DETECT AND STEALTH MODES

Learn how to use Detect mode in Neverwinter to find hidden traps, invisible enemies, and more. Understand the mechanics of stealth and detection to gain an edge.

Hey there! So, you're looking to get a handle on how to spot things that are trying to hide in Neverwinter, and maybe how to hide yourself better? Let's break down what the game calls 'Detect mode'. Think of Detect mode as your character actively trying to sniff out secrets. It uses your listen, search, and spot skills. When you're *not* in this mode, you're still noticing things, but it's like you're just passively aware, and your detection skills are effectively halved. A key thing to remember: you can't run while in Detect mode. If other things already stop you from running, your movement speed gets even slower than a normal walk. To turn it on or off, just open your radial menu (that's the speed dial: 046), go to the 'Special Abilities' submenu (the leftmost one), and select 'Detect' (the rightmost option). Now, some folks, especially roleplayers, use this mode just to make sure their character doesn't run around. While there are other ways to stop running (like shift-clicking to move), Detect mode is pretty handy for most characters. Quick heads-up for Elves: they get a special feat called keen sense. This means they automatically get the benefits of Detect mode without any of the movement speed penalty. Lucky them! Also, if your character is just standing still, they automatically get the benefits of Detect mode, even if you haven't actually toggled it on. Pretty neat, right? ### How it Works Under the Hood The game's programmers have shared some insights into how detection really works, and it's a bit more detailed than you might think. Passive (Default) Mode: * Trap detection radius: 3.33 meters * Trap detection rate: Every 6 seconds (round) * Trap detection roll: d20 + full skill (this seems to be a bug since version 1.68!) * Spot/listen roll: d10 + half skill Active (Detect) Mode: * Trap detection radius: 6.66 meters * Trap detection rate: Twice per round (every 3 seconds) * Trap detection roll: d20 + full skill * Spot/listen roll: d20 + full skill Stealth Checks: * Player detects stealth: 5 times per second * NPC detects stealth: Every 4 seconds * Creatures roll for hide/move silently/spot/listen: Every 6 seconds ### Modifiers to Watch Out For There are a bunch of things that can affect your chances when trying to listen or spot someone, or when trying to hide yourself. Listen/Move Silently Checks: * You automatically won't detect creatures that are silenced. * You can only detect invisible creatures (or if you're blind) within your maximum attack range. * Sanctuaried creatures can't be heard. * If something is between you and your target (even other creatures), expect a +5 DC modifier for every 40cm of thickness in outdoor areas. * Indoors, if line of sight is blocked and the target is within 4 tiles (using the DFS search), there's a +2 DC modifier. * Area Listen Check Modifiers: * +10 DC if you're in combat. * +5 DC if the target is standing still. * -5 DC if *you* are standing still. * +1 DC for every 3 meters between you and the target. * Relative size matters: Tiny (+8 DC), Small (+4 DC), Medium (0 DC), Large (-4 DC), Huge (-8 DC). * Don't forget about favoured enemy bonuses! Spot/Hide In Shadows Checks: * You automatically won't detect invisible creatures. * You can't spot anything if you're blinded. * Area Spot Check Modifiers: * At Night, if you have no light source (including weapon lights or darkvision), there's a +5 DC modifier. * At Night, if the target *has* a light source, it's a -10 DC modifier. * For stealthed players, there's a +5 DC if they're in your back arc. * +10 DC if you're in combat. * +5 DC if the target is standing still. * -5 DC if *you* are standing still. * Relative size modifiers are the same as Listen: Tiny (+8 DC), Small (+4 DC), Medium (0 DC), Large (-4 DC), Huge (-8 DC). * Favoured enemy bonuses apply here too. Keep these details in mind, and you'll be much better at finding what's hidden and staying out of sight yourself!