Fix: Godot Shader Pass Not Applying When Light Disabled

Light pass shader on a UI element; UI doesn't have lights in scene; the shader doesn't render.

Use unshaded

If lighting isn't actually needed, unshaded path. Always runs.

Or add a dummy light

Off-screen Light2D with energy = 0. Triggers the light pass; renders the shader.

Audit shader passes

Each pass has prerequisites. Document; check at the project level.

“Shader passes are conditional. The conditions are implicit; make them explicit.”

If your shader doesn't render, the pass selection is a likely culprit. Read the docs; understand the conditions.

Related reading

• Fix: Godot Shader Light Pass Not Rendering On Second Render Target
• Fix: Godot Control Mouse Filter Pass Blocking Button Clicks
• Fix: Godot Shader Canvas Light Mode Misses Secondary Lights
• Fix: Godot Shader Canvas Light Cancel After Mask Changes