Major Update for Shamans in World of Warcraft: The War Within Patch 11.0.5

After more than a decade, World of Warcraft is finally refreshing the visual design of Shaman Ascendance forms, marking the first update of its kind in 12 years. This long-awaited overhaul will arrive with Patch 11.0.5, coinciding with the MMO’s celebration of its 20th anniversary.

World of Warcraft recently revealed details about Patch 11.0.5, the first major update following the release of The War Within. Alongside the monumental in-game event celebrating the game's two decades of success, the update is packed with significant gameplay improvements, including expanding the class options available to Dracthyr characters.

However, the spotlight of Patch 11.0.5 shines on an unexpected feature that will thrill Shaman players—an impressive revamp of the Ascendance forms for each Shaman specialization. The update introduces six new forms in total: Fire for Elemental Shamans, Water for Restoration Shamans, and Air for Enhancement Shamans, each offering distinct versions for both Body Type 1 and 2 characters.

A Fresh Look for Shaman Ascendance in WoW: The War Within

The Shaman Ascendance ability made its debut during Mists of Pandaria, with the forms themselves drawing inspiration from enemies in Cataclysm, making them over 12 years old, and their core models dating back more than 14 years. While many playable races in World of Warcraft have since received visual updates, these Shaman forms had begun to feel outdated, standing out as relics compared to the game's more modern aesthetic. The revamp, therefore, was long overdue.

Fans have largely embraced these new Shaman Ascendance forms. Many agree that the upgraded models are a vast improvement in quality, with the new designs staying true to the original silhouettes while aligning with the art style World of Warcraft has embraced over the past decade. The surprise release of these forms has sparked excitement, as they represent a significant leap forward in the Shaman class’s visual appeal.

Mixed Reactions to the New Ascendance Designs

Despite the praise, not all players are entirely happy with the new designs. Some fans feel that the updated forms lack the charm of the originals, particularly due to the absence of the iconic cowls that were a defining feature of the previous models. Others had hoped Blizzard would take a more creative approach, envisioning the Shaman conjuring an elemental spirit around them, similar to the design of Dathea, Ascended, from the Vault of the Incarnates raid.

There’s hope that Blizzard might address these concerns in future updates, possibly by introducing Glyphs that allow players to choose between the old and new Ascendance forms. An even more exciting prospect for some would be giving players the option to customize their Shaman's appearance in the same way Druids and Warlocks can at the barber shop.