Stealth

Associated Ability: Dexterity

Make a Dexterity (Stealth) check when you try to hide from enemies, sneak past guards, move without being seen, or approach someone unnoticed.

Hiding

Hiding is a special use of the Stealth skill, tied to the Hide action during combat (see Actions in Combat). Any character can attempt to hide, regardless of proficiency in Stealth. The GM determines if the situation allows for hiding. When you try to hide, you make a Dexterity (Stealth) check. The result is compared against the Perception score of any creature that might detect you.

You can’t hide from a creature that can clearly perceive you, and you reveal your position if you make noise, such as shouting or causing a disturbance. Creatures with the invisible condition can always attempt to hide and have advantage on Stealth checks.

In combat, most creatures are alert, so if you come out of hiding and approach one, it will typically notice you. However, under specific circumstances, the GM may allow you to remain hidden while approaching a distracted creature, granting you advantage on an attack roll (see Unseen Attackers and Targets).

Perception Score

In monster or NPC stat blocks, each creature has a Passive Perception score. The GM compares your Dexterity (Stealth) check result to this score to determine whether the creature notices you, whether it is actively searching or simply going about its routine.