WoW Patch 11.1 Shaman Feature Divides Players

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 all players.
• 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 Shaman abilities, notably Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and others. Although many classes receive updated ability visuals, Shamans benefit from more extensive changes. However, the reception to these improved particle effects is mixed among the fanbase.

Currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), Undermined, World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 offers players an early look at upcoming content. In addition to a new zone, instances, and various activities and rewards, the patch includes balance adjustments for all classes, with a significant Hunter class rework.

Many classes also boast new visual effects for their abilities, with Shamans receiving the most significant upgrades. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova undergo complete visual overhauls. Frost Shock gains both new visual effects (VFX) and sounds when used with Ice Strike. Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and features increased transparency. 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

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 needs improvement. The channeling effect is an improvement, but the return to a projectile lightning ball visual reminiscent of World of Warcraft Classic, instead of the instantaneous bolt from Cataclysm, disappoints some.

Overall, player reaction to the other visual updates in Patch 11.1 is positive. The hope is that Blizzard will 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. These include Primordial Storm for Shamans, Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, and Slicing Winds (the first Empowered spell outside of Evoker class abilities, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm) for Windwalker Monks. Players can anticipate experimenting with these new skills and improved VFX for existing abilities in the next World of Warcraft update, anticipated around February 25th.