Pokemon Masters' latest update introduces the Sync Grid, a new Sync Pair, an EX challenge and more

Several updates have arrived in Pokemon Masters today including a new Sync Pair, EX Challenge and a series of log-in bonuses. But the addition that will be of interest to most players is that the much talked about Sync Grid has finally arrived.

The Sync Grid will be a way to make your Sync Pairs more powerful. For most Pokemon at the moment this will simply mean you can increase their defence, attack – both special and physical - and HP stats. However, there are also Expanded Grids that will give you more options beyond that, such as improving passives and damage caused by different attacks.

However, at the moment there are only three Sync Pairs that have an Expanded Grid, with more expected to be added in future. The Sync Pairs that currently have them are:

• The Player Character & Pikachu
• Flannery & Torkoal
• Flint & Infernape

To gain these various stat increases on the Sync Grid players will need to collect Sync Orbs. These are earned by using Sync Moves during battles where players see the message 'A Sync orb chance!' In co-op, players will get Co-op Sync Orbs that can be exchanged for Sync Pair specific orbs from within the Sync Grid menu.

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There are a few caveats to note. There is only a percentage chance you'll receive these orbs, so it's not always guaranteed you'll get one, unfortunately. Additionally, each pair has a limited amount of energy for gaining these new stats so you can't learn all the skills at once, even if you have all the required orbs.

Beyond the big Sync Grid update, we also have a new log-in bonus running from today until 30th January. For 14 days players will be able to net 150 Gems a day for a grand total of 2100.

Elsewhere there's a Fire-Type Training Event where you'll be able to gain extra experience for your Fire-type sync pairs, two of which have Expanded Grids, so it's a good opportunity to farm those Orbs whilst earning some experience.

It seems DeNA is all about fire types at the moment because they've also added a new EX Challenge where players will take on Janie and her Ariados. Successfully beating Janie and the generic NPCs that will accompany her will reward players with a 1-star or 2-star Fire Bracelet.

Finally, we see the addition of Ethan & Cyndaquil to the game. This new pair will have their own Spotlight Scout that will be available between now and 30th January giving a slightly increased chance of finding them. As with all new Sync Pairs, they'll be a 5-star duo and you'll also be able to evolve Cyndaquil all the way to a Typhlosion if you'd like.

Pokemon Masters is available now on the App Store and Google Play. It's a free-to-play game with in-app purchases.