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.
| 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[note 1] (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.[note 1] 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)
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
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 CenteriOS/Google PlayAndroid.
- 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
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.[1] Since its launch, it surpassed 10 million downloads in four days[2] and made $25 million in revenue in its first week.[3]
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.[4]
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:[5]
- 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.[6][7][8]
Since version 2.46.0, released on June 26, 2024, Android Nougat (7.0) or higher is required for Android devices.[9][10]
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[note 1] 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
Original logo
Key art
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
Icon from version 1.6.6 to 1.7.0
Icon from version 2.0.0 to 2.0.5 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.0.0 to 2.0.5 on Android
Icon from version 2.1.0 to 2.2.5 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.1.0 to 2.2.5 on Android
Icon from version 2.3.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.3.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.4.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.4.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.5.0 to 2.5.1 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.5.0 to 2.5.1 on Android
Icon from version 2.6.0 to 2.6.1 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.6.0 to 2.6.1 on Android
Icon from version 2.8.0 to 2.8.1 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.8.0 to 2.8.1 on Android
Icon from version 2.9.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.9.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.10.1 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.10.1 on Android
Icon from version 2.11.1 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.11.1 on Android
Icon from version 2.12.0 to 2.12.5 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.12.0 to 2.12.5 on Android
Icon from version 2.13.0
Icon from version 2.14.0 to 2.15.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.14.0 to 2.15.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.15.1 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.15.1 on Android
Icon from version 2.16.1 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.16.1 on Android
Icon from version 2.16.2 to 2.17.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.16.2 to 2.17.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.18.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.18.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.18.5 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.18.5 on Android
Icon from version 2.19.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.19.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.20.0 to 2.20.2 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.20.0 to 2.20.2 on Android
Icon from version 2.21.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.21.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.22.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.22.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.23.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.23.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.23.5 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.23.5 on Android
Icon from version 2.24.0 to 2.25.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.24.0 to 2.25.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.25.1 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.25.1 on Android
Icon from version 2.26.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.26.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.27.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.27.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.28.0 to 2.29.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.28.0 to 2.29.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.29.1 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.29.1 on Android
Icon from version 2.30.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.30.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.31.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.31.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.32.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.32.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.33.0
Icon from version 2.34.0 to 2.34.1
Icon from version 2.35.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.35.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.36.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.36.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.37.0 to 2.37.1
Icon from version 2.38.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.38.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.38.1 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.38.1 on Android
Icon from version 2.39.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.39.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.40.0 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.40.0 on Android
Icon from version 2.40.1
Icon from version 2.41.1 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.41.1 on Android
Icon from version 2.42.0
Icon from version 2.42.1
Icon from version 2.43.0
Icon from version 2.44.0
Icon from version 2.44.1 on iOS and iPadOS
Icon from version 2.44.1 on Android
Icon from version 2.45.0
Icon from version 2.45.1
Icon from version 2.46.0
Icon from version 2.46.1
Icon from version 2.47.0
Icon from version 2.47.1
Icon from version 2.48.0
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Leon theorizes that the Rose and Oleana that arrived on Pasio came from a time before they caused the Darkest Day in Galar.
- 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
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Pokémon Masters EX
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See also
Notes
References
- ↑ "Pokémon Masters Surpasses 5 Million Preregistrations" - The Pokémon Company International Official Press Site
- ↑ "Hit Mobile Game Pokémon Masters Surpasses 10 Million Downloads In Just 4 Days" - The Pokémon Company International Official Press Site
- ↑ ‘Pokémon Masters’ Is Shaping Up To Be A Hit With $25 Million In Week 1 Revenue
- ↑ A Message from the Pokémon Masters Team (Vol. 1)
- ↑ FAQ (1.1.0) ｜ Pokémon Masters (archived)
- ↑ Device Requirement Changes (iOS 11 → iOS 12) ｜ Pokémon Masters EX official site
- ↑ Update Notification (2.44.0) ｜ Pokémon Masters EX official site
- ↑ FAQ (2.44.0)｜ Pokémon Masters EX (archived)
- ↑ Device Requirement Changes (Android 5.0 → Android 7.0) ｜ Pokémon Masters EX official site
- ↑ FAQ (2.46.0) ｜ Pokémon Masters EX (archived)
External links
- Pokémon Masters EX on the App Store
- Pokémon Masters EX on Google Play
- English:
- Japanese:
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This article is part of Project Sidegames, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon Sidegames. |
