapter 16: Ninja Kin	Koga & Crobat
	Chapter 17: Ghostly Trio	Acerola & Palossand
	Chapter 18: Team Unova	Cheren & Stoutland
	Interlude 2: A Stubborn Obstacle	-
	Chapter 19: Rematch vs. Lear	-
	Chapter 20: Shifting Shadows	Calem & Espurr
	Chapter 21: Face the Fight!	-
	Interlude 3: The Truth about Pasio	-
	Chapter 22: Rival Face-Off!	-
	Chapter 23: Hearts Connected by Fashion	Valerie & Sylveon
	Chapter 24: A Shining Spotlight	-
	Interlude 4: The Once-Charming Prince	-
	Chapter 25: A Glorious Gambit	-
	Interlude 5: What Makes a King	-
	Chapter 26: The Future Is Now!	Molayne & Dugtrio
	Interlude 6: Royally Alone	-
	Chapter 27: The Quarterfinals	-
	Interlude 7: Shining Bonds	-
	Chapter 28: Change of Heart	-
	Chapter 29: Semifinal Showdown	-
	Chapter 30: The Road to Victory	-

Villain Arc

Main article: Villain Arc

The Villain Arc continues the story after the completion of the PML Arc, following Team Rocket beginning operation on Pasio and seeking out their rival organization, Team Plasma. When Giovanni watches the Trainers from Sinnoh intervene with the plans of his silent allies, Cyrus and Team Galactic, he decides to call his Executives to preparing the revival. After failing to take over Pasio, they focus their efforts on manipulating Team Magma and Team Aqua. Later, Team Rocket infiltrates Team Flare and the Aether Foundation to steal data in preparation for their next plan. A faction of the Aether Foundation allies itself with Team Rocket to summon Ultra Beasts to Pasio, but they're eventually stopped. Finally, Rose forms an alliance with Giovanni in an attempt take over the management of sync stones, dividing the people of Pasio into Rose supporters and Lear supporters.

Meanwhile, Paulo continues his ongoing quest for strength and reunites with his friend Tina. When Ghetsis tricks him into bringing Hoopa to him and seemingly kills Paulo's Rockruff, Paulo finally snaps and declares he'll use Hoopa's Unbound power to become "the last evil" and wipe out all organizations with potential for evil. For this purpose, he takes over Team Break and provides them with powerful Pokémon. However, this effort backfires during his confrontation with Team Rocket, during which Giovanni takes control of Hoopa from him and starts using its powers to benefit Team Rocket instead.

The story consists of chapters sorted by region. All chapters are unlocked after the player completes the PML Arc and can be played in any order. The chapters are listed in region order rather than chronological order. New chapters are occasionally released with updates.

Villainous organization(s)	Chapter
Team Rocket		Team Rocket Returns
		Team Rocket's Revival
Team Magma Team Aqua		Delta of Land, Sea, and Sky
Team Galactic		Dreaming in Darkness
Team Plasma		Team Plasma & Two Heroes
Team Flare		Team Flare Flares Up
Team Skull Aether Foundation		Protecting the Island
Team Yell Macro Cosmos		A Millennium into the Future
Team Break		The Path Forward
Team Rainbow Rocket		Where Ideals Cross Paths

Legendary Adventures

Main article: Legendary Adventures

Legendary Adventures is a collection of stories where the player encounters various sync pairs with Legendary Pokémon. These stories are a compilation of the previously available legendary events.

Arceus Arc

Main article: Arceus Arc

The Arceus Arc continues the story following the end of the Villain Arc. It was preceded by the Prelude chapter called the Mysterious Stones Chapter, which was released as monthly parts starting from November 1, 2023 until August 1, 2024. It centers around the mysterious stones, later dubbed sync stones ultimate, which have started to appear on Pasio and appear to bear a connection with the Mythical Pokémon Arceus. Making his first appearance in this arc is the merchant Volo, whom Rei has history with and who desires to meet the deified Pokémon.

When Arceus's voice speaks to the entire Pasio, telling everyone to show it their bond with their Pokémon, Lear organizes a tournament called the Arceus Cup, where the goal is to gain Arceus's approval. It is during this tournament that the power of the sync stones ultimate is fully manifested for the first time in the form of arc suits, special costumes bestowed upon those blessed by Arceus, and more powerful sync moves called divine moves.

Chapter		Featured sync pairs
	Prelude: Mysterious Stones Chapter The Echo of a Deity's Voice	-
	Chapter 1: Three Champions	Arc Suit Cynthia & Garchomp Arc Suit Steven & Metagross Arc Suit Lance & Dragonite

Events

There are many different types of events in Pokémon Masters EX. Events often reward the player with vouchers that can be exchanged for items at the shop. The items obtainable during events are generally rarer, such as power-up items.

There are also other events that do not provide new battles or storyline, but give smaller amounts of extra content, such as special log-in bonuses or special mission rewards.

All events start and end at 6 AM (UTC) on each specified day.

Story events

Main article: Story event

Story events are a type of event that features a storyline focused on one to three newly released sync pairs. A common type of story event is seasonal events, which feature sync pairs in special outfits to celebrate specific holidays or times of the year.

Training events

Main article: Training event

During training events, all event battles will have enemies weak to the designated type, and sync pairs of the designated type will earn much more experience than normal.

While this event type was never formally retired, no training events have been held since July 24, 2020.

Special events

Main article: Special event

Event	Featured sync pair	Duration
Evolution Material Mining!	-	October 17 to November 28, 2019 September 5 to 17, 2021
Challenge Unova!	-	June 18 to July 2, 2020
Double Trouble	Jessie & Arbok	July 9 to September 16, 2020
Blasting Off Again	James & Weezing	September 17, 2020 to January 25, 2021
Happy Team Break Day!	-	April 1 to 2, 2021
Weather Alert	-	May 6 to 28, 2021
Land and Sea Awaken	-	May 17 to 28, 2021
A Strange Specimen	-	March 7 to 17, 2022
Rival Challenge	-	June 20 to July 4, 2022
The Classic Thunderbolt	Ash & Pikachu	July 7 to 31, 2022
Blazing Battle with Ash	Ash & Pikachu	August 28 to October 17, 2022
Challenge from Ash	Ash & Pikachu	August 28 to September 27, 2022
Metronome Day	-	April 1 to 2, 2023
Helping out on Pasio	-	April 2 to May 2, 2023
Stop the Evil Mastermind!	-	September 6 to 16, 2023
Time We Got Down to It!	Iono & Bellibolt	January 12 to 19, 2024
Electricity Disruptors	-	April 1 to 2, 2024
Rika's Elite Test	Rika & Clodsire	April 27 to May 11, 2024

Special Co-op Battle!

Main article: Special Co-op Battle!

A Special Co-op Battle! is a type of special event that celebrates the game's anniversaries. Players can complete a co-op battle that changes each day to earn rare items.

Legendary events

Main article: Legendary event

During legendary events, players could recruit and strengthen an event-exclusive sync pair that includes a Legendary Pokémon.

On November 24, 2021, this event type was retired, and all legendary events were made permanently available in the "Legendary Adventures" section of the Main Story over the next two months.

Solo events

Main article: Solo event

Solo events are similar to story events, but they place emphasis on the battles rather than the story. They contain at least an introductory story area, but any additional story areas are only unlocked after completing battles to collect a certain number of event items.

Egg events

Main article: Egg event

During Egg events, players can collect Eggs, which can be hatched to form additional sync pairs for the player character. An extra Egg incubator will also be available for the duration of the event.

During an Egg event, no Eggs can be received from any areas outside of the event battles, and the Eggs available will only hatch certain species of Pokémon. However, they often contain species of Pokémon that are unavailable in standard Eggs.

Time trial events

Main article: Time trial event

In time trial events, players are tasked with clearing an event battle in as little time as possible. Rewards are given for achieving fast times, as well as accumulating points through multiple attempts.

Extreme battle events

Main article: Extreme battle event

Extreme battle events offer high-difficulty battles for experienced players, usually corresponding to the release of a Master Fair-exclusive sync pair or a new chapter of the Villain Arc.

Gear events

Main article: Gear event

Gear events center around a specific type and introduce 3★ gear for that type. Event battles are co-op-only, and all enemies will be weak to the designated type. The chance of receiving gear as drops is significantly higher than in the EX Plaza, and includes the chance of 3★ gear dropping as well.

Shortly after the conclusion of a gear event, the new 3★ gear is added to the general section of the shop, where it can be redeemed at any time by collecting and selling gear from the EX Plaza.

Special sync pair events

Main article: Special sync pair event

Special sync pair events grant players an event-exclusive sync pair, which can then be powered up by playing the event.

Daily Battles

Main article: Daily Battle

In Daily Battles, players are rewarded with rare or valuable items by completing a battle once per day over a short period of time.

Villain events

Main article: Villain event

During villain events, players can battle a series of Trainers, typically Grunts and the boss or admins of a villainous team, with sync pairs from the corresponding region getting significantly-boosted stats.

These events primarily reward players with region-specific 5★-guaranteed scout tickets and one of the following:

• Legendary spirits for the legendary event sync pair corresponding to the region.
• Power boost for the legendary event sync pair corresponding to the region. This can either enable Mega Evolution or unlock additional sync grid tiles for the designated sync pair.

Costume events

Main article: Costume event

Costume events are a type of story event featuring one to four sync pairs in special costumes that all relate to a specific theme.

Pokémon Masters Day

Main article: Pokémon Masters Day

Pokémon Masters Day is a recurring event that occurs on the 25th of each month.

Legendary Gauntlet

Main article: Legendary Gauntlet

The Legendary Gauntlet is an endurance challenge in which players have to complete battles in three different Legendary Arenas, but once a sync pair has been used in any arena, that sync pair cannot be used again until the challenge is reset. Players are encouraged to achieve the highest winning streak they can by using as many different sync pairs as possible.

Throwback Challenge

Main article: Throwback Challenge

A Throwback Challenge is a type of event consisting of battles from previous events or main story areas.

Special battle events

Main article: Special battle event

Special battle events are a type of event that features moderately challenging battles. These battles can be against special opponents or have special missions that the player must complete while taking on specific battles.

Neo Champions

Main article: Neo Champions

Neo Champions events are a type of story event that revolves around the Neo Champion Stadium, a recurring in-universe event that allows Trainers on Pasio to earn the title of Neo Champion. These events focus on one to three characters from a certain region and their journeys to becoming Neo Champions, and they often feature rivals triumphing over player characters.

Trainer Files

Main article: Trainer Files

Trainer Files events are a type of event similar to solo events. They are divided into two parts and feature character-centric stories about certain groups of Trainers.

High score events

Main article: High score event

High score events are a type of event where players aim to get the highest total score over a series of five battles. Each event has one or two featured types, and players receive score multipliers for having sync pairs of the featured type or types on their team.

Ranked damage events

Main article: Ranked damage event

Ranked damage events are a type of event where players aim to get the highest total score over a series of three battles. The player's score in each battle is based on how much damage is dealt to the opponents in a limited amount of time, but each opponent can only be damaged by supereffective attacks. Every battle features opponents with a different weakness type.

Other events

Type	Name	Featured sync pair(s)	Duration
Prestige event	Battle Buffet Bash	Gloria & Zacian	November 30 to December 7, 2020
Battle Point Challenge	Daily Region Rotation	-	June 10, 2021 to present
Daily Type Rotation	Type Team-Up	-	August 5 to 28, 2021 August 4 to 28, 2023
Music Coin Challenge	Daily Battle Event	-	January 28 to February 7, 2022
Battle with Pals	Friendiversary Gifts	-	March 14 to 22, 2022
-	Find the Ditto impostors!	-	April 1 to 2, 2022
Riddle event	Solve the mission riddles!	-	April 7 to May 4, 2022
Anime Collaboration	Let's Have a Battle!	Ash & Pikachu	July 7 to 14, 2022
Run-Up to Three Special Battles	Daily Present Event	-	August 15 to 28, 2022
Eevee Day Celebration!	Three Eevee Tales Eevee Tales	Lyra & Vaporeon Lucas & Flareon Kris & Jolteon Elio & Espeon* Selene & Umbreon*	November 21 to December 5, 2022 November 21 to December 8, 2023
Expedition event	Search for the Ball Pokémon!	Ball Guy & Amoonguss	March 21 to April 7, 2023
-	Get the New Gear! event	-	September 29 to October 13, 2023
Lear Presents	Luxurious Missions	-	June 23 to July 2, 2024
Damage Challenge	Training with <Trainer>!	-	June 28, 2024 to present
Arceus Arc Celebration	Special Battle Event	Arc Suit Cynthia & Garchomp Arc Suit Steven & Metagross Arc Suit Lance & Dragonite	August 28 to September 11, 2024

Side Area

The Side Area is a hub for side content that can be taken on at any time. Currently, there are two sub-menus in the Side Area: Sync Pair Stories and Challenge the Strong.

Sync Pair Stories

Most sync pairs have a unique sync pair story, which allows players to learn more about the sync pair. A sync pair's sync pair story is unlocked once the pair is recruited.

Sync pair stories mainly consist of dialogue, with the player character encountering the sync pair somewhere on Pasio. They have a conversation with the sync pair and learn more about the Trainer, the Trainer's Pokémon, or both. Sync pair stories are typically more interactive than other story areas, with players having multiple opportunities to select a dialogue option, and these options often provoke different responses from the sync pair.

Some sync pair stories involve a battle which allows the sync pair to evolve their Pokémon; these are called Evolution sync pair stories. Unlike the usual three-on-three battle system seen in Pokémon Masters EX, Evolution story battles are one-on-one and require the player to bring Evolution items. If the player is defeated in an Evolution sync pair story, the Evolution items will not be used up. These sync pair stories can be replayed even after the Pokémon has already evolved; the Pokémon will appear in its unevolved state during the story segments, and its evolved state during the battle.

The requirements for completing an Evolution sync pair story are as follows:

Evolution	Items required	Level required
First stage	Evolution Shard ×5	Level 30
Second stage	Evolution Crystal ×3	Level 45

Some sync pairs do not have traditional sync pair stories, and instead have the ability to replay certain story segments involving them. These include sync pairs in special costumes, which replay part of the corresponding costume event; most sync pairs in seasonal outfits, which replay the corresponding seasonal event; and most sync pairs available through Legendary Adventures, which replay the corresponding legendary event. As legendary event stories are now permanently available through Legendary Adventures, these sync pair stories are completely redundant.

Some sync pairs do not have sync pair stories at all. These include most sync pairs available through variety scouts, BP Vouchers, and special sync pair events. These are marked in the sync pair scout or exchange menu with a Trainer icon covered by a red x.

List of Evolution sync pair stories

Trainer	Sync pair story		Required level	Evolution material
Ramos		Weepinbell's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Blaine		Ponyta's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Pryce		Seel's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Lt. Surge		Voltorb's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Lyra		Chikorita's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Bayleef's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3
Ethan		Cyndaquil's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Quilava's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3
Kris		Totodile's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Croconaw's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3
Brendan		Treecko's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Grovyle's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3
May		Mudkip's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Marshtomp's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3
Viola		Surskit's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Brawly		Makuhita's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Roxanne		Nosepass's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Maylene		Meditite's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Phoebe		Dusclops's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Dawn		Turtwig's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Grotle's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3
Barry		Piplup's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Prinplup's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3
Roark		Cranidos's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Rosa		Snivy's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Servine's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3
Hilda		Tepig's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Pignite's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3
Hilbert		Oshawott's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Dewott's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3
Clay		Palpitoad's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Roxie		Whirlipede's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Serena		Fennekin's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Braixen's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3
Calem		Espurr's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Grant		Amaura's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
Selene		Rowlet's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Dartrix's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3
Elio		Popplio's Evolution	30	Evolution Shard ×5
		Brionne's Evolution	45	Evolution Crystal ×3

Challenge the Strong

Main article: Ultimate Battle

Challenge the Strong is a type of permanent battle content that was added on November 14, 2023. This area is unlocked after the player has completed Champion Stadium Hard Lv. 1 for any region. Each battle has the Ultimate difficulty level, and as such, is called an Ultimate Battle. These battles feature powerful sync pair bosses with very high amounts of HP and powerful passive skills, so high-leveled sync pairs and a good strategy are necessary to clear one of these battles.

List of Ultimate Battles

Name	Trainer	Pokémon	Weakness	First-time rewards
Anabel's Flickering Flames	Anabel	Entei	Water	Gems ×300
Thorton's Freezing Frost	Thorton	Articuno	Fire	Gems ×300
Darach's Daring Wings	Darach	Staraptor	Rock	Gems ×300
Argenta's Glistening Crystals	Argenta	Suicune	Grass	Gems ×300
Palmer's Rumbling Might	Palmer	Regigigas	Fighting	Gems ×300
Lucy's Entangling Venom	Lucy	Seviper	Ground	Gems ×300
Leon's Unbeatable Blaze	Leon	Charizard	Electric	Gems ×300
Nita's Blessed Land	Nita	Landorus	Ice	Gems ×300
Noland's Plucky Punches	Noland	Machamp	Flying	Gems ×300
Giovanni's Destructive Power	Giovanni	Mewtwo	Dark	Gems ×300
Evelyn's High-Subsonic Speed	Evelyn	Latios	Fairy	Gems ×300

Battle Villa

Main article: Battle Villa

The Battle Villa is a facility that features 30 sequential battle stages. Unlike other battles in Pokémon Masters EX, the HP and MP (Move Points) of the team will be carried over from battles. The stages in the Battle Villa are available for a limited duration of time, and rotate approximately every month.

Training area

Main article: Training area

The Training area is a mode in Pokémon Masters EX that allows players to repeatedly battle other Trainers to collect useful items.

Legendary Arena

Main article: Legendary Arena

The Legendary Arena is a special battle area introduced in Version 1.10.5 that features battles against a boss Legendary Pokémon. The player can battle the boss with multiple teams but sync pairs that have participated once cannot be used in a team again. The boss has three HP gauges and the boss's attack pattern and moves change with each gauge.

Champion Stadium

Main article: Champion Stadium

The Champion Stadium was introduced on August 28, 2020, and features battles against the Elite Four of a region, followed by the corresponding Pokémon Champion. The Champion can only be challenged after all members of the Elite Four are defeated. After registering all 18 types in the Champion Stadium's medal (registered by using sync pairs in battle of different types), Master Mode is unlocked, which features battles where the player can set parameters to make them more difficult and earn points. Depending on the amount of points they earn, the player can earn rewards like 5★ Power-Up Tickets, co-op sync orbs, Move Candy Coins, Skill Spheres, and Champion Spirits.

EX Plaza

Main article: EX Plaza

The EX Plaza features co-op EX Challenge battles where players can obtain gear and items to upgrade gears.

Trainer Lodge

Main article: Trainer Lodge

The Trainer Lodge is a feature introduced in August 2022. In it, the player can interact with guest Trainers to increase their friendship, gain useful items, and acquire new sync pairs.

Reception

Before its release, Pokémon Masters EX had surpassed 5 million pre-registrations. Since its launch, it surpassed 10 million downloads in four days and made $25 million in revenue in its first week.

On October 9, 2019, amid the lukewarm reception from the community, particularly on the lack of content, unfulfilling completion rewards, and difficulty of the game's mechanics, DeNA released a letter from the producers, where they apologized for the delay on addressing the game's problems and promised to focus on the community's complaints first.

Staff

Main article: Staff of Pokémon Masters EX

Version history

Main article: Pokémon Masters EX/Version history

Compatibility

At launch, the game could be played on:

• iOS and iPadOS devices: iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, iOS 11 or higher.
• Android devices: 64-bit devices, Android Lollipop (5.0) or higher.

Since version 2.44.0, released on April 24, 2024, iOS 12 or higher is required for iOS and iPadOS devices.

Since version 2.46.0, released on June 26, 2024, Android Nougat (7.0) or higher is required for Android devices.

Release

Unlike most other Pokémon games, Pokémon Masters EX was not released in Belgium or the Netherlands, likely due to bans on loot boxes.

Date

Locations

August 28, 2019 August 29, 2019

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam iOS only: Iceland, Switzerland

Gallery

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  Original logo

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  Key art

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  Icon from version 0.0.1 to 1.6.5, 1.7.1 to 1.12.0, 2.7.0, 2.10.0, 2.11.0, 2.16.0, and 2.41.0

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Trivia

• Certain events from the core series games are stated to have happened before the main story of Masters EX, with a few alterations. The identified games are:
  • A mix between Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, as Red, Leaf, Chase, and Elaine all coexist and know each other, unlike in the original games. Leaf takes the remaining first partner Pokémon that wasn't picked by Red and Blue.
  • A mix between Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon Crystal, as both Lyra and Kris coexist in the same game.
  • A mix between Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and Pokémon Emerald, as everyone is in their Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire design, and characters from Emerald appear in the game. It is also mentioned that both villainous teams, Team Magma and Team Aqua, were active during the events of the game, something that only happened in the story of Pokémon Emerald.
  • Pokémon Platinum, as Cynthia had previously visited the Distortion World, and Cyrus from the original game was defeated there. However, Dawn, Lucas, and Barry use their Pokémon Diamond and Pearl designs instead of their Pokémon Platinum designs.
  • Pokémon Black, as Hilbert is the Hero of Truth, and N is the Hero of Ideals.
  • Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
  • Pokémon Y, as Calem and Serena seem to have never seen Xerneas before, in stark contrast to Yveltal, which Serena immediately recognizes.
  • Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, as Lusamine mentions previously meeting a Necrozma that she considered "a menace to be defeated... before it could steal all the world's light". Lusamine also doesn't seem to have been possessed/poisoned by Nihilego, and there is no mention of her recovery, either. Although Elio and Selene are mostly depicted in their Pokémon Sun and Moon designs, they are also shown in their Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon designs. Both Elio and Selene coexist in the same game, unlike in the original game.
  • Pokémon Sword, as Gloria owns Zacian and Hop owns Zamazenta. Both Victor and Gloria coexist in the same game, unlike in the original game.
  • Pokémon Legends: Arceus
  • Pokémon Scarlet, as Nemona and Arven are in their Naranja Academy uniform, and Penny's mindscape features the same school.
• Although Masters EX takes place after each of the core series games, Red is the only player character confirmed to have been a Champion.
  • This is odd, as most core series games require the player to become Champion in order to complete the game's main story, with the exception of Pokémon Black and White (as becoming Champion is optional) and Pokémon Legends: Arceus (where the Pokémon League doesn't exist).
• Not all characters are from this game's continuity, as some characters are from different universes.
  • Giovanni is from an alternate universe where Team Rocket succeeded in taking over the world, and he became the leader of Team Rainbow Rocket, which was introduced in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.
    • The whereabouts of Giovanni from this game's continuity are currently unknown.
  • Cyrus is from an alternate universe where his plan succeeded, which was also introduced in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Cyrus has never heard of the Distortion World despite Cynthia saying that Cyrus was defeated there. Cyrus also said that he was about to use Dialga and Palkia to remake the world when he was interrupted by Hoopa's ring.
    • The whereabouts of Cyrus from this game's continuity are currently unknown. However, if this game follows Platinum's story, it's likely that he is still in the Distortion World.
  • Ghetsis arrives on Pasio through one of Hoopa's rings and immediately wonders where the Shadow Triad have gone. He is also surprised when he learns that the characters know that Kyurem can fuse with Reshiram and Zekrom, implying that he comes from a different universe.
  • Jessie and James are from the alternate movie continuity that was introduced in I Choose You!, with them arriving on Pasio sometime during the events of Secrets of the Jungle.
  • Ash is from the Pokémon the Series continuity, with him arriving on Pasio sometime during the events of Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
• Not all characters are from this game's current time, as some characters arrived on current Pasio due to time travel.
  • Leon theorizes that the Rose and Oleana that arrived on Pasio came from a time before they caused the Darkest Day in Galar.
    • According to Leon, the Rose and Oleana from the current time, should still be in prison.
  • All characters from Pokémon Legends: Arceus are from the past and arrived to present day due to a space-time rift.
• This is the only game where World Cap Pikachu can use the Z-Move 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, as it cannot perform the move in the core series games.

In other languages

Pokémon Masters

Language Title Chinese Cantonese Pokémon Masters Mandarin Pokémon Masters French Pokémon Masters German Pokémon Masters Italian Pokémon Masters Korean Pokémon Masters Spanish Pokémon Masters

Pokémon Masters EX

Language Title Chinese Cantonese Pokémon Masters EX Mandarin Pokémon Masters EX French Pokémon Masters EX German Pokémon Masters EX Italian Pokémon Masters EX Korean Pokémon Masters EX Spanish Pokémon Masters EX

See also

• Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer

External links

• Pokémon Masters EX on the App Store
• Pokémon Masters EX on Google Play
• English:
  • Official Facebook page
  • Official Instagram profile
  • Official Threads profile
  • Official Twitter profile
  • Official YouTube channel
• Japanese:
  • Official Twitter profile
  • Official YouTube channel

Other spin-off Pokémon games Nintendo DS: Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure Pokémon Conquest • PokéPark: Fishing Rally DS Nintendo 3DS: Pokédex 3D (Pro) • HarmoKnight • Pokémon Art Academy The Thieves and the 1000 Pokémon • Pokémon Shuffle Nintendo Badge Arcade Wii U: Pokkén Tournament Nintendo Switch: Pokkén Tournament DX • Pokémon Quest • Pokémon Café ReMix • Pokémon UNITE • Pokémon TV PC: Pokémon Project Studio Red and Blue • PokéROMs • Pokémon the Movie 2000 Adventure Pokémon Masters Arena • Pokémon PC Master • Pokémon Team Turbo Pokémon Team Rocket Blast Off • Pokémon Poké Ball Launcher • Pokémon Seek & Find Pokémon Garden • Pokémon Medallion Battle • Pokémon Tower Battle Pokémon Scoop Disc (2004 Winter, 2004 Summer, 2006 Spring) Mobile: Pokémate • Pokémon Say Tap? • Pokédex for iOS • Pokémon TV • Camp Pokémon • Pokémon Jukebox Learn Real English Through Pokémon: XY Translation Scope • Pokémon Shuffle Mobile Dancing? Pokémon Band • Pokémon Photo Booth • Pokémon GO • Pokémon Duel Pokémon: Magikarp Jump • Pokémon Playhouse • Pokémon Quest • Pokémon Pass • Pokémon Masters EX Pokémon Wave Hello • Pokémon Smile • Pokémon Café ReMix • Pokémon UNITE • Pokémon Sleep Smart speakers: Pikachu Talk Arcade: Print Club Pokémon B • Dance! Pikachu • Pikachu's Great Surfing Adventure • Pokémon: Crayon Kids Pokémon: Wobbuffet Fell Down! • Pokémon Get Round and Round Pokémon Tug of War Tournament: Absolutely Get Medal! • Pokémon Medal World Pokémon Card Game Gacha • Pokémon: Battle Nine • Pokkén Tournament • Pokémon Corogarena Sega Pico: Pokémon: Catch the Numbers! Pokémon Advanced Generation: I've Begun Hiragana and Katakana! Pokémon Advanced Generation: Pico for Everyone Pokémon Loud Battle! CoCoPad: Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation: Pokémon Super Drill Let's Learn Numbers from 1 to 20!! Advanced Pico Beena: Pokémon Advanced Generation: Pokémon Number Battle! Intellectual Training Drill Pokémon Diamond & Pearl: Letter and Number Intelligence Game Pokémon Diamond & Pearl: Search for Pokémon! Adventure in the Maze! Pokémon Best Wishes: Intelligence Training Pokémon Big Sports Meet! Tech demos: Pikachu: DS Tech Demo Self-contained: Pokémon Pikachu • Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS • Pokémon Poké Ball • Cyber Poké Ball Cyber Pokédex • Cyclone 2 • Digital Poké Ball D & P • Electronic Hand-Held Yahtzee Eevee × Tamagotchi Pokémon game templates Core series • Side series • Spin-off series • Pokémon mini • Individual spin-offs • Betas • Demos

This article is part of Project Sidegames, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon Sidegames.