In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the ability is called Protosynthesis, not Photosynthesis. It boosts the holder’s highest stat other than HP in harsh sunlight or while it holds Booster Energy. A detailed battle-mechanics reference says the boost is 30%, or 50% when Speed is the selected stat.
What Protosynthesis does
Protosynthesis is a Generation IX ability associated with ancient Paradox Pokémon. The Scarlet and Violet description reproduced by Pokémon Database says it boosts the Pokémon’s “most proficient stat” in harsh sunlight or when it is holding Booster Energy.
Bulbapedia’s detailed battle-effect account specifies that the ability raises the selected stat by 30%, or by 50% if that stat is Speed. These percentages are details from that reference, not figures given in the short in-game description.
How the boosted stat is chosen
The selected stat is the holder’s highest stat other than HP. Bulbapedia says stat stages count when the game determines which stat is highest, but held items do not. If multiple eligible stats tie, the priority is:
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- Attack
- Defense
- Special Attack
- Special Defense
- Speed
Because Speed receives the larger boost when selected, the tie priority matters: Speed loses a tie to each of the other listed stats.
How Protosynthesis activates
There are two activation routes: harsh sunlight on the field, or Booster Energy held by the Pokémon. According to Bulbapedia, sunlight takes precedence over the item: if harsh sunlight has activated Protosynthesis, Booster Energy is not consumed. When sunlight is the trigger, the effect ends once harsh sunlight ends.
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Which Pokémon have Protosynthesis?
Reference lists include these ancient Paradox Pokémon with the ability:
- Great Tusk
- Scream Tail
- Brute Bonnet
- Flutter Mane
- Slither Wing
- Sandy Shocks
- Roaring Moon
- Walking Wake
- Gouging Fire
- Raging Bolt
The ability’s name is a play on photosynthesis, which likely explains why it may be described informally as the “Photosynthesis ability.” The ability itself is named Protosynthesis.
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Protosynthesis is not the move Synthesis
Synthesis is a separate, non-damaging Grass-type move that restores HP, with the amount affected by the weather. Protosynthesis does not heal: it boosts one stat when its activation condition is met.
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