Summary

• World of Warcraft is updating the 'swirly' AoE marker to enhance visibility of attack borders against the environment.
• It remains uncertain whether this updated marker will be applied to older content.

World of Warcraft's iconic "swirly" AoE marker is set for a significant update with the upcoming Patch 11.1. This change introduces a brighter outline and a more transparent interior, making it easier for players to discern the exact location of an enemy's area-of-effect (AoE) attack. This updated marker is currently available for testing on the World of Warcraft public test realm (PTR) ahead of Patch 11.1's official release.

Patch 11.1 is part of the broader Undermined content update, which takes players to the chaotic underground realm of the Undermine. This area has been thrown into disarray with the return of Jastor Gallywix, the former leader of the Bilgewater Cartel, who has allied with Xal'atath, the main antagonist of The War Within expansion. Gallywix will serve as the final boss in the Liberation of Undermine raid. Alongside this, Patch 11.1 introduces the D.R.I.V.E. mount system, the Operation: Floodgate dungeon, and various updates to classes and Hero Talents.

The update to the "swirly" AoE marker, a feature dating back to World of Warcraft's 2004 launch, represents the first major change to this indicator in nearly two decades. The new design replaces the cloudy border with a more defined, brighter outline and increases the transparency of the circle's interior. These modifications are intended to help players more easily avoid unnecessary damage from bosses by providing clearer guidance on where to stand.

World of Warcraft Is Updating Its Swirling AoE Marker After Two Decades

• World of Warcraft's swirling attack indicator is receiving an update in Patch 11.1.
• The new swirling marker features a brighter outline and increased transparency.
• This marks the first significant change to the swirling marker since the game's early days.
• Uncertainty remains about whether the updated swirling AoE will be retroactively applied to older content.

The updated swirling AoE marker is now available for testing on the Undermined PTR client, allowing players to provide feedback. The community has responded positively, applauding Blizzard for enhancing functionality and accessibility. Some have drawn comparisons to similar markers in Final Fantasy 14's raid content, while others are curious about whether these changes will extend to older World of Warcraft content.

As World of Warcraft players gear up for the return of Turbulent Timeways and the Undermined content patch in 2025, the future may hold additional updates to other raid mechanic markers.