Do Rogues Get Advantage on Attacks When Hidden?
Rogues are known for their stealth and ability to slip in and out of the shadows unnoticed. But when it comes to attacks, do they get an advantage when hiding? The answer is not as straightforward as it seems.
Direct Answer: Yes, Rogues Get Advantage on Attacks When Hidden
According to the official Dungeons & Dragons rules, when a rogue is hidden, they gain advantage on attack rolls. This is stated in the Player’s Handbook under the Rogue class feature: "If you are hidden when you make an attack, you gain advantage on the attack roll."
What is Hiding?
But before we dive deeper into the benefits of being hidden, let’s define what it means to be hiding. According to the Player’s Handbook, hiding is when "you can’t be seen by the target or the target’s allies." This means that the rogue must be in a position where they are not visible to the enemy, such as behind a wall, in the shadows, or using a stealth ability to blend in with the environment.
Advantages of Being Hidden
So, what are the benefits of being hidden as a rogue? Here are a few key advantages:
- Advantage on Attack Rolls: As mentioned earlier, being hidden gives rogues an advantage on attack rolls. This means that their chances of hitting their target increase.
- Increased Mobility: When hiding, rogues can move more freely and quickly, allowing them to set up ambushes, surprise enemies, and reposition themselves easily.
- Improved Defense: Enemies are less likely to notice hidden rogues, making it harder for them to target them. This gives the rogue a temporary advantage in terms of defense.
- Opportunities for Ambushes: Hiding provides rogues with the perfect opportunity to set up ambushes and surprise enemies, giving them a significant advantage in combat.
Limitations of Being Hidden
While being hidden can be a significant advantage for rogues, there are some limitations to consider:
- Detection: Enemies may use abilities or spells to detect hidden rogues, such as Detect Magic or Divination spells.
- Invisibility: If the rogue is invisible, they cannot be seen, but they also cannot be targeted. This can be a disadvantage if they need to make an attack or take an action.
- Stealthy Creatures: Some creatures, such as certain undead or magical creatures, may not be affected by the rogue’s hiding ability.
- Environmental Factors: Weather, lighting, and other environmental factors can make it more difficult for the rogue to remain hidden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being hidden can be a significant advantage for rogues, providing them with advantage on attack rolls, increased mobility, improved defense, and opportunities for ambushes. However, there are some limitations to consider, such as detection, invisibility, stealthy creatures, and environmental factors. By understanding the benefits and limitations of hiding, rogues can use this ability to their advantage in combat.
Key Takeaways:
- Being hidden gives rogues advantage on attack rolls.
- Hiding allows rogues to move more freely and quickly.
- Enemies are less likely to notice hidden rogues, making it harder for them to target them.
- There are some limitations to consider, such as detection, invisibility, stealthy creatures, and environmental factors.