Animations: wire remaining effects + 2-column options panel

- Shared FX toolkit in fx-celebrate.lua: mth_shake tween type, MTH_FX_Flash
  glow helper, MTH_CelebrateRunaway red shaking banner, gold title reset.
- pet.runaway, pet.happiness, pet.loyaltyup, pet.feed
- combat.ammoswap, combat.rangedswap, combat.mmprocs
- ui.zbar, ui.stable, ui.minimapping, ui.optionsclose
- book.model, book.search
- Options > Animations panel now uses a balanced two-column layout.
- CHANGELOG Animations entry expanded (no version bump).

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ Resurrecting on Octowow.
 
 ### Added
 
-- **Animations**: MetaHunt now plays optional animations that make the interface feel alive. A firework-and-banner celebration bursts on screen when your pet learns a new ability or a new rank, the Great Book slides up and fades in when you open it and gently fades its list when you switch tabs, the options window slides in when opened and its tabs fade as you switch them, the minimap button pulses when clicked, collapsible zButton bars fade their buttons in as they expand, and world-map markers fade in when you locate a beast, vendor or master. Everything is optional and off-switchable: a new **Animations** tab (Options → Animations) lets you toggle each effect on its own — or disable them all at once. Powered by the PizzaSauce animation library.
+- **Animations**: MetaHunt now plays optional animations that make the interface feel alive. A firework-and-banner celebration bursts on screen when your pet learns a new ability or a new rank, and a red shaking banner warns you when a pet runs away for good. Your pet button flashes when its happiness changes, it gains a loyalty level, or you feed it; the ammo button flashes when Smart Ammo swaps your bullets or auto-equips after a weapon swap; and the MM Widget pulses on a Lock & Load proc. The Great Book slides up and fades in when you open it, gently fades its list when you switch tabs or run a search, fades beast models into view, and fades out when closed; stable slots flash when a pet is deposited, withdrawn or swapped. The options window slides in when opened, fades its tabs as you switch them, and fades out when closed. The minimap button pulses when clicked, minimap markers ping as beasts come into range, collapsible zButton bars fade their buttons in as they expand, the zBar fades in when enabled, and world-map markers fade in when you locate a beast, vendor or master. Everything is optional and off-switchable: a new **Animations** tab (Options → Animations) lets you toggle each effect on its own — or disable them all at once. Powered by the PizzaSauce animation library.
 
 - **zTrack — Find Fish**: Added new spell Find Fish to the zTrack list of trackings.
 

api/core-feed-tracking.lua

@@ -1385,6 +1385,13 @@ function MTH_FEED_FinalizeAttempt(attemptId, payload)
 		if petKey ~= "" then
 			MTH_FEED_Runtime.sessionFeedsByPetId[petKey] = (tonumber(MTH_FEED_Runtime.sessionFeedsByPetId[petKey]) or 0) + 1
 		end
+		if type(MTH_FX_Flash) == "function" and type(MTH_FX_IsEnabled) == "function"
+			and MTH_FX_IsEnabled("pet.feed") then
+			local target = getglobal("zButtonPet")
+			if target then
+				MTH_FX_Flash(target, 0.35, 1.00, 0.35, 0.5)
+			end
+		end
 	else
 		petRow.totals.rejected = petRow.totals.rejected + 1
 		if reason == "no-buff" then

api/core-scan-stablemaster.lua

@@ -2791,6 +2791,9 @@ function MTH_PETS_RecordPetRunaway(source, rawMessage)
 		if MTH:IsMessageEnabled("petRanAway", true) then
 			MTH:Print("YOUR PET " .. tostring(displayName) .. " HAS RUNAWAY FOREVER :-( Try to feed it better next time.")
 		end
+		if type(MTH_CelebrateRunaway) == "function" then
+			MTH_CelebrateRunaway(displayName)
+		end
 	end
 
 	return true

api/fx-celebrate.lua

@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ MTH_FX_DBG = {
 -- Sections shown, in order, in the options panel. `titleKey` localizes `title`.
 MTH_FX_ANIM_SECTIONS = {
 	{ id = "pet",  title = "Pet",  titleKey = "ANIM_SECTION_PET" },
+	{ id = "combat", title = "Combat", titleKey = "ANIM_SECTION_COMBAT" },
 	{ id = "book", title = "Book", titleKey = "ANIM_SECTION_BOOK" },
 	{ id = "ui",   title = "Interface", titleKey = "ANIM_SECTION_UI" },
 }
@@ -46,6 +47,34 @@ MTH_FX_ANIM_DEFS = {
 		label = "Celebrate new pet abilities", labelKey = "ANIM_PET_CELEBRATE",
 		tooltip = "Play a firework and a banner in the middle of the screen when your pet learns a new ability or a new rank.",
 		tooltipKey = "ANIM_PET_CELEBRATE_TIP" },
+	{ key = "pet.runaway", section = "pet", default = true,
+		label = "Warn when a pet runs away", labelKey = "ANIM_PET_RUNAWAY",
+		tooltip = "Flash a red, shaking banner in the middle of the screen when one of your pets runs away for good.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_PET_RUNAWAY_TIP" },
+	{ key = "pet.happiness", section = "pet", default = true,
+		label = "Flash on happiness change", labelKey = "ANIM_PET_HAPPINESS",
+		tooltip = "Briefly flash the pet happiness area green when your pet cheers up, or red when it gets unhappy.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_PET_HAPPINESS_TIP" },
+	{ key = "pet.loyaltyup", section = "pet", default = true,
+		label = "Glow on loyalty gain", labelKey = "ANIM_PET_LOYALTYUP",
+		tooltip = "Give a short golden glow when your pet gains a loyalty level.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_PET_LOYALTYUP_TIP" },
+	{ key = "pet.feed", section = "pet", default = true,
+		label = "Flash when feeding your pet", labelKey = "ANIM_PET_FEED",
+		tooltip = "Give a short green flash when Feed-O-Matic feeds your pet.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_PET_FEED_TIP" },
+	{ key = "combat.ammoswap", section = "combat", default = true,
+		label = "Flash on Smart Ammo swap", labelKey = "ANIM_COMBAT_AMMOSWAP",
+		tooltip = "Briefly highlight the zAmmo button when Smart Ammo swaps your ammo.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_COMBAT_AMMOSWAP_TIP" },
+	{ key = "combat.rangedswap", section = "combat", default = true,
+		label = "Flash on ranged weapon swap", labelKey = "ANIM_COMBAT_RANGEDSWAP",
+		tooltip = "Briefly highlight the zRanged button when you hot-swap a ranged weapon.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_COMBAT_RANGEDSWAP_TIP" },
+	{ key = "combat.mmprocs", section = "combat", default = true,
+		label = "Pulse MM Widget procs", labelKey = "ANIM_COMBAT_MMPROCS",
+		tooltip = "Pulse an MM Widget cell when a Lock and Load or Experimental ammo proc lights up.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_COMBAT_MMPROCS_TIP" },
 	{ key = "book.open", section = "book", default = true,
 		label = "Fade in the Hunter's Book", labelKey = "ANIM_BOOK_OPEN",
 		tooltip = "Fade the Hunter's Book window in when you open it.",
@@ -54,6 +83,14 @@ MTH_FX_ANIM_DEFS = {
 		label = "Fade Hunter's Book tab changes", labelKey = "ANIM_BOOK_TABS",
 		tooltip = "Fade the results list back in when you switch tabs inside the Hunter's Book.",
 		tooltipKey = "ANIM_BOOK_TABS_TIP" },
+	{ key = "book.model", section = "book", default = true,
+		label = "Fade in beast models", labelKey = "ANIM_BOOK_MODEL",
+		tooltip = "Fade the beast model viewer in when it loads a new model.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_BOOK_MODEL_TIP" },
+	{ key = "book.search", section = "book", default = true,
+		label = "Fade search results", labelKey = "ANIM_BOOK_SEARCH",
+		tooltip = "Fade the results list when your search filter changes.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_BOOK_SEARCH_TIP" },
 	{ key = "ui.options", section = "ui", default = true,
 		label = "Slide the options window open", labelKey = "ANIM_UI_OPTIONS",
 		tooltip = "Slide and fade the MetaHunt options window in when you open it.",
@@ -62,14 +99,30 @@ MTH_FX_ANIM_DEFS = {
 		label = "Fade options tab changes", labelKey = "ANIM_UI_OPTIONTABS",
 		tooltip = "Fade the settings panel when you switch tabs inside the options window.",
 		tooltipKey = "ANIM_UI_OPTIONTABS_TIP" },
+	{ key = "ui.optionsclose", section = "ui", default = true,
+		label = "Fade windows closed", labelKey = "ANIM_UI_OPTIONSCLOSE",
+		tooltip = "Fade the options and Hunter's Book windows out when you close them.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_UI_OPTIONSCLOSE_TIP" },
 	{ key = "ui.minimap", section = "ui", default = true,
 		label = "Pulse the minimap button on click", labelKey = "ANIM_UI_MINIMAP",
 		tooltip = "Give the minimap button a quick pulse when you click it.",
 		tooltipKey = "ANIM_UI_MINIMAP_TIP" },
+	{ key = "ui.minimapping", section = "ui", default = true,
+		label = "Ping the minimap on locate", labelKey = "ANIM_UI_MINIMAPPING",
+		tooltip = "Send a short ping ripple over the minimap when you locate a tracked NPC.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_UI_MINIMAPPING_TIP" },
 	{ key = "ui.zbuttons", section = "ui", default = true,
 		label = "Fade zButton bars open", labelKey = "ANIM_UI_ZBUTTONS",
 		tooltip = "Fade the child buttons in when a collapsible zButton bar (pet, tracking, aspects...) expands.",
 		tooltipKey = "ANIM_UI_ZBUTTONS_TIP" },
+	{ key = "ui.zbar", section = "ui", default = true,
+		label = "Fade the zBar in", labelKey = "ANIM_UI_ZBAR",
+		tooltip = "Fade the unified zBar buttons in when the bar becomes active.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_UI_ZBAR_TIP" },
+	{ key = "ui.stable", section = "ui", default = true,
+		label = "Flash stable slots on change", labelKey = "ANIM_UI_STABLE",
+		tooltip = "Flash a stable slot in the Hunter's Book when a pet is deposited or withdrawn.",
+		tooltipKey = "ANIM_UI_STABLE_TIP" },
 	{ key = "ui.mappins", section = "ui", default = true,
 		label = "Fade map markers in", labelKey = "ANIM_UI_MAPPINS",
 		tooltip = "Fade the world map markers in when you locate a beast, vendor or master.",
@@ -166,6 +219,63 @@ else
 end
 MTH_FX_DBG.step = "3-after-registertype"
 
+-- Register a decaying "shake" tween type: oscillates the frame around its own
+-- current anchor point, with the amplitude fading to zero over the tween so it
+-- always lands back exactly where it started. Used for negative events.
+if Sauce and type(Sauce.RegisterType) == "function" and not Sauce.MTH_HasShake then
+	local ok, err = pcall(function()
+		Sauce.MTH_HasShake = true
+		Sauce:RegisterType("mth_shake", {
+			init = function(target)
+				local p, rel, rp, x, y = target:GetPoint(1)
+				return { p or "CENTER", rel, rp or p or "CENTER", x or 0, y or 0 }
+			end,
+			apply = function(target, from, to, t, tween)
+				local mag = tween.magnitude or 8
+				local freq = tween.freq or 34
+				local decay = 1 - t
+				local offset = math.sin(t * freq) * mag * decay
+				target:ClearAllPoints()
+				target:SetPoint(from[1], from[2], from[3], (from[4] or 0) + offset, from[5] or 0)
+			end,
+		})
+	end)
+	MTH_FX_DBG.shakeOk = ok
+	MTH_FX_DBG.shakeErr = err
+end
+
+-- Reusable flash: overlays a short additive colour glow on any frame/button and
+-- fades it out. Safe on any frame that supports CreateTexture; silent no-op
+-- otherwise. The overlay texture is cached on the frame for reuse.
+function MTH_FX_Flash(frame, r, g, b, duration)
+	if not Sauce or not frame then
+		return
+	end
+	if type(frame.CreateTexture) ~= "function" then
+		return
+	end
+	local tex = frame.mthFxFlash
+	if not tex then
+		tex = frame:CreateTexture(nil, "OVERLAY")
+		tex:SetTexture("Interface\\Buttons\\CheckButtonHilight")
+		tex:SetBlendMode("ADD")
+		tex:SetAllPoints(frame)
+		frame.mthFxFlash = tex
+	end
+	tex:SetVertexColor(r or 1, g or 1, b or 1)
+	tex:SetAlpha(0)
+	tex:Show()
+	local dur = duration or 0.45
+	Sauce:Stop(tex)
+	Sauce:Sequence({
+		Sauce:FadeTo(tex, 0.85, dur * 0.35),
+		Sauce:FadeTo(tex, 0, dur * 0.65, "inQuad", {
+			onFinish = function() tex:Hide() end,
+		}),
+	})
+end
+
+
 local MTH_FX_NUM_SPARKS = 22
 local MTH_FX_Container
 local MTH_FX_MsgFrame
@@ -240,6 +350,7 @@ function MTH_Celebrate(title, subtitle)
 		return
 	end
 
+	MTH_FX_TitleFS:SetTextColor(1, 0.82, 0)
 	MTH_FX_TitleFS:SetText(title or "")
 	MTH_FX_SubFS:SetText(subtitle or "")
 
@@ -305,6 +416,39 @@ function MTH_CelebratePetAbility(label)
 	MTH_Celebrate(MTH_FX_L("ANIM_PET_LEARNED_TITLE", "New Pet Ability!"), label)
 end
 
+-- Dramatic negative banner: a red, shaking message shown when a pet runs away
+-- for good. Gated on pet.runaway. Reuses the shared message frame.
+function MTH_CelebrateRunaway(petName)
+	if not MTH_FX_IsEnabled("pet.runaway") then
+		return
+	end
+	if not Sauce then
+		return
+	end
+	if not MTH_FX_EnsureFrames() then
+		return
+	end
+
+	MTH_FX_TitleFS:SetTextColor(1, 0.15, 0.15)
+	MTH_FX_TitleFS:SetText(MTH_FX_L("ANIM_PET_RUNAWAY_TITLE", "Your pet ran away!"))
+	MTH_FX_SubFS:SetText(petName or "")
+
+	Sauce:Stop(MTH_FX_MsgFrame)
+	MTH_FX_MsgFrame:SetAlpha(0)
+	MTH_FX_MsgFrame:Show()
+	Sauce:Sequence({
+		Sauce:FadeTo(MTH_FX_MsgFrame, 1, 0.18),
+		Sauce:Tween(MTH_FX_MsgFrame, {
+			type = "mth_shake",
+			duration = 0.55,
+			easing = "linear",
+			magnitude = 11,
+			freq = 42,
+		}),
+		Sauce:FadeOut(MTH_FX_MsgFrame, 0.7, "inQuad", { delay = 1.6 }),
+	})
+end
+
 -- DEBUG: mark that the whole file finished loading and record which globals it
 -- successfully defined. TEMP diagnostic.
 MTH_FX_DBG.step = "4-complete"

api/hunterbook-model-viewer.lua

@@ -6,6 +6,18 @@
 -- Uses MTH_DS_BeastSkins[familyName] generated by .tools/generators/gen_beast_skins.py
 -- Skin rendering: PlayerModel:SetUnit(CreatureDisplayInfo.ID)
 
+local MTH_MV_Sauce = PizzaSauce
+
+-- Fade a model frame in when a new skin is displayed, unless disabled.
+local function MTH_MV_AnimateModel(model)
+	if not MTH_MV_Sauce or not model then return end
+	if type(MTH_FX_IsEnabled) == "function" and not MTH_FX_IsEnabled("book.model") then return end
+	if type(model.SetAlpha) ~= "function" then return end
+	if not model:IsShown() then return end
+	model:SetAlpha(0)
+	MTH_MV_Sauce:FadeTo(model, 1, 0.30, "outQuad")
+end
+
 local MTH_MV = {
 	inited           = false,
 	family           = nil,
@@ -51,6 +63,8 @@ local function MTH_MV_DisplayCurrent()
 
 	MTH_MV_ApplyModel(MTH_MV.previewModel, skin.id)
 	MTH_MV_ApplyModel(MTH_MV.popupModel,   skin.id)
+	MTH_MV_AnimateModel(MTH_MV.previewModel)
+	MTH_MV_AnimateModel(MTH_MV.popupModel)
 
 	local indexStr = tostring(MTH_MV.index) .. " / " .. tostring(n)
 	if MTH_MV.popupSkinLabel then

api/hunterbook-tab-stable.lua

@@ -1245,6 +1245,17 @@ function MTH_BOOKTAB_RenderStableCards()
 			local row = slotEntry and slotEntry.row or nil
 			MTH_BOOK_DebugTrace("Render card#" .. tostring(i) .. " petId=" .. tostring(petId) .. " hasRow=" .. tostring(type(row) == "table"))
 
+			-- Animations: flash the slot when its occupant changes (deposit /
+			-- withdraw / swap), but never on the first render of this card.
+			if card._stableInit and card._lastStablePetId ~= petId then
+				if type(MTH_FX_Flash) == "function" and type(MTH_FX_IsEnabled) == "function"
+					and MTH_FX_IsEnabled("ui.stable") then
+					MTH_FX_Flash(card, 1.00, 0.82, 0.20, 0.55)
+				end
+			end
+			card._lastStablePetId = petId
+			card._stableInit = true
+
 			card:ClearAllPoints()
 			card:SetPoint("TOPLEFT", ui.frame, "TOPLEFT", 8, y)
 			card:SetPoint("TOPRIGHT", ui.frame, "TOPRIGHT", -8, y)

api/hunterbook.lua

@@ -29,6 +29,34 @@ local function MTH_BOOK_AnimateTabSwitch()
 	Sauce:FadeIn(list, 0.25)
 end
 
+-- Fade the book window out before hiding it, unless disabled (shares the
+-- "fade windows closed" toggle with the options window).
+local function MTH_BOOK_FadeOutWindow(frame)
+	if not frame then return end
+	if not Sauce
+		or (type(MTH_FX_IsEnabled) == "function" and not MTH_FX_IsEnabled("ui.optionsclose")) then
+		if type(frame.SetAlpha) == "function" then frame:SetAlpha(1) end
+		frame:Hide()
+		return
+	end
+	Sauce:FadeOut(frame, 0.22, "inQuad", {
+		onFinish = function()
+			frame:Hide()
+			if type(frame.SetAlpha) == "function" then frame:SetAlpha(1) end
+		end,
+	})
+end
+
+-- Fade the results list back in after a search/filter is applied, unless disabled.
+local function MTH_BOOK_AnimateSearchResults()
+	if not Sauce then return end
+	if type(MTH_FX_IsEnabled) == "function" and not MTH_FX_IsEnabled("book.search") then return end
+	local list = getglobal("MTH_BOOK_ListBackdrop")
+	if not list then return end
+	if type(list.SetAlpha) == "function" then list:SetAlpha(0) end
+	Sauce:FadeIn(list, 0.22)
+end
+
 MTH_HUNTERBOOK_LOADED = true
 MTH_HUNTERBOOK_TABS = MTH_HUNTERBOOK_TABS or {}
 
@@ -4719,6 +4747,7 @@ local function MTH_BOOK_ApplyInputs()
 	MTH_BOOK_STATE.selectedPetRankEntry = nil
 	MTH_BOOK_STATE.petRankRows = {}
 	MTH_BOOK_RefreshFilter()
+	MTH_BOOK_AnimateSearchResults()
 end
 
 local function MTH_BOOK_SetQuickFilter(index)
@@ -5301,7 +5330,7 @@ local function MTH_BOOK_WireUI(frame)
 		closeButton:SetWidth(22)
 		closeButton:SetHeight(22)
 		closeButton:SetText("X")
-		closeButton:SetScript("OnClick", function() this:GetParent():Hide() end)
+		closeButton:SetScript("OnClick", function() MTH_BOOK_FadeOutWindow(this:GetParent()) end)
 	end
 	if applyButton then applyButton:SetScript("OnClick", MTH_BOOK_ApplyInputs) end
 
@@ -5752,7 +5781,7 @@ function MTH_ToggleHunterBook()
 	local frame = MTH_BOOK_EnsureWindow()
 	if not frame then return end
 	if frame:IsShown() then
-		frame:Hide()
+		MTH_BOOK_FadeOutWindow(frame)
 	else
 		frame:Show()
 		MTH_BOOK_FadeInWindow(frame)

api/map-markers.lua

@@ -38,6 +38,15 @@ local function MTH_Map_AnimatePin(pin)
 	MTH_MAP_Sauce:FadeIn(pin, 0.3)
 end
 
+-- Ping a minimap pin that just came into range. Only called for genuinely new
+-- nodes (see UpdateMinimap), never every tick, to avoid strobing.
+local function MTH_Map_PingMinimapPin(pin)
+	if not MTH_MAP_Sauce or not pin then return end
+	if type(MTH_FX_IsEnabled) == "function" and not MTH_FX_IsEnabled("ui.minimapping") then return end
+	if type(pin.SetAlpha) == "function" then pin:SetAlpha(0) end
+	MTH_MAP_Sauce:FadeIn(pin, 0.35)
+end
+
 local MTH_MAP_MINIMAP_ZOOM = {
 	[0] = { [0] = 300, [1] = 240, [2] = 180, [3] = 120, [4] = 80, [5] = 50 },
 	[1] = { [0] = 466 + 2/3, [1] = 400, [2] = 333 + 1/3, [3] = 266 + 2/6, [4] = 200, [5] = 133 + 1/3 },
@@ -948,6 +957,7 @@ function MTH_Map:HideMinimapPins()
 	for i = 1, table.getn(self.minimapPins) do
 		if self.minimapPins[i] then self.minimapPins[i]:Hide() end
 	end
+	self._miniShownSet = nil
 end
 
 function MTH_Map:HideAllPins()
@@ -1161,6 +1171,8 @@ function MTH_Map:UpdateMinimap()
 	local xDraw = Minimap:GetWidth() / xScale / 100
 	local yDraw = Minimap:GetHeight() / yScale / 100
 	local shown = 0
+	local prevShown = self._miniShownSet or {}
+	local nowShown = {}
 
 	for i = 1, table.getn(nodes) do
 		local node = nodes[i]
@@ -1182,9 +1194,16 @@ function MTH_Map:UpdateMinimap()
 				pin:ClearAllPoints()
 				pin:SetPoint("CENTER", Minimap, "CENTER", xPos, -yPos)
 				pin:Show()
+
+				local nodeKey = tostring(node.name or "") .. "@" .. tostring(node.x) .. "," .. tostring(node.y)
+				nowShown[nodeKey] = true
+				if not prevShown[nodeKey] then
+					MTH_Map_PingMinimapPin(pin)
+				end
 			end
 		end
 	end
+	self._miniShownSet = nowShown
 
 	for i = shown + 1, table.getn(self.minimapPins) do
 		if self.minimapPins[i] then self.minimapPins[i]:Hide() end

api/options-animations.lua

@@ -120,25 +120,37 @@ function MTH_SetupAnimationsOptions()
 		end)
 	end
 
-	-- Per-animation checkboxes, grouped by section.
-	local y = -104
+	-- Per-animation checkboxes, grouped by section, laid out in two columns.
+	-- Each whole section is placed into whichever column is currently shorter
+	-- (largest remaining Y), so the two columns stay balanced as defs grow.
 	local rowStep = 26
 	local sectionGap = 12
+	local columns = {
+		{ headerX = 15,  cbX = 28,  y = -104 },
+		{ headerX = 300, cbX = 313, y = -104 },
+	}
 	local s = 1
 	while MTH_FX_ANIM_SECTIONS and s <= table.getn(MTH_FX_ANIM_SECTIONS) do
 		local sec = MTH_FX_ANIM_SECTIONS[s]
+
+		-- Pick the shorter column (the one whose cursor is nearest the top).
+		local col = columns[1]
+		if columns[2].y > columns[1].y then
+			col = columns[2]
+		end
+
 		local header = container:CreateFontString(nil, "ARTWORK", "GameFontNormal")
-		header:SetPoint("TOPLEFT", container, "TOPLEFT", 15, y)
+		header:SetPoint("TOPLEFT", container, "TOPLEFT", col.headerX, col.y)
 		header:SetText(MTH_ANIM_L(sec.titleKey, sec.title))
 		header:SetTextColor(1.00, 0.82, 0.00)
-		y = y - 22
+		col.y = col.y - 22
 
 		local d = 1
 		while MTH_FX_ANIM_DEFS and d <= table.getn(MTH_FX_ANIM_DEFS) do
 			local def = MTH_FX_ANIM_DEFS[d]
 			if def.section == sec.id then
 				local cbName = "MetaHuntOptionsAnim_" .. string.gsub(def.key, "%.", "_")
-				local cb = MTH_CreateCheckbox(container, cbName, MTH_ANIM_L(def.labelKey, def.label), y, 28)
+				local cb = MTH_CreateCheckbox(container, cbName, MTH_ANIM_L(def.labelKey, def.label), col.y, col.cbX)
 				if cb then
 					cb.mthKey = def.key
 					cb:SetChecked(MTH_FX_GetFlag(def.key))
@@ -155,12 +167,12 @@ function MTH_SetupAnimationsOptions()
 						cb:SetScript("OnLeave", function() GameTooltip:Hide() end)
 					end
 					table.insert(MTH_ANIM_CTRL, cb)
-					y = y - rowStep
+					col.y = col.y - rowStep
 				end
 			end
 			d = d + 1
 		end
-		y = y - sectionGap
+		col.y = col.y - sectionGap
 		s = s + 1
 	end
 

api/options-shell.lua

@@ -47,6 +47,24 @@ local function MTH_OPT_AnimateTabContent(tabKey)
 	end
 end
 
+-- Fade the options window out before hiding it, unless disabled.
+local function MTH_OPT_AnimateClose()
+	local frame = MetaHuntOptions
+	if not frame then return end
+	if not MTH_OPT_Sauce
+		or (type(MTH_FX_IsEnabled) == "function" and not MTH_FX_IsEnabled("ui.optionsclose")) then
+		frame:SetAlpha(1)
+		frame:Hide()
+		return
+	end
+	MTH_OPT_Sauce:FadeOut(frame, 0.22, "inQuad", {
+		onFinish = function()
+			frame:Hide()
+			frame:SetAlpha(1)
+		end,
+	})
+end
+
 local function MTH_RegisterEscClose(frameName)
 	if not (frameName and UISpecialFrames) then
 		return
@@ -103,7 +121,7 @@ local function MTH_EnsureOptionsFrame()
 		closeBtn:SetWidth(MTH_OPTIONS_CONST.CLOSE_BTN_SIZE)
 		closeBtn:SetHeight(MTH_OPTIONS_CONST.CLOSE_BTN_SIZE)
 		closeBtn:SetText(MTH_OPT_L("COMMON_CLOSE_SHORT", "X"))
-		closeBtn:SetScript("OnClick", function() MetaHuntOptions:Hide() end)
+		closeBtn:SetScript("OnClick", function() MTH_OPT_AnimateClose() end)
 	end
 
 	MTH_BuildOptionsTree()

modules/expammo/engine.lua

@@ -403,6 +403,7 @@ local lnl = {
 	expiresAt = 0,
 	DURATION  = 10,  -- Lock and Load real duration (tooltip: "Lasts 10 sec or until Aimed Shot is cast")
 }
+local MTH_EA_LnLWasActive = false  -- for detecting the proc rising edge (animations)
 
 -- ── Confirmed icon paths (captured in-game 2026-03-21) ────────
 -- Action-button spells (spellbook scan)
@@ -700,10 +701,18 @@ MTH_EA_UpdateUI = function()
 			cellTop.icon:SetVertexColor(1.00, 0.82, 0.00, 1)
 			cellTop:SetBackdropBorderColor(1.00, 0.82, 0.00, 1)
 			cellTopCD:SetText("|cffffffff" .. secs .. "|r")
+			if not MTH_EA_LnLWasActive then
+				if type(MTH_FX_Flash) == "function" and type(MTH_FX_IsEnabled) == "function"
+					and MTH_FX_IsEnabled("combat.mmprocs") then
+					MTH_FX_Flash(cellTop, 1.00, 0.82, 0.20, 0.55)
+				end
+				MTH_EA_LnLWasActive = true
+			end
 		else
 			cellTop.icon:SetVertexColor(0.28, 0.28, 0.28, 0.40)
 			cellTop:SetBackdropBorderColor(0.25, 0.25, 0.25, 0.35)
 			cellTopCD:SetText("")
+			MTH_EA_LnLWasActive = false
 		end
 	end
 

modules/smartammo/engine.lua

@@ -221,6 +221,14 @@ local function MTHSmartAmmo_ShowFallbackWarning(previousAmmo, newAmmo)
 	elseif UIErrorsFrame and UIErrorsFrame.AddMessage then
 		UIErrorsFrame:AddMessage(warning, 1.0, 0.15, 0.15, 1.0)
 	end
+
+	if type(MTH_FX_Flash) == "function" and type(MTH_FX_IsEnabled) == "function"
+		and MTH_FX_IsEnabled("combat.ammoswap") then
+		local target = getglobal("zButtonAmmo")
+		if target then
+			MTH_FX_Flash(target, 1.00, 0.75, 0.20, 0.5)
+		end
+	end
 end
 
 local MTHSmartAmmo_FallbackCheckFrame = nil
@@ -371,6 +379,13 @@ local function MTHSmartAmmo_HandleWeaponSwapAutoEquip(reason)
 	if MTHSmartAmmo_EquipAmmoFromSlot(bestAmmo.bag, bestAmmo.slot) then
 		MTH_SA_LastKnownEquippedName = bestAmmo.name
 		MTHSmartAmmo_RefreshAmmoButtonDisplay()
+		if type(MTH_FX_Flash) == "function" and type(MTH_FX_IsEnabled) == "function"
+			and MTH_FX_IsEnabled("combat.rangedswap") then
+			local target = getglobal("zButtonAmmo")
+			if target then
+				MTH_FX_Flash(target, 0.30, 0.70, 1.00, 0.5)
+			end
+		end
 	end
 end
 

modules/zhunter/zBar.lua

@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@
 
 local ZBAR_FRAME_NAME = "MTH_ZBar_Anchor"
 
+local ZBar_Sauce = PizzaSauce
+
 local ZBAR_ALL_BUTTONS = {
 	"zButtonAspect",
 	"zButtonAmmo",
@@ -282,6 +284,26 @@ function MTH_ZBar_Release()
 	end
 end
 
+-- Animations: gentle staggered fade-in of the bar's buttons when it activates.
+function MTH_ZBar_AnimateActivate()
+	if not ZBar_Sauce then return end
+	if type(MTH_FX_IsEnabled) ~= "function" or not MTH_FX_IsEnabled("ui.zbar") then
+		return
+	end
+	local s = MTH_ZBar_GetSaved()
+	local order = s.order or {}
+	for i = 1, table.getn(order) do
+		local buttonName = order[i]
+		if type(buttonName) == "string" then
+			local btn = getglobal(buttonName)
+			if btn and btn:IsShown() then
+				btn:SetAlpha(0)
+				ZBar_Sauce:FadeTo(btn, 1, 0.30, "outQuad", { delay = (i - 1) * 0.05 })
+			end
+		end
+	end
+end
+
 -- Called when the user toggles the Enable checkbox in the options.
 function MTH_ZBar_SetEnabled(enabled)
 	local s   = MTH_ZBar_GetSaved()
@@ -289,6 +311,7 @@ function MTH_ZBar_SetEnabled(enabled)
 	if enabled then
 		MTH_ZBar_EnsureAnchor()
 		MTH_ZBar_ApplyLayout()
+		MTH_ZBar_AnimateActivate()
 	else
 		MTH_ZBar_Release()
 	end

modules/zhunter/zButtonPet.lua

@@ -312,6 +312,8 @@ local function zButtonPet_GetCorePetInfo()
 	return nil
 end
 
+local zButtonPet_LastLoyalty = nil
+
 local function zButtonPet_RefreshSavedPetState(saved, corePetInfo)
 	local hasLivePet = false
 	if type(UnitExists) == "function" then
@@ -343,8 +345,34 @@ local function zButtonPet_RefreshSavedPetState(saved, corePetInfo)
 	if happiness == nil and type(GetPetHappiness) == "function" then
 		happiness = GetPetHappiness()
 	end
+	local prevHappiness = saved["pet"]["happiness"]
 	saved["pet"]["happiness"] = happiness
 
+	-- Animations: flash the pet button when happiness or loyalty changes.
+	if type(MTH_FX_Flash) == "function" and type(MTH_FX_IsEnabled) == "function" then
+		if MTH_FX_IsEnabled("pet.happiness")
+			and prevHappiness ~= nil and happiness ~= nil and happiness ~= prevHappiness then
+			local target = getglobal("zButtonPet")
+			if target then
+				if happiness > prevHappiness then
+					MTH_FX_Flash(target, 0.30, 1.00, 0.35, 0.5)
+				else
+					MTH_FX_Flash(target, 1.00, 0.30, 0.30, 0.5)
+				end
+			end
+		end
+		local loyalty = corePetInfo and tonumber(corePetInfo.loyaltyLevel) or nil
+		if MTH_FX_IsEnabled("pet.loyaltyup") and loyalty ~= nil then
+			if zButtonPet_LastLoyalty ~= nil and loyalty > zButtonPet_LastLoyalty then
+				local target = getglobal("zButtonPet")
+				if target then
+					MTH_FX_Flash(target, 1.00, 0.82, 0.20, 0.6)
+				end
+			end
+			zButtonPet_LastLoyalty = loyalty
+		end
+	end
+
 	if isDead then
 		saved["pet"]["status"] = 1
 	elseif currentHealth and currentHealthMax and currentHealthMax > 0 then