Don’t like the way darkvision works? Think it’s too prevalent in D&D 5E? Then let’s talk about some alternatives!
Some of these options already exist in 5E, but using any of them may require some adjustment to your game.
Low-light Vision
Low-light vision was introduced with darkvision in 3E to replace “infravision,” which was the method of seeing in the dark in 2E. This sense, rather than letting someone see in complete darkness, simply let them see better in dim light.
To recreate this in 5E, characters and creatures with low-light vision do not suffer disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks for dim light.
Suggested races and creatures: Elves (with the exception of dark elves), gnomes, half-elves, tabaxi, tieflings, cats, frogs, lizards, owls, rats, tressym, lycanthropes
Tremorsense
Tremorsense is the ability to perceive your surroundings by sensing vibrations and changes in the ground beneath you. You must be in contact with the ground to benefit from this sense.
In 5E, many creatures with a burrow speed have this ability, since it helps them navigate while burrowing. For characters, granting them tremorsense with a range of 30-60 feet can provide an interesting alternative. Although it bypasses magical darkness (since it doesn’t rely on sight), characters can’t detect things that are floating or flying.
Suggested races and creatures: Bugbears, dwarves, half-orcs, hobgoblins, goblins, kobolds, orcs, badgers, spiders
Echolocation
Echolocation works via emitting high-pitched sounds that bounce off creatures and objects in the vicinity. Bats have this feature in 5E, though in previous editions dolphins had this feature as well.
Echolocation is blindsight with the echolocation trait, which says, “this creature’s blindsight can’t be used while deafened.” Additionally, echolocation doesn’t function in areas of magical silence or vacuums.
Echolocation is an interesting alternative for creatures that possess keen senses but are nocturnal or live underground.
Suggested races and creatures: Dark elves
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