Eventide Shaders Wiki › Guides › Optimize Shadow Smoothness and Performance
Optimize Shadow Smoothness and Performance
Open Shadow Settings
Access the shader configuration menu and navigate to the Shadows section. You'll find options controlling shadow quality and rendering distance.
Adjust Shadow Parameters
Key settings include:
- Shadow Distance — how far from the player shadows render; lower values improve performance
- Shadow Resolution — higher resolution creates sharper shadow edges; lower values reduce lag
- Shadow Softness — controls blur on shadow edges; increase for cinematic smoothness, decrease for crisp definition
- Penumbra — affects shadow transition zones between light and dark
Balance Quality and Frame Rate
Start with moderate shadow distance and resolution. Take a walk across varied terrain—mountains, forests, and open areas—to see how shadows behave. If frame rate drops noticeably, reduce shadow distance or resolution first. If shadows look too soft or blurry, increase softness value slightly or boost resolution.
Eventide Shaders is designed for smooth shadows, so even lower settings maintain a cinematic look. Test changes in different lighting conditions, especially during sunset when shadows are longest and most visible.