Shaman Feature in WoW Patch 11.1 Divides Players

Summary

• Shaman abilities like Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning receive significant visual updates in WoW Patch 11.1.
• Shamans get more visual attention compared to other classes, but not all fans are convinced of the changes.
• New skills such as Primordial Storm for Shamans and Symbiotic Relationship for Druids are introduced in WoW Patch 11.1.

World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 brings a stunning visual overhaul for Shamans, featuring revamped effects for Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and several other abilities. While numerous classes receive updated visuals in this patch, Shamans stand out with more extensive changes. However, not all fans are fully on board with these new particle effects.

Currently available on the Public Test Realm, World of Warcraft Patch 11.1, dubbed "Undermined," offers players a sneak peek at the upcoming content. This patch not only introduces new zones, instances, and activities but also brings balance adjustments across all classes, including a significant rework for Hunters.

Among the classes receiving visual updates, Shamans have seen the most attention. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova boast complete visual overhauls, while Frost Shock gains new VFX and sounds when used with Ice Strike. Additionally, Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and has increased transparency, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors synergizes with the Flowing Spirits talent. WoW content creator Doffen has provided side-by-side comparison videos showcasing these and other visual updates in the patch.

Visual Updates in World of Warcraft Patch 11.1

Despite the positive reception to many of the Shaman VFX updates, some fans remain unconvinced, particularly about the Lightning Bolt animation. While the channeling effect is an improvement, many lament the return to the classic projectile lightning ball visual, preferring the instantaneous bolt from Cataclysm.

Overall, the visual updates in Patch 11.1 are well-received by the community. Fans hope Blizzard will introduce new Glyphs allowing them to toggle back to preferred original VFX, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms update in Patch 11.0.5.

In addition to visual enhancements, Patch 11.1 introduces new skills like Primordial Storm for Shamans, Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, and Slicing Winds for Windwalker Monks, marking the first Empowered spell outside the Evoker class, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm. Players can look forward to experimenting with these new abilities and the enhanced visuals when the patch goes live, expected around February 25.