WoW Patch 11.1: Shaman Visual Overhaul and New Abilities Spark Mixed Reactions
World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 brings a visual refresh to Shaman abilities, notably Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning, along with several others. While many classes receive updated visuals, Shamans have seen a more extensive overhaul. However, the changes haven't universally pleased fans.
The patch, currently on the Public Test Realm (PTR), includes numerous updates beyond visual effects. All classes receive balance adjustments, with Hunters undergoing a significant rework. Many classes also boast new ability animations. Shamans, however, received the most substantial visual upgrades, including complete overhauls for Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova. Frost Shock gains new visual and audio effects when paired with Ice Strike, and Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and features increased transparency. The Glyph of Spirit Raptors now functions with the Flowing Spirits talent. Detailed comparisons of these updates are available in videos created by WoW content creator Doffen.
Visual Updates Summary:
| 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 with Ice Strike |
| Hunter | Explosive Shot | Faster projectile |
| Hunter (Beastmaster) | Dire Beast | New visual, leaps at target |
| Hunter (Marksman) | Intimidation | New visual (no pet) |
| Hunter (Sentinel) | Lunar Storm | New visual |
| Warrior | Enrage | New visual |
| Warrior | Spell Reflect | New visual |
While many appreciate the improvements to Crash Lightning and Fire Nova, the Lightning Bolt animation has drawn criticism. Some players lament the return to a projectile-based visual reminiscent of World of Warcraft Classic, preferring the instantaneous effect introduced in Cataclysm.
Beyond visual updates, Patch 11.1 introduces new abilities: Primordial Storm (Shamans), Symbiotic Relationship (Druids), and Slicing Winds (Windwalker Monks). These, along with the visual enhancements, are expected to be available around February 25th. The hope remains that Blizzard may eventually offer glyphs allowing players to select preferred visual effects for certain abilities, mirroring the approach taken with Shaman Ascendance forms in Patch 11.0.5.
