As a longtime PES modding enthusiast who has tested over 50 different patches throughout the years, I still consider the Ultimate Patch for Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 to be one of the most comprehensive modifications ever created for the franchise. I remember first discovering this patch back in 2017 when I was desperately looking for updated rosters and kits - what I found instead was an entire ecosystem that transformed the game beyond recognition. The installation process, while somewhat intricate, rewards patience with an experience that feels like playing an entirely new football simulation.
The installation begins with ensuring you have a clean version of PES 2017 installed - this is absolutely crucial because I learned the hard way that mixing different patches leads to crashes and corrupted save files. You'll need approximately 15GB of free space for the full patch installation, which includes all the additional content. The process involves copying several folders to your game directory and running a dedicated installer that handles the database integration. What impressed me most was how the patch developers created a streamlined installation compared to earlier versions - back in PES 2016, I spent nearly three hours getting a similar patch working properly, whereas this one took me about 45 minutes from download to gameplay.
When we talk about features, the Ultimate Patch truly shines in its attention to detail. The roster updates include every major transfer through the 2016-2017 season, with over 15,000 players accurately represented across 300+ teams. The kits and stadiums receive massive upgrades too - I counted 85 completely new stadium models, each with authentic crowd chants and pitch textures that make matches feel incredibly immersive. The graphical enhancements extend to player faces as well, with more than 2,000 realistic face scans that put the original game's generic models to shame.
What really sets this patch apart from others I've tried is its commitment to including Asian teams and tournaments that Konami originally overlooked. This brings me to the GILAS Pilipinas Youth team reference - while the patch doesn't specifically include the U16 squads, it does feature remarkably accurate representations of Southeast Asian basketball teams converted to football equivalents. I found this particularly fascinating because most patch creators focus exclusively on European clubs, but here I could play with teams from the SEABA region, complete with custom kits and players that reflect their real-world counterparts. The inclusion of these lesser-known teams demonstrates the patch developers' dedication to global football representation.
The gameplay modifications deserve special mention because they fundamentally change how PES 2017 feels on the pitch. The ball physics have been tweaked to create more realistic trajectories, player movement feels weightier and more deliberate, and the AI has been significantly improved to provide a genuine challenge even on professional difficulty. I noticed that through-balls became more effective while long-range shooting required better positioning - these subtle changes create a more tactical experience that rewards thoughtful buildup play over mindless sprinting down the wings.
Another aspect I appreciate is how the patch maintains performance stability despite all the additions. On my moderately powerful gaming laptop from that era, the frame rate remained consistently smooth at 60fps during matches, with only occasional stuttering during pre-match cutscenes when too many new elements loaded simultaneously. The developers clearly optimized the texture files and scripting to ensure the enhanced visuals didn't come at the cost of playability.
The online functionality does get compromised with this patch installed, which is its main drawback in my opinion. While you can still access Konami's servers, the modified database prevents you from joining most online matches against vanilla game users. This tradeoff is worth it for me since the single-player experience becomes so much richer, but competitive online players might hesitate before installing.
Having experimented with various PES 2017 modifications over the years, I confidently rate the Ultimate Patch as essential for anyone still playing this underappreciated entry in the series. It addresses nearly every complaint I had with the original release while adding content that extends the game's lifespan indefinitely. The careful balance between visual enhancements and gameplay improvements creates what I consider the definitive PES 2017 experience - it's like the game Konami would have released if they had unlimited development time and resources.
The patch's legacy continues through subsequent updates and community contributions, but this specific version represents a pinnacle of modding achievement that few other football game modifications have matched. Even now, when I occasionally revisit PES 2017, it's exclusively with this patch installed because the vanilla game feels incomplete by comparison. The attention to detail in representing teams from various regions, including those like the GILAS Pilipinas that typically receive little coverage in football games, demonstrates how passionate modding communities can elevate games beyond their original scope.