Stealth and Perception
Overview
A player or critter's Perception is simply the maximum distance, measured in feet, at which it can detect hostile targets. For players, it also affects the maximum distance at which targeted powers can be used against that enemy. Critters aren't limited this way. Once a critter becomes aggressive toward something, its AI remains aware of that target's exact location and can chase and attack it regardless of Perception until it reverts to peaceful.
The Stealth of a target effectively subtracts from the Perception of anything trying to detect it.
- Example: Normally, if I stood 20' from a Troll, he would need a Perception of 20 to notice I was there. If I had a Stealth of 35, he would need a Perception of 55 to detect me.
If you have at least as much Stealth as the Perception of what's trying to see you, you will be invisible no matter how close you get.
Everything has some amount of Perception to begin with. The exact amount varies greatly:
- Minion, pet, Mastermind henchmen (all tiers): 45
- Lieutenant: 50
- Boss, Elite Boss, Archvillain/Hero: 54
- Turret, Giant Monster: 100
- Sniper: 149
- player: 500
Nothing has any Stealth inherently. It must be granted by powers.
Notice that players have much higher Perception than critters do. Because of this, everything has separate Stealth values versus critters and versus other players.
Snipers and Stealth
Stealth and invisibility powers do work against Snipers, but Snipers have such a long visual range to begin with that they will still see stealthy characters from a significant distance.
Attacking Stealthy Opponents
Stealthy opponents can be affected by powers even when they can't be detected. They simply can't be targeted. PBAoE powers can hit enemies if they're in the area, as can AoEs that are aimed at a spot on the ground. Targeted and cone AoEs can also hit hidden targets if aimed at visible ones close to them. Assisting can not be used to send attacks at a target that a teammate can see but you can't.