This is a common problem with smooth-shaded, low-polygon-count models. It is caused by mismatching of the true shape of the polygonal model and the smoothed normals.

Here are three solutions:<br>

**1. Soften the lighting.**

Increasing the size of the light will:

✔ Preserve the polygon count.<br>
✔ Preserve the shader realism.<br>
✖ Alter the look of the render.<br><br>

**2. Adjust the shadow termination.** (Blender 2.9+)

Adjusting the shadow termination offset will:

✔ Preserve the polygon count.<br>
✖ Alter the shader realism.<br>
✔ Preserve the look of the render.<br><br>

**3. Subdivide the geometry.**

Subdividing the geometry will:

✖ Alter the polygon count.<br>
✔ Preserve the shader realism.<br>
✔ Preserve the look of the render.