As in any game where you have to collect and train different characters for battle, Pokémon Masters has several characters that are leagues better than the rest.
The meta is still young, but even then the usefulness of some characters in speed-based gameplay is day and night compared to others. This ranking list is going to break down the best characters based on their role while also giving some key points on why this synchronized pair is better or worse than the rest.
Any units that are not currently available in the game will not be listed, even though we know their stats and abilities, simply because there is not enough game evidence to indicate their quality.
Classification of strikes:
These are the sync pairs that focus specifically on offense, whether it's physical or special attacks. Since the strike primarily encompasses glass cannons, there is little focus on health or above average defenses.
Brendan and Treecko
By far the better pair early in the game due to their ability to boost stats freely. Very low in defensive stats, but perfect for full speed racing or training with good tanks. Have fun trying to shoot it, five stars are not good and gems are not plentiful.
Olivia and Lycanroc
Another five-star powerhouse that can bless your team if you shoot it. Boosting physical attacks and getting critical hits with Stone Edge is the name of the game. A perfect offensive weapon for most occasions, especially early in the game. It also helps that he's the best attacker who isn't a Mega.
Karen & Houndoom
Look, another five star striker, but at least Karen is a special striker. Houndoom hits hard and is probably the best kind of fire in the game at this point. When it evolves, it becomes even stronger. He can hit hard, lower opponent's stats, and inflict Flinch - overall solid if you can keep him protected.
Barry and Empoleon
The easiest of the four to get, Barry is unlocked by completing story missions and becomes a solid attacker who can also deal damage. Empoleon's stats are pretty average compared to some of the other options, but it's a great choice for the casual. If you pair her with slower attackers, her speed control can transport a team.
Technical classification:
The role that revolves most around inflicting stat changes on the opponent or inflicting negative ailments. Usually each pair will be proficient in both attack and defense.
Crasher Wake & Floatzel
Put out the fire, Crasher Wake! Running on electricity, Crasher Wake! You will no longer be on the defensive with Floatzel, which will delay your opponent with Flinch or Confusion status while preparing for the big blow. Critical hits are your friend here, unlike Extended Battles.
Agatha & Gengar
It's time for the next Mega on the list, but this one is even more fragile than Houndoom. The words Gengar and Shadow Ball in the same sentence are enough to tell you why this chord is great, be extremely careful when building around it.
Sophocles et Togedemaru
Weird, but rolling pairing with the Steel and Electric-type Pokémon is going to take up places. Decent defenses, an ability that increases both speed and attack, as well as the ability to cripple opponents are too good to ignore.
Support Ranking:
If it wasn't obvious, it's the role of the tank that will feature Pokémon with large amounts of health, limited offensive abilities, and useful abilities to help teammates succeed.
Phoebe & Dusclops
The biggest of the ghouls, Dusclops has no offense, but will live on forever. Improving stats, including the ever-useful increase in critical hit rates, make this pair a must-see. Especially if you plan to build offensively around a tank, as Dusclops can replenish the movement gauge as well.
Rosa & Serperior
Free to play for the win! Rosa not only brings a viable fizzy type of weed, but she's also the best pair you can get from playing the story right now. Serperior can fire shots, improve his teammates' stats, and is easy to train. The only downside is the limited offensive options and low speed.
Marley et Arcanine
Probably the only other viable fire type available in the game, Arcanine allows Trainers to ignore status conditions by removing and canceling them with his ability. We are strong! Speed and fire strike make this a solid choice all around.
There are dozens of other synchronized pairs available in Pokémon Masters, but these are currently some of the most viable based on their abilities or how easily they can be trained. Sometimes a reliable version is better than the flashy version everyone is using.
And as a general rule of thumb, if a Pokemon is slow and doesn't provide much in the form of useful offensive skills, it can probably be replaced with something better very easily. Pokémon Masters offers a lot of options, but there is a lot of trash.
