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

by Layla Feb 26,2025

World of Warcraft Patch 11.1: A Visual Feast for Shamans (and More!)

WoW Patch 11.1 brings a visual overhaul to Shaman abilities, most notably Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning. While other classes also receive updated visuals, Shamans are the stars of this visual update, though the changes aren't universally lauded.

The Public Test Realm (PTR) offers a sneak peek at Patch 11.1's content, including the new zone, instances, and class adjustments – a significant Hunter rework being among them. Many classes boast new ability VFX, but Shamans lead the pack. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova receive complete visual makeovers; Frost Shock gets new VFX and sounds when paired with Ice Strike; Ghost Wolf scales with character models and gains transparency; and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now synergizes with Flowing Spirits. Detailed comparisons can be found in videos by content creator Doffen.

Visual Updates in WoW Patch 11.1: A Sampling

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 updated 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.

Overall, player reception to the Patch 11.1 visual updates is positive. The hope is that Blizzard will introduce Glyphs allowing players to utilize preferred older VFX, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms in Patch 11.0.5.

Beyond visual enhancements, Patch 11.1 introduces new abilities: Primordial Storm (Shaman), Symbiotic Relationship (Druid), and Slicing Winds (Windwalker Monk). Players can anticipate experimenting with these and the revamped visuals around February 25th.

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