Make Shadows and Lighting Look More Natural

Configure Shadow Settings

Access the lighting section in shader options. Adjust shadow distance to control how far shadows render from your character. Longer distances look more realistic but impact performance. Shadow softness creates natural-looking penumbra (soft edges) rather than harsh, unrealistic shadows.

Use Reflective Shadow Maps

Enable reflective shadow maps in the advanced lighting menu. This feature bounces light off nearby blocks to brighten shadowed areas naturally, preventing dark corners from looking completely black. It's especially noticeable in caves and under overhangs.

Apply Ambient Occlusion

Ground truth ambient occlusion darkens tight spaces and corners, adding depth and realism. Increase the intensity slightly in areas with complex geometry like forests or villages—this makes the world feel more three-dimensional.

Test Different Times of Day

Shadows change dramatically throughout the day cycle. Visit the same location at sunrise, noon, and sunset to see how the shader handles different sun angles. This helps you understand whether your settings feel natural across all lighting conditions.