Pokemon Masters' latest update allows players to tackle certain co-op stages solo

Pokemon Masters' latest update brings a fairly significant change to the game that effectively removes the need for co-op. With the exception of some battles, you'll be able to tackle every previously labelled co-op fight with a team of nine Sync Pairs, sort of.

With the exception of EX challenges and tutorials, you'll be able to assemble a team of nine trainers to complete any other co-op battle. They will be made up as three individual teams. However, you will only have control of the one that is placed in the central position whilst the left and right-hand side trainers will be controlled by AI.

Essentially then, it's the same as when you queue up for a co-op match and you're given NPCs when other players can't be found, except that you'll be able to assemble the AI-controlled team now. It opens up a variety of potential strategies that you couldn't otherwise guarantee with NPCs or even other players if they're randomly matched with you.

There are a few caveats to bear in mind if you take this approach. Unlike teaming up with other players you won't be able to have trainers or Pokemon of the same name. So you can't use three Olivia & Lycanroc's or a mixture of trainers that can have different Pokemon like the player character or Elesa.

On top of that, only the team in the centre will be able to earn both experience points and contribute towards your currently active missions. Meanwhile, these changes will not include events that are already underway such as the Ghost-Type Training event but will apply to any that happen in future.

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