"It is not that hard": Pokemon Unite player designs shiny Absol for the MOBA

Pokemon Unite, the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, has seen a multitude of fan requests for new features, but one that has stood out recently is the call for shiny Pokemon. Since these unique variant of Pocket Monsters are highly sought after, it is only natural that players hope to see them in the MOBA.

Reddit user MaoAankh took matters into their own hands, showcasing their creative redesigns of an Absol holowear, Dark Suit Style, highlighting just how feasible it is for developer TiMi Studio Group to implement shiny variants into the game.

"FFS TiMi i'm tired of waiting for proper shiny Pokemon. Here let me make it for you, it is not that hard."

FFS TiMi i'm tired of waiting for proper shiny Pokemon. Here let me make it for you, it is not that hard. byu/MaoAankh inPokemonUnite

In a passionate post, MaoAankh expressed frustration over the lack of shiny licenses in Pokemon Unite. The post included images of their fan-made recolorations of Absol.

One image depicted the regular shiny Absol, featuring blue eyes with a red body, claws, horns, and tail. The other showcased a Holowear recoloration, presenting the shiny Absol in a stylish silver-white suit with blue legwear and a silver chain.

The Pokemon Unite community responded with enthusiasm and support for MaoAankh's designs.

Reddit user MaoAankh's post stirred up an insightful discussion among Pokemon Unite players (Image via Reddit)

User pombaaa remarked on the potential financial success of such additions, stating they would spend a significant amount of money to play with a shiny Umbreon.

They also suggested that a battle pass Holowear recolor could be a beautiful addition, envisioning a light blue Meowscarada Holowear that would be particularly stunning.

MaoAankh continued the discussion by proposing a practical implementation for shiny Pokemon in the game.

Comment byu/MaoAankh from discussion inPokemonUnite

They suggested that Unite Membership players could have the option to toggle shiny variants on and off in the battle prep section, right next to the existing shiny spray button. This feature would allow players to select the shiny variant for the base layer of the Pokemon model if desired.

Many players added creative inputs that others agreed on (Image via Reddit)

Another user expressed a longing for unique shiny Pokemon forms with less appealing default versions, like Pikachu. They highlighted how other spin-off games have introduced creative variants, such as Gale of Darkness's Evil Lugia and the purple Kecleon from the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series, suggesting that TiMi could follow suit without legal issues.

SwiftBlueShell appreciated MaoAankh's artistic skills, admitting they had always wanted to make a similar post but lacked the artistic talent.

"I’ve always wanted to make a post similar to this but my artistic talent is… I’m glad you were able to show what’s in my head lol. I used to play a game called Paladins that did this very same thing with Battlepasses you’d get the normal level 100 skin then later you’d get a recolor (including the effects recolored too)"

Hour-Fruit2672 added that the lack of compelling reasons to keep playing might be causing a decline in Pokemon Unite's player base.

Comment byu/MaoAankh from discussion inPokemonUnite

They believed that introducing alluring shiny Pokemon could enhance the matchmaking queue as more players would be motivated to participate.

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What is the difference between a Shiny and Holowears in Pokemon Unite?

Shiny Gyarados as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Shiny Pokemon and Unite Holowears serve different purposes for visual customization. Shiny Pokemon are alternate color variants of standard Pocket Monsters, cherished for their rarity in the mainline games. These color changes, such as a Shiny Absol with blue eyes and a red body, are purely aesthetic and do not affect gameplay.

Although Shiny Pokemon are not yet part of Pokemon Unite, fan interest is high, with suggestions to make them an optional visual toggle for premium members.

Various Holowears as seen in Pokemon Unite (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Unite Holowears, on the other hand, are special costumes that significantly alter a Pokemon's appearance with elaborate themes, including additional visual effects and animations.

These outfits are obtained through the in-game shop, battle passes, or special events and provide a way for players to personalize their favorite Pokemon without influencing gameplay mechanics.

Holowears enhance the visual appeal and offer players a way to stand out in matches, making them a key part of the game's monetization strategy.

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MaoAankh's initiative and the community's enthusiastic response underscore a significant opportunity for TiMi to enhance the Pokemon Unite gameplay. By introducing shiny Pokemon and recolored Holowear, the developer could not only cater to player desires but also potentially increase engagement and player retention.