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World of Warcraft Players are Torn on One Patch 11.1 Shaman Feature

by Alexander Feb 21,2025

WoW Patch 11.1: Shaman Visual Overhaul and New Abilities Spark Mixed Reactions

World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 brings a visual refresh to Shaman abilities, particularly Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning, along with other significant changes. While many classes receive updated visuals, Shamans are the focus of considerable attention in this update. However, the reception among players is not universally positive.

The patch, currently on the Public Test Realm (PTR), includes numerous class balance adjustments and new content. Shamans receive a substantial visual upgrade, impacting abilities like Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and Frost Shock (the latter gaining 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 correctly with the Flowing Spirits talent. Content creator Doffen's videos offer detailed side-by-side comparisons of these changes.

Here's a table summarizing some of the visual updates across various classes:

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 improvements to Crash Lightning and Fire Nova, the Lightning Bolt animation has drawn criticism. Some players lament the return to a projectile visual reminiscent of WoW Classic, preferring the instantaneous bolt introduced in Cataclysm.

Overall, the visual updates are largely well-received. The hope is that Blizzard will introduce Glyphs allowing players to choose between different VFX options, similar to the Ascendance forms added 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, alongside the visual upgrades, promise exciting gameplay changes expected around February 25th.

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