World of Warcraft Patch 11.1: A Visual Feast for Shamans (and Some Mixed Reactions)
WoW Patch 11.1 brings a significant visual refresh to Shaman abilities, particularly Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning. While many classes receive updated visuals, Shamans enjoy a more extensive overhaul. However, the changes aren't universally embraced by the community.
The update, currently on the Public Test Realm (PTR), includes numerous class balance adjustments, a Hunter class rework, and new content. Shamans, however, are in the spotlight visually. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova boast complete visual overhauls, while Frost Shock features new visual and audio effects when paired with Ice Strike. Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and exhibits increased transparency, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now interacts correctly with the Flowing Spirits talent. Content creator Doffen provides detailed side-by-side comparisons of these and other changes.
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 the revamped Crash Lightning and Fire Nova are generally well-received, the Lightning Bolt animation sparks debate. 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 players.
Overall, player response to the visual updates is positive. The hope is that Blizzard might 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, alongside the visual upgrades, promise an exciting update expected around February 25th.
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