Which type of collider is typically used to trigger events without causing physical responses?

The use of a trigger collider is specifically designed for detecting collisions and triggering events in Unity without affecting the physical simulation of the objects involved. This means that when a trigger collider intersects with another collider, it can invoke scripts or other game logic, allowing for scenarios such as detecting when a player enters a zone, activating on-screen effects, or initiating a cutscene.

Unlike normal colliders, which interact physically by bouncing off or blocking other colliders, trigger colliders do not alter the motion of the objects involved in the collision. They are often used in game development to create interactive gameplay elements like pickups, doors that open when approached, or areas that trigger special conditions or gameplay changes without impacting the physical presence of objects in the game world.

In contrast, normal colliders, static colliders, and mesh colliders serve different purposes, focusing primarily on physical interactions between objects. Static colliders do not move and can serve as boundaries or obstacles, while mesh colliders fit more complex shapes but can also affect physics simulation. Trigger colliders uniquely offer a means to create interactions driven by overlaps rather than physical forces.