Pokémon Masters EX: Difference between revisions

{{search|game|the type of Trainer|Pokémon Master}} ''For the tournament featured in the {{pkmn|anime}}, see [[Masters Eight Tournament]].''

|gen_series=[[Generation VII]] - {{gen|IX}} [[Spin-off Pokémon games|spin-off]]

|publisher=[[DeNA]]

|developer=[[DeNA]]

'''Pokémon Masters EX''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンマスターズ EX'''), previously known as '''Pokémon Masters''', is a {{wp|Freemium|free-to-start}} spin-off Pokémon {{wp|gacha game}} for {{wp|iOS}}, {{wp|iPadOS}}, and {{wp|Android}}. It allows players to battle various [[Pokémon Trainer]]s from the [[core series]] {{pkmn|games}} and [[Pokémon anime|anime series]]. It was released worldwide on August 29, 2019.<ref group="note" name="release">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.</ref> This game is set on the artificial island of [[Pasio]].

It was officially revealed at the [[Pokémon Presents#May 29, 2019|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.

A sync pair is a pair consisting of one [[Pokémon Trainer]] and one {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. Each sync pair is able to know up to four {{mas|List of moves|moves}} which can be used in {{pkmn|battle}}. Sync pairs also have [[passive skill]]s that grant passive effects in battle, similar to {{Abilities}}. There are five types of sync pairs:

* [[File:Masters Physical Strike.png|32px|link=]] [[File:Masters Special Strike.png|32px|link=]] '''Strike''' sync pairs, which are focused on attacking.

* [[File:Masters Support.png|32px|link=]] '''Support''' sync pairs, which are focused on defending, healing {{stat|HP}}, and increasing stats of the whole team.

* [[File:Masters Tech.png|32px|link=]] '''Tech''' sync pairs, which are focused on disrupting the opponents, such as lowering their stats and inflicting status conditions.

The level of a sync pair can be increased gaining [[experience]] through battles or by using {{mas|List of items|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.

* [[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.

* Some Pokémon moves cost move gauge energy to use, some use MP, and a few cost both move gauge energy and MP.

* {{m|Hidden Power}} is always a {{type|Psychic}} move.

* Two-turn moves with invincibility periods (such as {{m|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. {{m|Gust}}, {{m|Twister}}, {{m|Hurricane}}, {{m|Thunder}}, and {{m|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, {{m|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 {{m|Beak Blast}}) and status moves with positive priority the main series games (such as {{m|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.

* {{weather|Rain}} and [[harsh sunlight]] do not decrease the damage of {{t|Fire}}- and {{type|Water}} attack/sync moves, respectively.

* {{weather|Hail}}storms and {{weather|sandstorm}}s damage all Pokémon without skills such as Snow Shelter and Sand Shelter regardless of typing, respectively.

* {{m|Electric Terrain}} does not awaken any Pokémon who were {{status|sleep|asleep}} prior to its activation. However, it still prevents all from falling asleep while it is active.

* {{m|Grassy Terrain}} only heals Pokémon who use {{type|Grass}} moves and does not decrease the damage of Earthquake or {{m|Bulldoze}}.

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.

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.

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.

* 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

* {{mas|Medal}}s

* Missions

* {{mas|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.

{{main|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 {{DL|Sync pair|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.

==Main story==

To enter the PML the player must collect at least five [[Badge]]s 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, {{mas|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 {{pkmn|Champion}}s of the PML.

! style="background:#{{gold color light}}" colspan=2 | Chapter

! style="background:#{{gold color light}}" | Sync Pair recruited

| {{sync|Rosa|Snivy}}

| {{sync|Barry|Piplup}}

| {{sync|Flannery|Torkoal}}

| {{sync|Erika|Vileplume}}

| {{sync|Skyla|Swanna}}

| {{sync|Korrina|Lucario}}

| {{sync|Norman|Slaking}}

| {{sync|Pryce|Seel}}

| {{sync|Iris|Haxorus}}

| {{sync|Hapu|Mudsdale}}

| {{sync|Brock|Tyranitar|sygna=y}}

| {{sync|Hau|Raichu}}

| {{sync|Flint|Infernape}}

| {{sync|Clair|Kingdra}}

| {{sync|Viola|Surskit}}

| {{sync|Nanu|Persian}}

| {{sync|Koga|Crobat}}

| {{sync|Acerola|Palossand}}

| {{sync|Cheren|Stoutland}}

| {{sync|Calem|Espurr}}

| {{sync|Valerie|Sylveon}}

| {{sync|Molayne|Dugtrio}}

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 {{mas|Giovanni}} watches the Trainers from [[Sinnoh]] intervene with the plans of his silent allies, {{mas|Cyrus}} and [[Team Galactic]], he decides to call his {{tc|Executive}}s 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 Beast]]s to Pasio, but they're eventually stopped. Finally, {{mas|Rose}} forms an alliance with Giovanni in an attempt take over the management of [[sync stone]]s, 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 {{mas|Ghetsis}} tricks him into bringing {{p|Hoopa}} to him and seemingly kills Paulo's {{p|Rockruff}}, Paulo finally snaps and declares he'll use Hoopa's {{form|Hoopa|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.

! style="background:#{{gold color light}}" | Evil Organization

! style="background:#{{gold color light}}" colspan=2 | Chapter

| rowspan=2 |Team Rocket

| Team Rocket Returns

| Team Rocket's Revival

| Team Galactic

|-

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 event]]s.

===Mysterious Stones Chapter===

The Mysterious Stones Chapter was added to the main story on November 1, 2023. It focuses on the [[Sync stone ultimate|mysterious stones]] that have started to be found around [[Pasio]] and appear to have some kind of connection with {{p|Arceus}}. Making his first appearance here is also merchant {{mas|Volo}}, who seems keen on meeting the aforementioned [[Mythical Pokémon]]. The chapter can be accessed after the player has found at least one Mysterious Stone.

====Area info====

! style="background:#{{gold color light}}" | Area name

! style="background:#{{gold color light}}" | Unlock condition

! style="background:#{{gold color light}}" | First-time rewards

| [[File:Masters Story Unlock.png|40px]]Cynthia's Invitation

| Plays automatically upon accessing the Mysterious Stones Chapter for the first time

| None

| [[File:Masters Story Unlock.png|40px]]What Rei Found

| Available from start

| [[File:Masters Gem.png|40px]]Gems ×10

| [[File:Masters Story Unlock.png|40px]]Similarities to Sync Stones

| Collect 100 Mysterious Stones

| [[File:Masters Gem.png|40px]]Gems ×10

| [[File:Masters Story Unlock.png|40px]]A Voice Calling Out to Rei

| Collect 200 Mysterious Stones

| [[File:Masters Gem.png|40px]]Gems ×10

| [[File:Masters Story Unlock.png|40px]]The Creator of All Things

| Collect 300 Mysterious Stones

| [[File:Masters Gem.png|40px]]Gems ×10

| [[File:Masters Story Unlock.png|40px]]Show Me Thy Bond

| Collect 400 Mysterious Stones

| [[File:Masters Gem.png|40px]]Gems ×10

| [[File:Masters Story Unlock.png|40px]]Long-Held Ambitions on the Move

| Collect 500 Mysterious Stones

| [[File:Masters Gem.png|40px]]Gems ×10

{{main|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.

 

{{main|Special event}}

! style="background:#{{gold color light}}" | Event

! style="background:#{{gold color light}}" | Featured sync pair

! style="background:#{{gold color light}}" | Duration

| Evolution Material Mining!

| October 17 to November 28, 2019<br>{{tt|September 5 to 17, 2021|Second run; part of the Two-Year Anniversary Rerun Event}}

| Challenge Unova!

| June 18 to July 2, 2020

| Double Trouble

| {{sync|Jessie|Arbok}}

| July 9 to September 16, 2020

| Blasting Off Again

| {{sync|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

| {{sync|Ash|Pikachu}}

| July 7 to 31, 2022

| Blazing Battle with Ash

| {{sync|Ash|Pikachu}}

| August 28 to October 17, 2022

| Challenge from Ash

| {{sync|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

{{main|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|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 {{mas|List of items|Lucky Cookies}} and Lucky Scrolls.

{{main|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.

{{main|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.

{{main|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]].

{{main|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|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===