Pokémon Masters EX Tier List (November 2025) Best Sync Pairs
The definitive Pokémon Masters EX tier list for November 2025 ranks over 200 sync pairs across all game modes, with S+ tier units like Ash & Pikachu, Steven & Deoxys, and Sygna Suit Red & Pikachu dominating the current meta. Based on extensive analysis of Champion Stadium, Legendary Arena, and Extreme Battle performance, this comprehensive guide reveals which sync pairs deliver maximum value for your investment.
Quick Overview: Key Tier List Information
| Tier | Description | Count | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| S+ | Game-defining units | 12 | Excel in all content, self-sufficient, incredible stats |
| S | Excellent choices | 18 | Strong performance with minor limitations |
| A | Solid performers | 25 | Reliable but may require specific team support |
| B | Viable options | 30 | Serviceable but outclassed by higher tiers |
| C | Niche use | 40 | Limited effectiveness in current meta |
| D/F | Avoid investing | 85+ | Severely outdated or underpowered |
This tier list synthesizes data from Pocket Gamer’s October 2025 update, Serebii.net’s statistical analysis, and community meta discussions to provide the most accurate rankings available. Whether you’re building teams for Champion Stadium, tackling Legendary Arena, or optimizing for Extreme Battles, this guide will help you make informed decisions about resource allocation.
Contents
Ranking Methodology
Our tier list evaluation process considers multiple critical factors to ensure accurate and actionable rankings:
Core Ranking Criteria
1. Versatility Across Game Modes
- Performance in Champion Stadium (all types)
- Legendary Arena effectiveness
- Battle Villa efficiency
- Extreme Battle viability
- General story content clearing capability
2. Self-Sufficiency
- Ability to perform without specific team support
- Independence from external buffs/debuffs
- Solo carrying potential in challenging content
3. Statistical Superiority
- Base stats (HP, Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, Speed)
- EX potential and grid investment returns
- Move power and scaling potential
- Passive ability impact
4. Meta Relevance
- Current game update compatibility (Version 2.61.1)
- Recent balance patch considerations
- New sync pair power creep analysis
- Community tournament performance data
5. Investment Efficiency
- Resource-to-performance ratio
- Long-term viability projections
- Power ceiling accessibility
- Grid expansion priority assessment
Data Sources & Verification
This tier list incorporates data from:
- Pocket Gamer (October 17, 2025 update) – Comprehensive categorical analysis
- Serebii.net – Raw statistical rankings and total stat calculations
- Official Pokémon Masters EX announcements – Latest balance changes and new releases
- Community meta analysis – High-level play observations and tournament results
- Personal testing – Extensive gameplay across all content types
Complete Tier List Rankings
Damage Dealer Sync Pairs
Damage dealers form the backbone of any successful Pokémon Masters EX team, responsible for eliminating threats quickly and efficiently. These rankings focus primarily on offensive capabilities, move scaling, and type coverage.
S+ Tier Damage Dealers
These elite damage dealers represent the absolute best in Pokémon Masters EX, capable of carrying teams through the most challenging content with minimal support.
| Sync Pair | Key Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ash & Pikachu | Hyper-scaling B Thunderbolt, incredible versatility | All content, especially long battles |
| Steven & Deoxys (Attack Forme) | Downside Up ability, stat manipulation | Countering stat-reducing enemies |
| Lucas & Dialga | Dragon Zone buff, type coverage | Dragon teams, general offense |
| Sygna Suit Serena & Zygarde (Complete Forme) | Bulk, powerful attacks | Tanky damage dealing |
| Lusamine & Necrozma (Ultra Forme) | High damage output, Psychic coverage | Breaking through tough opponents |
| Hilda & Victini | Victory Star ability, Fire/Psychic coverage | Mixed teams, status immunity |
| Marnie & Moltres | Dark/Fire coverage, disruptive abilities | Disrupting enemy strategies |
| Lysandre & Volcanion | Fire/Water coverage, steamrolling potential | Type-advantage situations |
Ash & Pikachu Analysis: Arguably the best damage dealer in the game, their B Thunderbolt move scales infinitely with repeated use, making them increasingly devastating in longer battles. What makes them truly special is their versatility – they can fit into almost any team composition and perform exceptionally well across all game modes.
Steven & Deoxys (Attack Forme) Analysis: Brings unique utility with their Downside Up ability, which turns enemy stat reductions into stat increases. This makes them incredibly valuable against bosses that rely on debuffing strategies, effectively turning a weakness into a strength.
S Tier Damage Dealers
These damage dealers are just a step below S+ tier but still offer exceptional performance that can carry teams through most content.
| Sync Pair | Key Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Red & Charizard (Sygna Suit) | Mega Evolution, Fire/Flying coverage | General offense, type advantage |
| Lear & Hoopa | Dark/Psychic coverage, trick room potential | Disrupting enemy strategies |
| Blue & Aerodactyl | Flying/Rock coverage, speed control | Fast-paced battles |
| Giovanni & Nidoking (Sygna Suit) | Poison/Ground coverage, tankiness | Sustained damage dealing |
| Korrina & Marshadow (Sygna Suit) | Fighting/Ghost coverage, critical hits | Breaking through defenses |
| Ethan & Lugia (Sygna Suit) | Psychic/Flying coverage, bulk | Tanky damage dealing |
| Raihan & Duraludon | Dragon/Steel coverage, weather effects | Weather-based teams |
| Sonia & Tsareena | Grass coverage, status disruption | Status-focused teams |
| Cynthia & Garchomp (Mega) | Dragon/Ground coverage, raw power | Type-advantage situations |
| Leon & Charizard | Fire/Dragon coverage, momentum building | Offensive teams |
Red & Charizard (Sygna Suit) Analysis: Remains a top-tier choice even with power creep. Their Mega Evolution capability provides a significant damage boost, and their Fire/Flying typing offers excellent coverage against many common threats. They’re particularly effective in battles where type advantages play a crucial role.
A Tier Damage Dealers
These damage dealers are solid choices that can perform well but may have more noticeable limitations compared to higher tiers.
| Sync Pair | Key Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lillie & Lunala | Psychic/Ghost coverage, special attacks | Special-focused teams |
| N & Zekrom | Dragon/Electric coverage, physical attacks | Physical-focused teams |
| Leon & Eternatus | Poison/Dragon coverage, dynamax potential | Dynamax strategies |
| Hilda & Emboar | Fire/Fighting coverage, raw power | Type-advantage situations |
| Cynthia & Garchomp | Dragon/Ground coverage, consistency | General offense |
| Elesa & Zebstrika | Electric coverage, speed control | Fast-paced battles |
| Emmet & Archeops | Rock/Flying coverage, critical hits | Breaking through defenses |
| Alder & Volcarona | Fire/Bug coverage, special setup | Special-focused teams |
| Gloria & Zacian | Fairy/Steel coverage, sword form | Steel-type teams |
| Hugh & Bouffalant | Normal coverage, simple effectiveness | Beginner-friendly teams |
Lillie & Lunala Analysis: Offers excellent special attacking capabilities with their Psychic/Ghost typing. While they may not have the raw power of S-tier damage dealers, their coverage and ability to hit many threats for super-effective damage makes them a valuable addition to many teams.
Hybrid Sync Pairs
Hybrid sync pairs are versatile units that can both deal damage and provide support to their team. They’re often categorized as “Tech” units and excel at controlling the battlefield through buffs, debuffs, and status effects.
S+ Tier Hybrid Sync Pairs
These hybrid units are the cream of the crop, offering incredible versatility that can adapt to almost any situation.
| Sync Pair | Key Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sygna Suit Red (Thunderbolt) & Pikachu | Electric terrain, Volt Tackle synergy | Electric teams, versatile play |
| Gloria & Urshifu (Rapid Strike) | Fighting/Water coverage, defensive utility | Balanced team compositions |
| Steven & Deoxys (Attack Forme) | Stat manipulation, high damage | Countering debuff-heavy enemies |
| Sygna Suit Lyra & Celebi | Healing, status immunity, Grass coverage | Sustained battles, status-heavy fights |
| Cyrus & Darkrai | Dark/Psychic coverage, sleep-inducing | Disrupting enemy strategies |
| Maxie & Groudon | Physical attack buff, Ground/Fire coverage | Physical-oriented teams |
Sygna Suit Red (Thunderbolt) & Pikachu Analysis: Arguably the best hybrid unit in the game. Their ability to set up Electric Terrain with their trainer move and then unleash devastating Volt Tackle attacks makes them incredibly versatile. They can function as both a primary damage dealer and a support unit that enables other Electric-type Pokemon on your team.
Gloria & Urshifu (Rapid Strike) Analysis: Brings a unique combination of Fighting/Water coverage with excellent defensive utility. Their ability to both deal significant damage and provide support makes them invaluable in many team compositions, especially those that need a balance of offense and defense.
S Tier Hybrid Sync Pairs
These hybrid units offer excellent versatility with minor limitations compared to S+ tier.
| Sync Pair | Key Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| May & Mega Blaziken | Fire/Fighting coverage, attack buffs | Physical-oriented teams |
| Sygna Suit Cynthia & Giratina | Dragon/Ghost coverage, bulk | Tanky team compositions |
| Bianca & Musharna | Psychic coverage, healing support | Sustained battles |
| Sygna Suit Hilbert & Genesect | Bug/Steel coverage, tech moves | Tech-focused teams |
| Marnie & Mega Mawile | Fairy/Steel coverage, defensive utility | Defensive team compositions |
| May & Mega Latias | Dragon/Psychic coverage, healing | Balanced team compositions |
| Raihan & Flygon | Ground/Dragon coverage, weather effects | Weather-based teams |
| N & Reshiram | Dragon/Fire coverage, special attacks | Special-focused teams |
| Skyla & Tornadus | Flying coverage, speed control | Fast-paced battles |
Support Sync Pairs
Support sync pairs are essential for team survival and optimization, providing healing, buffs, debuffs, and utility that enable damage dealers to perform at their peak.
S+ Tier Support Sync Pairs
These support units provide game-changing utility that can dramatically improve team performance across all content types.
| Sync Pair | Key Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Elesa (Palentine’s 2023) & Togetic | Healing, status removal, bulk | Sustained battles, status-heavy fights |
| Sygna Suit Blue & Blastoise | Team healing, defense buffs | Tanky team compositions |
| Lillie (Anniversary 2021) & Lunala | Revival, healing, Psychic coverage | Emergency recovery, special teams |
| Hop (Champion) & Zapdos | Speed control, Electric coverage | Fast-paced battles, Electric teams |
| Bede & Hatterene | Psychic coverage, healing, status effects | Status-focused teams, sustained battles |
S Tier Support Sync Pairs
These support units offer excellent utility with some limitations compared to S+ tier.
| Sync Pair | Key Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Serena & Delphox | Fire/Psychic coverage, support moves | Balanced team compositions |
| Courtney & Mega Camerupt | Ground/Fire coverage, buff utility | Physical-oriented teams |
| Sygna Suit Leaf & Mega Venusaur | Grass/Poison coverage, healing | Grass teams, sustained battles |
| Ghetsis & Kyurem | Dragon/Ice coverage, debuff utility | Disrupting enemy strategies |
| Volkner & Luxray | Electric coverage, attack buffs | Electric teams, offensive support |
Meta Analysis & Current Trends
November 2025 Meta Overview
The current Pokémon Masters EX meta has evolved significantly with recent updates, particularly with the introduction of Arc Suit sync pairs and the continued power creep of EX Master Fair units. Several key trends define the current competitive landscape:
1. Hyper-Offensive Dominance
- S+ tier damage dealers like Ash & Pikachu continue to dominate due to their infinite scaling potential
- Teams built around one primary carry with minimal support are increasingly effective
- Speed control and one-shot potential are prioritized over defensive strategies
2. Hybrid Versatility
- Units that can both deal damage and provide support (like Sygna Suit Red & Pikachu) are highly valued
- The ability to adapt to different situations without team changes is crucial for competitive success
- Tech moves and status effects are becoming more important in high-level play
3. Type Synergy Optimization
- Mono-type teams with perfect coverage are becoming more common
- Weather and terrain-based strategies are seeing renewed popularity
- Dual-type sync pairs with complementary typings are preferred over single-type options
Recent Balance Changes Impact
The Version 2.61.1 update introduced several significant changes that have affected tier placements:
Notable Buffs:
- Several sync pairs received grid expansion improvements, increasing their viability
- Move pool updates have made previously niche units more versatile
- Passive ability adjustments have improved consistency for certain units
New Release Impact:
- EX Master Fair Red (Anniversary 2025) & Charizard entered as S+ tier immediately
- EX Master Fair Irida (Anniversary 2025) & Hisuian Typhlosion provides unique Fire/Ghost coverage
- Volo (Alt.) & Giratina brings powerful Dragon/Ghost utility to the meta
Expert Tips & Strategies
Team Building Principles
1. The 2:1:1 Ratio For optimal team composition, follow this proven formula:
- 2 Primary damage dealers (preferably different types)
- 1 Hybrid unit for utility and coverage
- 1 Support unit for healing/buffs
2. Type Coverage Optimization Ensure your team has coverage against all 18 types:
- At least one sync pair with Dragon-type moves
- Ground-type coverage for Electric/Fire/Rock/Poison types
- Ice-type coverage for Dragon/Flying/Ground/Grass types
- Fighting-type coverage for Normal/Ice/Rock/Steel/Dark types
3. Investment Priority Focus your resources in this order:
- S+ tier sync pairs (max potential first)
- S tier sync pairs with unique utility
- EX Master Fair units (long-term value)
- Limited-time event units with future potential
Advanced Techniques
1. Sync Move Timing
- Save sync moves for critical moments when enemies have buffs or your team needs healing
- Coordinate sync move timing with ally buffs for maximum damage output
- Consider enemy sync move countdowns when planning your sync move usage
2. Grid Investment Strategy
- Prioritize tiles that provide immediate stat boosts
- Focus on move upgrades before passive abilities
- Consider team composition when choosing grid paths
- Save lucky skills for units you plan to use long-term
3. Status Effect Management
- Keep track of enemy status effects and plan accordingly
- Use status removal abilities strategically rather than reactively
- Stack beneficial status effects when possible for compounded benefits
Community Resources
Official Sources
Pokémon Masters EX Official Website
- Latest update announcements and patch notes
- New sync pair release information
- Official events and campaign details
- Real-time updates and maintenance notices
- New sync pair reveals and event announcements
- Developer communications and community spotlights
- Sync pair spotlight videos
- How-to-play guides and tutorials
- Event previews and strategy content
Community Resources
- Active community discussions and meta analysis
- Tier list projects and community voting
- Strategy guides and team building advice
- Real-time discussions with experienced players
- Team building help and strategy sharing
- Event coordination and community tournaments
- Comprehensive sync pair database and statistics
- Move lists and ability information
- Event calendars and update history
FAQ Section
What makes a sync pair S+ tier?
S+ tier sync pairs excel in all game modes, are self-sufficient (don’t require specific team support), have incredible base stats, and offer unique abilities that can change battle outcomes. These units typically have infinite scaling potential, versatile typing, and can carry teams through the most challenging content with minimal investment.
How often does the tier list change?
The tier list updates monthly with new sync pair releases and balance changes. Major updates typically occur around the first week of each month, following new content additions. However, significant meta shifts can happen more frequently during special events or when particularly powerful new sync pairs are released.
Should I pull for new sync pairs or invest in existing ones?
This depends on your current roster and goals. Generally:
- Pull for S+ tier units you don’t own
- Invest in existing S+ and S tier units first
- Consider new sync pairs if they fill a gap in your team composition
- Save gems for limited-time EX Master Fair units, as they typically offer the best long-term value
What’s the best team for beginners?
For beginners, focus on building a balanced team with:
- 1 versatile damage dealer (Ash & Pikachu if available)
- 1 tanky unit with good coverage (Red & Charizard)
- 1 support unit for healing (Elesa & Togetic or similar)
- 1 hybrid unit for utility (Sygna Suit Red & Pikachu)
This composition provides coverage for most early-game content while teaching fundamental team-building principles.
How important are EX roles and grid expansions?
EX roles and grid expansions are crucial for maximizing a sync pair’s potential:
- EX roles provide significant stat boosts and new abilities
- Grid expansions unlock powerful passive abilities and move upgrades
- Prioritize EX roles for S+ and S tier units first
- Grid expansions should focus on immediate stat boosts before utility
What’s the difference between Damage Dealer, Hybrid, and Support roles?
- Damage Dealers: Focus primarily on dealing damage with high attack stats and powerful moves
- Hybrid: Balance between dealing damage and providing support through buffs/debuffs
- Support: Focus on healing, buffing allies, debuffing enemies, and providing utility
Each role serves a specific purpose, and successful teams typically include a mix of all three types.
Conclusion & Future Outlook
This Pokémon Masters EX tier list for November 2025 provides the most comprehensive analysis of sync pair rankings available, incorporating data from multiple authoritative sources and extensive gameplay testing. The current meta favors versatile, high-damage units that can adapt to various situations, with S+ tier sync pairs like Ash & Pikachu, Steven & Deoxys, and Sygna Suit Red & Pikachu leading the pack.
Looking ahead, expect continued evolution of the meta with:
- New Arc Suit sync pairs introducing fresh strategies
- Potential balance adjustments to address current meta dominance
- Continued power creep with each new EX Master Fair release
- Evolving team compositions as players discover new synergies
Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide and check back monthly for updates, as the Pokémon Masters EX meta evolves rapidly with new content releases. Join the official Discord community for real-time discussions and strategy sharing with fellow trainers.
Remember that while tier lists provide excellent guidance, the best team is one that you enjoy playing and have invested in appropriately. Use this rankings as a framework, but don’t be afraid to experiment with sync pairs that fit your personal playstyle and preferences.
