The 3D Pokemon games have differentiated themselves through major battle gimmicks. Whereas titles like Ruby and Sapphire introduced core mechanics like Abilities and Natures that affected every monster and evolved over time, the advent of Mega Evolution in Pokemon X and Y represented the first of many limited-use battle gimmicks that would typically be exclusive to one region. DeNA's mobile gacha game Pokemon Masters EX is a celebration of the franchise's characters, and as a result it has also evolved over the years to showcase the gimmicks that make certain trainers' teams so unique - but it has yet to tackle Terastallization.
Having released in August 2019, Pokemon Masters lived through the introduction of two new Generations: Gen 8 with Pokemon Sword and Shield in November 2019, and Gen 9 with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet in November 2022. Thus, long-time players have seen DeNA implement Galar's Dynamax phenomenon as its own unique mechanic inherent to a select few Sync Pairs (the game's typical "unit" consisting of one trainer and their Pokemon partner). It may be some time before Scarlet and Violet characters appear, but when they do Pokemon Masters needs a new way to represent Paldea's Terastal phenomenon.
How Pokemon Masters Represents Megas, Z-Moves, and Dynamaxing
Pokemon Masters EX departs from the series' turn-based RPG formula in favor of real-time 3v3 battles, simplifying details like type weaknesses and move pools to fit its mobile format. Each Sync Pair can have a Strike, Tech, or Support-based kit that usually lends itself to one strategy, be it an all-out Fire-type attacker like Red and Charizard or a Rain-setting unit that lowers opponent accuracy like May and Swampert. Ultimately, the goal of each battle is to use enough moves that the countdown for a powerful "Sync Move" drops to zero.
Each Sync Move in Pokemon Masters EX is unique to that Sync Pair, and at launch this was how DeNA represented Mega Evolution and Z-Moves - the two battle gimmicks available in Generation 7. For example, if Johto Elite Four member Karen uses her Sync Move with Houndoom, it Mega Evolves and gains boosted stats for the rest of the battle (some Mega Pokemon also gain new moves). Z-Moves are more toned down, affecting the Sync Move visual presentation for Alolan characters like Olivia and Lycanroc more often than they alter gameplay.
DeNA did not introduce a Galar trainer until Gloria and Zacian entered Pokemon Masters in November 2020. The first Dynamax Pokemon wouldn't come until even later with Leon and Eternatus in August 2021, using a new Max Move mechanic that let players choose one powerful attack for each applicable monster per-match. These Max Moves often have similar effects as their mainline counterparts, such as Max Knuckle raising every ally's Attack stat, and they're not limited to Galar trainers. One of the most notable Dynamax Pokemon is Giovanni's Nidoking, which he gained as part of Pokemon Masters' ongoing Villain Arc storyline.
What Can be Done for Terastal in Pokemon Masters EX
The fact that Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon have their own unique Max Moves mean it was smart for DeNA to add separate options rather than restricting Dynamaxing to a single Sync Move animation. However, Terastallization is a simple gimmick at its core, allowing any Pokemon to potentially transform into any singular typing and gain (or boost their current) Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB). Since every Pokemon has one Tera Type, it would make sense for Pokemon Masters EX to utilize Sync Move Terastallization akin to Mega Evolution.
However, the build diversity for Terastal Pokemon is where this mobile game can get the most mileage. Many Pokemon could Terastallize into their own type, translating into something like a Tera Grass Meowscarada whose future Grass-type attacks and Sync Moves deal additional STAB damage. Others could Terastallize into new types, mimicking the "Sync Morph" passive skill for Spring May's Mega Lopunny. The Tera Blast attack leaves DeNA open to give any Pokemon a unique shift, and changing Tera types could also interact with mechanics like Masters' Buddy Moves as an activation condition.
Pokemon Masters EX is available now on Android and iOS devices.