For the next iterations on 6-way lighting, we will be focusing on Shader Graph integration and Universal Render Pipeline (URP) support. We also have ideas to lift up some inherent limitations of the technique (flatness revealed upon receiving shadows, lightmaps local to a particle and not taking occluding neighbors into account, and more).

We are also working on adding Volumetric Fog output to VFX Graph, allowing visual effects to generate volumetric fog. This allows to push even further smoke effects combining this feature with 6-way lighting. It is already available in Alpha in 2023.1.a25.

And, of course, we are looking toward actual volumetric fluid simulation, playback, and rendering. All these will give you a full palette of techniques to render beautiful and realistic smoke effects based on your target platforms and budget.

Share your feedback with us or ask questions through our dedicated Unity forum thread. To propose new features and vote for upcoming features under consideration, check out our public rendering roadmap.

Source: Unity Technologies Blog