Pokémon Masters EX
- This article is about the game. For the type of Trainer, see Pokémon Master. For the tournament featured in the anime, see Masters Eight Tournament.
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Pokémon Masters 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 three types of sync pairs:
- Strike sync pairs, which focus on attacking
- Support sync pairs, which focus on defending, healing HP, and increasing stats of the whole team
- Tech sync pairs, which focus on different tactics, such as inflicting status conditions
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, special events, or through Sync Pair Scout at the shop.
Battle mechanics
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
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.
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 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
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
Sync Pair Scout
- See also: Sync pair scout
Players can recruit sync pairs that are not available through the main story through Sync Pair Scout. 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.
Ticket Scout
Similar to Sync Pair Scout, players can recruit sync pairs through Ticket Scout. Ticket Scout contains 5★-Guaranteed Scouts, in which one 5★ sync pair can be scouted for 30 5★ Scout Tickets. There are one 5★-Guaranteed Scout that takes normal 5★ Scout Tickets and eight 5★-Guaranteed Scouts that takes 5★ Scout Tickets made for scouting sync pairs from specific regions. During special Seasonal Scouts or other limited scouts, a Ticket Scout may be available for that sync pair.
Item Exchange
Players can exchange coins or items for other items.
General exchanges | |||
---|---|---|---|
Item given | Item received | Notes | |
Move Candy Coin ×20 |
→ | 5★ Move Candy |
Unlimited number of exchanges possible |
Strike Move Candy Coin ×20 |
→ | 5★ Strike Move Candy | |
Support Move Candy Coin ×20 |
→ | 5★ Support Move Candy | |
Tech Move Candy Coin ×20 |
→ | 5★ Tech Move Candy | |
Custom 5★ Power-Up (Rosa & Snivy) |
→ | Champion Spirit ×4 |
10 time only exchange |
Custom 5★ Power-Up (Rosa & Snivy) |
→ | Champion Spirit ×1 |
10 time only exchange |
Big Pearl |
→ | 3,000 | Unlimited number of exchanges possible |
Pearl |
→ | 1,000 | |
Buff Blend ++ ×10 |
→ | Great Buff Blend ++ | |
Tech Tonic ++ ×10 |
→ | Great Tech Tonic ++ | |
Aid Ade ++ ×10 |
→ | Great Aid Ade ++ | |
Ultra Buff Blend + ×10 |
→ | Buff Blend ++ | |
Ultra Tech Tonic + ×10 |
→ | Tech Tonic ++ | |
Ultra Aid Ade + ×10 |
→ | Aid Ade ++ | |
Great Buff Blend + ×10 |
→ | Ultra Buff Blend + | |
Great Tech Tonic + ×10 |
→ | Ultra Tech Tonic + | |
Great Aid Ade + ×10 |
→ | Ultra Aid Ade + | |
Buff Blend + ×10 |
→ | Great Buff Blend + | |
Tech Tonic + ×10 |
→ | Great Tech Tonic + | |
Aid Ade + ×10 |
→ | Great Aid Ade + | |
Ultra Buff Blend ×10 |
→ | Buff Blend + | |
Ultra Tech Tonic ×10 |
→ | Tech Tonic + | |
Ultra Aid Ade ×10 |
→ | Aid Ade + | |
Great Buff Blend ×10* |
→ | Ultra Buff Blend | |
Great Tech Tonic ×10* |
→ | Ultra Tech Tonic | |
Great Aid Ade ×10* |
→ | Ultra Aid Ade | |
Evolution Crystal |
→ | 10,000 | |
Evolution Shard |
→ | 1,000 | |
Sync Orb (Scottie/Bettie & Pikachu) |
→ | Co-op Sync Orb |
Retired Exchanges
Item given | Item received | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
Big Pearl ×10 |
→ | 30,000 | Unlimited number of exchanges possible |
Pearl ×10 |
→ | 10,000 | |
30,000 | → | +1 move gauge slot |
One time only exchange |
100,000 | → | +1 move gauge slot | |
1,000 | → | Evolution Shard ×5 |
Two time only exchange |
5,000 | → | Evolution Crystal ×3 |
One time only exchange |
Training Machine ×100 |
→ | Super Training Machine |
Unlimited number of exchanges possible |
Monthly | |||
Daily Voucher ×7 |
→ | Evolution Shard |
Max 5 exchanges a month |
Daily Voucher ×25 |
→ | Evolution Crystal |
Max 3 exchanges a month |
Daily Voucher ×10 |
→ | Replay Ticket |
Max 4 exchanges a month |
10,000 | → | Evolution Shard ×5 |
Max 3 exchanges a month |
300,000 | → | Evolution Crystal |
Max 3 exchanges a month |
3,000 | → | Training Machine |
Max 15 exchanges a month |
5,000 | → | 1★ Level-Up Manual ×10 |
Max 15 exchanges a month |
50,000 | → | 2★ Level-Up Manual ×5 |
Max 10 exchanges a month |
100,000 | → | 3★ Level-Up Manual ×3 |
Max 10 exchanges a month |
100,000 | → | Replay Ticket |
Max 2 exchanges a month |
100,000 | → | Elite Four Notes |
Max 3 exchanges a month |
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. After Team Rocket is defeated, they temporarily disband. Meanwhile, Paulo continues his ongoing quest for strength and reunites with his friend Tina. 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 back to his side. After failing to take over the Battle Villa, they focus their efforts on manipulating Team Magma and Team Aqua. Later, Team Rocket infiltrates Team Flare and Aether Foundation to steal data in preparation for their next plan.
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.
Legendary Adventures
Legendary Adventures is a collection of stories where the player encounters various Legendary Pokémon. These stories are a collation of the previously available Legendary events.
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: List of story events (Masters)
Story events offer several story scenes, usually to commemorate the release of new sync pairs.
Training events
- Main article: List of training events (Masters)
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 exp than normal.
Solo events
- Main article: List of solo events (Masters)
Solo events are similar to story events, but feature only single-player battles.
Legendary events
- Main article: List of legendary events (Masters)
During legendary events, players can 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.
Egg events
- Main article: List of Egg events (Masters)
During egg events, players can collect eggs, which can be hatched to form additional sync pairs for Scottie/Bettie. An extra egg incubator will also be available for the duration of the event.
While eggs are permanently available from the Training Area, the eggs available from egg events have different Pokémon that may appear.
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. It first ran on May 13 to 30, 2020, and since April 2022, currently runs every month starting from the 25th (Pokémon Masters Day).
Time trial events
- Main article: List of time trial events (Masters)
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.
Sync Pair-Up events
- Main article: List of Sync Pair-Up events
Sync pair-up events grant players an event-exclusive sync pair, which can then be powered up by playing the event.
Special events
- Main article: List of special events (Masters)
Event | Featured sync pair | Duration |
---|---|---|
Evolution Material Mining! | - | October 17 to November 28, 2019 |
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 (Phase 1) | - | May 6 to 28, 2021 |
Land and Sea Awaken (Phase 2) | - | May 17 to 28, 2021 |
Evolution Material Mining! (Rerun) | - | September 5 to 17, 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 |
Villain events
- Main article: Villain Event
During villain events, players can battle the Grunts and boss of a villainous team, with sync pairs from the corresponding region getting significantly-boosted stats.
These events primarily reward:
- Region-specific 5★-guaranteed scout tickets. 30 tickets can be exchanged for a random 5★ sync pair from that region.
- 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
# | Featured sync pair | Duration |
---|---|---|
Poké War Games | Diantha (Special Costume) & Keldeo Hilda (Special Costume) & Diancie Guzma (Special Costume) & Buzzwole Jasmine (Special Costume) & Celesteela |
October 29 to December, 2021 |
Curious Tea Party | Lillie (Special Costume) & Polteageist Sonia (Special Costume) & Tsareena Ingo (Special Costume) & Accelgor Emmet (Special Costume) & Escavalier |
March 31 to May 4, 2022 |
Daily Battle events
- Main article: Daily Battle
Event | Duration |
---|---|
Present Event | August 28 to September 12, 2021 |
New Year's Challenge | January 1 to 8, 2022 |
The Golden Magikarp | May 5 to 16, 2022 |
Gear events
- Main article: List of gear events (Masters)
Gear events center around a specific Type, and introduce 3★ gear for that Type, which is normally not obtainable. 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.
Extreme battle events
- Main article: Extreme Battle Event
Extreme battle events offer high-difficulty battles for experienced players.
Epic Battle Event: Legendary Gauntlet
- Main article: Legendary Gauntlet
Number | Duration |
---|---|
1 | January 20 - February 2, 2022 |
2 | March 24 - April 7, 2022 |
3 | May 24 - June 7, 2022 |
4 | July 25 - August 19, 2022 |
5 | September 25 - October 13, 2022 |
6 | November 24 - December 15, 2022 |
7 | January 19 - February 9, 2023 |
Pokémon Masters Day
- Main article: Pokémon Masters Day
Pokémon Masters Day is a recurring event that occurs on the 25th of each month.
Other events
Type | Name | Featured sync pair | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Prestige Event | Battle Buffet Bash | Gloria & Zacian | November 30 to December 7, 2020 |
Daily Type Rotation | Type Team-Up | - | August 5 to 28, 2021 |
Battle Point Challenge | Daily Region Rotation | - | June 10 - July 19, 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 |
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 |
Special Battle Event | Four Trials | - | July 16 to 30, 2022 |
Sync pair stories
Each sync pair has a unique sync pair story. Sync pair stories are unlocked once a sync pair is recruited.
Sync pair stories mainly consists of dialogue as the player meets the sync pair in Pasio. Some sync pair stories involve a battle which allows the sync pair to evolve their Pokémon. Unlike the usual three-on-three battle system seen in Pokémon Masters, these evolution story battles are one-on-one and require the player to bring evolution material. If the player is defeated in these evolution sync pair stories, the evolution material will not be used up.
Some characters, such as Ghetsis, do not have traditional sync pair stories. These sync pairs instead have the ability to rerun certain story segments involving them.
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
iOS & iPadOS
Version | Release date | Official note | Update notification |
---|---|---|---|
0.0.1[5] | July 23, 2019 | N/A | - |
1.1.0[6] | August 28, 2019 |
Pokémon Masters Now Available! |
- |
1.1.1 | September 6, 2019 |
Minor bug fixes and improvements implemented. |
- |
1.2.0[7] | September 25, 2019 |
Update details: |
|
1.2.1 | October 8, 2019 |
Update Details |
- |
1.3.0[8] | October 28, 2019 |
Update Details |
|
1.3.1 | November 5, 2019 |
Update Details |
- |
1.4.0[9] | November 25, 2019 |
Update Details |
|
1.5.0[10] | December 23, 2019 |
Update Details |
|
1.5.5 | January 15, 2020 |
Update Details |
- |
1.6.0[11] | January 27, 2020 |
Update Details |
|
1.6.5[12] | February 10, 2020 |
Update Details |
|
1.6.6 | February 14, 2020 |
Update Details |
- |
1.7.0[13] | February 20, 2020 |
Update Details |
|
1.7.1 | February 27, 2020 |
Update Details |
- |
1.8.0[14] | March 23, 2020 |
Updates |
|
1.8.5 | April 8, 2020 |
Updates |
- |
1.9.0[15] | April 27, 2020 |
Updates |
|
1.10.0[16] | May 25, 2020 |
Updates |
|
1.10.5 | June 8, 2020 |
Updates |
- |
1.11.0[17] | June 25, 2020 |
Updates |
|
1.12.0[18] | July 29, 2020 |
Updates |
|
2.0.0[19] | August 25, 2020 |
Updates |
|
2.0.5 | September 7, 2020 |
Updates |
- |
2.1.0[20] | September 28, 2020 |
Updates |
|
2.2.0[21] | October 28, 2020 |
Updates |
|
2.2.5 | November 4, 2020 |
Updates |
- |
2.3.0[22] | November 26, 2020 |
Updates |
|
2.4.0[23] | December 21, 2020 |
Updates |
|
2.5.0[24] | January 26, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.5.1[24] | January 27, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.6.0[25] | February 24, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.6.1 | March 4, 2021 |
Updates |
- |
2.7.0[26] | March 29, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.8.0[27] | April 26, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.8.1 | April 30, 2021 |
Updates |
- |
2.9.0[28] | May 27, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.10.0[29] | June 28, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.10.1 | July 15, 2021 |
Updates |
- |
2.11.0[30] | July 28, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.11.1 | August 10, 2021 |
Updates |
- |
2.12.0[31] | August 26, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.12.5[32] | September 14, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.13.0[33] | September 28, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.14.0[34] | October 27, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.15.0[35] | November 24, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.15.1 | November 29, 2021 |
Updates |
- |
2.16.0[36] | December 21, 2021 |
Updates |
|
2.16.1 | December 27, 2021 |
Updates |
- |
2.16.2 | January 11, 2022 |
Updates |
- |
2.17.0[37] | January 27, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.18.0[38] | February 24, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.18.5[39] | March 15, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.19.0[40] | March 29, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.20.0[41] | April 27, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.20.1 | April 28, 2022 |
Updates |
- |
2.20.2 | May 6, 2022 |
Updates |
- |
2.21.0[42][43] | May 26, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.22.0[44] | June 28, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.23.0[45] | July 27, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.23.5 | August 8, 2022 |
Updates |
- |
2.24.0[46] | August 25, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.25.0[47] | September 26, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.25.1 | October 6, 2022 |
Updates |
- |
2.26.0[48][49] | October 27, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.27.0[50] | November 28, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.28.0[51] | December 26, 2022 |
Updates |
|
2.29.0[52] | January 27, 2023 |
Updates |
|
2.29.1 | January 31, 2023 |
Updates |
- |
2.30.0[53] | February 24, 2023 |
Updates |
|
2.31.0[54] | March 29, 2023 |
Updates |
|
Android
Version | Release date | Official note |
---|---|---|
1.1.0 | August 28, 2019 |
Pokémon Masters Now Available! |
1.1.1 | September 6, 2019 |
Minor bug fixes and improvements implemented. |
1.2.0 | September 25, 2019 |
Update details: |
1.2.1 | October 8, 2019 |
Update Details |
1.3.0 | October 28, 2019 |
Update Details |
1.3.1 | November 5, 2019 |
Update Details |
1.4.0 | November 25, 2019 |
Update Details |
1.5.0 | December 23, 2019 |
Update Details |
1.5.5 | January 15, 2020 |
Update Details |
1.6.0 | January 27, 2020 |
Update Details |
1.6.5 | February 10, 2020 |
Update Details |
1.6.6 | February 14, 2020 |
Update Details |
1.7.0 | February 20, 2020 |
Update Details |
1.7.1 | February 27, 2020 |
Update Details |
1.8.0 | March 23, 2020 |
Updates |
1.8.5 | April 8, 2020 |
Update Details |
1.9.0 | April 27, 2020 |
Updates |
1.10.0 | May 25, 2020 |
Updates |
1.10.5 | June 8, 2020 |
Updates |
1.11.0 | June 25, 2020 |
Updates |
1.12.0 | July 29, 2020 |
Updates |
2.0.0 | August 25, 2020 |
Updates |
2.0.5 | September 7, 2020 |
Updates |
2.1.0 | September 28, 2020 |
Updates |
2.2.0 | October 28, 2020 |
Updates |
2.2.5 | November 4, 2020 |
Updates |
2.3.0 | November 26, 2020 |
Updates |
2.4.0 | December 21, 2020 |
Updates |
2.5.0 | January 26, 2021 |
Updates |
2.5.1 | January 27, 2021 |
Updates |
2.6.0 | February 24, 2021 |
Updates |
2.6.1 | March 9, 2021 |
Updates |
2.7.0 | March 29, 2021 |
Updates |
2.8.0 | April 26, 2021 |
Updates |
2.8.1 | April 30, 2021 |
Updates |
2.9.0 | May 27, 2021 |
Updates |
2.10.0 | June 28, 2021 |
Updates |
2.10.1 | July 15, 2021 |
Updates |
2.11.0 | July 28, 2021 |
Updates |
2.11.1 | August 10, 2021 |
Updates |
2.12.0 | August 26, 2021 |
Updates |
2.12.5 | September 14, 2021 |
Updates |
2.13.0 | September 28, 2021 |
Updates |
2.14.0 | October 27, 2021 |
Updates |
2.15.0 | November 24, 2021 |
Updates |
2.15.1 | November 29, 2021 |
Updates |
2.16.0 | December 21, 2021 |
Updates |
2.16.1 | December 27, 2021 |
Updates |
2.16.2 | January 11, 2022 |
Updates |
2.17.0 | January 27, 2022 |
Updates |
2.18.0 | February 24, 2022 |
Updates |
2.18.5 | March 15, 2022 |
Updates |
2.19.0 | March 29, 2022 |
Updates |
2.20.0 | April 27, 2022 |
Updates |
2.20.1 | April 28, 2022 |
Updates |
2.20.2 | May 6, 2022 |
Updates |
2.21.0 | May 26, 2022 |
Updates |
2.22.0 | June 28, 2022 |
Updates |
2.23.0 | July 27, 2022 |
Updates |
2.23.5 | August 8, 2022 |
Updates |
2.24.0 | August 25, 2022 |
Updates |
2.25.0 | September 26, 2022 |
Updates |
2.25.1 | October 6, 2022 |
Updates |
2.26.0 | October 27, 2022 |
Updates |
2.27.0 | November 28, 2022 |
Updates |
2.28.0 | December 26, 2022 |
Updates |
2.29.0 | January 27, 2023 |
Updates |
2.29.1 | January 31, 2023 |
Updates |
2.30.0 | February 24, 2023 |
Updates |
2.31.0 | March 29, 2023 |
Updates |
Compatibility
The game can be played on:[55]
- iOS and iPadOS devices: iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, requires iOS 11 or later.
- Android devices: 64-bit devices, requires Android Lollipop (5.0) and up.
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
- 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
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)
- ↑ 0.0.1 - Pokémon Masters now available!
- ↑ 1.1.0 - Pokémon Masters now available!
- ↑ 1.2.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 1.3.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 1.4.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 1.5.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 1.6.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 1.6.5 - Update Notification
- ↑ 1.7.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 1.8.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 1.9.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 1.10.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 1.11.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 1.12.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.0.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.1.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.2.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.3.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.4.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 2.5.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.6.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.7.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.8.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.9.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.10.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.11.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.12.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.12.5 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.13.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.14.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.15.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.16.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.17.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.18.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.18.5 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.19.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.20.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.21.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.21.0 - Improvements to Tutorials and Other Game Content
- ↑ 2.22.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.23.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.24.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.25.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.26.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.26.0 - Changes to Gem Purchase Limits for Minors
- ↑ 2.27.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.28.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.29.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.30.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ 2.31.0 - Update Notification
- ↑ FAQ | Pokémon Masters
External links
- Pokémon Masters EX on the App Store
- Pokémon Masters EX on Google Play
- English:
- Japanese:
This article is part of Project Sidegames, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon Sidegames. |