Why doesn't my VFX Graph mesh output cast shadows?

Per Output Particle Mesh detail: Cast Shadows. Default off. Enable to opt in. Lit shader required for receiving directional light.

Each particle adds a shadow draw. For thousands of particles, this is a major cost. Use sparingly — large hero particles benefit; thousands of small ones don't.

Output Particle Lit Mesh receives by default; switch to Lit if currently Unlit. Also check shadow distance in URP/HDRP exceeds particle position.

Fix: VFX Graph Mesh Output No Shadow

Quick answer: Output Particle Mesh details → Cast Shadows = on. Use Lit output for proper shadow casting.

Hero spell mesh particle should cast a visible shadow on ground. Stays unshadowed. Cast Shadows toggle was off.

The Fix

VFX Graph → Output Particle Lit Mesh:
  Cast Shadows:           true
  Receive Shadows:        true
  Material Type:          Standard Lit
  Mesh:                   SM_HeroSpell

URP / HDRP renderer:
  Shadow Distance:        50+   // must include particle

Per-output flag, not system-wide. Enable on the specific outputs that should shadow; leave off on dust/sparkles for perf.

Verifying

Spell mesh casts shadow on terrain. Frame Debugger: shadow pass includes the VFX mesh draw.

“Cast Shadows on. Lit. Shadow renders.”

Related Issues

For VFX mesh flat shading, see flat shading. For VFX strip collapse, see strip.

Cast Shadows on. Lit. Shadow lands.