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 get a more extensive overhaul, though the changes aren't universally lauded.
The patch, currently on the Public Test Realm (PTR), offers a sneak peek at numerous updates. Beyond new zones and content, class balancing is addressed, with Hunters undergoing a significant rework. Many classes boast new ability VFX, but Shamans receive the most extensive treatment. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova receive complete visual overhauls; Frost Shock gains new VFX and sounds when paired with Ice Strike. Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and boasts 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 enhancements.
Visual Updates in WoW Patch 11.1 (Selected Examples)
| 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 |
While many appreciate the Crash Lightning and Fire Nova updates, the Lightning Bolt animation sparks debate. The channeling improvement is welcomed, but the return to a projectile visual reminiscent of WoW Classic, instead of the Cataclysm's instantaneous bolt, disappoints some.
Overall, the visual updates are largely well-received. The hope is that Blizzard will introduce Glyphs allowing players to select preferred VFX, 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). These additions, along with the visual improvements, promise a compelling update anticipated around February 25th.
