Perception

Perception is a Wisdom-based Skill.

The higher a creature's Wisdom Score, the more likely they will succeed on Perception Checks to spot hidden objects or creatures.

“

Observe your environment. Spot hidden details.

„

— In-game skill description

Proficiency

Characters who are proficient in Perception can add their Proficiency Bonus when making Ability checks.

The following classes can choose to select Perception as a proficient skill at Level 1:

•  Barbarian
•  Bard
•  Druid
•  Fighter
•  Ranger
•  Rogue

The following races are proficient in Perception:

•  Elf
•  Drow

Uses

• Used to detect hidden containers, mechanisms and Traps.
  • Characters with the  Dungeon Delver Feat have Advantage on these checks.
• Used to spot hiding creatures.

Passive Perception

Passive Perception is a special form of Perception that allows a creature to detect things in its line of sight without rolling a Skill Check. As with other passive skill checks (for example an Acrobatics check to avoid being shoved), passive Perception value is given by:

10 + Wisdom modifier + proficiency bonus (if proficient) + other bonuses.

Since passive Perception does not involve a d20 roll, Advantage on Wisdom or Perception skill checks instead adds a flat +5 to the value. Similarly, Disadvantage subtracts 5 from this score.

Passive Perception is most commonly used when sneaking. A hidden creature must make Stealth checks to avoid being detected when entering the cone of vision of another creature and every subsequent round (or 6 seconds) while remaining there. The Difficulty Class (DC) of these checks are equal to the opposing creature's passive Perception.

Many creatures have unlisted flat bonuses to their perception. For example, owlbears have a +5 bonus and worgs have a +4 bonus. Since skills are not shown when inspecting an enemy, this information is not readily available in game.

Related Items

+2 to Skill Checks

Mask of Soul Perception

+1d4 to All Skill Checks

Shapeshifter's Boon Ring while Shapeshifted or Disguised

Advantage on Skill Checks

• Hellrider Longbow
• Watcher's Shield
• Ambusher
• Justiciar's Greatshield
• Sentinel Shield
• Halberd of Vigilance
• Selûne's Spear of Night

Related Spells

•  Astral Knowledge - Grants Proficiency in all Skills of a chosen Ability.
•  Knowledge of the Ages: Wisdom - Grants Proficiency in all Wisdom Skills.
•  Guidance - Grants a +1d4 bonus on all Skill Checks.
•  Owl's Wisdom - Grants Advantage on all Wisdom Checks.
•  Hex (Wisdom) - Grants Disadvantage on all Wisdom Checks.