Understanding Blindsight in One DnD and DnD 5e
Blindsight is a powerful ability in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) that allows a creature to see without relying on physical sight. It is an ability that can be very useful in combat, particularly if your character can cast darkness, or when facing opponents who rely on invisibility.
However, the rules for Blindsight in DnD often raise a lot of questions during play, particularly when it comes to seeing invisible opponents. In this article, we'll take a look at how Blindsight works in One DnD and DnD 5e, and provide answers to the most commonly asked questions.
What is Blindsight in DnD and How Does it Work?
Blindsight is an ability in DnD that allows a creature to see within a specific range without relying on physical sight. This means that creatures with Blindsight can effectively see anything that isn't behind Total Cover, even if they have the Blinded condition or are in Darkness. Moreover, in that range, they can effectively see a creature that has the Invisible condition.
According to the rules, a creature with Blindsight can "perceive its surroundings without relying on sight, within a specific radius."
How Blindsight Rules Differ in 5e and One DnD
D&D 5e Blindsight:
A monster with Blindsight can perceive its surroundings without relying on sight, within a specific radius. Creatures without eyes, such as grimlocks and gray oozes, typically have this special sense, as do creatures with echolocation or heightened senses, such as bats and true dragons. If a monster is naturally blind, it has a parenthetical note to this effect, indicating that the radius of its Blindsight defines the maximum range of its perception.
One D&D Blindsight:
If you have Blindsight, you can see within a specific range without relying on physical sight. Within that range, you can effectively see anything that isn’t behind Total Cover, even if you have the Blinded condition or are in Darkness. Moreover, in that range, you can effectively see a creature that has Invisible condition.
Questions and Answers About Blindsight in One DnD
Q: Can you see an invisible creature with Blindsight?
A: Yes. The One DnD play test rules state that you can see any opponent that is invisible or not obscured by Total Cover. With Blindsight, you effectively "see" without relying on sight, similar to how a dolphin or bat can see with sonar.
Q: Can you detect colors, physical features or differentiate one person from another with Blindsight?
A: That's up top the DM. The rules for One DnD and 5e Blindsight focus on combat. DMs have discretion for how to apply the rules in other ares. Common sense would say that a character probably can't see color. They might be able to tell one person from another based on unique sounds or movements those people make. Considering that Blindsight lets you effectively fight without being able to see, it is implied that a character with Blindsight can differentiate his friends from his enemies.
Q: How does a player with Blindsight see?
A: Again DMs have discretion here and it may vary from character to character. A wizard with Blindsight may be able to sense the magical auras of all things. A monk may have enhanced his other sense through meditation. If a character has Blindsight or the blind fighting feat, the DM should encourage that player to think through how their character developer their blind sight abilities and adapt physical descriptions and game mechanics to fit.
Q: Can you target spells that require you to see an opponent using bling sight?
A: Yes. Spells and other abilities that require you to see a target are covered by the Blindsight ability because the rules state that you can "see" without using physical sight.
Q: Can You Use the Hide Action to Hide from someone with Blindsight in One DnD?
A: No, you can't hide if you are in the range of their Blindsights and not behind total cover. The One DnD rules state that a creature who successfully hides has the invisible condition and a hero or monster who has Blindsight can see invisible creatures within range of their ability.
Q: How does One DnD clarify the rules for Blindsight?
A: One DnD clarifies the rules for Blindsight by expanding them to not just focus on monsters and to clarify that creatures with Blindsight can see invisible opponents within their range and to bring in other mechanics from the Blind Fighting class feature that first appeared in Tasha's Cauldron Of Everything.
Using the Blind Fighting Class Feature
Blind Fighting, from Tasha's Cauldron Of Everything, is an optional fighting style that provides 10 feet of Blindsight. While the basic rules for Blindsight in DnD 5e allow a character to see anything within a specific range, Blind Fighting adds additional wording to this description. With Blind Fighting, a character can effectively see anything within 10 feet, even if they are in darkness or blinded, and they can also see an invisible creature within that range, unless the creature successfully hides from them.
Optional Home Brew Blindsight Feat - The Blindsight Master
Prerequisite: 10th level or higher, a creature type that relies on sight for perception.
You have honed your senses to a razor-sharp edge, allowing you to see the unseen. You gain the following benefits:
Your Blindsight range is 30 feet.
On a successful perception check, you can sense creatures that are hidden within your Blindsight range, even if they are behind total cover, unless the creature is protected by a spell or ability that specifically blocks Blindsight.
You can take the Search action as a bonus action on each of your turns, allowing you to make a Wisdom (Perception) check to locate hidden creatures, traps and secret doors within your Blindsight range.
Additionally, you can choose to close your eyes and rely entirely on your Blindsight to perceive your surroundings at will. While your eyes are closed in this way, you are immune to the Blinded condition and have advantage on saving throws against effects that rely on sight, such as illusions or gaze attacks. However, you have disadvantage on ability checks that rely on vision, such as reading or navigating unfamiliar terrain.
This feat would allow a character to become a master of Blindsight, with increased range and the ability to sense and locate hidden creatures. It also offers the option to close your eyes and rely entirely on Blindsight, which can be useful in situations where sight-based attacks or illusions are a concern such as when an opponent casts Blur.
Blindsight Is a Powerful Ability in DnD that Allows a Creature to See Without Relying on Physical Sight
It is particularly useful when facing opponents who rely on invisibility. To maximize this ability DMs should work with players to determine how their Blingsight manifests and work it into descriptions and interactions both in and outside of combat.