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

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

Author: Evelyn Feb 20,2025

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

WoW Patch 11.1 brings a significant visual refresh for Shaman abilities, notably Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning. While other classes also receive updated visuals, Shamans get a more extensive overhaul. However, the community's reception is mixed.

The patch, currently on the Public Test Realm (PTR), offers a sneak peek at numerous changes. Beyond new content, all classes receive balance adjustments, including a substantial Hunter rework. Many classes boast new ability VFX, but Shamans stand out with comprehensive updates to Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova. Frost Shock gains new visual and audio effects when paired with Ice Strike. Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and features increased transparency. 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: A Selection

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 most appreciate the improvements to Crash Lightning and Fire Nova, some find the Lightning Bolt animation underwhelming. The channeling effect is better, but the return to a projectile visual reminiscent of WoW Classic, instead of the Cataclysm's direct bolt, disappoints some.

Overall, the visual updates are largely well-received. The hope remains that Blizzard will introduce Glyphs allowing players to select preferred VFX, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms in Patch 11.0.5.

Beyond existing abilities, Patch 11.1 introduces new skills: Primordial Storm (Shamans), Symbiotic Relationship (Druids), and Slicing Winds (Windwalker Monks). These additions, alongside the visual enhancements, promise a compelling update expected around February 25th.