WoW Patch 11.1 Unveils Dividing Shaman Feature

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

WoW Patch 11.1 brings a visual overhaul to Shaman abilities, most notably Lightning Bolt and Crash Lightning. While other classes receive visual updates, Shamans get a more extensive treatment, though the reception among fans is mixed.

The patch, currently on the Public Test Realm (PTR), offers a sneak peek at upcoming changes. Beyond new zones and content, all classes receive balance adjustments, with Hunters undergoing a significant rework. Many classes also boast updated ability visuals, with Shamans leading the charge. Lightning Bolt, Crash Lightning, and Fire Nova receive complete visual overhauls, while Frost Shock gains new visual and audio effects when used 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: A Sampling

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 the updates to Crash Lightning and Fire Nova are generally well-received, the Lightning Bolt animation has drawn criticism. Some players prefer the Cataclysm version over the Classic-inspired projectile effect.

The overall response to the visual updates is positive. Players hope Blizzard will introduce glyphs to allow for the use of older, preferred VFX, similar to the Ascendance form glyphs in Patch 11.0.5.

New Abilities Emerge

Beyond visual improvements, Patch 11.1 introduces new abilities. Shamans gain Primordial Storm, Druids receive Symbiotic Relationship, and Windwalker Monks get Slicing Winds, the first empowered spell outside of Evokers, Earthen racial abilities, or Plunderstorm. Players can anticipate experimenting with these new skills alongside the updated visuals, likely arriving around February 25th.