if you attack while hidden do you have advantage

2 min read 21-01-2025

if you attack while hidden do you have advantage

The thrill of a surprise attack in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition is undeniable. But does the act of attacking from a hidden position automatically grant you advantage on your attack roll? Let's delve into the rules to clarify this common question.

Understanding Hiding and Advantage in D&D 5e

In D&D 5e, the concept of hiding and the granting of advantage are distinct but interconnected mechanics. Let's break down each one:

Hiding: A creature is considered hidden if it is both unseen and unheard by a creature it is trying to hide from. Successfully hiding involves making a Dexterity (Stealth) check contested by the target's passive Perception. If your Stealth check beats their Perception, you're hidden. However, this is just the first step. Being hidden doesn't automatically mean advantage on attacks.

Advantage: Advantage means you roll the d20 twice and take the higher result. It significantly increases your chance of success. Many factors can grant advantage, including certain spells, abilities, and specific circumstances.

The Crucial Rule: The "Hidden" Condition and Attacks

The Player's Handbook is clear: simply being hidden does not automatically grant advantage on an attack roll. The rules explicitly state that advantage is granted only under specific circumstances detailed below. This is a crucial distinction many players initially overlook.

When You Gain Advantage While Attacking

Advantage is granted on attack rolls in the following situation related to hiding:

You are hidden from a creature and make an attack roll against it. The crucial part is the surprise attack at the start of combat. The rules state that if you and your allies are hidden and haven't been detected, you gain surprise, and your first attack gains advantage. This is different from simply being hidden during combat.
The Dungeon Master (DM) determines that you have advantage for other reasons, such as your specific position, the environment, or other game elements. The DM has final say in these scenarios. They might rule that due to your strategic positioning, you have advantage even if not technically "hidden" by the strict definition.

Common Misconceptions Debunked

Let's address some frequently held incorrect beliefs:

Myth 1: Being hidden always grants advantage. As stated previously, this is false. You only gain advantage if you surprise the creature at the start of combat or through the DM's interpretation of circumstances.
Myth 2: Maintaining stealth throughout the fight grants perpetual advantage. Once combat begins and you are discovered, you no longer have the advantage granted by surprise. You might need to find ways to regain it strategically.

Strategic Considerations

Even though hiding doesn't automatically mean advantage, it's a valuable tactic. Here's how to use it effectively:

Maximize your Stealth: Invest in skills and equipment that increase your Dexterity (Stealth) modifier. This improves your chances of remaining hidden.
Use cover and concealment: Utilize the environment to break line of sight and reduce the chance of being detected.
Coordinate with your party: Work with your teammates to create opportunities for surprise attacks. One member can create a diversion while others attack from hiding.
Embrace the DM's interpretation: If you are unsure if you should have advantage from your chosen tactical placement, ask your DM for a ruling. They should always be the arbiter of advantage in such situations.

Conclusion

While the romantic notion of automatic advantage from hiding is alluring, it's vital to understand the precise rules. Being hidden can create powerful strategic advantages, allowing for surprise attacks with inherent advantage. But skillful planning and coordination are always key to successful stealth and combat tactics. Remember to check with your DM for clarity on any ambiguous situations.