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

WoW Patch 11.1: Shaman Visual Overhaul Divides Fans, New Abilities Introduced

World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 brings a visual refresh to Shaman abilities, particularly Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning, along with several others. While many classes receive updated visuals, Shamans have seen a more extensive overhaul. However, the changes haven't universally pleased fans.

The Undermined PTR offers a preview of these updates. Beyond the new content, every class receives balance adjustments, including a significant Hunter rework. Numerous classes boast new ability VFX, but Shamans received the most significant attention. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova have undergone complete visual overhauls, with Frost Shock receiving new VFX and sounds when used with Ice Strike. Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and increased transparency, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now functions with the Flowing Spirits talent. Content creator Doffen's videos provide detailed side-by-side comparisons.

Visual Updates in WoW Patch 11.1: A Selection

Class (Specialization)	Ability	Change
Death Knight	Raise Ghoul/Apocalypse	New visual, instantaneous summon
Death Knight (Frost)	Frost Strike	New animation for Worgen
Death Knight (Unholy)	Defile	New visual
Death Knight (Unholy)	Army of the Damned	New spell effects for Magus of the Dead
Death Knight (Rider of the Apocalypse)	Darion Mograine's Death and Decay	New visual
Priest (Discipline)	Evangelism	New visual
Shaman	Ghost Wolf	Scales with character model, more transparent
Shaman	Lightning Bolt	New casting and projectile effects
Shaman (Enhancement)	Crash Lightning	New visual
Shaman (Enhancement)	Fire Nova	New visual on targets
Shaman (Enhancement)	Frost Shock	New visual and sounds with Ice Strike
Hunter	Explosive Shot	Faster projectile
Hunter (Beastmaster)	Dire Beast	New visual, leaps at target
Hunter (Marksman)	Intimidation	New visual (no pet)
Hunter (Sentinel)	Lunar Storm	New visual
Warrior	Enrage	New visual
Warrior	Spell Reflect	New visual

While most appreciate the Crash Lightning and Fire Nova improvements, the Lightning Bolt animation has drawn criticism. Many prefer the Cataclysm version's instantaneous bolt to the World of Warcraft Classic projectile style used in the update.

Overall, the visual updates are largely well-received. The hope is that Blizzard might introduce Glyphs allowing players to select preferred VFX, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms in Patch 11.0.5.

Beyond visual updates, Patch 11.1 introduces new abilities: Primordial Storm (Shamans), Symbiotic Relationship (Druids), and Slicing Winds (Windwalker Monks). These, along with the revamped visuals, will be available around February 25th.