Summary
- Shaman abilities like Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning receive significant visual updates in WoW Patch 11.1.
- Shamans get more visual attention compared to other classes, but not all fans are convinced of the changes.
- New skills such as Primordial Storm for Shamans and Symbiotic Relationship for Druids are introduced in WoW Patch 11.1.
World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 brings a refreshing visual overhaul for Shamans, enhancing abilities like Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and several others. While numerous classes benefit from new or updated visual effects in this patch, Shamans stand out with the most extensive changes. However, opinions among fans are mixed, with some questioning the effectiveness of certain new particle effects.
Currently available on the Public Test Realm, Patch 11.1, dubbed "Undermined," offers players a sneak peek at the upcoming content. This update not only introduces new zones and activities but also includes balance adjustments across all classes, notably a significant rework for Hunters.
Many classes are set to receive new visual effects for their abilities, and Shamans are at the forefront of these changes. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova have undergone complete visual transformations, while Frost Shock now boasts new visuals and sounds when used in conjunction with Ice Strike. Additionally, Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and is slightly more transparent, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now synergizes with the Flowing Spirits talent. For a detailed comparison of these updates, WoW content creator Doffen has produced comprehensive videos.
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 visual updates for Shamans, not all fans are completely satisfied. While most appreciate the enhancements to Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and other abilities, some believe the new Lightning Bolt animation could use further refinement. The channeling effect is a notable improvement, yet many are disappointed by Blizzard's decision to revert to the classic projectile lightning ball, reminiscent of World of Warcraft Classic, instead of retaining the instantaneous bolt introduced in Cataclysm.
Overall, the community largely supports the other visual updates introduced in Patch 11.1. There's hope that Blizzard will eventually offer new Glyphs allowing players to revert to some of the more beloved original visual effects, similar to the options provided for Shaman Ascendance forms in Patch 11.0.5.
In addition to visual enhancements, Patch 11.1 introduces new skills such as Primordial Storm for Shamans, Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, and Slicing Winds for Windwalker Monks, marking the first Empowered spell outside of the Evoker class, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm. Players can look forward to testing these new abilities alongside the visually upgraded old ones when the patch is fully released, expected around February 25.
