What is 5e heavily obscured?

In Dungeons and Dragons 5e, heavily obscured refers to a condition in which vision is heavily impeded or obscured by objects, darkness, or magic. This condition can greatly affect a player's ability to see and target enemies, as well as make it difficult to use ranged attacks or spells. Here are some examples of heavily obscured conditions in 5e:

  1. Darkness: Darkness is one of the most common causes of heavily obscured conditions in 5e. It reduces visibility to zero, making it impossible for characters without darkvision to see anything. This can be challenging for players trying to navigate through dark corridors or combat enemies lurking in the shadows.

  2. Fog, Smoke, or Mist: Certain magical items or spells can create fog, smoke, or mist, effectively blocking vision and creating a heavily obscured condition. This can be both a blessing and a curse, as players can use these effects to hide from enemies or ambush them, but it can also make it challenging to see and target enemies.

  3. Heavy Objects: In certain situations, heavy objects such as rocks, boulders, or walls can create a heavily obscured condition. This can be useful for players trying to take cover from ranged attacks, but it can also make it difficult to engage enemies in melee combat.

  4. Spells: Some spells, such as darkness or fog cloud, can create heavily obscured conditions. This can be useful for players trying to escape or create cover, but it can also affect other players' ability to see and target enemies.

  5. Environmental Hazards: Certain environmental hazards, such as dense foliage, snow, or rain, can create a heavily obscured condition. This can be challenging for players trying to navigate through difficult terrain or engage enemies from a distance.