World of Warcraft Players are Torn on One Patch 11.1 Shaman Feature
- By Natalie
- Feb 12,2025
World of Warcraft Patch 11.1: A Visual Feast for Shamans, But Some Remain Unsatisfied
WoW Patch 11.1 brings a substantial visual refresh for Shaman abilities, notably Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning. While many classes receive updated visuals, Shamans enjoy a more extensive overhaul. However, the reception among players is mixed.
Currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), Patch 11.1 offers a preview of upcoming changes. Beyond new content, all classes receive balance adjustments, including a significant Hunter rework. Many classes boast new ability VFX, with Shamans receiving the most significant attention. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova receive complete visual overhauls; Frost Shock gains new visual and audio effects when paired with Ice Strike. Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and features increased transparency. The Glyph of Spirit Raptors now functions with the Flowing Spirits talent. Content creator Doffen provides detailed side-by-side comparisons of these updates.
Visual Updates in WoW Patch 11.1: A Selection
| 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 applaud the Crash Lightning and Fire Nova updates, some criticize the Lightning Bolt animation's reversion to a projectile style reminiscent of WoW Classic, preferring the instantaneous bolt from Cataclysm.
Overall, the visual updates are largely well-received. The hope is that Blizzard will introduce glyphs allowing players to select preferred visual effects, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms in Patch 11.0.5.
Beyond visual enhancements, Patch 11.1 introduces new abilities: Primordial Storm (Shamans), Symbiotic Relationship (Druids), and Slicing Winds (Windwalker Monks). Players can anticipate experimenting with these and the improved visuals around February 25th.
