Pokémon Masters EX lets you evolve Pokémon, but what the game lives and dies by is its Sync Pairs. You get those pairings, you want to optimize them, and you want to ensure you only have the best. So, continue to read on because, in this article, we’re going to show you the best Sync Pairs available on Pokémon Masters EX today.
But before showcasing our Pokemon Masters tier list, let’s find out what the game and Sync Pairs are all about.
Also read: How to Evolve Pokémon in Pokémon Masters EX
Inside This Article
- What Is Pokemon Masters?
- What Are Sync Pairs?
- S-Tier Syncs
- A-Tier Syncs
- B-Tier Syncs
- Games Like Pokemon Masters EX
What Is Pokemon Masters?
Pokémon Masters EX (originally Pokémon Masters before August 2020) is created and released by DeNA. It’s a free-to-play mobile game available on Android and iOS. As you can tell, the game is based on the Pokémon franchise but isn’t set on any of the main regions. Instead, Pokemon Masters takes place on an artificial island named Paiso, which you’ll go to become the best. When players start the game, they will have the ability to defeat and enlist a few of the series’ well-known Pokémon Trainers.
In addition to the recruitment of Pokémon Trainers, Pasio has a tournament of 3-on-3 battles that players can join. This tournament is called the Pokémon Masters League. As per usual with these tournaments, the goal is to become the very best, like no one ever was, a.k.a, the Champion. To qualify for entry, players need to have, at minimum, five Badges. These badges can be obtained by kicking the asses of various Pokemon Masters League Leaders all over Paiso.
We’ve talked about recruiting various notable Pokémon Trainers in Pokemon Masters EX. But for specifics, we’re talking about the best Sync Pairs in the next section.
Get Pokemon Masters EX on Android
What Are Sync Pairs?
Before we can talk about our Pokemon Masters tier list, let’s discuss Sync Pairs first. Sync Pairs are Trainer and Pokémon tandems that appeared in any of the Pokémon games or anime. A lot of these Trainers have their appearances and designs from their recent appearances in the series. Of course, the strongest syncs would be with Pokémon that they’re known for using frequently. An example would be Cynthia and her Garchomp, Steven and his Metagross, and so on.
Sync Pairs are then divided into one of three roles: Strike, Tech, and Support Sync Pairs. Strike Sync Pairs are obvious; they’re the ones that are focused on killing their enemies. Or, more accurately, getting them to faint. No killing on Pokémon after all. Tech Sync Pairs are the ones that inflict status buffs, debuffs, and alterations. And lastly, Support Sync Pairs are exactly what they are on the tin; they support by giving heals and other buffs. As you probably already know, Sync Pairs can be recruited through playing the game’s main story, scouting, or timed events.
After players finish recruiting a Sync Pair, they can unlock their Sync Pair story. For the more limited Sync Pairs, never fear, the game’s limited-time events are regularly added into the game and get a bunch of updates. There are two types of Events: Single-Player and Co-Op Multiplayer, with each having its share of rewards and challenges.
So, before we continue to our Pokemon Master tier list, we need to find out why you should use the best Sync Pairs on top of our list.
The Importance of Using High-Tier Syncs
Sync Pairs are incredibly powerful as they have their special abilities unique to them. But first, we’ll start with the basics. All of the Sync Pairs have a set of four moves, each with unique effects. In addition to this, they have passive skills, two or three of them if you’re really lucky. Lastly, Sync Pairs have a Pokémon Type that they’re both strong and weak against.
We’ve already talked about the Sync Pair roles but there are a lot of nuances between them. Each role has its unique quirks. For example, Strike Sync Pairs have higher Attack and SP Attack stats. Makes sense since they’re the main damage dealers. However, they also tend to have less defense and HP.
Meanwhile, Tech Sync Pairs aren’t notable in terms of stats, but they do have several moves and skills that can turn the tide of battle. And lastly, Support Sync Pairs usually have more HP compared to Strike Sync Pairs. However, they have low attack stats and usually don’t have offensive moves, with most of the move slots being healing moves.
As per usual on a Pokémon game, all of the Sync Pairs grow more powerful as they level up, getting more stats along the way. The game still follows after the same stats that the Pokémon games have, these are HP, Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed. All of these stats are pretty obvious when looked at and don’t need to be explained. To increase the levels of Sync Pairs, players can either win battles or use level-up manuals. Usually, the manuals are faster, but you’d want to save them as they tend to run out quickly.
Other Ways to Get More Powerful Sync Pairs
Of course, since this is a PvP game, there are always ways to gain more power ala Vergil. There are five other methods to gaining even more power on Pokémon Masters EX. The first on the list is increasing a Sync Pair’s level cap, which is pretty obvious. The other is increasing their “Potential,” which is represented by stars. Next, players can strengthen the moves that a Sync Pair knows by increasing the move’s move level — learning a lucky skill — which is a whole new can of worms. And lastly, activating Sync Grid tiles.
For now, though, we’re just going to talk about the best Sync Pairs to use. Without further ado, here is our Pokemon Masters tier list.
S-Tier Syncs
S-Tier Syncs are the ones that can turn the tide of battle. If possible, players should try to get S-Tier Syncs if they want to be competitive. Here are the Sync Pairs on top of our Pokemon Masters tier list:
1. Skyla/Swanna
A lot of people consider the Skyla-Swanna Sync team to be one of, if not the definitive support Sync Pair. There’s almost no contest if you want defensive buffs. However, as you can probably tell, this Sync Pair has no offensive or healing abilities, which hampers it a bit. Despite that, they’re a must-have if you’re going for longer battles. Paired with Master Healer, well, your team would be nigh immortal.
If you want to get ahead of the curve, this inclusion in our Pokemon Masters tier list is a must-get.
2. Sygna Suit Red/Mega Charizard X
Next on the list is for the Strikers, with Sygna Suit Red and Mega Charizard X. This is pretty much the pinnacle in terms of Special Attack Strikers, as Metagross takes the cake on the physical aspect. To be fair, Metagross is a Steel-type Pokemon, so it makes sense. (We’ll talk about Metagross and his Sync partner later). In addition to the frankly ridiculous stats, the pair has what’s possibly the quickest pathway to obtaining Mega Evolution. When this pair is on your team, expect to turn your opponents into charred ashes.
3. Player/Torchic
Next on our Pokemon Masters tier list is the Player Character and Torchic, which is a surprising addition. This duo is considered to be incredibly popular due to the sheer variety of ways they can increase their power. Combined with a great team comp, this duo would crush teams.
4. Steven/Mega Metagross
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with putting in as much physical power as possible. And nothing is more powerful than Mega Metagross and Steven. Well, unless we’re talking about a few of the Legendary Pokemon, but who’s counting? Anyhow, they’re pretty much a great pair due to having the highest attack stat in the game, ever. Combined with good healing and MP refresh, and you have an attacker that can sustain a dangerous opponent.
5. Sygna Suit Elesa/Rotom
Elesa is considered to be one of the more beautiful characters in the Pokemon series. But that doesn’t mean that she can’t do some serious ass-kicking. Sygna Suit Elesa is one of the best supports when synced with Rotom, and they’re almost necessary when pairing with special attackers. This means Sygna Suit Red and Mega Charizard X would benefit the most from this pair. Combined with the survivability additions from evasion bonuses and sync move cooldown reductions — well, you’ve got some top-tier stuff.
6. Serena/Delphox
Next up is Serena and Delphox, the go-to for high damage while still spreading status effects like candy. This pair can and will turn the enemy into weaklings as they torch them into the ground. Make sure that Go Viral is added into their repertoire as it’s one of the best utilities that you can give to them.
7. Cynthia/Mega Garchomp
Next is one of the most popular characters in the whole Pokemon series, in no small part due to how sexy she is — Cynthia and her absolute unit of a Garchomp. Usually, this Sync Pair would be on the A-Tier due to some inconsistencies with their potential. However, when grouped with the Acerola/Palossand Sync Pair, the Sync Pair’s true potential is unleashed.
What if this tandem is combined with some pretty disgusting damage when on Sandy Terrain and Garchomp’s frankly ludicrous attack stat and the Earthquake move? Well, you’re going to watch as Garchomp becomes an AoE killing machine and turns the enemy team into a faint mess.
8. Sygna Suit Leaf/Mega Venusaur
The last among the best Sync Pairs in the S tier is Sygna Suit Leaf and Mega Venusaur, which is widely considered to be one of the better supports. The potential with this Sync Pair is amazing as Mega Venusaur can both tank, heal, and debuff effectively. A perennial choice, no matter the team comp, this Sync Pair can fit on almost any team and has a lot of potentials.
A-Tier Syncs
Next, we have the A-Tier Syncs, the Syncs with considerable power, but not enough to put them on S-Tier. These are the ones you get when you want to pad out your team, and in general, they’re pretty good. Find out what makes out this section of our Pokemon Masters Tier List.
1. Steven/Alolan Sandslash
Leading the A-tier entries on this Pokemon Masters tier list are Steven and his Alolan Sandslash. This is a weird pair indeed as they use the game’s weather system constantly. But for good reason, as Alolan Sandslash can get buffed to a ridiculous degree when doing so. When combined with Hail and Invigorating Hail, you can just watch as they turn enemies into sashimi. Do note though that they’re not Burst Damage dealers; they’re consistent damage dealers instead. Thus, don’t be surprised if it takes longer for enemies to faint.
2. Sabrina/Alakazam
Next up is Sabrina and her Alakazam, a hybrid of offensive support as they’re one of the best Sync Pairs for boosting critical hit rates and special attacks. Combined with Reflect and healing capabilities, you have a pretty considerable addition to a team comp. There’s also the fact that Alakazams in general are incredibly cool.
3. Olivia/Midnight Form Lycanroc
Lycanroc is one of the better-balanced Pokémon that was created by the original developers. However, it’s also among the ones that can be easily abused because its attacks are so strong. The only problem is that these attacks have low accuracy, which is solved with Olivia at the helm. What if combined with supports that buff critical hit rate? Yes, those Pokemon will faint before you know it. It also helps that there’s a speed boost every time they get a critical hit, so the longer the fight goes for them, the better.
4. Brendan/Sceptile
Next up is Brendan and his Sceptile, which is one of the more self-sufficient Sync Pairs on this list. This makes them incredibly good at dealing with damage as their setup abilities allow them to deal with massive amounts of pain in a few turns. Of course, this makes burst team comps incredibly good with this Sync Pair, but when fights drag on—that’s when the problem starts. This is the only reason why even if they’re so powerful, that they’re not on S-Tier.
5. Rosa/Delibird
Next up is a Support Sync Pair — Rosa and her Delibird — a great physical support duo. This pair buffs Attack, Speed, and other stats depending on the situation. Combined with Delibird’s high HP, you can expect this pair to go the distance on longer fights.
6. Giovanni/Mewtwo
Mewtwo’s always been one of the more powerful Pokémon in the mainline games. On Pokemon Masters EX, that’s still true. Mewtwo boasts a Special Attack stat so high it’s a bit embarrassing to talk about in good company. In addition to Giovanni being an absolute unit of a trainer, however, the pair can chew through entire teams alone with high damage bursts without buffing. Unfortunately, they suffer the Brandon/Sceptile issue of running out of steam, so they’re relegated to the A-List as well.
7. Lyra/Meganium
The Lyra/Meganium Sync Pair is also one of the best Sync Pairs that make use of the game’s weather system. With several stat-boosting skills for the entire party and Meganium being an overall unit of a Pokemon, this Sync Pair deserves its place on this list. It also helps that the Pokemon has decent stats and some healing skills.
8. Karen/Mega Houndoom
Next up is Karen and Mega Houndoom, another great pick due to their high damage potential. In addition to this, their high critical hit rate makes their abilities incredibly likely to flinch enemies, skipping their turns. This makes them an incredibly daunting opponent to face, and with enough buffs from other Sync Pairs? Winning rounds will be a breeze.
9. Will/Xatu
Will and Xatu’s placement on the A-Tier is based on how good they are as a unit and their passive ability. Specifically, we’re talking about Xatu’s passive ability, which makes the Pokemon impossible to debuff. This alone is the main reason why this Sync Pair is on the A-Tier. Combine this with some heavy-duty buffs though, and you can see Xatus straight-up destroying teams and laughing at their debuff attempts.
10. Blue/Mega Pidgeot
Next on the list is our favorite rival Blue and his Mega Pidgeot. This pair has a Special Attack ceiling so high it’s comparable to Charizard. In addition to this, they have a lot of ways to buff themselves to shred enemies and an attack stat to pierce the heavens. Its damage output on the early parts of a match is, unfortunately, a bit lackluster, which puts them in the A-Tier.
11. Acerola/Palossand
Let’s talk about Cynthia and Garchomp’s greatest wingmen, Acerola and Palossand. This Sync Pair is straight-up one of the best utility Sync Pairs in the game. When combined with Cynthia and Garchomp, this combo is pretty nuts. In addition to this, they also use the game’s weather system for effects, buff their attack and critical hit rate, and heal.
12. Sygna Suit Cynthia/Kommo-O
This Sync Pair is similar to the OG Cynthia/Garchomp one in terms of how it’s built. Kommo-O’s abilities ensure that the Sync Pair is an incredibly hard-hitting late-game offensive choice. It might take some time to get there, and really good support like the Acerola/Palossand Sync Pair, but it’ll be all worth it.
13. Flannery/Torkoal
The Flannery/Torkoal Sync Pair has incredible defense and HP. This makes them good for tanking hits and hitting back. In addition to this, they’re also buffing the party, giving bonuses so that they can hit harder and endure more damage.
14. Agatha/Mega Gengar
Remember the Palossand and Garchomp combo? This is that, but with Houndoom. Just straight-up Special Attack buffing for days on end. In addition to this, there’s a lot of ways for Mega Gengar to debuff enemies while still having a decent attack. This makes them an incredibly dangerous opponent alone, but with someone to buff? Well, that’s just unfortunate for their opponent.
B-Tier Syncs
Lastly, let’s talk about the bottom entries in our Pokemon Masters Tier List.
1. Sygna Suit Blue/Mega Blastoise
If you’re looking for a tank that won’t ever fail, then try out Sygna Suit Blue and Mega Blastoise. This duo is the Sync Pair with the biggest bulk, which means high HP and Defense stats. Offensive-wise, they’re not that much, but in terms of their intended role—expect them to shine. They’re the very definition of Master of One, but because of that, they’re only on B-Tier.
2. Misty/Starmie
Another good support option, Misty and Starmie is one of the more versatile supports in the game due to their buffing power and heals. Usually, they’re put on an off-tank or backup tank as well as a support healer. However, they’re not that strong offensively and tend to be targeted.
3. Phoebe/Dusknoir
Back in the good old days, the Phoebe and Dusknoir pair used to rule the support duos. They’re great at support, have good critical chances, are pretty tanky, and know a refresh skill. Unfortunately, though, better Sync Pairs keep coming and rendered this pair almost obsolete. Still, they’re pretty great for a tank/utility Sync Pair.
4. Wally/Mega Gallade
Usually, Mega Gallade isn’t considered to be one of the better physical strikers in the game. However, it’s also one of the very few offensive-type Pokemon that can debuff enemies. This is pretty rare but that isn’t enough to get it to S, or even A-Tier. Still, if you have Mega Gallade with Wally, they’re a pretty good choice to start on.
5. Drake/Salamence
Next is Drake and Salamence whose claim to fame is high HP, great defensive buffs, and good tank skills. These guys are great for long fighting and would be an asset to pad out any team. They do, however, lack any kind of offensive capability, which is par for the course.
Games Like Pokemon Masters EX
Now that we’ve talked about Pokémon Masters and our tier list, we’ll share with you a roundup of other games like it. The titles listed here have some of the aspects you’ve enjoyed in Pokémon Masters — gacha, RPG, and other elements. You’ll find this bonus content useful when you need to play something in between your Pokémon Masters grinds or if you’ll finish the said game fast through our guide.
Fate/Grand Order
The Fate Series has always been one of the bigger anime staples out there. And now, with Fate/Grand Order, they’ve managed to claw their way back into the mainstream.
In the game, you play as a master of Chaldea, one of the last remaining ones. You’re the only one left after a disastrous day when the whole organization was sabotaged, leading to the end of the world. And yes, your job is to stop the world from ending. How? By correcting seven Singularities, points in time where history got rewritten. Removing these Singularities would give you a Holy Grail, getting you one step closer to your goals.
Anyhow, that part of the story is something that players will find out when they play. No spoilers after all. Still, this game is one of the biggest overarching plots in the whole of gacha games. It also helps that the game boasts so many characters for players to use. Those characters are based on various mythical and historical individuals from all around the world. King Arthur? Yes, as both woman, man, and a bunny girl. Siegfried? Also here, not gender-bent, but every bit of a dragonslayer. Thomas Edison? He’s present too, as a lion-man that took power from every single US President to ever touch the office. Yes, that’s a thing.
Still, the game’s pretty fun. If you’re looking for a good story, try it. Also, read our beginner’s guide to Fate/Grand Order if you want to get familiarized with the game fast.
Availability
- Android
- iOS
Azur Lane
Next up on this list is Azur Lane. The game has a lot of beautiful women and only beautiful women. You play as an Admiral, leading a fleet of ship girls against the Siren Threat. The Sirens appeared not long ago and threatened humanity as a whole. In response, the nations of the world formed Azur Lane, an organization dedicated to stopping the Siren menace.
To do that, they need a way to even fight them. They took the Wisdom Cubes, one of the biggest treasures of the Sirens, and formed the ship girls. Your job is to use those ship girls to take on the Siren Threat. However, the bad guys have their plans, which you’ll need to uncover.
Overall, Azur Lane’s gameplay is pretty good. You control a Vanguard Fleet composed of Cruisers and Destroyers directly. Meanwhile, a Main Fleet composed of Carriers and Battleships is behind, providing support. The Vanguard Fleet can fire torpedoes as their skill, while the Main Fleet can send planes or battleship gun salvoes. Each ship has skills that can turn the tide of battle and you need to equip good weapons and utilities to any ship you use to win.
In terms of content, there are plenty of ship girls in the game, some of them from gacha-style events that come back every once in a while. The game’s main story is also a blast, though some would say is incredibly hard to do if you’re not at a high enough level. Still, the game has a lot of players and is incredibly good, especially if you want to see some saucy ship girl jpegs.
Interested in the game? Sink some enemy warships now by adding to your fleet the best ship girl recommendations from our Azur Lane tier list.
Availability
- Android
- iOS
- PC via Emulators
Genshin Impact
Next is Genshin Impact, which is widely considered to be one of the best open-world games on both mobile and PC today. The game lets you take the shoes of the Traveler, an individual who can traverse through worlds with their twin who got stranded in Teyvat. In Teyvat, some individuals wield Visions that grant access to one of seven elements. These elements are Anemo (Wind), Geo (Earth), Electro (Electricity), Dendro (Grass), Hydro (Water), Pyro (Fire), and Cryo (Ice). These elements are governed by one of the seven Archons, who each rule a nation. These nations are Mondstadt (Anemo), Liyue (Geo), Inazuma (Electro), Sumeru (Dendro), Fontaine (Hydro), Natlan (Pyro), and Snezhnaya (Cryo).
You, as the Traveler, must go around the world of Teyvat to find your sibling. Along the way, you’ll encounter characters and other Vision Holders that can help you in doing so. You can also recruit other notable Vision Holders. For example, Genshin Impact’s Ayaka, one of the most popular characters you can play. Of course, you’ll need to fight monsters, a shadowy organization known as the Abyss Order, and the Fatui, the military organization of Snezhnaya who has a nefarious goal.
The game is like Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, in terms of gameplay and exploration. This makes sense as developer miHoYo stated that the game was an inspiration to them. In addition, players can take up to four characters with them, each with their abilities. These abilities can help in exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat in the world. As for the game’s aspect that is similar to Pokémon Masters Sync Pairs, it is the need to plan your team compositions for an easier playthrough.
Availability
- PC
- PS4
- PS5
- Mobile
Punishing Gray Raven
Last but not least is Punishing Gray Raven, one of the more combat-oriented games on this list. The game is incredibly similar to Honkai Impact 3rd, which we didn’t include since we have Genshin Impact, miHoYo’s newest game. Still, the game has its own unique story and world at play.
The game is set years in the future when Humanity is about to explore the stars. Scientists are trying to find a better way to power their exploration to the stars, but things didn’t go the way they intended. Now, the world is on the verge of collapse, an interstellar ship is instead used to house the last remnants of Humanity, and Earth is infested with machines infected with the Punishing Virus — a virus that corrupts a machine and will make it try to kill any human it can find.
You’re the commander of Gray Raven, one of the best squads that can take on those that are infected by the Virus. Your job is simple, to try and find a way to retake Earth. You’re the vanguard, the tip of the spear; and you have a lot of work to do to reclaim the planet.
All in all, Punishing Gray Raven is like Honkai Impact 3rd with gacha elements quite similar to those of Pokémon Masters thrown in. But the game has its unique twist to it, thanks to the fact that players need to tap orbs to use their abilities. This, along with some really good characters, makes for a lot of combos when playing. In addition, there’s a lot of ways to combo in the game which is pretty great.
Availability
- Android
- iOS
- PC via Emulator
Play Pokemon Masters EX Today
Now that you’ve read through our Pokemon Masters tier list for the best Sync Pairs, why not try the game today? Dominate the competition with our S-Tier picks or experiment with those in the A and B-tiers. The possibilities are endless and what’s important is that you’ll have a lot of fun! Thank you for reading our Pokemon Masters tier list. For more gaming tips and tricks, check out other Cellular News articles today!
