Shaman Feature in WoW Patch 11.1 Sparks Debate

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, but not all fans are convinced of the changes.
• New skills like 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 Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and several other abilities receiving stunning facelifts. While many classes in World of Warcraft are getting new or updated ability visuals, Shamans have received more attention than most. However, not all fans are sold on the improved particle effects.

Patch 11.1, dubbed "Undermined," is currently available on the Public Test Realm, offering players a sneak peek at the upcoming updates. Beyond new zones, instances, and other exciting content, every class in the game is getting balance adjustments, including a significant rework of the Hunter class.

Many classes are also receiving new visual effects for their abilities, with Shamans getting the lion's share. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova have undergone complete visual overhauls, while Frost Shock has new VFX and sounds when used with Ice Strike. 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 handy videos showcasing side-by-side comparisons of these and many other visual updates coming in the patch.

Visual Updates in World of Warcraft Patch 11.1

However, not all Shaman fans are completely convinced by 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. Although the channeling effect is a notable improvement, many were disappointed to see Blizzard revert to the projectile lightning ball visual from World of Warcraft Classic, rather than retaining the unique, instantaneous bolt connecting the caster and target introduced in Cataclysm.

Overall, players are pleased with the rest of the visual updates in Patch 11.1. There's hope that Blizzard will eventually introduce new Glyphs allowing fans to use some of the more popular original VFX, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms added in World of Warcraft Patch 11.0.5.

In addition to revamping existing abilities, Patch 11.1 introduces several new skills to World of Warcraft. Shamans gain Primordial Storm, Druids receive Symbiotic Relationship, and Windwalker Monks get Slicing Winds – the first Empowered spell outside the Evoker class, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm. Players can look forward to experimenting with these new skills, along with the enhanced VFX for existing ones, in the upcoming World of Warcraft update, expected around February 25.