World of Warcraft Players are Torn on One Patch 11.1 Shaman Feature

Summary

• Shaman abilities like Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning receive significant visual updates in WoW Patch 11.1.
• While Shamans receive considerable visual attention, the changes aren't universally praised by fans.
• New skills, including Primordial Storm for Shamans and Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, debut in WoW Patch 11.1.

World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 brings a substantial visual refresh for Shamans, dramatically altering the look of Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and other abilities. Although many classes receive updated ability visuals, Shamans receive more extensive changes. However, player reception to the new particle effects is mixed.

Currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), World of Warcraft Patch 11.1, codenamed Undermined, offers a sneak peek at upcoming content. In addition to a new zone, instances, and various activities and rewards, the patch includes class balance adjustments, notably a significant Hunter class rework. Many classes also boast new visual effects for their abilities, with Shamans receiving the most significant overhaul. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova undergo complete visual transformations; Frost Shock gains new visual and audio effects when used with Ice Strike. Furthermore, Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and features increased transparency, while the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now interacts correctly with the Flowing Spirits talent. WoW content creator Doffen provides detailed side-by-side comparisons of these and other visual updates in helpful videos.

Visual Updates in World of Warcraft Patch 11.1

Class (Specialization)AbilityChangeDeath KnightRaise Ghoul/ApocalypseNew visual, instantaneous summonDeath Knight (Frost)Frost StrikeNew animation for WorgenDeath Knight (Unholy)DefileNew visualDeath Knight (Unholy)Army of the DamnedNew spell effects for Magus of the DeadDeath Knight (Rider of the Apocalypse)Darion Mograine's Death and DecayNew visualPriest (Discipline)EvangelismNew visualShamanGhost WolfScales with character model, more transparentShamanLightning BoltNew casting and projectile effectsShaman (Enhancement)Crash LightningNew visualShaman (Enhancement)Fire NovaNew visual on targetsShaman (Enhancement)Frost ShockNew visual and sounds when used with Ice StrikeHunterExplosive ShotFaster projectileHunter (Beastmaster)Dire BeastNew visual, now leaps at targetHunter (Marksman)IntimidationNew visual to account for no petHunter (Survival)Lunar StormNew visualWarriorEnrageNew visualWarriorSpell ReflectNew visual

While most players appreciate the visual improvements to Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and other abilities, the Lightning Bolt animation is a point of contention. Although the channeling effect is improved, the return to the projectile lightning ball from World of Warcraft Classic, instead of the instantaneous bolt from Cataclysm, disappoints some.

Overall, the visual updates in Patch 11.1 are generally well-received. The hope is that Blizzard will eventually introduce new Glyphs allowing players to use some of the more popular original VFX, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms added in Patch 11.0.5.

Beyond visual updates, Patch 11.1 introduces several new skills, including Primordial Storm for Shamans, Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, and Slicing Winds for Windwalker Monks (the first Empowered spell outside Evoker class abilities, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm). Players can anticipate experimenting with these new skills and the improved visuals of existing abilities in the upcoming World of Warcraft update, tentatively scheduled for around February 25th.