View source for Strong and Reliable Friends

{{MastersEventInfobox
|type=TCG Trainer
|name=Special Kick-Start Event Strong and Reliable Friends
|jname=特別スターターイベント即戦力の頼れる仲間たち
|jtrans=Special Starter Event Reliable Combat-Ready Companions
|image=Masters Strong and Reliable Friends.png
|size=250px
|caption=Event notification image
|etype=Special collaboration event
|first=February 26 to April 30, 2025
|feat={{sync|Iono|Kilowattrel}}<br>{{sync|Steven|Skarmory}}<br>{{sync|Marnie|Liepard}}
|bonus=no
}}
'''Strong and Reliable Friends''' (Japanese: '''即戦力の頼れる仲間たち''' ''Reliable Combat-Ready Companions''), sometimes prefixed with '''Special Kick-Start Event''' (Japanese: '''特別スターターイベント''' ''Special Starter Event''), was a special collaboration event in {{g|Masters EX}} with the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It was focused on the sync pairs {{sync|Iono|Kilowattrel}}, {{sync|Steven|Skarmory}}, and {{sync|Marnie|Liepard}}.

During this event, players could complete a series of story areas and battles that allowed them to team up with Iono & Kilowattrel, Steven & Skarmory, and Marnie & Liepard, raise their move levels to 3, and upgrade them to {{6EX}}. These three sync pairs each corresponded to a recently released TCG card: {{TCG ID|Battle Partners|Iono's Kilowattrel|32}}, {{TCG ID|ex Starter Set|Steven's Skarmory|4}}, and {{TCG ID|ex Starter Set|Marnie's Liepard|2}}.

In addition, three variety scouts were also available at different times during this event. The "Special Collaboration Hop Variety Scout" gave players an increased chance of recruiting {{sync|Hop|Zacian}} from the beginning of the event to March 12, 2025. The "Special Collaboration Ethan Variety Scout" gave players an increased chance of recruiting {{sync|Ethan|Ho-Oh}} from March 14 to 28, 2025. The "Special Collaboration Cynthia Variety Scout" gave players an increased chance of recruiting {{sync|Cynthia|Spiritomb}} from April 10 to 24, 2025. These three sync pairs also corresponded to recently released TCG cards: {{TCG ID|Battle Partners|Hop's Zacian ex|69}}, {{TCG ID|Hot Wind Arena|Ethan's Ho-Oh ex|20}}, and {{TCG ID|Hot Wind Arena|Cynthia's Spiritomb|50}}.

==Plot==
In the [[Pokémon Center]], the {{player}} meets {{mas|Marnie}}, {{mas|Steven}}, and {{mas|Iono}}, who want to explain the basics of Pokémon battling on [[Pasio]]. Steven explains that a team consists of three [[sync pair]]s, and Marnie says that it's important to know who's good at what to make a balanced team. Iono informs the player that they'll be teaming up with the three of them, then explains what strike sync pairs are good at. Steven explains what support sync pairs are good at, and finally Marnie explains what tech sync pairs are good at.

==Area info==
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; background:#{{TCG Trainer color}}; border:3px solid #{{TCG Trainer color dark}}; text-align:center"
|- style="background-color:#{{TCG Trainer color light}}"
! style="{{roundytl|5px}}" | Area name
! Unlock condition
! style="{{roundytr|5px}}" | Completion rewards
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Masters Area Info.png|40px]]A Team of Three
| Available from start
| [[File:Masters Gem.png|40px]]Gems ×50<br>[[File:Masters Area Info.png|40px]]Strike Sync Pairs
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Masters Area Info.png|40px]]Strike Sync Pairs
| Complete A Team of Three
| [[File:Masters Gem.png|40px]]Gems ×50<br>[[File:Masters Area Info.png|40px]]Support Sync Pairs<br>{{MastersIcon/Table|trainer=Iono|pokemon=Kilowattrel}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Masters Area Info.png|40px]]Support Sync Pairs
| Complete Strike Sync Pairs
| [[File:Masters Gem.png|40px]]Gems ×50<br>[[File:Masters Area Info.png|40px]]Tech Sync Pairs<br>{{MastersIcon/Table|trainer=Steven|pokemon=Skarmory}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | [[File:Masters Area Info.png|40px]]Tech Sync Pairs
| Complete Support Sync Pairs
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}" | [[File:Masters Gem.png|40px]]Gems ×50<br>[[File:Masters Area Info.png|40px]]Raise Move Levels!<br>{{MastersIcon/Table|trainer=Marnie|pokemon=Liepard}}
|}

==Battles==
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; background:#{{TCG Trainer color}}; border:3px solid #{{TCG Trainer color dark}}; text-align:center"
|- style="background-color:#{{TCG Trainer color light}}"
! style="{{roundytl|5px}}" rowspan=2 | Name
! rowspan=2 | Difficulty
! rowspan=2 | Team
! rowspan=2 | Trainer
! colspan=3 | Pokémon
! rowspan=2 | Stamina
! rowspan=2 | First-Time Rewards
! style="{{roundytr|5px}}" rowspan=2 | Completion Rewards
|- style="background-color:#{{grey color light}}"
! Left
! Middle
! Right
|- style="background:#fff"
| Raise Move Levels!
| Super Hard
| rowspan=5 | {{DL||Set}}
| rowspan=3 | [[File:VSCollector Masters.png|80px]]<br>{{tc|Collector}} Ed
| rowspan=3 | [[File:Masters0350 f.png|80px]]<br>{{p|Milotic}}<br><span style=font-size:80%>Weakness: [[File:ElectricIC Masters.png|15px]]</span>
| rowspan=3 | [[File:Masters1000.png|80px]]<br>{{p|Gholdengo}}<br><span style=font-size:80%>Weakness: [[File:DarkIC Masters.png|15px]]</span>
| rowspan=3 | [[File:Masters0823.png|80px]]<br>{{p|Corviknight}}<br><span style=font-size:80%>Weakness: [[File:ElectricIC Masters.png|15px]]</span>
| 20
| [[File:Masters Gem.png|30px]]Gems ×100<br>[[File:Masters Area Info.png|30px]]Unlock Grids!<br>[[File:Masters 5 Star Move Candy.png|30px]]5★ Custom Move Candy ×2 <small>(Iono & Kilowattrel)</small><br>[[File:Masters 5 Star Move Candy.png|30px]]5★ Custom Move Candy ×2 <small>(Steven & Skarmory)</small><br>[[File:Masters 5 Star Move Candy.png|30px]]5★ Custom Move Candy ×2 <small>(Marnie & Liepard)</small>
| [[File:Masters Coin.png|30px]]1,500 coins
|- style="background:#fff"
| Unlock Grids!
| Super Hard
| 20
| [[File:Masters Gem.png|30px]]Gems ×100<br>[[File:Masters Area Info.png|30px]]Prepare for 6★ EX Power-Ups!<br>[[File:Masters Sync Orb.png|30px]]Sync Orb ×750 <small>(Iono & Kilowattrel)</small><br>[[File:Masters Sync Orb.png|30px]]Sync Orb ×750 <small>(Steven & Skarmory)</small><br>[[File:Masters Sync Orb.png|30px]]Sync Orb ×750 <small>(Marnie & Liepard)</small>
| [[File:Masters Coin.png|30px]]1,500 coins
|- style="background:#fff"
| Prepare for 6★ EX Power-Ups!
| Super Hard
| 20
| [[File:Masters Gem.png|30px]]Gems ×100<br>[[File:Masters Area Info.png|30px]]Test Your Skills with Me!<br>[[File:Masters 5 Star Power-Up.png|30px]]Custom ★ Power-Up ×20 <small>(Iono & Kilowattrel)</small><br>[[File:Masters 5 Star Power-Up.png|30px]]Custom ★ Power-Up ×20 <small>(Steven & Skarmory)</small><br>[[File:Masters 5 Star Power-Up.png|30px]]Custom ★ Power-Up ×20 <small>(Marnie & Liepard)</small>
| [[File:Masters Coin.png|30px]]1,500 coins
|- style="background:#fff"
| Test Your Skills with Me!
| Super Hard
| rowspan=2 | [[File:VSBlue Masters.png|80px]]<br>{{mas|Blue}}
| rowspan=2 | [[File:Masters0018.png|80px]]<br>{{p|Pidgeot}}<br><span style=font-size:80%>Weakness: [[File:ElectricIC Masters.png|15px]]</span>
| rowspan=2 | [[File:Masters0103.png|80px]]<br>{{p|Exeggutor}}<br><span style=font-size:80%>Weakness: [[File:DarkIC Masters.png|15px]]</span>
| rowspan=2 | [[File:Masters0130.png|80px]]<br>{{p|Gyarados}}<br><span style=font-size:80%>Weakness: [[File:ElectricIC Masters.png|15px]]</span>
| 20
| [[File:Masters Gem.png|30px]]Gems ×100<br>[[File:Masters Area Info.png|30px]]This Is It! Time for an All-Out Battle!
| [[File:Masters Coin.png|30px]]1,500 coins
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | This Is It! Time for an All-Out Battle!
| Ultra Hard
| 30
| [[File:Masters Gem.png|30px]]Gems ×100
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}" | [[File:Masters Coin.png|30px]]2,000 coins
|}

===Set teams===
The levels, potential, and theme skill levels of the sync pairs in the set team are equal to those of the player's sync pairs.
{{anchor|Set}}
{{Masters set team
|title=Set team (all battles)
|pairL={{MastersIcon/Table|trainer=Marnie|pokemon=Liepard}}
|pairC={{MastersIcon/Table|trainer=Iono|pokemon=Kilowattrel}}
|pairR={{MastersIcon/Table|trainer=Steven|pokemon=Skarmory}}
|typeL=dark
|typeC=electric
|typeR=steel
|rarityL=5
|rarityC=5
|rarityR=5
|levelL=140
|levelC=140
|levelR=140
|tacticL=2
|tacticC=3
|tacticR=1
|movesL={{Masters set team/move|type=Dark|move=Snarl}}
{{Masters set team/move|type=Electric|move=Thunder Wave}}
{{Masters set team/move|type=Dark|move=Fake Tears}}
{{Masters set team/TM|Goin' All Out!}}
|movesC={{Masters set team/move|type=Electric|move=Discharge}}
{{Masters set team/item|Dire Hit +}}
{{Masters set team/move|type=Electric|move=Thunder}}
{{Masters set team/TM|Gimme Some Cheers!}}
|movesR={{Masters set team/move|type=Steel|move=Metal Claw}}
{{Masters set team/item|Potion}}
{{Masters set team/item|X Defense All}}
{{Masters set team/TM|Let's Do This!}}
|syncL={{Masters set team/move|type=dark|move=Hard-Trained Favorite Dark Beam}}
|syncC={{Masters set team/move|type=electric|move=Flyin' High Electric Beam}}
|syncR={{Masters set team/move|type=steel|move=Tempered Armor Steel Impact}}
|skillsL={{Masters set team/skill|Team Fast-Track 9}}
{{Masters set team/skill|Dirty Sync 5}}
{{Masters set team/skill|Piercing Gaze}}
|skillsC={{Masters set team/skill|Hit the Gas 5}}
{{Masters set team/skill|Rejuvenate 6}}
{{Masters set team/skill|Piercing Gaze}}
|skillsR={{Masters set team/skill|Endurance}}
{{Masters set team/skill|Natural Remedy}}
{{Masters set team/skill|Quick Cure}}
|themeL={{Masters set team/theme|Dark|cat=type|lv=1}}
{{Masters set team/theme|Galar|cat=region|lv=1}}
{{Masters set team/theme|Rival|cat=Trainer group|lv=1}}
{{Masters set team/theme|Pigtails|cat=fashion|lv=1}}
{{Masters set team/theme|Fancy Lady|cat=other|lv=1}}
|themeC={{Masters set team/theme|Electric|cat=type|lv=1}}
{{Masters set team/theme|Paldea|cat=region|lv=1}}
{{Masters set team/theme|Gym Leader|cat=Trainer group|lv=1}}
{{Masters set team/theme|Artistic|cat=other|lv=1}}
{{Masters set team/theme|Free Spirit|cat=other|lv=1}}
|themeR={{Masters set team/theme|Steel|cat=type|lv=1}}
{{Masters set team/theme|Hoenn|cat=region|lv=1}}
{{Masters set team/theme|Champion|cat=Trainer group|lv=1}}
{{Masters set team/theme|Rock Lover|cat=other|lv=1}}
{{Masters set team/theme|Space Cadet|cat=other|lv=1}}
}}

==Gallery==
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{TCG Trainer color dark}}; background:#{{TCG Trainer color}}; font-size:80%"
| style="{{roundy|14px}} border:2px solid #{{TCG Trainer color dark}}; background:#{{TCG Trainer color light}}" | [[File:Masters Strong and Reliable Friends banner.png]]
|-
| Event banner
|}

==Music==
{| class="roundtable" style="margin:auto; text-align: center; background: #{{TCG Trainer color}}; border: 3px solid #{{TCG Trainer color dark}}"
|- style="background:#{{TCG Trainer color light}}"
! Situation
! Song key
! Song name
! Arrangement
|-
| In menu
| [[File:Masters Song Key.png|40px|link=Jukebox (Masters)]]No. 00004
| Adventure Awaits
| Unknown
|-
| During battle<br>(Raise Move Levels!, Unlock Grids!,<br>Prepare for 6★ EX Power-Ups!)
| [[File:Masters Song Key.png|40px|link=Jukebox (Masters)]]No. 00017
| Battle! (Sync Pair)
| Shota Kageyama
|-
| During battle<br>(Test Your Skills with Me!,<br>This Is It! Time for an All-Out Battle!)
| [[File:Masters Song Key.png|40px|link=Jukebox (Masters)]]No. 01002
| Battle! (Blue)<br>(Pokémon Masters EX Version)
| Haruki Yamada (ATTIC INC.)
|-
| ''A Team of Three''<br>From start<hr>''Strike Sync Pairs''<br>From start<hr>''Support Sync Pairs''<br>From start<hr>''Tech Sync Pairs''<br>From start
| —
| Pokémon Center<br>(Pokémon Masters EX Version)
| Unknown
|-
| class="roundybottom" style="background: #{{TCG Trainer color light}}" colspan=4 | <small>'''Song names without a song key listed are unofficial, as they have not been added to the Jukebox.'''</small>
|}

==Script==
* A Team of Three
{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF"| Name
! style="background:#FFF"| Text
|-
|colspan=2 class="c"|(Pokémon Center; Marnie, Iono, and Steven are with their Pokémon and wave at the player)
|-
|Marnie
|''Pasio Pokémon battle basics! The first thing you should know is they're three-on-three team battles!''
|-
|Steven
|''So if you want to battle, you need three sync pairs to form a team!''
|-
|Marnie
|''The trick is to understand who's good at what—and to put together a balanced team!''
|-
|Iono
|''And! So! This is how it's gonna go down!<br>First things firstly! For your big Pasio Pokémon battle debut, we're gonna have you team up with US!''
|-
|colspan=2 class="c"|If you're new to battling, focus on putting together teams that have a strike, tech, and support sync pair!<br>In this event, you can team up with one sync pair per role and test them out in battle!
|}


* Strike Sync Pairs
{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF"| Name
! style="background:#FFF"| Text
|-
|colspan=2 class="c"|(Pokémon Center; Iono faces the player with Kilowattrel behind her)
|-
|Iono
|''I'm first, so lemme explain my role! I'm a strike sync pair!<br>Strike sync pairs are gonna be the hard-hitting core of your offensive game!<br>We fly high like a Wattrel and hit 'em hard with our attacks!<br>Buuuut...we're also fragile when it comes to defense... Oh noes...<br>That's why you gotta get ANOTHER sync pair to take those attacks for ya! Ya feel me?<br>Tactics—the order in which your opponents target you—is gonna be your sweet key to victory! File that piece of wisdom into your brainspace!''
|}


* Support Sync Pairs
{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF"| Name
! style="background:#FFF"| Text
|-
|colspan=2 class="c"|(Pokémon Center; Steven faces the player with Skarmory behind him)
|-
|Steven
|''Next is me. I'll be talking about support sync pairs.<br>We're good at strengthening allies and restoring HP, among other things.<br>We know how to take a hit, so we're well-suited to being your opponents' first target!<br>Let me take the damage from their attacks!<br>We're super solid—and shine bright as the center of attention.<br>So in a way, I suppose our role is similar to a gemstone's!''
|}


* Tech Sync Pairs
{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF"| Name
! style="background:#FFF"| Text
|-
|colspan=2 class="c"|(Pokémon Center; Marnie faces the player with Liepard behind her)
|-
|Marnie
|''Last but not least, let me tell you about tech sync pairs.<br>We can do all sorts of things, like give opponents status conditions or lower their stats!<br>So I guess we've a little somethin' to cover whatever the strike and support sync pairs can't.<br>The tougher your opponents, the more you'll probably rely on pairs like us.<br>No matter how tough they are, though, don't give up! I'm cheerin' for ya!''
|}


==In other languages==
{{langtable
|color={{TCG Trainer color light}}|bordercolor={{TCG Trainer color dark}}
|ja=特別スターターイベント即戦力の頼れる仲間たち
|fr=Évènement lancement spécial : Une amitié solide
|it=Evento introduttivo speciale "Amici forti e affidabili"
|de=Spez. Kickstarter-Event: Starke Freunde
|es=Ev. especial de iniciación: Compis de confianza
|ko=특별 스타터 이벤트 바로 도움 되는 든든한 동료들
|zh_cmn=特別起跑活動即戰力的可靠夥伴們
}}

==Related articles==
{{Masters events}}
{{Project Sidegames notice}}

[[Category:Pokémon Masters EX events]]

[[es:Compis de confianza]]