Which lighting type casts shadows and has a direction in Unity?

Directional Light is the lighting type in Unity that casts shadows and has a direction. It simulates sunlight, providing consistent illumination across large distances, with parallel light rays. This characteristic of having a direction means that the light source does not have a position in the same way as other light types; instead, it illuminates objects based on the angle at which the light is set.

When using Directional Light, you can control both the color and intensity of the light, as well as enable shadows to create depth and realism in the scene. The shadow casting behavior is crucial for enhancing visual fidelity, as it allows objects to interact visually with the environment, making it clear where the light is coming from and how it affects the scene.

In contrast, ambient light provides a general illumination without direction and does not cast shadows, while point light sources emit light in all directions from a single point but also do not control the direction of illumination effectively. Spot lights, while they have both a direction and can cast shadows, offer a cone-shaped area of light rather than a uniform light shaft that covers an environment like the directional light does.