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 benefit from a more extensive overhaul. However, the updated particle effects haven't won over all players.

Currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), World of Warcraft Patch 11.1, codenamed Undermined, offers players an early glimpse of upcoming content. In addition to a new zone, instances, and other activities and rewards, the patch includes class balance adjustments, notably a significant Hunter class rework.

Many classes also feature new visual effects for their abilities, with Shamans receiving the most significant changes. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova boast complete visual overhauls, while Frost Shock gains both new visual and audio effects when used with Ice Strike. Furthermore, Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and is more transparent, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now functions 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

However, the Shaman VFX overhaul in Patch 11.1 isn't without its critics. While the updates to Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and other abilities are generally well-received, some players find the Lightning Bolt animation lacking. Although the channeling effect is improved, the return to a projectile lightning ball, reminiscent of World of Warcraft Classic, disappoints some who preferred the instantaneous bolt introduced in Cataclysm.

Overall, player reception to the other visual updates in Patch 11.1 is positive. The hope is that Blizzard will eventually introduce new Glyphs allowing players to choose between different VFX options, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms added in Patch 11.0.5.

Beyond the visual improvements, Patch 11.1 introduces several new abilities. These include Primordial Storm for Shamans, Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, and Slicing Winds for Windwalker Monks (the first Empowered spell outside of Evoker class abilities, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm). Players can anticipate experimenting with these new skills alongside the updated visuals in the next World of Warcraft update, expected around February 25th.