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 host of visual enhancements, particularly for Shamans, with abilities like Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and several others receiving stunning facelifts. While numerous classes in the game are getting new or updated visual effects for their abilities, Shamans are at the forefront of these changes. However, not all fans are completely on board with the new particle effects.
Currently available on the Public Test Realm, Patch 11.1, dubbed Undermined, offers players an early glimpse into the forthcoming update. Beyond the new zone, instances, and other exciting content, every class in World of Warcraft is set to receive balance adjustments, including a major overhaul for the Hunter class.
Many classes are benefiting from updated visual effects for their abilities, with Shamans receiving the most extensive updates. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova have undergone complete visual overhauls, while Frost Shock now boasts new visual effects and sounds when paired with Ice Strike. Additionally, Ghost Wolf has been updated to scale with character models and appears slightly more transparent, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now synergizes with the Flowing Spirits talent. WoW content creator Doffen has provided helpful side-by-side comparison videos showcasing these and other visual updates.
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, not all Shaman fans are fully satisfied with the VFX overhaul in Patch 11.1. While most appreciate the enhancements to Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and other abilities, some believe the Lightning Bolt animation could use further refinement. Although the channeling effect has seen a significant improvement, many were disappointed with Blizzard's decision to revert to the classic projectile lightning ball visual, reminiscent of World of Warcraft Classic, rather than retaining the unique, instantaneous bolt from Cataclysm.
Overall, the community largely welcomes the visual updates in Patch 11.1. There is hope that Blizzard will eventually introduce new Glyphs, allowing players to revert to some of the more beloved original visual effects, similar to the approach taken with the Shaman Ascendance forms in Patch 11.0.5.
In addition to the visual enhancements, Patch 11.1 introduces several new skills to World of Warcraft. Notable additions include Primordial Storm for Shamans, Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, and Slicing Winds for Windwalker Monks, marking the first Empowered spell outside the Evoker class, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm. Players can look forward to exploring these new talents alongside the improved visuals of existing abilities when Patch 11.1 launches, expected around February 25.
