DMs will always describe the environment you’re fighting in, and in most places, that’s not an arena. You’re likely in natural terrain, surrounded by bushes, trees, sand dunes, piles of snow, or stalagmites. All of which could easily be used as cover, either by you or your opponents.
Even if you’re in a building, you can utilize walls or overturned furniture to provide some cover, depending on where your enemies are. Cover is all about the angles, so get out your geometry books, and let’s break it down.
We’ve Got You’re Covered
There are three types of cover: half cover, three-quarters cover, and full cover. Each provides different benefits, but they are all determined by how hidden you are from the attack’s source. Remember, cover doesn’t do anything about area effects!
Half Cover 5e
Half cover gives you +2 to your AC and Dexterity saving throws. An example of half cover would be hiding behind another creature or an object that is at least the same size as you.
Three-Quarters Cover 5e
Three-quarters cover gives you +5 to your AC and Dexterity saving throws. You might have three-quarters cover if you’re peeking out from behind a wall or underneath a window.
Full Cover 5e
Full cover means that you’re entirely out of eyeshot from your attacker, and they cannot target you with an attack roll. They may still be able to target you with certain spells or area effects, but most types of attacks don’t work when the attacker can’t see you at all. Just remember that if they can’t see you, you can’t see them either.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to Cover 5e, why not check out Shove Action 5e and Alignment 5e.
Alexa spends the majority of her days explaining the ins and outs of DnD to her two cats, much to their dismay.