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.
Ignoring Stealth
Many players believe Rikti Drones and Rularuu Sentries have extra perception, like Snipers do. However, unlike other enemies with increased perception (such as Snipers, Vanguard Sword, and enemies under the effect of a power like Tactics), Drones and Sentries do not have an enlarged aggro radius.
Snipers will attack you as soon as they can see you - if you have no stealth, from 149 feet away. Drones and Sentries will wait until you're close to the group, meaning they do not have higher than normal perception. However, many Stalkers have found difficulty running to the end of a Rikti mission without being shot. Players testing aggro and stealth mechanics have loaded themselves up with stealth powers and enhancements and stood next to a Sentry, only to be attacked.
Unlike Turrets and Snipers, Drones and Sentries do not have high perception. They will not attack you from a long distance off. However, Drones and Sentries don't care how much stealth you've piled on, they will still attack you from the normal range. Rikti Drones and Rularuu Sentries ignore stealth. This does make some sense for alien machines built with sophisticated scanners, and for otherworldly eyeball monsters, but it befuddles many players.
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.
Maximums and Minimums
See the article on Limits to for more information about maximum and minimum values for stealth and perception.
Powers that Utilize Stealth
Perception Powers
Here is an example listing of the perception bonuses or penalties granted by various powers. Note that Tactics applies its bonus to everyone on the team within line of sight and range. At least some powers that give perception bonuses vary their bonuses depending on your level. This listing is not necessarily complete.
| Power Name | Percentage Modifier | Absolute Modifier |
|---|---|---|
| Tactics (bonus increases at higher levels, and varies with different ATs) | +28.28% – +86.5% | +141.4 – +432.5 |
| Primary, secondary, and ancillary power pool perception toggles, such as: Focused Senses, Cloak of Darkness, Danger Sense, Glacial Armor, Targeting Drone, Focused Accuracy | +60% | +300 |
| Rectified Reticle: Increased Perception, a unique To Hit Buff set crafted enhancement | +20% | +100 |
| Smoke available to Controllers and Dominators; Flash Arrow for Defenders, Masterminds, Corruptors, and Controllers; Smoke Grenade available to Blasters and Arachnos Widows; Blinding Powder available to Stalkers | -90% | -450 |
The Perception bonus from Tactics varies depending on the level and AT of the character using it. See the Leadership Power Pool page for more details.
Stealth Powers
Here is an example listing of the stealth granted by various powers. Most stealth powers give the same stealth radius as the Stealth power from the Concealment pool. This listing is not necessarily complete.
| Power Grouping | Example Powers | PvP Stealth | PvE Stealth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase Shift | 222 | 20 | |
| Weak Stealth | 300 | 30 | |
| Normal Stealth | 389 | 35 | |
| PvE-Only Stealth | 0 | 35 | |
| Better Stealth | 400 | 40 | |
| Excellent Stealth * | 500 | 50 | |
| Invisibility † | 611 | 55 | |
| Group Invisibility † | 667 | 60 | |
| Shadowy Presence † | 5,000 | 100 | |
| Hide ‡ |
|
500 | 150 |
| Superior Invisibility ‡ | 1,000 | 200 |
Although Superior Invisibility provides 1000 feet of PvP stealth, the power is only available to Controllers, and the Controller PvP stealth cap is 571.5. While the extra 428.5 feet can act as a buffer to -Stealth powers such as Arctic Air, you would need 13 stacked on you before dropping below the cap.