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 more visual updates than many other classes, the changes aren't universally praised by fans.
• New skills, such as 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 Shaman abilities, notably Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and others. Although many classes receive updated ability visuals, Shamans receive a more extensive overhaul. However, the new 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 look at upcoming content. In addition to a new zone, instances, and various activities and rewards, the patch includes class balance adjustments, most significantly a Hunter class rework. Many classes also boast new visual effects for their abilities, with Shamans receiving the most significant changes. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova receive complete visual overhauls, while Frost Shock gains both new visual and audio effects when used with Ice Strike. Further enhancements include Ghost Wolf scaling with character models and increased transparency, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now functioning 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 updates to Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and other abilities in Patch 11.1, the Lightning Bolt animation has drawn mixed reactions. Although the channeling effect is improved, some players express disappointment with Blizzard's return to the projectile lightning ball from World of Warcraft Classic, preferring the instantaneous bolt from the Cataclysm expansion.

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

Beyond the visual enhancements to existing abilities, Patch 11.1 introduces several new skills. 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 and the improved visuals of existing ones in the next World of Warcraft update, expected around February 25th.