DeNa is introducing three new sync pairs in Pokémon Masters EX as part of the two-year anniversary celebration. One such sync pair is Steven and Rayquaza, a physical Striker unit with Flying-type capabilities. Additionally, Rayquaza is the first eggless Pokémon in the game to debut in its glossy form. That said, here's a breakdown of the unit and all of its moves.
Steven and Rayquaza's move set
As mentioned above, Rayquaza is classified as a Flying-type Pokémon in the game. It has the ability to mega evolve when using the Sync move and is vulnerable to Ice-type attacks. Additionally, the synchronization pair has four passive abilities, which are as follows:
- Hoenn flagship: Increases the move power level of allied sync pairs by 10% and reduces movement damage taken by 10%. Additionally, for each additional Hoenn sync pair on your team, the power level of the moves increases by 10% (up to 30%) and the damage taken from enemy moves is reduced by 3% (up to 26%).
- Upside down: Moves or passive abilities that reduce Sync Pair's stats don't work and instead increase stats by the same amount.
- good shape: The higher the sync pair's stats, the more powerful its moves become.
- Move Update Indicator 4: Has a 50% chance to restore movement gauge by one if the attack is successful.
Steven and Rayquaza's moves are as follows:
- Rise of the Dragon (4-gauge move): Deals damage between 190-230 but reduces the user's Defense and Sp.Def by one rank.
- Attack X (zero bar move): Increases user's attack by one rank.
- Draco Meteor (3-gauge move): Deals damage between 136-163 but reduces user's Sp. Attack by one rank.
- Sky High (zero gauge movement): Increases the user's critical hit by one rank and makes the attacks of the next sync pair super effective. When used by Mega Rayquaza, it increases the user's speed by two degrees.
- Triumph and Glory Dragon's Rise (sync move): Deals damage between 160-192 and transforms into Mega Rayquaza.
At first glance, Rayquaza's overall stats look pale compared to the recently released sync pairs. However, the unit can provide a lot of buffs, which can significantly increase overall damage. Steven and Rayquaza are a slow unit and require proper setup before it can be effective. It is imperative that Mega evolve the Pokémon before it can be an adequate threat which can be a downside in short fights. That said, it should be able to comfortably take out all current battles available in the game.
Should you roll for Steven and Rayquaza?
Players lacking a decent Flying-type unit can summon Steven and Rayquaza. However, the other two sync pairs arriving in the game as part of the anniversary celebration look much better at first glance. Additionally, there are multiple sync pairs in the game that play a similar role to Steven and Rayquaza. In the end, it all comes down to playing style and personal preference.
