Summary
- Shaman abilities like Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning receive significant visual updates in WoW Patch 11.1.
- Shamans receive more visual attention compared to other classes, but not all fans are convinced of the changes.
- New skills like Primordial Storm for Shamans and Symbiotic Relationship for Druids are introduced in WoW Patch 11.1.
World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 brings a host of exciting visual updates, particularly for Shamans, with abilities such as Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and several others receiving stunning facelifts. While many classes are getting new or updated ability visuals in this patch, Shamans have garnered more attention than most. However, not all fans are fully on board with the new particle effects.
Currently available on the Public Test Realm, Patch 11.1, known as Undermined, offers players a sneak peek at the upcoming changes. Alongside new zones, instances, and various activities and rewards, every class in the game is receiving balance adjustments, including a significant rework for the Hunter class.
Many classes are also getting new visual effects for their abilities, with Shamans receiving the lion's share of updates. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova have undergone complete visual overhauls, while Frost Shock now boasts new VFX and sounds when used with Ice Strike. Additionally, Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and is slightly more transparent, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now works with the Flowing Spirits talent. WoW content creator Doffen has created two informative videos showcasing side-by-side comparisons of these and many other visual updates coming in the patch.
Visual Updates in World of Warcraft Patch 11.1
| 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 when used with Ice Strike |
| Hunter | Explosive Shot | Faster projectile |
| Hunter (Beastmaster) | Dire Beast | New visual, now leaps at target |
| Hunter (Marksman) | Intimidation | New visual to account for no pet |
| Hunter (Sentinel) | Lunar Storm | New visual |
| Warrior | Enrage | New visual |
| Warrior | Spell Reflect | New visual |
Despite the extensive updates, not all Shaman fans are completely sold on the VFX overhaul in Patch 11.1. While most appreciate the enhancements to Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and other abilities, some feel the Lightning Bolt animation could use further refinement. Although the channeling effect is a notable improvement, many were disappointed to see Blizzard revert to the projectile lightning ball visual reminiscent of World of Warcraft Classic, rather than the unique, instantaneous bolt from Cataclysm.
Overall, players are enthusiastic about the visual updates in Patch 11.1. There's hope that Blizzard will introduce new Glyphs allowing fans to revert to some of the more popular original VFX, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms added in World of Warcraft Patch 11.0.5.
In addition to visual makeovers, Patch 11.1 introduces several new skills to the game. Notable additions include Primordial Storm for Shamans, Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, and Slicing Winds for Windwalker Monks—the first Empowered spell outside the Evoker class, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm. Players can look forward to experimenting with these new skills and the enhanced VFX for existing abilities when the next World of Warcraft update rolls out, likely around February 25.
