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

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 some fans are not fully convinced by 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 substantial visual overhaul for Shamans, with abilities like Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and others receiving updated visuals. While many classes see new or refreshed ability visuals in the patch, Shamans have garnered more attention than most. However, not all fans are thrilled with every change to the particle effects.

Currently available on the Public Test Realm, Patch 11.1, known as Undermined, offers players a sneak peek at the upcoming content. Beyond new zones, instances, and various activities and rewards, all classes are receiving balance adjustments, including a major rework for the Hunter class.

Many classes are getting new visual effects for their abilities, and Shamans are at the forefront of these updates. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova have been completely revamped visually, while Frost Shock boasts new VFX and sounds when used with Ice Strike. Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and is slightly more transparent, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now functions with the Flowing Spirits talent. WoW content creator Doffen has produced two informative videos that showcase side-by-side comparisons of these and other visual updates coming in the patch.

Visual Updates in World of Warcraft Patch 11.1

Despite the excitement around the visual updates, not all Shaman fans are completely on board with the changes in Patch 11.1. While the updates to Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and other abilities are generally well-received, some fans feel the Lightning Bolt animation could use more work. Although the channeling effect is an improvement, many were disappointed to see Blizzard revert to the classic projectile lightning ball visual instead of the unique, instantaneous bolt used since Cataclysm.

Overall, the community seems pleased with the visual updates coming in Patch 11.1. There is hope that Blizzard will introduce new Glyphs allowing players to revert to some of the more popular original VFX, similar to what was done with Shaman Ascendance forms in Patch 11.0.5.

In addition to visual enhancements, Patch 11.1 introduces new skills to World of Warcraft. 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 revamped visuals in the upcoming World of Warcraft update, expected around February 25.