Summary
- Shaman abilities like Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning receive significant visual updates in WoW Patch 11.1.
- Shamans receive 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 dazzling array of visual enhancements, particularly for Shamans. Abilities like Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and several others are getting a fresh look. While many classes see their abilities updated with new visuals, Shamans stand out with the most extensive changes. However, not all fans are on board with these revamped particle effects.
Currently, the "Undermined" World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 is available on the Public Test Realm, giving players an early glimpse of the upcoming updates. This patch introduces new zones, instances, and a variety of new activities and rewards. Additionally, every class in the game will undergo balance adjustments, including a significant rework for the Hunter class.
A substantial number of these classes are also receiving new visual effects for various abilities, with Shamans receiving the most attention. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova have been completely overhauled visually, while Frost Shock now boasts new VFX and sounds when used in conjunction with Ice Strike. Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and is more transparent, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now functions with the Flowing Spirits talent. For a comprehensive look at these visual updates, WoW content creator Doffen has created two informative videos showcasing side-by-side comparisons.
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 updates, not all Shaman fans are fully convinced by the VFX overhaul in Patch 11.1. While the community largely appreciates the enhancements to Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and other abilities, there's some discontent about the Lightning Bolt animation. Although the channeling effect has been significantly improved, many players miss the unique, instantaneous bolt from Cataclysm and are less enthusiastic about the return to the classic projectile lightning ball.
Overall, the community responds positively to the visual updates in Patch 11.1. There's 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 the Shaman Ascendance forms in Patch 11.0.5.
Patch 11.1 also introduces several exciting new skills to World of Warcraft. Shamans can harness the power of Primordial Storm, Druids can benefit from Symbiotic Relationship, and Windwalker Monks can wield Slicing Winds, the first Empowered spell outside the Evoker class, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm. Players can look forward to experimenting with these new abilities and the enhanced visuals of existing ones when Patch 11.1 launches, likely around February 25.
