Pokémon Masters EX

(Redirected from Pokémon Masters)
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 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.

Pokémon Masters
ポケモンマスターズ
Pokémon Masters Logo.png
Logo of Pokémon Masters
Pokémon Masters EX
ポケモンマスターズ EX
Pokémon Masters EX Logo.png
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
StrategyWiki
StrategyWiki has more about this subject:

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

  This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Trim section down to basics, keep detailed game mechanics in Pokémon battle (Masters)
Main article: Pokémon battle (Masters)
 
A battle in Pokémon Masters EX

Battles in Pokémon Masters EX are primarily three-on-three battles. Unlike the main games, they take place in real-time instead of being turn-based. As a result, the outcome can be largely affected by how fast a Trainer can issue their commands to their team.

Before a battle, a team of three sync pairs can be created or chosen through preset teams. A score is given for each team's strength, which can be compared to the battle's score; the higher a sync pair's level is, the higher the score will be. Each battle will indicate a recommended type that is super effective against the sync pairs in the upcoming battle, and choosing a Trainer with a type advantage will further increase the team strength score.

During battle, the player is able to select moves for a Pokémon to use. Each move used by a Pokémon typically uses up a certain amount of energy from the move gauge. Generally, the more damaging a move is, the more energy is used up from the move gauge. The gauge initially maxes out at 4 units, but this can be increased to 6 by purchasing additional move gauge slots at the shop. The speed at which the gauge fills up depends on sum of the Speed stat of the sync pairs in the player's team. The player is also able to choose the opponent to be targeted. The player's sync pair will, by default, always target the opponent's center sync pair; however, the target can be changed by tapping on the sync pair the player wants to target.

The player is also able to select items and trainer moves. Each item and trainer moves have a limited number of uses per battle (or use MP), which is almost always two with strong moves instead having one. These moves improve the player's stats, their whole team's stats, or restores HP. Also, each trainer move is unique to each sync pair. Some item and trainer moves target any ally, and that ally must be chosen by tapping on the allied sync pair the player wants to target, but the player can cancel this choice to perform another action instead.

The opponent will always first target the sync pair with the highest bulk, and will continue to do so until the player distracts them or the sync pair's Pokémon faints. Additionally, the target order can be changed by the player from the Tactics menu.

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.

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.

Besides the real time mechanics and the typing that works without predetermined immunities and resistances and a single type weakness per pair rather than the usual type effectiveness, the battle system borrows the core mechanics from Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, with various differences:

  • Flinch is now a status change that makes the Pokémon in the pair unable to perform any move for a few seconds instead of just one move. While flinching, the move gauge also fills more slowly. To get out of the status change, the pair can use a sync move, switch out, or wait a few seconds.
  • The random factor in the damage formula goes from 0.9 to 1, still using integer percentage steps of 0.01.
  • Stage multipliers for statistics no longer work with a base fraction of 2/2, resulting in a +6 multiplier which is around 1.8.
  • The critical-hit rate is now a stat that caps at 3. The critical-hit rates for attacks at the -1, 0, +1, +2, and +3 stages are 0%, 12.5%, 50%, 80%, and 100%, respectively; damage-dealing sync moves have base critical-hit rates of -1 stage and are the only attacks able to reach that stage; all other attacks have base critical-hit rates of 0 stage. Each attack that "[lands] critical hits more easily" passively has a critical-hit rate at +1 stage higher than normal.
  • Some Pokémon moves cost move gauge energy to use, some use MP, and a few cost both move gauge energy and MP.
  • Using a sync move increases the stage of the sync buff, whose only observed influence so far is increasing the damage dealt for allied or opposing teams each by applying a multiplier that starts at 1 and increases by 0.5 per stage. Using each 6★EX support sync pair's sync move for the first time per battle instead increases the sync buff stage by 2 for the allied team.
  • Moves that affect both allies and all foes in the main series games (such as Earthquake) instead only affect all the foes. However, field moves such as weather-based moves will still affect the entire field.
  • Hidden Power is always a Psychic-type move.
  • Priority does not exist, and all moves with priority in the main games (such as King's Shield) instead use MP.
  • Two-turn moves with invincibility periods (such as Fly) only use MP and bring their users into states in which they are still unable to perform any other action but are now immune to their all opponents' Pokémon moves for set periods of time. Gust, Twister, Hurricane, Thunder, and Smack Down are able to hit opponents during the Fly state, although Smack Down, unlike in main games, does not cancel that state. Opponents' sync moves cancel these states before the user gets a chance to attack. Allies' trainers, items, Pokémon, and sync moves can still affect the user in this state. After set periods of time end, the user leaves this state and attacks. Each use of these moves only decrease the user's team's sync move countdown by one, like every other Pokémon move, and only when the user enters the invincibility state.
  • Without harsh sunlight, Solar Beam instead brings its user into an attacking posture in which the user cannot perform any action except select Solar Beam again to attack. Each use of this move only decreases the user's teams' sync move countdown by one, like every other Pokémon move, and only when the user enters this posture.
  • Attack moves with negative priority in the main series games (such as Beak Blast) and status moves with positive priority the main series games (such as Wide Guard) instead bring its users into a defense posture in which the user cannot perform any action except select the move again to leave that posture. The user will also leave this posture if certain attack moves hit them, and then the move's other effects activate, including attacking if applicable.
  • Same-type attack bonus is not applied.
  • Rain and harsh sunlight do not decrease the damage of Fire- and Water-type attack/sync moves, respectively.
  • Hailstorms and sandstorms damage all Pokémon without skills such as Snow Shelter and Sand Shelter regardless of typing, respectively.
  • Electric Terrain does not awaken any Pokémon who were asleep prior to its activation. However, it still prevents all from falling asleep while it is active.
  • Grassy Terrain only heals Pokémon who use Grass-type moves and does not decrease the damage of Earthquake or Bulldoze.

Each sync pair can also know up to three passive skills. Similar to Abilities, these provide passive effects in battle, such as preventing stats from being lowered. They may also similarly learn a lucky skill, which requires Lucky Scrolls to unlock.

Co-op battle mechanics

 
An Electric-type Unity Attack

In co-op battles, three players team up to battle the opponent. Each player brings a team of three sync pairs, but only has one sync pair out on the field at a time, with each player's team having their own move gauge. Each player is able to switch between sync pairs, although switching takes one turn. Once the player completes the "Switch-In Moves!" tutorial in the training area, the player will be able to choose a move during the same turn as switching. Switching has the same effect it has in the core series, in that all the alterations to statistics are reset and passive skills that are triggered at the beginning of the battle, such as Endure and Terrify, are triggered when the Pokémon is switched in.

Unity attacks are moves unique to co-op battles. These are powerful attacks that are unleashed by all three allied sync pairs combined and target all opponents. To use a unity attack, the team must fill the unity gauge. The unity gauge is filled by using certain moves. When the Pokémon of two different players attack before an opponent's offensive move, a chain is created that will last until the opponent attacks the team. Any Pokémon moves (not Trainer moves) used during a chain will fill the unity gauge by an amount of units equal to the number of move gauge slots required to use the move, with moves that do not require any move gauge slot filling the gauge by one unit. Critical hits will fill the unity gauge by an extra +1. If the Pokémon of all three players manage to attack before the opponent attacks, the team will obtain a unity bonus for a short period of time. When the unity bonus is in effect, the attacks of the opponents won't stop the chain and moves will do more damage to opponents. The duration of the bonus can be increased by using super effective moves. Once the unity gauge is charged, the team will unleash a unity attack. The move's type is a combination of all allied sync pair's types. Each player can choose one of their sync pairs to partake in the unity attack and to be used on the field afterwards, allowing the player to choose a type that would be advantageous against the opponent. Choosing a different Pokémon from the currently active one is considered a switch, resetting the alterations to statistics. Furthermore, during the attack animation, it is possible to choose an action (either a move, a switch, or a switch-in move) that will be performed immediately after the attack, before the opponent's move.

From version 1.8.0, the player is able to play co-op battles solo using a team of 9 sync pairs. The battle uses the same rules as a regular co-op battle. Only the sync pair in the center can be controlled and will gain experience after the battle. Despite the earlier introduction of solo mode, EX Challenges could only be played in solo mode after they were moved to the EX Plaza with update 1.12.0.

Prior to update 1.12.0, players were required to complete "Co-op Pokémon Battles!" and "Co-op Unity Attacks!" tutorials in the training area to unlock co-op mode. These tutorials become available after the player cleared Interlude 1: Brock's Grit.

Items

Main article: List of items (Masters)

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

Stamina is a recharging resource that limits the amount of battles that can be played in a day. The stamina system was introduced in version 1.12.0, which was released on July 29, 2020.

Restoring Stamina

Stamina recharges at a rate of 1 Stamina every 4 minutes, up to the player's current maximum Stamina. Prior to version 2.4.0 (December 21, 2020), stamina recharged at a rate of 1 Stamina every 6 minutes.

Stamina can also be restored by   Stamina Refill items, which can be obtained from:

If stamina is restored through refills, then the player may hold more than their current maximum Stamina, up to 999 Stamina at a time. However, their Stamina will not continue recharging until the currently-held amount drops back below the player's current maximum Stamina.

Spending Stamina

Most event battles and training area battles will cost some amount of Stamina to play, but some battles will not cost Stamina. Notably, the following categories of battles have no Stamina cost:

Player Rank (PR)

Spending Stamina will earn an equivalent amount of rank points toward Player Rank (PR). When enough rank points are earned, PR will increase, which refills the player's Stamina by their current maximum. At certain PR levels, the player's maximum Stamina is raised.

The maximum PR is 999, with a maximum Stamina of 400.

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 contains many useful functions for the player:

  • Player details - including the player's number of badges, and the amount of coins and gems. The player's appearance and favorite sync pair can be edited here
  • Medals
  • Missions
  • Settings - allows players to change certain settings such as the player's nickname and certain battle settings
  • Dex - list of all sync 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
  • Google Play - allows connection with Google Play
  • Account - allows connection with a Nintendo account
  • Other
  • 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.

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.

Evil Organization 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.

Mysterious Stones Chapter

The Mysterious Stones Chapter was added to the main story on November 1, 2023. It focuses on the mysterious stones that have started to be found around Pasio, which appear to have some kind of connection with Arceus. It can be accessed after the player has found at least one Mysterious Stone.

Area info

Area name Unlock condition First-time rewards
 Cynthia's Invitation Plays automatically upon accessing the Mysterious Stones Chapter for the first time None
 What Rei Found Available from start  Gems ×10
 Similarities to Sync Stones Collect 100 Mysterious Stones  Gems ×10
 A Voice Calling Out to Rei Collect 200 Mysterious Stones  Gems ×10
 The Creator of All Things Collect 300 Mysterious Stones  Gems ×10
 Show Me Thy Bond Collect 400 Mysterious Stones  Gems ×10

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

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.

Blissful Bonanza!

Main article: Blissful Bonanza!

Blissful Bonanza! is an event featuring once-a-day battles exclusively against Blissey and its evolutionary line. Players can collect Bliss, Joy and Happy Tickets, which can then be exchanged in the shop for items such as Lucky Cookies and Lucky Scrolls.

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.

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 two or 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.

Other events

Type Name Featured sync pair 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
Music Coin Challenge Daily Battle Event - January 28 to February 7, 2022
Battle Rewind Throwback Challenge - February 28 to March 31, 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

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

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.

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.

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]

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 out 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

The game can be played on:[5]

From April 23, 2024 onward, iOS 12 or higher will be required for iOS and iPadOS devices.[6]

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

Trivia

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

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Due to time zones, the game was released on August 28, 2019 in North America, even though it was released at the same time as the rest of the world.

References

External links


Nintendo DS: Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure
Pokémon ConquestPokéPark: Fishing Rally DS
Nintendo 3DS: Pokédex 3D (Pro) • HarmoKnightPokémon Art Academy
The Thieves and the 1000 PokémonPokémon Shuffle
Nintendo Badge Arcade
Wii U: Pokkén Tournament
Nintendo Switch: Pokkén Tournament DXPokémon QuestPokémon Café ReMixPokémon UNITEPokémon TV
PC: Pokémon Project Studio Red and BluePokéROMsPokémon the Movie 2000 Adventure
Pokémon Masters ArenaPokémon PC MasterPokémon Team Turbo
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Mobile: PokématePokémon Say Tap?Pokédex for iOSPokémon TVCamp PokémonPokémon Jukebox
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Pokémon: Magikarp JumpPokémon PlayhousePokémon QuestPokémon PassPokémon Masters EX
Pokémon Wave HelloPokémon SmilePokémon Café ReMixPokémon UNITEPokémon Sleep
Smart speakers: Pikachu Talk
Arcade: Print Club Pokémon BDance! PikachuPikachu's Great Surfing AdventurePokémon: Crayon Kids
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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!!
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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
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Cyber PokédexCyclone 2Digital Poké Ball D & PElectronic Hand-Held Yahtzee
Eevee × Tamagotchi
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  This article is part of Project Sidegames, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon Sidegames.