The 3DPokemongames have differentiated themselves through major battle gimmicks. Whereas titles likeRubyandSapphireintroduced core mechanics like Abilities and Natures that affected every monster and evolved over time, the advent ofMega Evolution inPokemon XandYrepresented the first of many limited-use battle gimmicks that would typically be exclusive to one region. DeNA’s mobile gacha gamePokemon Masters EXis a celebration of the franchise’s characters, and as a result it has also evolved over the years to showcase the gimmicks that make certain trainers' teams so unique - but it has yet to tackle Terastallization.
Having released in August 2019,Pokemon Masterslived through the introduction of two new Generations: Gen 8 withPokemon SwordandShieldin November 2019, and Gen 9 withPokemon ScarletandVioletin November 2022. Thus, long-time players have seen DeNA implement Galar’s Dynamax phenomenon as its own unique mechanic inherent to a select few Sync Pairs (the game’s typical “unit” consisting of one trainer and their Pokemon partner). It may be some time beforeScarletandVioletcharacters appear, but when they doPokemon Mastersneeds a new way to represent Paldea’s Terastal phenomenon.
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How Pokemon Masters Represents Megas, Z-Moves, and Dynamaxing
Pokemon Masters EXdeparts from the series' turn-based RPG formula in favor of real-time 3v3 battles, simplifying details like type weaknesses and move pools to fit its mobile format. Each Sync Pair can have a Strike, Tech, or Support-based kit that usually lends itself to one strategy, be it an all-outFire-type attacker like Red and Charizardor a Rain-setting unit that lowers opponent accuracy like May and Swampert. Ultimately, the goal of each battle is to use enough moves that the countdown for a powerful “Sync Move” drops to zero.
Each Sync Move inPokemon Masters EXis unique to that Sync Pair, and at launch this was how DeNA represented Mega Evolution andZ-Moves - the two battle gimmicks available in Generation 7. For example, if Johto Elite Four member Karen uses her Sync Move with Houndoom, it Mega Evolves and gains boosted stats for the rest of the battle (some Mega Pokemon also gain new moves). Z-Moves are more toned down, affecting the Sync Move visual presentation for Alolan characters like Olivia and Lycanroc more often than they alter gameplay.
DeNA did not introduce a Galar trainer until Gloria and Zacian enteredPokemon Mastersin November 2020. The first Dynamax Pokemon wouldn’t come until even later with Leon and Eternatus in August 2021, using a new Max Move mechanic that let players choose one powerful attack for each applicable monster per-match. These Max Moves often have similar effects as their mainline counterparts, such as Max Knuckle raising every ally’s Attack stat, and they’re not limited to Galar trainers. One of the most notable Dynamax Pokemon is Giovanni’s Nidoking, which he gained as part ofPokemon Masters' ongoing Villain Arc storyline.
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What Can be Done for Terastal in Pokemon Masters EX
The fact that Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon have their own unique Max Moves mean it was smart for DeNA to add separate options rather than restricting Dynamaxing to a single Sync Move animation. However, Terastallization is a simple gimmick at its core, allowing any Pokemon to potentially transform into any singular typing and gain (or boost their current) Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB). Since every Pokemon has one Tera Type, it would make sense forPokemon Masters EXto utilize Sync Move Terastallization akin to Mega Evolution.
However, the build diversity for Terastal Pokemon is where this mobile game can get the most mileage. Many Pokemon could Terastallize into their own type, translating into something like aTera Grass Meowscaradawhose future Grass-type attacks and Sync Moves deal additional STAB damage. Others could Terastallize into new types, mimicking the “Sync Morph” passive skill for Spring May’s Mega Lopunny. The Tera Blast attack leaves DeNA open to give any Pokemon a unique shift, and changing Tera types could also interact with mechanics likeMasters' Buddy Moves as an activation condition.
Pokemon Masters EXis available now on Android and iOS devices.
