Async pair (Japanese:バディーズBuddies) is a pair consisting of onePokémon Trainer and onePokémon inPokémon Masters EX. Each sync pair has one of six roles:

• Strike sync pairs, which are focused on attacking.
• Tech sync pairs, which are focused on disrupting the opponents, such as lowering their stats and inflicting status conditions.
• Support sync pairs, which are focused on defending, healingHP, and increasing stats of the whole team.
• Sprint sync pairs, which are focused on attacking fast and reducing thesync move countdown.
• Field sync pairs, which are focused on setting up field effects.
• Multi sync pairs, which are focused on lowering and raising type rebuff. This role is exclusive toarc suit sync pairs.

A list of all sync pairs can be foundhere.

Mechanics

Moves

Main article:List of moves in Pokémon Masters EX

Sync pairs can know four moves at a given time, though the available moves can change based on certain conditions, such as after activatingMega Evolution or using async move.

Sync pairs have access to two broad categories of moves:

• Pokémonmoves: These require a specific amount of move gauge slots to be used. Status effects that would activate after an action is taken, such as damage fromPoison, will activate after using a Pokémon move. Pokémon moves that deal damage are classified as attacks.
  • Buddy moves: Powerful Pokémon moves that can only be used when certain move-specific activation conditions are met. These moves also have deactivation conditions that will make the move unavailable for use if met. Some sync pairs have buddy moves with a limited number of uses.
• Trainer moves: These are unique to Pokémon Masters EX, and act similarly toitems in thecore series. They do not usually require the use of move gauge slots, but can only be used a set number of times in a battle. Trainer moves can be used even if the pair's Pokémon is unable to act due to status effects. Effects that would activate after a Pokémon takes an action will not activate in response to a Trainer move.

Sync pairs can take other actions during battle that contain "move" in their names. However, these are not considered moves, instead being classified as attacks.

• Max moves: Powerful moves exclusive toDynamax sync pairs. These do not expend move gauge slots and can be used at any time, but only once per battle. If a sync pair has multiple max moves, only one can be used per battle.
• Sync moves: Powerful moves that can be used once a certain amount of moves have been used in battle. Each sync pair knows one sync move, though the sync move can change if the pair's Pokémon reaches its final evolutionary stage. Some sync moves will activateMega Evolution.

Moves, sync moves, and max moves can also have one or moreeffect tags that correspond to their effects or properties.

• Absorbs: A move that restores the user's HP based on the amount of damage dealt to the target or targets.
• Berry: A Trainer move that is aBerry.
• Bouncing: An attack that causes the user to begin bouncing, making the user semi-invulnerable for a few seconds.
• Flying: An attack that causes the user to begin flying, making the user semi-invulnerable for a few seconds.
• Heals: A move that restores a defined percentage of HP.
• Multistrike: An attack that hits the target multiple times.
• OK While Frozen: An attack that can be used even while the user's Pokémon isfrozen. Upon using this attack, the frozen condition is removed from the user.
• One-Hit KO: An attack that causes the target to faint instantly on a hit.
• Phantom Presence: An attack that causes the user to take on a phantom presence, making the user semi-invulnerable for a few seconds.
• Quick Move: An attack that does not consume any move gauge slots to use.
• Recoil: A move that causes damage to the user.
• Shadow Presence: An attack that causes the user to take on a shadow presence, making the user semi-invulnerable for a few seconds.
• Sure Hit: An attack that bypasses accuracy checks to always hit.

Thepower of Pokémon moves can be increased by obtaining duplicates of the same sync pair, through events or scouting. Moves initially start at level 1, and each duplicate increases the power of the sync pair's moves by one level, up to level 5. At level 5, the power of the moves is increased by 20% relative to level 1.

If a sync pair duplicate is obtained after they have already reached move level 5, then a power-up item corresponding to their initial star rarity is received instead. In the case ofLegendary Adventures sync pairs, despite starting at 5★ rarity, the power-up item received will be 3★.

Skills

See also:Skill (Masters),Lucky skill

Sync pairs also havepassive skills, which are similar toAbilities in the core series. Most sync pairs have anywhere from one to three passive skills by default. Certain transformations, such asMega Evolution, can change a pair's passive skills, but these changed skills cannot exceed the limit of three. Master andarc suit sync pairs have additional passive skills beyond the limit of three—one extra for master sync pairs and two extra for arc suit sync pairs.

One additional "lucky skill" slot can be unlocked by using lucky scrolls. Skills for this slot can then be learned at random by using lucky cookies.

Additional skills not subject to the above limits can be unlocked on a sync pair'ssync grid. Some of the skills unlocked in this way will only activate when specific moves are used.

Level

Sync pairs gainexperience andlevel up by winningbattles or by usingLevel-Up Manuals. Leveling up increases a sync pair'sstats, with them being identical in their role to the stats of thecore series games except forSpeed, which instead affects the rate at which the move gauge fills.

Sync pairs have level caps, initially starting with a level cap of 100. The player can use items to increase the level cap to 110, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, and then one level at a time up to 150.

Each level beyond level 140 requires 1 Certificate of Excellence to unlock, meaning a total of 10 certificates are needed for a pair to reach level 150.

Pokémon hatched from Eggs do not have level caps, and are thus immediately eligible for level 150.

Raise in level cap	Items required
	Great Drinks	Ultra Drinks	Drink +'s	Great Drink +'s	Ultra Drink +'s	Drink ++'s	Great Drink ++'s	Gym Leader Notes	Elite Four Notes	Type-specific Tome, Vol. 1	Type-specific Codex, Vol. 1
100 → 110	225	113	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	3	N/A	N/A	N/A
110 → 120	N/A	375	200	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	7	2	N/A	N/A
120 → 125	N/A	N/A	300	150	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	5	50	N/A
125 → 130	N/A	N/A	N/A	400	200	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	150	N/A
130 → 135	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	400	200	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	50
135 → 140	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	400	200	N/A	N/A	N/A	150

Multi sync pairs, since they do not have their own drinks, use the drinks corresponding to theirEX role rather than their main role. In addition, they require fewer items overall to reach the level cap of 140.

Raise in level cap	Items required
	Great Drinks	Ultra Drinks	Drink +'s	Gym Leader Notes	Elite Four Notes	Type-specific Tome, Vol. 1	Type-specific Codex, Vol. 1
100 → 110	225	113	N/A	3	N/A	N/A	N/A
110 → 120	N/A	375	200	7	2	N/A	N/A
120 → 125	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	100	N/A
125 → 130	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	200	N/A
130 → 135	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	100
135 → 140	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	200

Evolution

Reaching certain levels can allow the Pokémon toevolve; for example, at level 30,Barry'sPiplup can evolve intoPrinplup, and at level 45, it can evolve intoEmpoleon.

Once a pair's Pokémon reaches its final evolutionary stage, the pair's sync move will change. For example, Barry's Empoleon will learn thesync move Late Fee Bubble Beam once it evolves from Prinplup.

Some Pokémon will also change other moves upon Evolution; for example,Elio'sPopplio will change itsWater Gun intoSparkling Aria upon evolving intoPrimarina.

To initiate an Evolution, the pair must have reached the required level, and a sync pair story about the Evolution must be completed. These stories cost Evolution shards or Evolution crystals, and each includes a one-on-one battle as well as story scenes.

Pokémon hatched from Eggs do not have sync pair stories, so they are instead evolved from the Affinity menu by using Evolution shards and crystals. The item cost for evolving Egg Pokémon is lower than the cost for standard sync pairs.

Evolution	Items required		Level required
	Standard	Egg
First stage	Evolution Shard ×5	Evolution Shard ×1	Level 30
Second stage	Evolution Crystal ×3	Evolution Crystal ×1	Level 45

Increasing potential

The player can also increase the stats of a sync pair by usingpower-ups. Each power-up increases a sync pair's potential by one, up to a maximum of 20.

If the sync pair is initially at 5★, then each rise in potential boosts theirHP stat by 5 and their following stats by 2 each:Attack,Defense,Special Attack (or Sp. Atk),Special Defense (or Sp. Def), andSpeed. For all other sync pairs, each rise in potential provides a +2 boost to HP and a +1 boost to each other stat.

The potential of a 1★, 2★, 3★, 4★, or 5★ sync pair can only be raised by using 1★, 2★, 3★, 4★, or 5★ power-ups, respectively. For example, a 3★ power-up can only increase the potential of a 3★ sync pair.

If a 1★-4★ sync pair reaches 20 potential, then their potential instantly resets to zero, and their number of stars automatically increases by one—all while their stats remain the same.

6★ EX

Main article:6★ EX

Certain sync pairs at 5★ and with 20 potential can be given 50Champion Spirits (orLegendary Spirits for Legendary Adventures pairs) to be raised to 6★ EX. This allows the sync pair's Trainer to change their pose and switch to their EX style, which is usually based on their partner Pokémon's regular orShiny colors. In addition, upgrading to 6★ EX enhances the pair'ssync move in one of the following ways depending on their role:

• Strike: Sync move targets all opponents without its damage scaling down, even if multiple targets are present.
• Tech: Sync move's power increases by 50%.
• Support: The user's first sync move of each battle doubles the number of sync buffs granted to their team (from one to two). A sync move buff acts in stages, similar to a stat buff in the core series, with a +50% increase to overall damage per buff. Effectively, except in special circumstances, this boosts that team's damage from 1.5× after the first sync move to 2× instead.
• Sprint : The first time the user's sync move is used each battle, the sync move countdown is reduced by three.
• Field : Implements a specified field effect before the user's sync move is used the first time each battle. Extends the field effect duration only that time.
• Multi : Lowers the type rebuff of the sync pair's type for all opposing sync pairs by one rank the first time the user's sync move is used each battle.

If a 5★ sync pair cannot be raised to 6★ EX, then they can still receive 5★ power-ups to increase their stats, but without access to a costume change or an upgraded sync move.

Certain sync pairs that can be raised to 6★ EX do not have an EX style—this applies to sync pairs who have the same outfit as their original version. This includes pairs obtained fromBattle Point rewards,Trainer Lodge rewards, and sync pairs that are exclusive to variety scouts.

If a sync pair involvingScottie orBettie is raised to 6★ EX, the EX style is added to a list of outfits under Poryphone Menu → Profile → Edit Look → Clothes. If an EX style is applied here, all sync pairs involving Scottie/Bettie will wear the new outfit, even if those pairs are not 6★ EX themselves.

Type and resistance

Even though each pair has a singletype, the resistances and defensive properties of the pair do not depend on it. Each sync pair has only a single weakness to a specific type and the resistances to status alterations, when available, are exclusively gained through passive skills.

Sync grid

Main article:Sync grid

Each sync pair has access to async grid, where sync orbs can be spent to unlock various upgrades:

• Increase base stats (blue tiles)
• Increase the power or accuracy of moves (green tiles)
• Add additional passive skills (yellow tiles)
• Add special passive skills, which only activate upon using specific moves (red tiles)
• Increase the power of the sync move (rainbow tiles)
• Increase the power of a Max move (orange tiles) or G-Max move (purple tiles)

Power boost

Sync pairs obtained throughLegendary Adventures can receive a pair-specific power boost from thevillain event corresponding to their region.

A Power Boost can enable a pair to performMega Evolution, or add six tiles to the pair'ssync grid (but not both). Which is received will vary based on the pair.

• Mega Evolution:
  • Giovanni & Mewtwo
  • Zinnia & Rayquaza
• Additional sync grid tiles:
  • Silver & Ho-Oh
  • Cyrus & Palkia
  • Ghetsis & Kyurem
  • Professor Sycamore & Xerneas
  • Scottie & Solgaleo
  • Bettie & Solgaleo
  • Hop & Zamazenta

EX role

Main article:EX role

Certain sync pairs can use a roll cake to unlock their EX role—a secondary role that differs from the pair's original role. Doing so will give a stat boost depending on the unlocked EX role.

EX role	Stats gained
	HP	Attack	Defense	Sp. Atk	Sp. Def	Speed
Strike	+60	+40	N/A	+40	N/A	N/A
Support	+60	N/A	+40	N/A	+40	N/A
Tech	+60	+20	+20	+20	+20	N/A
Field	+60	N/A	+20	N/A	+20	+40
Sprint	+60	+20	N/A	+20	N/A |	+40

If the pair is also raised to6★ EX, they will gain a second role-based enhancement to their sync move - for example, a Strike sync pair that unlocks a Tech EX role will have their sync move both attack all opponents (due to the Strike role) and deal 50% more damage (due to the Tech role).

However, the EX role available to a given sync pair (if any) is pre-determined for that sync pair—the player cannot freely choose a role to be the pair's EX role.

Defunct mechanics

As the game has been updated over time, certain mechanics have been removed or otherwise function differently. These are included here for historical purposes.

Unlocking moves and skills

Prior to version 1.12.0, each sync pair knew two moves when recruited, and could unlock additional moves, up to a maximum of four moves. Some passive skills would also not be available by default, and would need to be unlocked. Starting from version 1.12.0, sync pairs know all available moves and passive skills by default.

Moves and skills were normally unlocked using cap-unlock drinks and training machines. Sync pairs rewarded fromlegendary events also used custom training machines exclusive to their respective event. The amount of each item needed varied between these sync pairs.

• On Giovanni & Mewtwo's second run, the pair was updated to no longer use Custom Super Training Machines. This item became unobtainable for any players who did not get them during the event's initial run, as it no longer served a purpose.

Legendary sync pair	Unlock	Items required
		Great Drinks //	Ultra Drinks //	Training Machines	Super Training Machines	Custom Training Machines	Custom Super Training Machines
Giovanni & Mewtwo (First run)	Third move	N/A	N/A	30	N/A	100	N/A
	Fourth move	N/A	N/A	70	50	150	50
	Passive skill	150	100	N/A	N/A	200	N/A
Scottie/Bettie & Solgaleo	Third move	N/A	N/A	30	N/A	100	N/A
	Fourth move	N/A	N/A	70	50	120	100
	Passive skill	150	100	N/A	N/A	150	N/A
Zinnia & Rayquaza	Third move	N/A	N/A	30	N/A	100	N/A
	Fourth move	N/A	N/A	70	50	220	N/A
	Passive skill	150	100	N/A	N/A	150	N/A
Giovanni & Mewtwo (Second run)	Third move	N/A	N/A	30	N/A	100	N/A
	Fourth move	N/A	N/A	70	50	200	N/A
	Passive skill	150	100	N/A	N/A	200	N/A
Silver & Ho-Oh	Third move	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	100	N/A
	Fourth move	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	220	N/A
	Passive skill	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	150	N/A

The pair given as a log-in gift, Professor Oak & Mew, used only Custom Training Machines:

Sync pair	Unlock	Items required
		Custom Training Machines
Professor Oak & Mew	Third move	10
	Fourth move	20
	Passive skill	15

Legendary event level caps

Sync pairs rewarded from legendary events used custom items exclusive to their respective event to unlock their level caps. The amount of each item needed also varied between these sync pairs.

• Starting with Zinnia & Rayquaza, and for any legendary event pairs re-run afterwards, Custom Drinks were used instead of Custom Training Machines to increase level cap.
• Starting in version 2.2.0, all legendary event pairs use normal level cap materials. Custom materials can no longer be used, though they can be exchanged for normal materials.

Legendary sync pair	Raise in level cap	Items required
		Drinks //	Great Drinks //	Ultra Drinks //	Drink+'s //	Custom Training Machines/ Custom Drinks	Custom Super Training Machines/ Custom Super Drinks	Gym Leader Notes	Elite Four Notes
Giovanni & Mewtwo	45 → 60	25	N/A	N/A	N/A	100	N/A	N/A	N/A
	60 → 75	75	25	N/A	N/A	150	N/A	N/A	N/A
	75 → 90	N/A	75	50	N/A	250	100	N/A	N/A
	90 → 105	N/A	N/A	250	N/A	350	150	3	N/A
	105 → 120	N/A	N/A	N/A	250	500	300	N/A	5
Scottie/Bettie & Solgaleo, Zinnia & Rayquaza	45 → 60	25	N/A	N/A	N/A	100	N/A	N/A	N/A
	60 → 75	75	25	N/A	N/A	120	N/A	N/A	N/A
	75 → 90	N/A	75	50	N/A	150	150	N/A	N/A
	90 → 105	N/A	N/A	250	N/A	170	170	3	N/A
	105 → 120	N/A	N/A	N/A	250	200	200	N/A	5
Silver & Ho-Oh	45 → 60	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	100	N/A	N/A	N/A
	60 → 75	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	120	N/A	N/A	N/A
	75 → 90	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	150	150	N/A	N/A
	90 → 105	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	170	170	N/A	N/A
	105 → 120	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	200	200	N/A	N/A
Cyrus & Palkia	100 → 110	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	100	100	N/A	N/A
	110 → 120	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	200	200	N/A	N/A

The pair given as a log-in gift, Professor Oak & Mew, used unique unlock costs that consist entirely of Custom items:

List of sync pairs

Main article:List of sync pairs

Methods of obtaining sync pairs

PML Arc

Main article:PML Arc

Several sync pairs are automatically recruited after completing certain missions over the course of the PML Arc.

Sync pair scout

Main article:Sync pair scout

The sync pair scout allows players to spendGems to obtain random sync pairs from various showcases.

Ticket scout

Main article:Ticket scout

A ticket scout allows players to scout for sync pairs using various types of ticket items.

Legendary event

Main article:Legendary event

Various Trainers which form 5★ sync pairs withLegendary Pokémon can be obtained for completing the story of their respective legendary events.

Special sync pair event

Main article:Special sync pair event

Special sync pair events offer a sync pair for the player to obtain, and Event Vouchers gathered from battles can be exchanged for upgrades for the featured sync pair.

Eggs

Main article:Egg Pokémon (Masters)

Eggs obtained from completing certain battles can be hatched inProfessor Bellis's laboratory and form sync pairs withScottie/Bettie.

Battle Points

Main article:Battle Point (Masters)

BP Sync Pair Vouchers and BP Sync Pair Super Vouchers obtained as Battle Point Tier Rewards can be exchanged for various sync pairs.

Trainer Lodge

Main article:Trainer Lodge

Raising a guest to Friendship Level 100 will unlock a new sync pair for that Trainer, which can be obtained using Lodge Stones.

In other languages

This article is part ofProject Sidegames, aBulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon Sidegames.

• Pokémon Masters EX