Posted this on game-spot forums regarding stealth

It svcked in Oblivion. I would launch an arrow for a OHKO from hiding in a dark place nobody was even looking toward, and once the arrow landed everyone knew automatically where I was.

I'm really excited to see how the new multi-step system is.

From being completely hidden, to enemies knowing that SOMETHING is out there, to knowing that I'm in this general direction, and finally seeing me.

So much better than HIDDEN, DETECTED.


Well someone responded with this

I was when I was waiting the game. But when I started it, I realized that I am going to be a melee heavy armored warrior. Reason is simple. There is NO INSTANT STEALTH KILLS. Which for me renders it pointless. You basically have one surprise attack to do heavy damage on one enemy. After that you are to fight them all, with inferior battle skills.

Which is a shame because I love stealth and use this approach in almost every single game where you have that choice.



Well this post has me second guessing rather to play a stealth character or not. Really if you only get one shot before being detected seems kinda pointless. Seems it hasnt changed much from oblivion.

Any opinions?

He's wrong. There are instant kills. It's just not easy and requires the stealth perks which boost sneak attack damage. Some enemies may be strong enough to survive, but I figure most humanoids will go down fairly easily.

There is a perk in sneak that allows you to go back to be undetected after being detected. Mix that with strong poisons, sneak damage multiplier and slow time when zooming on bows and you should be able to down a couple enemies or at least soften them up and go in with some daggers and finish them off.

ye i believe as long as u dont actually alert an enemy they wont detect u

saying that tho.. taking down an opponent in a group of enemies would cause them to know of your presence, i would think.

u may have to wait till they are alone to properly use your stealth, along the with the related perks for that skill

Well in the official gameplay video released by bethesda there was a scene where Todd killed one bandit instantly with a stealth arrow and remained undetected, then the other bandit ducked down and drew his sword while Todd then instant killed him with another arrow. So neither of your points/worries are valid.

Edit: The improvement to the stealth, i.e. instant stealth kills, both arrow and melee, is why I am going to play more a stealth warrior then just a straight up warrior

Well, as if one piece of questionable empirical evidence supports a conclusion. ha!
But there is a perk near the top of the stealth tree that helps you become undetected after you have engaged the enemy if you re-hide.

Bethesda's Sneak system is actually really silly easy once you get the ropes. Get the perks in stealth, wear light armor, stick to the shadows, use a bow, and you will be sneak attacking all day long.