Patch 11.1 Shaman Feature Divides WoW Players

World of Warcraft Patch 11.1: A Visual Feast for Shamans, But Some Reservations Remain

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. However, the changes aren't universally lauded.

Currently on the Public Test Realm (PTR), Patch 11.1 offers a sneak peek at upcoming content, including class balance adjustments (a major Hunter rework is included) and new ability visuals. Shamans receive substantial visual updates, including complete overhauls for Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova. Frost Shock gains new visual and audio effects when used with Ice Strike. Furthermore, Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and boasts increased transparency, and the Glyph of Spirit Raptors now functions with the Flowing Spirits talent. Detailed comparisons are available in videos created by WoW content creator Doffen.

Visual Updates in WoW Patch 11.1 (Selection)

While many appreciate the improvements to Crash Lightning and Fire Nova, some players express concerns about the Lightning Bolt animation's return to a projectile-based effect reminiscent of WoW Classic, rather than the instantaneous connection seen in Cataclysm.

Beyond visual updates, Patch 11.1 introduces new abilities: Primordial Storm (Shaman), Symbiotic Relationship (Druid), and Slicing Winds (Windwalker Monk). Players can anticipate experimenting with these new abilities alongside the revamped visuals, likely arriving around February 25th. The hope remains that Blizzard will eventually offer glyphs to allow players to choose preferred visual effects, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms introduced in Patch 11.0.5.