Description[ | ]
The stealth system in 7 Days to Die allows one to move about and explore without drawing the unwanted attention of the various zombies lurking about.
Stealth Mode[ | ]
Stealth mode is activated by crouching, which can be toggled on or off using the Toggle Crouch key (default Left-ctrl) or by holding down the Crouch key (default c key). Stealth mode is deactivated automatically when you use a ladder or enter a vehicle. Being detected does not deactivate stealth mode; you remain crouched even if you are being hunted or damaged. Your ability to remain undetected in stealth mode is based off of several factors: your stealth ability, proximity to an enemy, light levels in the area, and noise generated by the character. Moving, sprinting, using objects, and using weapons can all generate noise and lead to you being detected by one or more enemies.
Once an enemy detects you, moving out of line of sight of that enemy will cause you to become hidden from that enemy again. The enemy will usually continue to travel to the point where it last detected you.
Advantages and Disadvantages[ | ]
Stealth is an alternative to the standard Run & Gun Strategy of exploring and, with enough patience, can pay off in different ways. You can remain hidden while a wandering horde passes you by. While exploring, you can stealth past an enemy undetected in order to avoid a fight. When the time is right to fight, attacking an enemy that has not detected you while in stealth mode provides a damage multiplier (2x) to your first hit. This might be enough to kill your enemy before they are even aware you are there.
The main disadvantage of stealth mode is a decrease in your movement speed. You can sprint while in stealth mode, which will increase your speed a little, but this drains your stamina and will make you easier to detect. Jumping height is also reduced while in stealth mode.
Stealth mode also does not have any effect on Blood Moon Hordes, as these hordes always can detect a player at all times during the Blood Moon night.
Modifiers[ | ]
Armor has inherent penalties to stealth, increasing with heavier armor types. There are Mods that can be placed on armor items which increase stealth ability.
There are 3 Stealth Perks (under the Agility Attribute) that influence your stealth ability: Ninja Movement, Hidden Strike, and From The Shadows.
Ninja Movement increases sneak movement speed up to 30%.
From The Shadows allows you to more effectively hide in the shadows and muffles noises from actions.
Hidden Strike increases the first hit damage multiplier up to 4x.