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

by Blake Mar 15,2025

Summary

Shaman abilities like Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning receive significant visual updates in WoW Patch 11.1.
While Shamans receive considerable visual attention, the changes haven't universally pleased fans.
New skills, including Primordial Storm for Shamans and Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, debut in WoW Patch 11.1.

World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 brings a substantial visual refresh for Shaman abilities, notably Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and others. Although many classes see updated ability visuals, Shamans receive more extensive changes. However, the updated particle effects haven't won over all players.

Currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), WoW Patch 11.1, codenamed Undermined, offers a sneak peek at upcoming content. This includes a new zone, instances, and various activities and rewards. All classes receive balance adjustments, with Hunters undergoing a significant rework. Many classes also boast new visual effects for their abilities, with Shamans receiving the most significant overhaul. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova receive complete visual makeovers, while Frost Shock gains new visual effects (VFX) and sounds when used with Ice Strike. Ghost Wolf now scales with character models and is more transparent. The Glyph of Spirit Raptors is now compatible with the Flowing Spirits talent. WoW content creator Doffen's videos provide detailed side-by-side comparisons of these and other visual updates.

Visual Updates in World of Warcraft Patch 11.1

Class (Specialization)AbilityChangeDeath KnightRaise Ghoul/ApocalypseNew visual, instantaneous summonDeath Knight (Frost)Frost StrikeNew animation for WorgenDeath Knight (Unholy)DefileNew visualDeath Knight (Unholy)Army of the DamnedNew spell effects for Magus of the DeadDeath Knight (Rider of the Apocalypse)Darion Mograine's Death and DecayNew visualPriest (Discipline)EvangelismNew visualShamanGhost WolfScales with character model, more transparentShamanLightning BoltNew casting and projectile effectsShaman (Enhancement)Crash LightningNew visualShaman (Enhancement)Fire NovaNew visual on targetsShaman (Enhancement)Frost ShockNew visual and sounds when used with Ice StrikeHunterExplosive ShotFaster projectileHunter (Beastmaster)Dire BeastNew visual, now leaps at targetHunter (Marksman)IntimidationNew visual to account for no petHunter (Survival)Lunar StormNew visualWarriorEnrageNew visualWarriorSpell ReflectNew visual

While many appreciate the updated VFX for Crash Lightning, Fire Nova, and other abilities, some players find the Lightning Bolt animation needs improvement. The channeling effect is improved, but the return to the projectile lightning ball visual from World of Warcraft Classic, instead of the instantaneous bolt from Cataclysm, disappoints some.

Overall, player reception to the other visual updates in Patch 11.1 is positive. The hope is that Blizzard will introduce new Glyphs allowing players to use some of the more popular original VFX, similar to the Shaman Ascendance forms added in Patch 11.0.5.

Beyond ability visual updates, Patch 11.1 introduces new skills: Primordial Storm for Shamans, Symbiotic Relationship for Druids, and Slicing Winds (the first Empowered spell outside Evoker, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm) for Windwalker Monks. Players can anticipate experimenting with these new skills and improved VFX in the upcoming update, expected around February 25th.

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