No Shadows in the Overworld?!?!

[FernParkMark]

neither my character nor the trees, rocks, or objects across the main roads, paths, and even deeply off road, there are no real shadows to be found. my shadow quality is set to high.

shadows exist in cities and buildings, caves, dungeons, forts... but not the large outdoor areas with lots of trees... how do none of these trees have a damn shadow? is this how the game was made? im truly disappointed in this lack of detail because it makes everything around my character look extra fake and bland.

any suggestions to fix without mods?