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Controls shadow resolution, filtering, distance and sometimes the number of shadow-casting objects.
FPS
High
Visual
Medium
VRAM
Low
CPU
Medium
Latency
None
What it does
Shadows can load the GPU and CPU at the same time. Very high values often increase distance and resolution more than they improve the scene.
Games may also call it: Shadows, Shadow Detail
Decision guide
Lower it when
Lower it when GPU load is high, busy areas hurt 1% lows or distant shadow detail is not worth the cost.
Keep it high when
Keep it medium or high when low settings cause distracting flicker, pop-in or flat lighting.
Handheld advice
Medium is often the safest first handheld compromise.
Restart
Usually not required
Some games still apply changes only after reloading a scene or restarting.
Do not overread the meter
Some games split shadow distance, resolution and contact shadows into separate options.