World of Warcraft Patch 11.1: A Visual Feast for Shamans, But Some Remain Unsatisfied
WoW Patch 11.1 brings a visual overhaul to Shaman abilities, most notably Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning. While other classes also receive updated visuals, Shamans enjoy a more extensive revamp. However, the reception among players is mixed.
The update, currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), includes numerous changes beyond visual effects. All classes receive balance adjustments, with Hunters undergoing a significant rework. Many abilities across various classes boast new visual effects, but the Shaman class stands out with its substantial visual improvements. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova receive complete overhauls, while Frost Shock gains both new visual and audio effects when used with Ice Strike. Further enhancements include Ghost Wolf scaling with character models and increased transparency, and Glyph of Spirit Raptors now functioning with the Flowing Spirits talent. Detailed comparisons 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 updated visuals for Crash Lightning and Fire Nova, some criticize the new Lightning Bolt animation. The channeling effect is improved, but the return to a projectile lightning ball, reminiscent of World of Warcraft Classic, is considered a step backward by some who preferred the Cataclysm version's instantaneous bolt.
Overall, player response to the visual updates is largely positive. There’s hope that Blizzard will introduce glyphs allowing players to choose between visual effects, mirroring the approach taken with Shaman Ascendance forms in Patch 11.0.5.
Beyond visual enhancements, Patch 11.1 introduces new abilities such as Primordial Storm for Shamans, Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, and Slicing Winds for Windwalker Monks. These additions, along with the visual improvements, promise a fresh and exciting experience expected to launch around February 25th.
