BG3 Stealth Guide for Beginners: How Sneaking, Hiding & Surprise Work

How Stealth Works

Stealth in BG3 is based on three things: vision cones (red zones on the ground when holding Shift), light level (dark areas give +stealth), and your Stealth skill (DEX + proficiency).

Vision Cones

Hold Shift to see enemy vision cones (red areas). If you’re in a red zone, enemies can see you. Move through unlit areas (not red) to stay hidden.

Light Level

• Full light: Normal stealth chance.
• Lightly obscured: +2 Stealth. Common in shadows.
• Heavily obscured: Enemies are blinded. Automatic success for hiding.

How to Surprise Enemies

1. Ungroup your party (G key)
2. Crouch (C key or Hide action as Bonus Action for Rogues)
3. Position each character outside enemy vision cones
4. Attack from stealth to trigger a Surprise round
5. Surprised enemies skip their first turn = free round of attacks

Stealth Tips

• Rogues can Hide as a Bonus Action (Cunning Action). Use this every turn.
• Darkvision races (Elf, Half-Elf, Dwarf, Tiefling, Gnome) see better in darkness.
• Cast Darkness or Fog Cloud to create heavy obscurement for free stealth.
• Pass Without Trace (level 2 Ranger/Druid spell) gives +10 Stealth to the whole party.
• Invisibility (level 2 spell) = automatic successful Hide. Use for scouting.
• Use turn-based mode (Shift+Space) for precise stealth positioning.