Pokemon Masters EX players already knew beforehand that the New Year's event would add two themed variants of Champion Lance and Sun and Moon companion Lillie, but DeNA has provided a few more specifics about the new content update.
Firstly, aside from wearing kimonos to ring in 2021, the odd pair have new Pokemon partners as well. Lance is now accompanied by a Gyarados which, while technically not a Dragon type (which Lance specializes in), certainly looks the part and has been a part of his team in some of his other game appearances.
As for Lillie, she comes with a Ribombee, a Bug/Fairy type from Lillie's home of Alola. Together, they can use the move Alola Lang Syne, a brand-new move that raises their team's evasiveness and blocks status conditions. Lance and Lillie will team up in a new story event on January 13, where they will work together to deliver New Year's cards to various Trainers across Pasio.
Before that, though, players can currently enjoy a new Champion Stadium mode called the Johto Challenge. As the name suggests, players must battle the Johto Elite Four - Will, Koga, Bruno, and Karen - from Pokemon Gold and Silver and its DS remakes, HeartGold and SoulSilver (which have been rumored to be getting ported to the Nintendo Switch), before a final showdown against Lance himself.
The Pure Hearts and Rainbow Wings event has also made a return, giving Pokemon Masters EX players another shot at unlocking a Sync Pair with the legendary Ho-Oh. And then on January 6, an Electric and Steel Type Egg Event will let players hatch eggs with Pokemon of those types, like Pichu and Magnemite.
Pokemon Masters EXÂ is available on Android and iOS devices.