Unveiling the Shadows: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hide Rule in D&D
The hide rule in D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) is a fundamental mechanic that allows characters to attempt to conceal themselves from the notice of others. It’s a core element of stealth gameplay, enabling characters to move unseen, set ambushes, and infiltrate enemy territory. Fundamentally, the hide action is a combat action that requires a successful Dexterity (Stealth) check to avoid detection. The core rule is that you must not be clearly seen to successfully attempt to hide. Hiding is not simply going behind an object. Hiding relies on the character’s proficiency at remaining unseen, unheard, or unnoticed by their enemies or by NPCs, and this is determined by the result of a stealth check. If successful, your character is considered hidden until they are discovered, make an attack, or otherwise reveal themselves. This dynamic creates a layer of strategy and tension, making encounters more engaging than just straightforward combat. The specific mechanics of hiding are not always straightforward, which we will delve into with FAQs.
Core Mechanics of Hiding
At its essence, the hide action is a contest between a character’s Stealth check and the Passive Perception of any creature that might notice them. The process of hiding involves these steps:
- The Action: Taking the hide action requires a character to spend their action (or bonus action for some classes) during their turn.
- Dexterity (Stealth) Check: The player rolls a d20 and adds their Dexterity modifier, along with any proficiency bonus if they are proficient in Stealth. The result is compared to the Passive Perception score of any creature that could possibly notice them.
- Success or Failure: If the character’s check meets or exceeds the Passive Perception of the creatures that might notice them, they are considered hidden. If any creature has a higher score, the attempt to hide has failed and the character remains noticed.
- Maintaining Hide: Once hidden, a character remains hidden until:
- They are discovered by an enemy whose Perception check defeats the result of the hider’s Stealth check.
- They make an attack (with certain exceptions)
- They make loud noises
- They emerge from hiding and come close to an enemy
- Some other circumstance is ruled by the DM to make them no longer hidden.
How a successful hide affects the gameplay
A successful hide attempt grants a character several tactical advantages. If the character makes an attack from the hidden condition, they gain advantage on that one attack roll. Additionally, creatures attacking the hidden character do so with disadvantage. This makes hiding a crucial component of combat strategy, especially for classes that rely on surprise attacks and stealth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the basic requirement for being able to attempt the hide action?
The foundational rule is you cannot be clearly seen to attempt the hide action. You need to be in a position where creatures cannot directly observe you. This could involve being behind cover, in dim light, in a heavily obscured area like fog or darkness, or another environmental element that impedes their line of sight.
2. Is hiding a bonus action for all classes?
No. For most classes, the hide action requires an action. However, certain classes like the Rogue, gain the ability to hide as a bonus action at level 2 due to their cunning action ability. This allows them to be highly mobile and stealthy in combat, weaving in and out of shadows.
3. What is passive perception, and how is it used in hiding?
Passive Perception is a static score equal to 10 + Perception modifier + Proficiency Bonus (if proficient). It represents a character’s general awareness without actively searching. It’s used to determine whether a hidden character is spotted. Any character with an ability that uses Perception may be used to make an active search, which would be an opposed roll between the two characters.
4. How does the hide action work with making an attack?
When you are hidden, and you make an attack, you will have advantage on the first attack roll. However, once the attack is made, whether it hits or misses, you are no longer hidden and have given away your location. Some feats such as Skulker, change this, and may allow you to remain hidden after a missed ranged attack.
5. What is the difference between cover and hiding?
Cover is a condition that offers a bonus to AC and Dexterity saving throws by partially obscuring a creature. However, enemies still know your general location when you are behind cover. Hiding, on the other hand, makes you completely unknown to creatures that failed their Perception check, making it harder to target you.
6. Can I hide in plain sight?
Generally, no. You cannot hide if you are directly visible to the creatures you want to hide from. You typically need some form of obscurement or cover to attempt hiding. Unless you possess a special ability, such as the spell invisibility, you cannot hide in plain sight without additional obscuring factors.
7. Does invisibility automatically make me hidden?
Invisibility does not grant automatic hidden status, but it certainly helps. It makes you unseen, which is the first requirement to attempt the hide action. Invisibility also grants advantage on Stealth checks, which drastically increase the odds of successfully hiding from others.
8. Can you move while hidden?
Yes, you can move while hidden. However, excessive noise during movement may reveal your location. The DM will determine if your movement is too noisy for your situation and cause the hidden condition to end.
9. If I am in dim light, does that automatically give me advantage on stealth?
Not automatically. Dim light allows you to attempt a hide action, as the light obscures you partially. However, whether this grants you advantage or disadvantage is at the DM’s discretion. Factors such as how familiar the creatures you’re trying to hide from are with the environment, the nature of your movement, and the amount of light surrounding you are all considered.
10. Does being heavily obscured mean you’re automatically hidden?
Heavily obscured areas, such as complete darkness or dense fog, block vision entirely. While it satisfies the requirement of not being seen, it does not automatically make you hidden. You must still make a Stealth check to successfully hide from creatures within the area.
11. What happens if two creatures have different passive perception scores, and I’m hiding?
If you’re hiding from a group with varying Passive Perception scores, you’re considered hidden from those with lower scores and not hidden from those with higher scores. This means only some of your potential enemies can see you.
12. Can I use the hide action to set up an ambush?
Absolutely. The hide action is ideal for setting up an ambush. When you attack from the hidden state, you typically gain advantage on the attack roll, and your opponents attack with disadvantage while hidden from their perspective. This can be a highly effective tactic.
13. Can a DM modify the hiding rules?
Yes, the DM has the final say in how the game is played. While the rules provide a framework, a DM may adjust them to better fit the narrative or create a more unique experience. It’s the DM’s responsibility to interpret the rules and apply them to any situation. However, a good DM will communicate these changes with their players before the session, or at the very least, when their decision affects the player.
14. How do rogues use the hide action effectively?
Rogues excel at using the hide action. Their Cunning Action ability allows them to hide as a bonus action, meaning they can move, hide, and potentially attack with Sneak Attack in a single turn. They also benefit greatly from having the highest Stealth skill modifier, and their ability to use their skill bonus in more situations, making them highly effective at stealth-based gameplay.
15. What is the Skulker feat, and how does it affect hiding?
The Skulker feat allows characters to remain hidden after missing a ranged attack. The Skulker Feat also means that light dim light does not give disadvantage to perception checks. For rogues or ranged characters who need to be hidden constantly, the feat is incredibly helpful.
Understanding the nuances of the hide rule is essential to successful and rewarding gameplay in D&D. It allows characters to navigate challenges strategically and creatively, enhancing the thrill of adventure. From the core mechanics of skill checks to the tactical application of cover and invisibility, the hide action adds depth and complexity to the game.