Patch 11.1 Divides WoW Community Over Shaman Changes
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 several others. While many classes receive updated visuals, Shamans have garnered significant attention, although the reception is not universally positive.
The patch, currently on the Public Test Realm (PTR), offers players a sneak peek at the upcoming changes. Beyond new zones and content, numerous class balance adjustments are included, with Hunters receiving a substantial rework. Many classes boast new visual effects (VFX), but Shamans appear to have received the most extensive overhaul. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova boast completely redesigned visuals, while Frost Shock features new VFX and sounds when used with Ice Strike. Furthermore, Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and exhibits increased transparency, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now functions with the Flowing Spirits talent. Detailed comparisons of these updates are available in videos created by WoW content creator Doffen.
Visual Update Highlights (Partial List):
| 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, Fire Nova, and other abilities, some players express reservations about the Lightning Bolt animation. The channeling effect is improved, but the return to a projectile-based visual reminiscent of WoW Classic, instead of the instantaneous Cataclysm version, is a point of contention.
Overall, the visual updates are largely well-received. The hope remains that Blizzard might introduce glyphs allowing players to utilize some preferred original VFX, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms added in Patch 11.0.5.
Beyond visual enhancements, Patch 11.1 introduces new abilities, including Primordial Storm for Shamans, Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, and Slicing Winds for Windwalker Monks (the first Empowered spell outside Evokers, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm). Players can anticipate experimenting with these new skills alongside the updated visuals in the upcoming patch, anticipated around February 25th.
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