Stealth ( mechanic ) Stealth is an ability that allows player s or mob s to sneak around undetected . Most notably a rogue ' s ability , it is also available ( as Prowl ) to druid s when using their Cat Form , as well as hunter cat pets . Unlike invisibility , anybody has a chance to detect an enemy in stealth mode . The chance of detection increases as you get closer , but also depends on the viewing angle ( stand right in front of an enemy and you can guarantee they ' ll see you ) , the relative levels , and any perception or subtlety modifiers . Subtlety and Detection . The difference between subtlety and detection will determine the distance that a player will be seen at . The closer you are to your target , the higher the probability that you will be detected . The chance of detection is also increased if you anywhere in a 180° arc in front of the target ; it is always best to approach a target from behind . Remaining stationary " does not " make you harder to detect . Subtlety . Sutblety , like detection , increases 5 points with each level . It can also be increased by 5 points for each level in the Master of Deception talent ( max 3 levels ) , frequently known as MoD . When maxed , MoD is equivalent to 3 extra character levels . Night elf rogues and druids additionally get the Elusiveness trait , which is the equivalent to one character level . Using the rogue ability Vanish brings a rogue into an improved stealth for 10 seconds , increasing subtlety by 170 . Subtlety can be increased in the following ways : Detection . Detection is an innate skill that all players and mobs have , and this increases by 5 points per level . One of the Racial Traits which human s get is called Perception , as of WotLK , a passive skill which increases stealth detection by 5 points . There are also various items which grant a bonus to detection , along with certain class abilities . Additionally , various mobs ( such as bloodhounds , mindslayers , and city guards ) have a much higher level of detection , to dissuade characters from stealthing anywhere nearby . Detection can be increased in the following ways : Stealth tips . Stealth has a number of uses : PvE . In PvE , monsters will normally react when you are close to being detected . Typically , they will look up and either say something or make a noise . If you have Distract ( available at level 22 ) , this can be a very useful ability to keep mobs looking the other way . Try to learn the range at which various mobs will aggro you - then move to just outside that range before using stealth . This will reduce the time you spend under Stealth ' s movement restriction . PvP . In PvP , if you enter stealth mode near an enemy player they will likely see a message on their screen . Thus , try to stealth from a distance , loop around behind them in a wide circle , and approach from behind . Make good use of any vegetation or other cover - although does not help directly , it can make you somewhat harder to spot visually if you are detected . It takes a couple of seconds for a detected person to " phase in " on anyone ' s screen , so you can normally rush the last couple of yards . You " can " use Distract in PvP . The target will face the other way , but it will - of course - notice that a Rogue is approaching . Stealth detection is also important to rogues , especially in PvP , or in areas with stealthed monsters ( for instance , when scouting dungeons ) . Stealth detection enhancements give the rogue an advantage when going up against other stealthed opponents . A good balance of stealth - enhancing and stealth - detecting skills , items , and enchantments will make your life as a rogue an easier and more effective one . Movement speed while stealthed can be improved with talent points spent on Fleet Footed or Camouflage - 8 % / 15 % and 5 % / 10 % / 15 % respectively , topping at 15 % . You can also use Sprint while stealthed to increase your speed , not breaking your stealth . Any other items that increase your speed will break stealth upon use , but you can re - stealth or use the item prior to activating stealth . With reduced speed , getting into combat range while stealthed can be tricky . Investing in speed increasing effects can be critical to a rogue . The Minor Speed or Cat ' s Swiftness boot enchantments , or the Fleet Footed talent ( enchants and the talent do not stack ) offer an extra 8 % overall movement speed which works both in and out of stealth , and can be critical when trying to get in range of an opponent or when attempting to escape . Higher rogue talents address issues of range . Any rogue with 40 talent points in the Subtlety tree can use the Shadowstep skill at a range of 20 yards to instantly teleport behind a targeted opponent and gain a buff that allows a garrote , ambush or backstab attack to have a 20 % damage increase ; this is very effective against kiters ( like hunters or spell - casters ) .