World of Warcraft Patch 11.1: A Visual Feast for Shamans, But Not Without Controversy
WoW Patch 11.1 brings a significant visual refresh to Shaman abilities, notably Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning. While many classes receive updated visuals, Shamans get a more extensive overhaul, sparking mixed reactions from the community.
The Public Test Realm (PTR) offers a sneak peek at Patch 11.1's content, including class balance adjustments (a major Hunter rework is included) and visual effects updates. Shamans are prominent beneficiaries of these visual improvements. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova boast complete visual overhauls, while Frost Shock gains new visual and audio effects when paired with Ice Strike. Furthermore, Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and features increased transparency, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now functions correctly with the Flowing Spirits talent. Content creator Doffen's videos provide detailed side-by-side comparisons.
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 applaud the Crash Lightning and Fire Nova updates, the Lightning Bolt animation receives criticism. The channeling improvement is praised, 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 to allow players to choose between original and updated 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, alongside visual improvements, promise a compelling update, anticipated around February 25th.
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