Mastering Champion Ethan & Raikou in Pokémon Masters EX

Champion Ethan & Raikou stand as one of the most formidable Electric-type Special Strikers in Pokémon Masters EX. Known for their ability to self-sustain Electric Terrain and deliver crushing damage, this sync pair is a staple for clearing high-difficulty content. To unlock their full potential, players must move beyond basic gameplay and focus on specific Lucky Skill investments, precise Sync Grid pathing, and team synergies that maximize their offensive throughput.

The Power of the Super Powered 3 Lucky Skill

In Pokémon Masters EX, Lucky Skills provide the necessary edge to push a unit from "good" to "meta-defining." For Champion Ethan & Raikou, the undisputed best choice is Super Powered 3.

Why Super Powered 3?

This skill grants a 20% increase to damage dealt when hitting an opponent’s weakness. Because Ethan & Raikou are primarily designed to exploit Electric-type weaknesses, they are almost exclusively used in scenarios where this multiplier is active. By equipping Super Powered 3 through Crunchy Lucky Cookies, you effectively grant the pair a permanent 1.2x damage multiplier.

How to Acquire It

To secure this skill, navigate to the "Lucky Skills" menu under the Sync Pair details. Use Crunchy Lucky Cookies (ideally 3-star cookies for better odds) to roll for the skill. While RNG can occasionally be frustrating, the investment is mandatory for endgame viability. Without it, you are effectively leaving 20% of your damage potential on the table, which can be the difference between a successful clear and hitting the turn limit in Legendary Gauntlet or Champion Stadium Master Mode.

Mastering the Sync Grid for Damage Scaling

The Sync Grid is where Champion Ethan & Raikou transform into a cohesive engine. To optimize your build, you must balance raw damage with resource management.

Essential Grid Nodes

• Electric Terrain Multipliers: Prioritize nodes that boost move power when Electric Terrain is active. These are your primary damage drivers.
• Thunderbolt Power Nodes: Because Thunderbolt is your bread-and-butter move, investing in tiles that increase its base power is essential for consistent DPS.
• Sync Move Power: Always grab tiles that boost your Sync Move damage. In Pokémon Masters EX, the Sync Move is the primary way to flip momentum in a battle.

Resource Management Nodes

• Move Gauge Refresh (MGR): Never underestimate the value of MGR nodes. Ethan & Raikou can be gauge-intensive; if you find yourself stalling, prioritize grid nodes that refund gauge upon successful hits. This allows you to chain attacks without waiting for the natural gauge tick, keeping the pressure on the opponent.

Strategic Team Composition

While Champion Ethan & Raikou are self-sufficient due to their innate ability to set Electric Terrain, they thrive when paired with units that round out their gaps in gauge generation and stat support.

The Ideal Support Trio

1. Terrain Refreshers: If you are tackling long-form content like the Legendary Arena, bring a secondary terrain setter or a unit capable of extending terrain duration. While Ethan sets it himself, having a backup ensures your multipliers never drop.
2. Special Attack & Crit Buffers: Ethan needs to hit his critical hit rate cap quickly. Pair him with supports that provide +2 or +3 Critical Hit rate buffs in one turn, such as units with "Dire Hit All+" or unique trainer moves that buff both Crit and Special Attack.
3. Gauge Accelerators: Use units with "Gauge Acceleration" passives or move-cost reduction effects. This is critical for the "Thunderbolt" spam playstyle, ensuring you never encounter a "dead turn" where you are waiting for energy.

Tactical Playstyle and Rotations

To get the most out of this pair, your turn-by-turn decision-making is as important as your grid build.

• The Opener: Always prioritize setting Electric Terrain as early as possible. Your multipliers are dependent on this field effect.
• Buffing Phase: Use your trainer moves to max out your Special Attack and Critical Hit rate before you unleash your primary offensive moves. In Master Mode, failing to cap these stats early often results in a lower score or a failed clear.
• Sync Timing: Aim to use your first Sync Move with Ethan & Raikou. This activates their "Mega" or "Sync" buffs and resets the Sync Move countdown, which is vital for reaching the second Sync Move before the opponent can wipe your team.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even veteran players can fall into common traps when using Champion Ethan & Raikou. Avoid these pitfalls to maintain high efficiency:

1. Ignoring MGR Nodes: Players often prioritize pure damage nodes over gauge management. If your team cannot execute its moves, it doesn't matter how high your damage multipliers are. Always verify your gauge economy before entering a battle.
2. Forgetting Terrain Duration: If you are fighting an opponent that frequently removes field effects, your damage will plummet. Keep an eye on the terrain icon; if it fades, prioritize re-setting it over attacking.
3. Wasting Sync Moves: Do not use your Sync Move on a support unit if you are playing for speed. Champion Ethan & Raikou should almost always take the first Sync turn to maximize the damage output of the entire team.

Long-Term Progression and Endgame Utility

As you continue to play Pokémon Masters EX, look to increase Champion Ethan & Raikou’s Move Level. At 3/5, their grid expands significantly, unlocking "Sync Move Power" nodes and additional multipliers that allow them to hit harder and more consistently.

Even at lower move levels, this pair remains a cornerstone of any Electric-type team. Their ability to handle both single-target and multi-target content makes them one of the most versatile units in the game. By focusing on the Super Powered 3 Lucky Skill and a balanced, gauge-conscious Sync Grid, you ensure that Champion Ethan & Raikou remain a dominant force in your roster, capable of taking on the toughest challenges the game has to offer.