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WoW Players Divided Over Shaman Update in Patch 11.1

Author : Leo

Feb 19,2025

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

WoW Patch 11.1 brings a visual refresh to several classes, but Shamans are getting a particularly significant makeover. Abilities like Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning boast impressive new visual effects (VFX). While the increased visual attention is appreciated by many, the changes aren't universally embraced by the Shaman community.

The update, currently on the Public Test Realm (PTR), includes a broader range of improvements beyond the visual enhancements. All classes receive balance adjustments, with Hunters undergoing a substantial rework. Many classes also feature updated ability visuals, but Shamans receive the most extensive overhaul. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova receive complete VFX overhauls, while Frost Shock gains both new VFX and sounds when used with Ice Strike. Even Ghost Wolf gets an upgrade, scaling with character models and exhibiting increased transparency. The Glyph of Spirit Raptors now functions correctly with the Flowing Spirits talent. Content creator Doffen's videos offer detailed side-by-side comparisons of these changes.

Visual Updates: A Detailed Look

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

Mixed Reception: Lightning Bolt Divides Opinion

While the updated VFX for Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and other abilities are largely praised, the Lightning Bolt animation has received mixed reactions. Many players find the channeling effect improved, but express disappointment with the return to a projectile lightning ball reminiscent of World of Warcraft Classic, preferring the instantaneous bolt introduced in Cataclysm.

New Abilities and Future Glyphs

Beyond visual updates, Patch 11.1 introduces new abilities: Primordial Storm for Shamans, Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, and Slicing Winds for Windwalker Monks. The potential for future glyphs allowing players to choose between original and updated VFX is also hoped for, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms in Patch 11.0.5. Players can anticipate exploring these new skills and improved visuals around February 25th.