Pokémon Photonic Sun (along with its counterpart, Prismatic Moon) is a comprehensive ROM hack of Pokémon Ultra Sun created by Buffel Saft. The Rebalanced version is specifically designed to make every Pokémon viable through extensive stat, type, and ability changes. Core Features
Catch 'Em All: All 802 Pokémon are obtainable within a single playthrough, including starters and legendaries, which can be found in the wild.
Balance Changes: Weaker Pokémon are significantly buffed. Examples include Granbull becoming a Fairy/Fighting type and Midnight Lycanroc changing to Dark/Rock.
Enhanced Difficulty: Important trainers and bosses use full teams of six Pokémon with competitive move-sets, held items, beneficial natures, and custom EV spreads.
Totem Overhaul: Totem Pokémon feature new auras, updated allies, and improved tactical strategies. Quality of Life Improvements:
No Grinding: EV-reducing berries are cheap, and Ability Capsules are easily accessible to swap between standard and hidden abilities.
Early TMs: Every TM is available for purchase before defeating the Elite Four.
Level Caps: The hack implements strict level caps for boss trainers to prevent over-leveling. Gameplay Modes
Rebalanced Version: Features the custom stat, type, and move-set changes mentioned above.
Standard Version: Keeps Pokémon base stats and types the same as the original games while retaining the hack's increased difficulty and expanded roster.
The hack is widely praised on communities like the PokeCommunity forums and Reddit for providing a challenging but fair experience without the "edgy" story changes common in other ROM hacks. This is the BEST Generation 7 Rom Hack! (Photonic Sun)
Pokémon Photonic Sun Rebalanced (by Buffel Saft) is widely considered one of the best enhancement hacks for the Nintendo 3DS, specifically for players who felt the original Ultra Sun was too easy or lacked variety. The "Rebalanced" version is specifically designed to make nearly every Pokémon in the Pokédex competitively viable through stat, typing, and ability buffs. Key Features of the Rebalanced Version
Total Pokémon Overhaul: Many weaker Pokémon received massive buffs. Examples include Vikavolt, Decidueye, and Tsareena getting significantly higher Speed stats, and Luxray being retyped to Electric/Dark.
Difficulty Spike: Important trainers use full teams of six with custom EVs, competitive held items, and advanced strategies. The level curve is steep, reaching level 100 by the first Elite Four challenge. Pokemon Photonic Sun Rebalanced
New Moves & TMs: It adds new TMs, such as TM60 (Aura Sphere) and TM100 (Curse), and gives Pokémon access to moves they normally wouldn't have until later generations or through special events. Quality of Life Improvements:
Zero-grind EV training: Cheap EV-reducing berries are available early at the Thrifty Megamart.
Catch 'em all: All 807 Pokémon from Gens 1-7 are obtainable within the game.
Easy Evolutions: Trade-based evolutions are removed; Pokémon now evolve via level-up or items. Community Perspectives
Reviewers often highlight that the game forces more tactical thinking than official entries, though the difficulty can be polarizing.
“Photonic Sun is the first one I've tried and I'm having a blast. The opening two hours of the game were a drag because of the tutorial but after that I've enjoyed some really challenging battles; I've been wiped out twice which never would have happened in...” Reddit · r/PokemonROMhacks · 2 years ago
“The good - it was cool having my Granbull be the Fairy/Fighting type it should have always been... The bad - it was a little too difficult in places. I've completed 'challenging' hacks like Unbound and Insurgence... and this hack was just sarcastically...”
Facebook · Pokemon Rom Hacks and Fangame Updates and Showcase · 9 months ago
If you enjoy the Alola region but want a version where you can successfully use "bad" Pokémon like Ledian or Ariados in a high-stakes competitive environment, this is a must-play. However, be prepared for a "grueling" experience if you don't enjoy min-maxing your team.
Are you planning to play this on original hardware or an emulator like Citra?
A Pokémon ROM hack guide!
"Pokémon Photonic Sun Rebalanced" is a modified version of the original Pokémon Sun game, with a focus on rebalancing the game mechanics and providing a fresh experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the game:
Game Mechanics Changes
Before diving into the guide, here are some key changes you can expect in "Pokémon Photonic Sun Rebalanced":
Storyline and Walkthrough
The storyline of "Pokémon Photonic Sun Rebalanced" remains largely the same as the original Pokémon Sun. You'll play as a young trainer on the island of Akala, aiming to become the Pokémon League Champion.
Here's a brief walkthrough to help you progress through the game:
Tips and Strategies
Additional Resources
By following this guide and adapting to the changed game mechanics, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Pokémon Master in "Pokémon Photonic Sun Rebalanced"!
If you're looking for a fresh, more challenging Alolan adventure, Pokémon Photonic Sun
(along with its twin, Prismatic Moon) is widely considered one of the best Generation 7 ROM hacks. Created by Buffel Saft, it transforms the base Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon games into a much richer experience.
The Rebalanced Version specifically focuses on making every Pokémon viable and every battle a strategic test. Key Features of the Rebalanced Version
Massive Stat & Speed Buffs: Iconic but slow Alolan favorites like Vikavolt, Decidueye, and Tsareena have received significant speed increases.
Catch 'Em All: All 802 Pokémon are obtainable in a single playthrough, with starters even appearing in the wild.
Game-Changing TMs: Includes custom TMs like Freeze-Dry (95 BP), Sucker Punch, and a classic Curse TM compatible with all Pokémon. Pokémon Photonic Sun (along with its counterpart, Prismatic
Movepool & Ability Updates: Pokémon have been updated with modern moves (some from Pokémon Home) and new abilities. For example, Kommo-o can now use Shell Smash.
Difficulty Jump: Trainers are smarter and have better teams. The game is designed for the EXP Share to stay ON to match the level curve.
Quality of Life: Evolving Pokémon is easier—trade evolutions are removed, and items like EV-reducing berries and Ability Capsules are cheaply available early on.
Which Pokémon are you planning to lead your Alolan team with? Related Tools & Resources:
You can find the latest updates and full documentation on the Project Pokémon Thread or the PokeCommunity Discussion.
For those looking for a hardcore experience, check out the community-sourced Level Caps Spreadsheet for Nuzlocke runs. Recommendation: Pokémon Photonic Sun and Prismatic Moon
Pokémon Photonic Sun is a comprehensive overhaul of Pokémon Ultra Sun created by Buffel Saft. The Rebalanced version focuses on enhancing gameplay mechanics, difficulty, and variety while keeping the original story largely intact. Story Context
The game follows the core narrative of Pokémon Ultra Sun, where you explore the Alola region, complete the Island Challenge, and confront the Ultra Recon Squad and Necrozma. While the story beats remain the same, the "story" of your playthrough changes significantly due to the increased difficulty and massive Pokémon variety. Key Features of the Rebalanced Version
Hack Series: - Pokémon Photonic Sun & Prismatic Moon - Page 39
While excellent, the hack is not without flaws:
Because weaker Pokémon have been buffed, the "viability gap" is closed. In standard Ultra Sun, a team of Ledian and Magcargo would fail. In Photonic Sun, these Pokémon have niches that allow them to contribute. This encourages players to use Pokémon they would normally ignore, vastly increasing the replay value.
We have to talk about the wall. In standard Photonic Sun, Ultra Necrozma was a rage-inducing nightmare (Dragon Pulse + Photon Geyser + +1 every stat). In Rebalanced, it’s still terrifying—but it’s fair.
The AI now has logical switches. The item "Focus Sash" is available before the fight. And the level curve ensures you aren’t facing a level 70 god with your level 55 party. You’ll still sweat. You just won’t throw your 3DS. Rebalanced Pokémon stats : Pokémon have revised stats,