Virtual shadow maps in specific actors

Is there a way to disable ray traced shadows only in specific actors and use virtual shadow maps instead?

Hello there @saMUcaZim!

It’s a bit tricky, but it could be done. First of all, make sure your project has the following elements enabled (restart your engine to apply any changes):

  • Virtual shadow maps
  • Ray traced shadows
  • Lumen
  • Nanite

After that, setup two custom light sources, one with “Cast Ray Traced Shadows” disabled, and one with it enabled (both should have “Cast Shadows” enabled)

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Next, go to Lighting Channels, disable channel 0 (the one used by default lights), and set your custom lights with channels 1 and 2 respectively (example: light/channel 1 has RTS disabled, and light/channel 2 has RTS enabled)

Finally, go to your assets, and toggle their lighting channels, so they can receive your choice of RTS or VSM.