Alolan Ninetales Analysis for Series 8 (VGC 2021)

“While it will guide travelers who get lost on a snowy mountain down to the mountain’s base, it won’t forgive anyone who harms nature.”

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OVERVIEW

Alolan Ninetales never really kicked off in VGC 2020, so it isn’t that illogical to just brush it off in Series 8, where it faces stiff competition in the role it used to excel in during VGC 2017. Players looking to set up Screen support could look towards the bulkier and more consistent Gigantamax Lapras, whose G Max Resonance can still set up Aurora Veil in the absence of Hail.

Hail has an even tougher matchup in Series 8, with the likes of Kyogre and Groudon back in the fold to wrest control of the Weather, in addition to existing measures like Torkoal, Max Rockfall, Max Flare, and Max Geyser.

However, Alolan Ninetales’ above average Base Speed and interesting move pool gives it some new ways to have fun, while retaining its usual antics against teams that lack Weather control. These will be covered in the sample sets below:

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SAMPLE SETS

Ninetales-Alola @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Snow Warning
Level: 50
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Blizzard / Freeze-Dry / Icy Wind
– Dark Pulse / Icy Wind
– Dazzling Gleam / Moonblast
– Weather Ball

Speed Benchmarks:

156 Spe EVs -> Outspeed Shadow Rider Calyrex by 1 after Choice Scarf

Damage Benchmarks:

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Urshifu-Gmax: 244-292 (139.4 – 166.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Whimsicott in Hail: 174-206 (127.9 – 151.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Thundurus in Hail: 168-198 (108.3 – 127.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 28 HP / 0 SpD Dragapult in Hail: 174-206 (104.1 – 123.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Water) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Charizard-Gmax in Rain: 158-188 (102.5 – 122%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Landorus-Therian in Hail: 336-396 (101.8 – 120%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 220 HP / 28 SpD Rillaboom-Gmax in Hail: 176-210 (86.6 – 103.4%) — 18.8% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Calyrex-Shadow: 148-176 (84.5 – 100.5%) — 6.3% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Regieleki in Hail: 117-138 (75.4 – 89%) — guaranteed 2HKO after hail damage

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Fire) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian-Crowned in Sun: 124-146 (74.2 – 87.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Thundurus in Hail: 110-132 (70.9 – 85.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO after hail damage

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Freeze-Dry vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Venusaur-Gmax: 98-116 (62.8 – 74.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO after hail damage

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 252 HP / 156+ SpD Amoonguss in Hail: 126-150 (57 – 67.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO after hail damage

252+ SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Water) vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Incineroar in Rain: 102-120 (50.7 – 59.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Defensive Benchmarks:

252+ Atk Incineroar Flare Blitz vs. 36 HP / 0 Def Ninetales-Alola in Rain: 128-152 (83.6 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

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An Alolan Ninetales build that is better designed for turning the tide of the battle than exerting early dominance. Ice Type STAB, most commonly in the form of Hail powered Weather Ball, is especially useful against much of the metagame threats, like Thundurus Incarnate, Landorus Therian, and Rillaboom.

Weather Ball is the surprise factor, synergizing well with changing Weather to strike at different targets. As such, Freeze Dry becomes a decent alternative to Blizzard for maintaining Ice Type STAB pressure outside of Hail. Dazzling Gleam helps to cut down Single Strike Urshifu and ignores redirection, though players who prefer better single target damage can opt for Moonblast instead.

Choice Scarf is chosen for this set mainly for Alolan Ninetales to outspeed faster threats like Thundurus Incarnate and Shadow Rider Calyrex, or common Choice Scarf holders like Landorus Therian. Dark Pulse is picked to cover for redirection from Indeedee F, while retaining the small window to OHKO Shadow Rider Calyrex through Hail. If that is not the most assuring, players could look to run Icy Wind instead of Freeze Dry (or Dark Pulse) to slow the offending Pokemon so Alolan Ninetales’ ally can land the finishing blow.

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Ninetales-Alola @ Focus Sash
Ability: Snow Warning
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Aurora Veil
– Hypnosis / Sheer Cold
– Icy Wind / Blizzard
– Weather Ball / Sheer Cold / Protect

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An Alolan Ninetales set that slightly resembles what one would expect back in VGC 2017. This variant leans more towards a supportive/disruptive role, through moves like Hypnosis and Icy Wind. The more daring can opt to run Sheer Cold for dire matchups, giving the team a 30% chance to win even against unfavorable conditions. If Alolan Ninetales is faster and has its Focus Sash intact, the odds can go up even higher.

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Ninetales-Alola @ Focus Sash
Ability: Snow Warning
Level: 50
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Blizzard / Freeze-Dry
– Nasty Plot
– Protect / Dazzling Gleam
– Weather Ball

Damage Benchmarks:

+2 68 SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Dynamax Landorus-Therian in Hail: 336-396 (101.8 – 120%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 180 SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Water) vs. 252 HP / 132+ SpD Incineroar in Rain: 204-240 (100.9 – 118.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 188 SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 220 HP / 28 SpD Assault Vest Rillaboom-Gmax in Hail: 204-240 (100.4 – 118.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 196 SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Urshifu-Gmax in Hail: 175-207 (100 – 118.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 220 SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 252 HP / 156+ SpD Amoonguss in Hail: 222-264 (100.4 – 119.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 244 SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Fire) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Zacian-Crowned in Sun: 168-198 (100 – 117.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Dynamax Landorus-Therian in Hail: 408-480 (123.6 – 145.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 SpA Ninetales-Alola Weather Ball (100 BP Ice) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Thundurus in Hail: 152-180 (98 – 116.1%) — 87.5% chance to OHKO

+2 204 SpA Ninetales-Alola Max Hailstorm (130 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Venusaur-Gmax: 312-368 (100 – 117.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Ninetales-Alola Max Hailstorm (140 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Calyrex-Shadow: 174-205 (99.4 – 117.1%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

+2 252 SpA Ninetales-Alola Max Hailstorm (140 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Dynamax Thundurus: 282-332 (90.9 – 107%) — 43.8% chance to OHKO

+2 252 SpA Ninetales-Alola Max Hailstorm (130 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Dynamax Thundurus: 260-308 (83.8 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO after hail damage

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This Alolan Ninetales set relies on Nasty Plot to buff its relatively mediocre damage output, while the Focus Sash helps keep the Fox Pokemon alive against one powerful hit. This does leave Alolan Ninetales with only two attacking move slots if players wish to accommodate Protect. In this case, Fairy Type STAB is arguably the better one to sacrifice owing to Weather Ball’s mechanism.

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TEAMMATES

Regieleki

Alolan Ninetales’ Ice Type STAB is a much appreciated asset for Regieleki, who is generally unable to faze Dragon, Grass, and Ground Type adversaries. As the fastest Pokemon, Regieleki can return the favor through smart Volt Switch pivoting, a key contributor to abusing Weather Ball. Regieleki can also help smash bulky Water Type foes like Kyogre and Tapu Fini, since they tend to shrug off even a super effective Freeze Dry.

Krookodile / Landorus Therian

All four of Alolan Ninetales’ weaknesses share a vulnerability to Ground Type moves. This is where Ground Type candidates like Krookodile and Landorus Therian come in handy. Both are invaluable for dealing with the Steel Type threat that is Crowned Zacian, while Alolan Ninetales helps to manage Ground Type mirrors. Krookodile offers important immunity to Prankster and Psychic Type moves as a Dark Type Pokemon, allowing it to perform handily against Shadow Rider Calyrex. If players choose to Dynamax Krookodile, Max Darkness can come in handy by weakening the foes’ Special Defense. Landorus Therian, on the other hand, carries STAB Max Airstream, a powerful method for Speed control.

Arctozolt

As a Hail setter, Alolan Ninetales’ presence often influences the team to be built with Hail abuse in mind. This usually leads to the inclusion of a Slush Rush Pokemon, in this case, Arctozolt. The Speed boost offered by Slush Rush synergizes well with Bolt Beak, allowing the Fossil Pokemon to deal massive damage quickly in spite of its low Base Speed. Electric and Ice make for a powerful STAB combination, while allowing Arctozolt to only take neutral damage from Behemoth Blade. Arctozolt also has decent move diversity, thanks to access to the likes of Stomping Tantrum, Pluck, and Iron Tail.

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CHECKS & COUNTERS

Torkoal / Kyogre

Rival Weather setters that perform rather favorably against Alolan Ninetales. Both candidates are naturally slower, while resisting Ice Type moves.

Torkoal poses a bigger threat through its team, even if its Chlorophyll teammates are vulnerable to Ice Type counterattacks. It wins every lead Weather War thanks to its low Speed, while offering powerful STAB Eruption against foes careless enough to ignore it.

Kyogre, on the other hand, is often paired with Tailwind support to overcome Alolan Ninetales’ Speed advantage. It offers powerful immediate damage, particularly against the Ground Type Pokemon that often appear alongside the Fox Pokemon.

Crowned Zacian

Alolan Ninetales’ 4x Weakness to Steel Type moves makes it easy prey for any Steel Type Pokemon. Crowned Zacian outspeeds the Fox Pokemon naturally, unlike Kartana, who only ties. Alolan Ninetales struggles even more against Substitute variants, since it can only rely on the arguably gimmicky Weather Ball under offending Weather (Sun) to even scratch Zacian.

Ice Rider Calyrex

Ice Rider Calyrex’s ridiculous bulk makes it hard to outright KO, especially so while it is in Dynamax. The Restricted Legendary is most commonly seen operating under Trick Room, a harsh penalty on the fast and frail Alolan Ninetales. This puts the Fox Pokemon at a clear disadvantage, since Ice Rider Calyrex has better overall move coverage to chop through its opposition.

Pokemon Masters EX Tier List 3.0

Greetings! Welcome to the third rendition of MYSE’s Tier List for Pokemon Masters EX.

 

Most players, new or old, aren’t extravagant enough to be able to sink thousands of Gems into every Banner and not bat an eyelid. Chances are, these players have to save up their Gems for a few months before they muster enough to guarantee a Scout Point haul. As an acknowledgement of this norm, this Tier List is based primarily on the following criteria:

 

• Affordability
  • Affordability refers to the typical amount of Gem investment needed to get an operational level of a Sync Pair. Free Sync Pairs or Sync Pairs who are ready to go without relying on their Sync Grid (1/5) will fare highly on this criteria, as compared to units that need at least a 2nd duplicate (3/5) to perform.
• Coverage Efficiency
  • Coverage Efficiency refers to how well a Sync Pair handles the different Boss requirements.
    • For Strike and damage oriented Tech units, this generally results in a buffed rating for Sync Pairs that are either strong even when not dealing super effective damage, or reduce the need for the player to pull for a Sync Pair that deals primarily in that damage Type.
    • For Support and similarly oriented Tech units, Sync Pairs that can offer a wide variety of boosts are favoured.
• Irreplaceability
  • Irreplaceability refers to how rare or important a Sync Pair is as a commodity. For Strike Sync Pairs, the fewer viable alternatives in one’s respective Type, the better it fares. Tech/Support Sync Pairs whose unique blend of skills are unmatchable also rank highly in this criteria.
• Ease of Usage
  • Ease of Usage refers to how easy it is for players to pick up and slot a Sync Pair into a team. This means a penalty is dealt against Sync Pairs whose sets are rather convoluted in nature, even if there is a modest payoff. Sync Pairs there are highly self-sufficient or provide multiple important buffs/support in an easy to access manner will fare highly here.

 

While this is a combined Tier List, the offensive and supportive Sync Pairs are still rated separately and housed in separate sub tiers. Because of the sheer volume of Sync Pairs that this would create, this Tier List will focus on Sync Pairs that are largely self-sustainable. Hence, not all Sync Pairs will be featured here. Additionally, the top four tiers (Premier to C) are deliberately curated to feature 5* Sync Pairs. This does not by any means imply that the unlisted Sync Pairs are worthless. Players are still encouraged to use their favourite Sync Pairs and use this Tier List to identify a suitable core to build their roster with.

Sync Pairs that have similar sets, structures, and/or roles are placed next to each other as much as possible.

This article covers the current rendition of the Tier List, last updated on 2022-07-27.

 

 

 

Premier Tier

*** This tier houses powerful Sync Pairs that with high dexterity, allowing them to be slapped onto virtually any team composition and still deliver stellar returns. ***

 

Sygna Suit Leaf & Venusaur (M) Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 / Psychic Guard / Stoic 2 / Fast Track 2 Weakness: Ineffective against Impervious stages Weakness: Poke Fair Locked The ultimate Tech unit that provides a huge array of valuable supportive tools. Sundering 9 shreds the foes’ defenses when paired with Razor Leaf, while Venomous 4 puts them on a rapidly diminishing timer. With both Potion and passive recovery, Venusaur fits seamlessly onto any team even at 1/5. Reasonably bulky, Venusaur works exceptionally well with self-sufficient Strike partners by further increasing the latter’s damage output. Note: Sygna Suit Leaf is only available during her Poke Fair Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.	Sygna Suit Lyra & Celebi	Sygna Suit Kris & Suicune
Sygna Suit Blue & Blastoise (M) Recommended Lucky Skill: Vigilance / Fast Track 2 Weakness: Subpar Offensive Output Weakness: Poke Fair Locked The ultimate Support unit that really shined after DeNA revised its Sync Grid shortly after its debut. Mega Blastoise dominates all discussion about bulky tanks, is the single most well-rounded stat buffing Support, and the only viable healer that operates without requiring Move Points. This allows it to support any Strike Sync Pair, turning Mega Blastoise into the most reliable Support unit in the game. Note: Sygna Suit Blue is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.	Sygna Suit Red & Charizard (MX) Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Poke Fair Locked The ultimate symbol of consistency and firepower. Near instantaneous access to Mega standard damage output, which is not conditional, sees it fit on any team even at 1/5. As showcased in the Team Hoenn Unite event, not even two layers of Fire Guard can prevent foes from being melted by a fully powered Mega Charizard X. The introduction of 6* EX has seen it move from spamming Heat Wave to spamming Blast Burn, relying on the AOE Sync Move to wipe the board instead. Note: Sygna Suit Red is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.	Sygna Suit Ethan & Lugia

 

 

 

A Tier

*** This tier houses the Sync Pair that have high overall utility and self-sustenance. They are either the highest damage dealer of their respective Type (for Strike Sync Pairs) or the best Support Sync Pairs that aren’t as all-encompassing as those in the Premier Tier. ***

A+ Tech

May (Anniversary 2022) & Latias (M)

Sygna Suit Cynthia (Renegade) & Giratina Altered Forme Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Master Fair Locked Volo’s descendant debuts the Zone mechanic, bringing with it a sizeable buff to Ghost Type moves when it is active. While she doesn’t get as good a Master Passive as Archie and Maxie, Sygna Suit Cynthia (Renegade) makes up for it with the Tech Sync bonus. Note: Sygna Suit Cynthia (Renegade) is only available during her Master Fair Banner. Considering that she is only a 1% Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Lucas & Dialga Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Poke Fair Locked Ridiculously strong Dragon Type damage dealer that gives Sygna Suit Serena a run for her money as the strongest Dragon Type unit in the game. Instead of a Master Passive, Dialga gets Dragon Zone, a reasonably close substitute. Note: Sygna Suit Cyrus is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Sygna Suit Cyrus & Darkrai Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Poke Fair Locked The souped-up version of Serena’s Delphox. Dark Zone’s value to Dark Type units (which Darkrai itself benefits from) makes up for the lack of a Master Passive. Note: Sygna Suit Cyrus is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

A+ Support

Red (Classic) & Snorlax (G) Recommended Lucky Skill: Vigilance Weakness: Poor Stat Buffing Capabilities Weakness: Poke Fair Locked The novel ability to apply Super Effective Next catapults Classic Red to stardom simply because of how many older units it saves against the growing power creep. Gigantamax and G Max Replenish give Snorlax added utility, like in the Battle Villa where guaranteed Move Point Replenishes are hard to come by. Note: Red (Classic) is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Sygna Suit Morty & Shiny Ho-Oh Note: Sygna Suit Morty is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Sygna Suit Dawn & Cresselia

Sonia & Yamper Recommended Lucky Skill: Vigilance Weakness: Incompatibility with Special Strike cores THE goodest boy. Surprisingly bulky tank with the capacity to Para-flinch. Potion Master Healer rounds out the set, making this Sync Pair a universally adoptable option for any Physical setup.

A+ Strike

Archie & Kyogre Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Master Fair Locked Automatic Rain (Extended) setter cum AOE Rain sweeper. Along with Maxie, Archie boasts one of the most powerful Master Passives – Hoenn Spirit. Note: Archie is only available during his Master Fair Banner. Considering that he is only a 1% Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Maxie & Groudon Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Master Fair Locked A variant of Archie’s Kyogre, but for Sun instead. Groudon lacks the power boost on its Ground Type moves, but in return is less vulnerable to a Weather override. Note: Maxie is only available during his Master Fair Banner. Considering that he is only a 1% Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Sygna Suit Serena & Zygarde (CF) Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Master Fair Locked Note: Sygna Suit Serena is only available during her Master Fair Banner. Considering that she is only a 1% Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Sygna Suit Lusamine & Dusk Mane Necrozma (U) Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Master Fair Locked One of the best nukes in the game. Like N’s Reshiram, it can AOE sweep After Sync, its Prismatic Laser deals AOE damage without having to incur a spread move damage reduction penalty. Players do need to note that this amazing perk only applies to Ultra Necrozma. Her Master Passive is on par with that of Archie and Maxie, making her a defining pick for Alolan enthusiasts. Note: Sygna Suit Lusamine is only available during her Master Fair Banner. Considering that she is only a 1% Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

 

A- Tech

Lear & Hoopa Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Snatch Management Weakness: Poke Fair Locked On paper, one of the most powerful Sync Nukes in the game, and expectedly so seeing as he is technically DeNA’s original property. Note: Lear is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Sygna Suit Korrina & Marshadow

Diantha (Special Costume) & Keldeo Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Seasonal Banner Locked The best Fighting Type Strike by a country mile. Keldeo has a really powerful Sync Nuke, and can be considered to be a loose upgrade on Champion Iris’s Hydreigon when it comes to debuffing: for every successful attack against an opponent, she drains one stage of Defense, Special Defense, and Speed to herself. Except for the need for support to max her Keldeo’s Special Attack, Diantha (Special Costume) is a really self-sufficient sweeper. Note: Diantha (Special Costume) is only available during her Seasonal Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

A- Support

Jasmine (Special Costume) & Celesteela Recommended Lucky Skill: Vigilance / Stoic 2 / Fast Track 2 Weakness: Seasonal Banner Locked THE Special wall. Maxing the team’s Special Defense and Critical Hit rate is already pretty massive, so imagine tacking on Special Attack to that list (via Sync Grid). X Regen All and Team Triage Tank 2 combine to make any team this Sync Pair is on really hard to break down. Note: Jasmine (Special Costume) is only available during her Seasonal Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Aaron & Vespiquen

Lillie (Special Costume) & Polteageist

A- Strike

Blue (Classic) & Aerodactyl (M) Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Poke Fair Locked A role revision for Kanto’s Villain Arc sees Blue step into the offensive spotlight with a really powerful unit that eclipses even Emmet’s Archeops since it is not as dependent on Sand. Like Mega Charizard X, Mega Aerodactyl can sweep from both sides of the spectrum, with that tasty Haymaker node on its Sync Grid. As the only Strike Unit with Dire Hit All +, it can slot onto any team as a secondary striker with ease. Note: Blue (Classic) is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Sygna Suit Giovanni & Nidoking

Lillie (Anniversary 2021) & Lunala Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Master Fair Locked Note: Lillie (Anniversary 2021) is only available during her Master Fair Banner. Considering that she is only a 1% Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Gloria (Dojo Uniform) & Rapid Strike Urshifu

 

A BorderLine

Bianca & Musharna Recommended Lucky Skill: Vigilance / Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Stored Power shenanigans Offers highly invaluable support in Psychic Terrain, which enables teammates like Sabrina, Giovanni, and Lear. Through Stored Power, players can utilize Musharna as a great source of damage, a feat that cannot be said of many Tech/Support units.

Marnie & Morpeko Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Stored Power shenanigans Weakness: Inefficient Self Sustainability Weakness: Poke Fair Locked The operational requirements of Power Trip and Paralyze Sync Boost mean that Morpeko relies on hefty investment for it to truly shine. The reliance on a 2nd duplicate to realize its Sync Move’s full potential makes Marnie an expensive acquisition. When blessed with the perfect setup, Morpeko hits harder and ramps up faster than Musharna does, but she demands an equally expensive and very specific support crew to get there. Note: Marnie is only available during her Poke Fair Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Marnie (Summer 2021) & Grimmsnarl Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Seasonal Banner Locked The face of self-sustenance, as Grimmsnarl can maximize all of its relevant stats on its own. She is scarily powerful at 1/5 and has fantastic overall utility. This exceptional performance in a variety of roles makes her the most beginner and F2P friendly unit to pull for. Note: Marnie (Summer 2021) is only available during her Seasonal Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Marnie (Palentine’s 2022) & Mawile (M) Note: Marnie (Palentine’s 2022) is only available during her Seasonal Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

 

 

 

B Tier

*** This tier houses two separate categories of Sync Pairs. B+ showcases DeNA’s incessant pandering to the worst region, while the subtier below features the best free and/or regular pool Sync Pairs that most will be able to get relatively easily. ***

B+ Tech

Elesa (Classic) & Emolga

Skyla (Anniversary 2022) & Tornadus Incarnate Note: Skyla (Anniversary 2022) is only available during her Poke Fair Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

N (Anniversary 2021) & Reshiram Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Mediocre Base Special Attack Weakness: Master Fair Locked Arguably the better version of Leon’s Charizard, thanks to the benefits afforded by being a Tech Sync Pair. Extend Range allows Reshiram to AOE sweep without having to incur a spread move damage reduction penalty. Note: N (Anniversary 2021) is only available during his Master Fair Banner. Considering that he is only a 1% Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Ingo (Special Costume) & Accelgor

B+ Support

Sygna Suit Elesa & Rotom Recommended Lucky Skill: Vigilance / Dark Guard Weakness: Breathtaking! is only usable once outside of Sync Grid RNG The representative of the “Can’t Kill What You Can’t Hit” mantra. Rotom (has a chance to) heal for every move it evades, and each hit it takes makes it harder for the foe to land subsequent hits. It also provides valuable Critical Hit Rate, Accuracy, and Sync Countdown support. As with most good Support, Rotom has a 1 Bar move (Thundershock) that it can use to quickly and cheaply grind the Sync Countdown. While it has a clear bias towards Special teams, it does not detract from the value of Rotom’s underappreciated set.

Skyla & Swanna Recommended Lucky Skill: Hit and Run 2 / Defense Crush 2 Weakness: No Offensive Boosts outside of Sync Grid The best free and most accessible Support Sync Pair, available in the early stages of the Main Story. Potion plus Defense and Speed support make Swanna a universal pick. Swanna’s utility is extended through its Sync Grid, with important nodes like Potion Master Healer and Gust Staggering improving the efficiency of its simple but highly devastating setup.

Hilbert & Oshawott – Dewott – Samurott Recommended Lucky Skill: Defense Crush 2 Weakness: Incompatibility with Special Strike cores Sync Grid finally allowed Hilbert to catch up to the power creep, though it does mean that Samurott is now a somewhat expensive 3/5 hire. It is still the top Physical support, with it now capable of maxing all allies’ Critical Hit Rate and Attack, as well as +4 Speed and Defense. Endurance synergizes well with Potion holding teammates to better extend Samurott’s time on the battlefield.

Ingo & Excadrill Recommended Lucky Skill: Vigilance Weakness: Poke Fair Locked SAD FACE EMOJI incarnate. But don’t let that fool you. The best Sandstorm setter in the metagame that works even if its teammates aren’t dedicated Sand sweepers. However, Excadrill’s own reliance on Sand to excel means that it is immediately incompatible with other Weather cores like Sun (Maxie’s Groudon). Note: Ingo is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

B+ Strike

N & Zekrom Recommended Lucky Skill: Superdupereffective 1 Weakness: Lack of Self Critical Hit Rate Boosts Weakness: Poke Fair Locked The Electric, single target variant of Cynthia’s Garchomp. While Zekrom easily eclipses Zebstrika’s damage output, it is heavily somewhat reliant on support from specific Sync Pairs to perform on a consistent level. This is largely due to Zekrom’s inability to buff its own Critical Hit Rate. With Zebstrika acting as a very capable substitute, the penalty on this otherwise fantastic Strike unit, unfortunately, becomes heftier. Note: N is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

N (Summer 2022) & Zoroark

Emmet & Archeops Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Poke Fair Locked GLAD FACE EMOJI incarnate. The smiley striker is the absolute Rock Type DPS unit in a similar vein to Diantha’s Mega Gardevoir. It loses steam rapidly in drawn-out battles, however, costing it in terms of overall individual sustainability. Note: Emmet is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Emmet (Special Costume) & Escavalier

 

B- Tech

Sygna Suit Erika & Leafeon Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Heavy Reliance on Sun Sun’s answer to May’s Mega Swampert, albeit less suppressive. Leafeon unfortunately relies a bit too heavily on the Sun (that it can set with MPR) to warrant a higher placement on the tier list. That said, Sygna Suit Erika is generally a better Grass Type damage dealer than even Brendan’s Sceptile when properly set up.

May & Mudkip – Marshtomp – Swampert (M) Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 / Defense Crush 2 Weakness: No AOE Sync as 6* EX Arguably the Water counterpart to Mega Charizard X. Designated as a Tech unit, Swampert’s Mega Sync Move gains two stackable boosts from Rain, which it can set for itself (or the team), and an additional boost from Hide and Sync, which synergizes with its own AOE Muddy Water. Mega Evolution also gives a sizable improvement of Swampert’s existing Passive Skills. Mega Swampert is also the most accessible outlet for Ground Type moves (in Earth Power) since Maxie, Cynthia and even Leon are locked behind their respective Poke Fairs and Master Fairs. While it takes longer to max its own Critical Hit Rate and Special Attack, the process is not convoluted.

Sidney & Absol (M) Recommended Lucky kill: Critical Strike 2 / Defense Crush 2 Weakness: Low regular damage output One of, if not the best, Dark Type powerhouse from the regular Spotlight pool with a really powerful Dark Type Sync Nuke. Interestingly, Sidney has Potion (and Master Healer) despite being notably frail. This Sync Pair depends heavily on a second duplicate to unlock its complete potential, cutting into its viability in longer stages for players with shallower pockets.

Ghetsis & Kyurem Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Legendary Event Locked Ghetsis’ introduction gives the player a really powerful Ice Type damage outlet for free, though it focuses more on Tech shenanigans rather than direct damage. Noble Roar helps it shred the opposition’s offensive capabilities by 2 per use (through Passive Skill), which then increases Kyurem’s Sync damage.

B- Support

Sabrina & Alakazam (M) Recommended Lucky Skill: Stoic 2 Weakness: Incompatibility with Physical Strike cores In terms of buffing Special Strikers, Mega Alakazam’s capabilities are second to none, since it can provide a +6 Special Attack and +2 Critical Hit Rate boost without delving into its Sync Grid. Mega Alakazam also provides useful utility like healing, Accuracy improvement, as well as damage filtration (through Reflect). This high versatility makes it an important tool. It, unfortunately, misses out on the Premier Tier owing to the clear Special bias, expensive move cost, as well as a greater number of alternatives that overlap supportive tools.

Lyra & Chikorita – Bayleef – Meganium Recommended Lucky Skill: Stoic 2 / Fire Guard Weakness: Dependence on Sun Lyra and her Meganium are great assets for Sun cores, thanks to the Solarize node on her Sync Grid. Like Mega Alakazam, Meganium is highly versatile, with powerful  Sync Grid nodes like Team Toughen Up and Revenge Boost. However, her natural boosting moves are rather inefficient (+1 Attack and Special Attack outside of Sun). NOTE: Using Lyra and Sygna Suit Leaf on the same team activates both of their Type Skills, which helps increase the HP of both Pokemon.

Professor Sycamore & Xerneas Recommended Lucky Skill: Vigilance / Stoic 2 Weakness: Incompatibility with Physical Strike cores Weakness: Legendary Event Locked The biggest rival to Sabrina’s Mega Alakazam as a Special based support unit. The biggest drawback is that Xerneas’ main support is confined to its Sync Move, which can be problematic when paired with Mega Strike Sync Pairs, or other Support units that compete with it for the team’s first Sync slot. While it is free, its availability is tied to its Legendary Event. Yet, this also means Xerneas is easy to get to 5/5, which allows it to maximize the team’s Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed with one Sync Move.

Hop & Zamazenta Recommended Lucky Skill: Vigilance Weakness: Incompatibility with Special Strike cores Weakness: Legendary Event Locked The Physical counterpart to Xerneas, even if Zamazenta doesn’t boost Speed or as efficiently. 2 Potion Master Healer nodes, plus a nice 50% chance to get a free move for being hit makes Zamazenta a scarily powerful tank in longer battles where Behemoth Bash’s power gets fully exhibited.

B- Strike

Giovanni & Mewtwo (MY) Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Legendary Event Locked Giovanni finally got his Sync Grid and woah boy was it good and long overdue. Then DeNA just had to drop Lear almost immediately after and ruin Giovanni’s time in the spotlight. Sike, Giovanni’s Sync Grid makes him powerful enough to comfortably handle the Psychic weak content, and he is FREE.

Silver & Ho-Oh Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 / Dauntless Weakness: Legendary Event Locked Despite not hailing from Hoenn or Unova and thereby not stacking Maxie’s and N (Anniversary 2021)’s Master Skill, Silver’s Ho-Oh is still one of the best allies alongside Groudon. As the first Solarize user, it is immensely useful for prolonging Sun, which increases its own damage output. Sacred Fire also gets a decent power boost from Maxie’s Master Skill.

Brendan & Treecko – Grovyle – Sceptile Recommended Lucky Skill: Dauntless Weakness: Inconsistent Physical damage output While it has long been a victim of the power creep, Brendan’s Sceptile is still a formidable force by virtue of its exceptional self-sustenance and potential. Easy maximization of all of its offensive stats makes Sceptile a smooth fit onto many teams even at 1/5, with few Sync Pairs coming close to its efficiency. It does unfortunately depend heavily on Dauntless to offset the side effects of Leaf Storm.

Cyrus & Palkia Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Ineffective against Vigilance Weakness: Legendary Event Locked Cyrus’s Palkia is one of the most obscene strikers thanks to Critical Strike 9, which grants a huge power boost to Critical Hits. Both Spacial Rend and Emotional Void Spacial Rend have an in-built +1 Critical Hit rate, so players only need one use of Dire Hit + All to unleash this behemoth. It is also notable for hitting from two Types (Water and Dragon), making him a fantastic asset for the casual players with a limited roster.

 

 

 

C Tier

*** The next step down. This tier houses the Sync Pairs that, while powerful, either need more support than their brethren above or aren’t as metagame influencing within their Type allocation. ***

C+ Tech

Volkner & Luxray Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 / Defense Crush 2 / Vigilance Weakness: Heavy Recoil An underrated Electric Type unit that can straddle Striker, Utility, and Tank roles with ease, thanks to its status as one of the only Electric Terrain setters available. Volkner’s Sync Grid is where Luxray draws most of its powers from. While it may be dependent on stat support like Marnie’s Morpeko; the investment is definitely worth it.

Iris (Champion) & Hydreigon Recommended Lucky Skill: Defense Crush 2 / Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Poke Fair Locked Arguably the offensively-minded counterpart to Sygna Suit Leaf’s Venusaur, though it focuses on dropping the foes’ Attack and Special Attack instead. This gives Hydreigon multiple stackable Sync boost options, though it comes at the cost of repeating the long setup phase against refresh battles like the Legendary Arena and Full Force Battles. Note: Iris (Champion) is only available during her Poke Fair Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Serena & Fennekin – Braixen – Delphox Recommended Lucky Skill: Troublemaker 1 / Dauntless Weakness: Poor Base Move Accuracy Cue scene of Hulkbuster Iron Man trying to rapidly punch Hulk into submission in Age of Ultron. Go Viral makes the job a lot more efficient, allowing Delphox to put all three foes to Sleep instead of just one. However, the need to micromanage Sleep turns means that Delphox is a lot harder to operate as a unit, which is an unfortunate problem that isn’t Delphox’s fault. Fortunately, Delphox is still capable of being a damage dealer, giving her more operational flexibility that is encouraged by the Sync Grid Preset update.

Serena (Palentine’s 2021) & Whimsicott Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Seasonal Banner Locked A powerful Fairy Type alternative to Diantha’s Mega Gardevoir. Top Paralysis/disruption Tech allows it to perform as a secondary Striker, though it takes quite a bit of time to set it up as the team’s primary damage outlet. Note: Serena (Palentine’s 2021) is only available during her Seasonal Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

C+ Support

Dawn & Turtwig – Grotle – Torterra Recommended Lucky Skill: Defense Crush 2 / Mad Strength 2 Weakness: Good As New! only having 1 use even after Sync Grid In-built Vigilance, Healthy Healing (Grid), and one “Full Restore” are fantastic assets for a defensive tank even if there is currently no way to extend its singular use. Power Siphon 9 and X Defense All combine to make the team extremely bulky on the Physical spectrum, with Sands of Time 2 granting synergy with Sand teams.

Dawn (Palentine’s 2021) & Alcremie Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 / Vigilance Weakness: Seasonal Banner Locked An interesting variant to Hydreigon, with less efficiency and targeting Special Defense instead of Special Attack. As such, it shares the weakness of repeating the long setup phase against refresh battles like the Legendary Arena and Full Force Battles. It is more support oriented than Hydreigon, giving Alcremie more overall utility in terms of roles that it can play. Note: Dawn (Palentines’ 2021) is only available during her Seasonal Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Elio & Popplio – Brionne – Primarina

Kiawe & Alolan Marowak

C+ Strike

Volkner (New Year’s 2022) & Electivire

Alder & Volcarona Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 / Stoic 2 Weakness: Self Defense weakening Weakness: Poke Fair Locked The top Bug Type Strike Sync Pair. Alder is one of the most beginner-friendly powerhouses in-game that provides self-sustenance, massive damage output, and team utility. Alder is also notable for his Sync Grid independence, meaning players can get results even if they only have 1 copy of him. Note: Alder is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Lysandre & Yveltal

Raihan & Duraludon Recommended Lucky Skill: Dauntless Weakness: Steel Beam HP Reduction Weakness: Poke Fair Locked The best Steel Type Strike unit, whose Rock Type and Dragon Type coverage lessens the need for players to splurge on specific Banners. Ferocious Entry 4 as a Passive Skill allows Duraludon to come in at +4 Attack and Special Attack. This permits 1/5 Duraludon to start firing a lot faster than other Strike units can, unlike its competition. Note: Raihan is only available during his Poke Fair Banner. Considering that he is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair. Sonia (Special Costume) & Shiny Tsareena

C- Tech

Volkner & Luxray Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 / Defense Crush 2 / Vigilance Weakness: Heavy Recoil An underrated Electric Type unit that can straddle Striker, Utility, and Tank roles with ease, thanks to its status as one of the only Electric Terrain setters available. Volkner’s Sync Grid is where Luxray draws most of its powers from. While it may be dependent on stat support like Marnie’s Morpeko; the investment is definitely worth it.

Masked Royale & Incineroar

Bede & Hatterene

Raihan (Anniversary 2022) & Flygon

C- Support

Leaf & Eevee Recommended Lucky Skill: Vigilance Weakness: Sync Move Contestant against Mega Strike Sync Pairs Leaf’s Eevee is one of the most interesting Support Sync Pairs to be released, as it is, as of writing time, one of the only two Sync Pairs with a non damaging Sync Move. As a trade-off, Eevee’s Sync Move buffs the whole team’s visible stats by 2 stages. It is best used in dedicated Co-Op teams to quickly stack the boosts to the maximum. She also works well as a team filler in Battle Villa thanks to her 1 Bar Move, Tackle, which helps immensely with Sync Move grinding.

Falkner & Swellow

Caitlin (Fall 2021) & Sableye (M) Recommended Lucky Skill: Fairy Guard Weakness: Sync Move Contestant against Mega Strike Sync Pairs Weakness: Lack of Critical Hit Rate buffing Weakness: Seasonal Banner Locked The 5 Star Upgrade to Drake’s Salamence (poor Drake) provides additional Attack, Speed and Accuracy support, with “Screens” support upon Mega Evolution to boot. However, it is precisely the latter point that costs it in viability as a Mega Strike Sync Pair like Aerodactyl will be forced to delay its own Mega Evolution to compensate. Its high dependency on Move Points also counts against it in the Battle Villa, when free options like Xerneas already reign supreme. Note: Caitlin (Fall 2021) is only available during her Seasonal Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Burgh (Spring 2021) & Togepi

C- Strike

Diantha & Gardevoir (M) Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Poke Fair Locked The definitive Fairy Type Strike unit. Obscenely powerful but it comes at the cost of Gardevoir being a hefty drain on the team’s Move Gauge. Note: Diantha is only available during her Poke Fair Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Gloria & Zacian Recommended Lucky Skill: Critical Strike 2 Weakness: Poke Fair Locked A 1/5 behemoth that probably is treated unfairly by some for her ties to the poorly received Prestige Event. Behemoth Blade’s 1.5x damage boost against Sync buffed foes allows it to eclipse 5/5 Mega Metagross (over time as 1/5, cleanly as 5/5). Zacian doesn’t require Bullet Punch to buy time for the Move Gauge to refill, with multiple natural MGR possibilities from its Passive Skills, Moves, and Sync Grid. Access to Fairy Type coverage is a bonus on this unit. Note: Gloria is only available during her Poke Fair Banner. Considering that she is not a guaranteed Gacha roll in that limited event, newer players might find it hard to obtain this Sync Pair.

Sonia (Special Costume) & Shiny Tsareena

Nessa & Drednaw