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, though 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 introduces a substantial visual update for Shamans, with abilities such as Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and others receiving stunning facelifts. While various classes see new or enhanced ability visuals in the patch, Shamans stand out with more attention to detail, though not all fans are fully on board with the revamped particle effects.
Currently available on the Public Test Realm, Patch 11.1, dubbed Undermined, offers players a sneak peek at the upcoming changes. Beyond new zones, instances, and rewards, the patch includes balance adjustments for all classes, including a notable rework for the Hunter class.
Many classes are also getting new visual effects for their abilities, with Shamans receiving the most significant updates. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova have been completely overhauled visually, while Frost Shock now boasts new VFX and sounds when combined with Ice Strike. Additionally, Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and is slightly more transparent, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors works with the Flowing Spirits talent. WoW content creator Doffen has created comprehensive videos showcasing side-by-side comparisons of 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 |
However, not all Shaman fans are completely sold on the VFX overhaul in Patch 11.1. While most appreciate the updates to Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and other abilities, some feel the Lightning Bolt animation could be better. The channeling effect is a notable improvement, but many were disappointed to see Blizzard revert to the projectile lightning ball visual reminiscent of World of Warcraft Classic, rather than maintaining the unique, instantaneous bolt from Cataclysm.
Overall, players largely approve of the visual updates coming in Patch 11.1. Hopefully, Blizzard will introduce new Glyphs in the future that allow fans to revert to some of the more popular original VFX, similar to what was done with the Shaman Ascendance forms in World of Warcraft Patch 11.0.5.
In addition to visual makeovers, 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—the first Empowered spell outside the Evoker class, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm. Players can look forward to experimenting with these new skills, alongside the enhanced VFX of existing abilities, when the next World of Warcraft update rolls out, likely around February 25.
