Is Hiding an Action or a Bonus Action in D&D 5e? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether hiding is an action or a bonus action in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) is a common source of confusion for many players, especially newcomers. The short and definitive answer is: Hiding is typically an ACTION. The ability to hide as a bonus action is a very specific class feature granted almost exclusively to Rogues at 2nd level. Let’s delve deeper into this core mechanic and explore the nuances surrounding the hide action in 5e.
The Hide Action: A Core Combat Mechanic
What Exactly is the Hide Action?
The Hide action is a designated combat action that allows a character to attempt to become unseen. When you take the Hide action, you make a Dexterity (Stealth) check. The result of this check is compared against the passive Wisdom (Perception) score of any creatures that might be able to notice you. Success means you have successfully hidden, failing means you remain visible.
How Hiding Works
- Obscured Conditions: To even attempt a hide action, you generally need to be at least lightly obscured from the creature you are trying to hide from. This means you need some sort of visual obstruction. Being in heavy obscurement significantly improves your chances of successfully hiding. The concept of being “heavy obscured” means that enemies cannot see you at all.
- Dexterity (Stealth) Check: You must roll a Dexterity (Stealth) check to determine if you successfully hid. The Dungeon Master will determine the conditions and any modifiers to the check.
- The Results of Successfully Hiding: When you are successfully hidden, you gain several tactical advantages. Firstly, you will have advantage on your first attack against a target that is unaware of your location. Also, enemies who are aware of your presence will have to make their attacks against you with disadvantage.
- Breaking Stealth: You break your hiding when you make excessive noise, make an attack or approach a creature out of hiding.
Why is Hiding an Action?
The hide action is an action to ensure a balanced combat encounter. If every class had access to the hide action as a bonus action, it would severely disrupt the flow of battle and make ranged characters extremely powerful with very little effort. The rarity of the ability is also to allow specific classes to shine in combat and in stealth situations.
The Rogue Exception: Cunning Action
The Rogue’s Ability to Hide as a Bonus Action
The Rogue class is unique in that it can utilize the hide action as a bonus action, starting at level 2, via their Cunning Action class feature. This is a significant advantage that gives Rogues a considerable edge in combat and stealth situations. They can weave in and out of cover and attack with advantage without having to give up their action.
Why This Ability is Exclusive to Rogues
This ability is not given to other classes, for several reasons:
- Class Identity: It reinforces the Rogue’s identity as the quintessential sneak attacker.
- Tactical Advantage: It allows Rogues to maneuver tactically on the battlefield with greater agility and precision.
- Balance: Prevents any one class from being too powerful, it makes the Rogue more unique.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hiding in 5e
Here are 15 FAQs designed to address common questions and confusions about the hide action in D&D 5e:
1. Can Rangers Hide as a Bonus Action?
Yes, a Ranger can hide as a bonus action at level 14, and cannot be tracked by non magical means, unless they choose to be. The ability allows the ranger to play a hit and run game from range, or be a fast moving melee fighter, depending on how they play.
2. What is the difference between “hiding” and “taking cover”?
Hiding is an action that involves a Stealth check to become unseen. Taking cover simply means utilizing an object to gain a defensive bonus to your Armor Class (AC) but does not make you hidden. You can take cover while not taking the hide action.
3. What kind of conditions are required for the hide action to work?
Generally, you need to be in at least lightly obscured or heavily obscured from the target you’re attempting to hide from. The degree of cover can make the hide action easier or harder.
4. Does invisibility automatically grant you the ability to hide?
No. Invisibility makes you unseen but does not grant automatic success on Stealth checks. You still need to use the Hide action and make the check. Invisibility may grant you advantage in certain situations however.
5. Can you move while hidden?
Yes, if the circumstances allow it. However, moving into plain sight will immediately break your hidden state. You can move while maintaining being hidden.
6. Does the hide action give advantage on your next attack?
Yes, if you are hidden, you gain advantage on your first attack. The act of attacking will reveal your position to the enemies.
7. Can you hold a bonus action?
No. You cannot hold a bonus action. The Ready action only works for actions and movement.
8. Can you have multiple bonus actions in 5e?
No. You can only use one bonus action per turn, regardless of how many features or spells might grant them.
9. Can a bonus action be used as an action?
No. Bonus actions and actions are distinct and cannot be used interchangeably.
10. Can you dash while in stealth?
Yes, you can take the Dash action as an action, while also being in stealth. You could hide, move, and dash, as long as the conditions are met.
11. Can I use the hide action when I am clearly seen by my enemies?
No. You can only attempt to hide when you are not directly observed by the creature you want to hide from. You generally need to use cover to break line of sight, and then use your action to hide.
12. What actions are considered bonus actions?
Bonus actions include things like casting certain spells, making an off-hand attack, using specific class features (like Cunning Action for Rogues), and certain weapon attacks.
13. Does the hide action work in a bright, open field?
It is highly unlikely that you can successfully hide in an open field. You would need to be in at least some light obscurement to make the attempt.
14. How does the Skulker feat interact with the hide action?
The Skulker feat allows you to attempt to hide even when you are only lightly obscured. Moreover, a miss with a ranged attack while hidden does not reveal your position, allowing you to maintain your hidden status and potentially gain advantage on subsequent attacks.
15. Is taking the Hide action considered going stealth?
Yes, taking the Hide action with a successful Stealth check effectively places you in a stealthy state.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between an action and a bonus action is crucial for mastering D&D 5e. While hiding is generally an action, the Rogue class’s ability to utilize it as a bonus action through Cunning Action is a powerful advantage that makes them so adept at stealth and surprise. Remembering these rules and nuances is essential for any aspiring adventurer who wants to master the art of sneaking and subterfuge. By understanding how the hide action works, players can make more informed tactical decisions, and DMs can run combat encounters more accurately.