Shaman Feature in WoW Patch 11.1 Divides Players

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 such as Primordial Storm for Shamans and Symbiotic Relationship for Druids are introduced in WoW Patch 11.1.

World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 introduces a significant visual update for Shamans, with abilities like Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and others receiving stunning facelifts. While many classes have new or updated ability visuals in this World of Warcraft patch, Shamans have received more attention than most. However, not all fans are convinced by the new particle effects.

Currently available on the Public Test Realm, World of Warcraft Patch 11.1, also known as Undermined, offers players a sneak peek at upcoming changes. Beyond new zones, instances, and various rewards, every class in the game is set to receive balance adjustments, including a significant rework for the Hunter class in World of Warcraft.

Many of these classes are also getting new visual effects for several of their abilities, with Shamans receiving the lion's share of updates. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova have undergone complete visual overhauls, while Frost Shock now boasts new VFX and sounds when used with Ice Strike. Additionally, Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and is slightly more transparent, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now works with the Flowing Spirits talent. WoW content creator Doffen has created two helpful videos showing side-by-side comparisons of these and many other visual updates in the patch.

Visual Updates in World of Warcraft Patch 11.1

However, not all Shaman fans are completely sold on the VFX overhaul in Patch 11.1. While most agree that the updates to Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and other abilities are impressive, some believe the Lightning Bolt animation could use further refinement. Though the channeling effect is a significant improvement, many were disappointed to see Blizzard revert to the projectile lightning ball visual used in World of Warcraft Classic, instead of the unique, instantaneous bolt connecting the caster and target that was introduced in Cataclysm.

Overall, players approve of the majority of the visual updates in Patch 11.1. There's hope that Blizzard might eventually introduce new Glyphs 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 the visual makeovers, Patch 11.1 introduces several new skills to World of Warcraft. These include Primordial Storm for Shamans, Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, and Slicing Winds – the first Empowered spell outside the Evoker class, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm – for Windwalker Monks. Players can look forward to experimenting with these new skills, as well as the improved VFX for existing abilities, when the next World of Warcraft update arrives, likely around February 25.