Abstract Pokémon Ultra Sun (2017) is often dismissed as a “director’s cut” of its predecessor, Sun & Moon. However, examining its decrypted game files—unpacking the ROM beyond the surface-level 3DS encryption—tells a different story. This paper argues that decryption transforms Ultra Sun from a simple product into a digital archaeological site, revealing not only cut content and developer shortcuts but also the very DNA of how modern Pokémon games are constructed, debugged, and shipped.
The biggest pain point for 3DS modding has always been extracting creature models. Standard decryption leaves the GARCs (Graphics Archive files) with misaligned headers. With the "better" decrypted version, tools like SPICA and Every File Explorer can export the .bch and .dae files without runtime errors. You can finally extract Ultra Necrozma’s light show data intact. pokemon ultra sun decrypted better
Perhaps the most famous discovery from decrypted Ultra Sun data is the existence of empty species slots. After the mythical Pokémon Zeraora, the decrypted personal file (which stores base stats) shows placeholder entries for two additional unreleased Pokémon—slots 807 and 808 in the index. These were never filled. Had the Switch not arrived, Alola might have hosted new creatures we will never see. Abstract Pokémon Ultra Sun (2017) is often dismissed
Furthermore, decrypted map files contain coordinates for a “Faroff Sea” location. This map exists in the game’s level_geo folder but is never loaded. It lacks textures, but collision data suggests a small island with a single building—possibly a cut Battle Frontier or a Celebi event. Decryption turns speculation into evidence. The biggest pain point for 3DS modding has