Facing Cover

Some items and spells provide directional cover based on the direction your character is facing.

Cover is provided to the full extent of the effect in the areas which are indicated by dark blue. Cover is reduced to half of the full effect in the areas indicated by medium blue, and by half again where indicated by dark blue. If the full effect is only ¾ cover, the medium blue areas provide ¼ cover and the dark blue areas provide no cover. If the full effect is only ½ cover or less, the medium blue and dark blue areas provide no cover.

Directional Cover

Per the Player’s Handbook, a target with ¾ cover gains a +5 bonus to AC and Dexterity saving throws while a target with ½ cover provides a +2 bonus to AC and Dexterity saving throws. A target with ¼ cover gains +1 AC bonus or +1 bonus to Dexterity saving throws at the target’s discretion. A target with total cover cannot be attacked directly but they can suffer from indirect attacks such as being within an area of effect from any side other than the direction from which they have full cover.

Added to House Rules in 2023.