Either I'm using Sneak wrong, or it's way too underpowered for what it traditionally does in fantasy games.

A rogue should, at medium levels, have a decent chance of sneaking up on a humanoid target to get a backstab attack. Otherwise, why is the *15 stealth strike even available before the level 70 "moving doesn't automatically make you stick out like a giant neon sign reading 'Thief Here!' the instant you peek out from behind cover while your follower is fighting a mob, or even on an unagroed mob." perk?

Get a follower who can sneak?

Depends if ur muffled and have perks in the tree

I can't even sneak up on mobs with no follower at all. They automatically spot me as I approach, let alone get within meele striking distance.

Even if I don't have run on...yeah, I thought of that one.

You're doing it wrong.

It's possible but hard at lower levels. Make sure you are "walking" and not running, on the PC hit the caps lock key to slow down. Noise (such as bumping into certain objects), and light conditions do make a difference. It is much harder to sneak outside for some reason. And at low levels you have to make sure the targets back is facing you.

Yeah man, muffle is your friend. I had no troubles sneaking up on folks. Sure, it gets x10 easier with the lvl 70 perk but that makes it a little less fun if anything. Muffle muffle muffle....muuuuufffle!

I don't play an assassin or thief-type build but I do sneak a lot and it's up to 60 now. Tonight the skill helped me with a Centurion in a ruin. I was able to sneak all over the place and deal with the enemies one at a time because I had to leave Lydia outside for her health. Along with Muffle, I'm almost semi-invisible and I haven't taken any Sneak perks yet. It was scary fun too hoping they wouldn't find me.

:tes:

I would suggest;

-NOT being in their line of sight
-NOT wearing any heavy armor
-Going easy on the anolog stick to move
-Using the Muffle spell
-Using Thieves Guild apparel or similar items that provide you with bonuses (especially since it seems sneaking is a big part of your play style)
-Performing the Daedric quests.. one of them gives you a great piece of heavy armor that boosts your sneak skill, just don't remember who...
-Maybe waiting until they're sleeping.

or just shoot 'em with an arrow in the knee and chances are they'll stop doing whatever has led them to be your enemy.

I dont even have a sneak type character, but Im able to get pretty darn close with a warhammer and heavy armor at time. I dont know why you're having trouble.
Maybe you arent taking your time scouting the area? Gotta get their backs turned, hug walls, say out of light.
If someone is facing you, youre going to be seen, just like in real life. Do theives or DB for items.

I snuck all the time as an assassin and never had a problem, got plenty of low level backstabs, or throat slits I should say cause I don't think I've ever seen a backstab animation. Not having a follower helps, as does sneaking slowly and having the muffle boots, which either the Dark Brotherhood or Thieves' Guild give you (later for the Thieves' Guild). I seem to be getting caught more at higher levels, which makes zero sense.

I sneak up and backstab everything but dragons, thats because dragons are glitched on my game and dont spawn...
OH, and i'm even using heavy armor not light. Sneak = 100 5/5 in first perk and i use the muffle spell with The Steed Stone.

"No, even normal enemies like bandits immediately spot me when I enter line of sight, let alone get close."


People do tend to see things when they enter their line of sight.

Try sneaking without using any armor. It could be you are making too much noise with the weight of your armor.

My sneak is only at 60 and i'm a boss ninja. Muffle + invisibility + quiet casting = ghost

You're right in that Silence is a huge improvement to your ability to Sneak, but you don't HAVE to sneak with the intention of getting backstabs right away. Sneaking to get into a safe position that funnels the enemy or even makes you unreachable by melee is also a worthy undertaking for your stealthitude (it's a word now). Sneak is also invaluable in getting the layout of a room learned before starting the fight. Learn how many enemies you'll be facing in the next room, where they are, and what they're armed with.

* If the target is roving around a lot, forget moving in behind them for the backstab. At some point or another they'll be looking in your direction when you're moving in for the kill, and then you're busted. Use archery in that situation and satisfy yourself with a 3x crit multiplier. You probably won't kill them if they're a matching level to you, but you'll hurt them badly.

* Keep your eyes open for sitting/sleeping targets (easier if you have the detect life shout). These are the targets that are begging for your dagger to scratch an itch right between the third and fourth vertebrae. Sneak sneaky stabby. Make sure they don't have more mobile friends before moving in.

* Tell your companion to wait one room back from you when you need to get into backstabbing range. They will never be capable of effectively utilizing shadow, jumping, and patience like a good sneakthief needs to do. If things get thick, run back to your companion and let them draw aggro.

* Sneak enchantments on your boots/gloves/ring/amulet are useful to counter for your stumbling feet. The minimum enchantment with a Grand Soulgem is 13%, so with all four items you're looking at a minimum 52% improvement, more if you've invested in your Enchanting skill and perks. I prefer this to Muffle as I have no interest in spellcasting for my current assassin character.

* Above all else, stealth is all about patience. Then more patience. Finally, a bit more patience. You are a lethal force as long as you have a plan on how to disassemble the enemy forces, so study the area extensively before moving in. You need to know where every threat is before making your strike and have a plan for your next three blows even as you land your first.

Use Muffle whenever possible and walk if you're getting close to someone and you don't think they'll be moving too much. Stay away from lights, and try to stay behind something or near the wall. If you can get around them by jumping, do so because jumping doesn't seem to make them hear you easier or anything. Don't bump into them or anything/stand up, or all your sneaking will be for naught.

My Nightblade had no problem getting stealth kills on bandits and such in sneak levels 20-50, but I always use muffle whenever I sneak. Illusion can also help if you fail the attempt, as you can just fear, or better yet, calm them and try again once they stop noticing you. Or just toss out fury or frenzy on a group of enemies and just stealth kill them while they're killing each other or after the rest are dead.

To provide an alternative for the OP, I have never used magic or enchants that aided my sneak. It is very possible for you to rely completely on sneak and your own skills.

Enchants and magic help, but they are not necessary. I have reached level 40+ relying only on sneak.

Leather boots of major sneaking are nice.

Cheers

Depends on the difficulty. If you're having problem sneaking up on things at your skill level, try walking instead of running while sneaking, change to lighter, or no armor. If you're still having trouble, you might just not be made for it. I wasn't. I got to level 15 with a sneaky character and just realized that it's not for me.

Don't wear any armor. Just wear clothes. Do not give up on the way of the shadow.

I'm seriously thinking about revisiting my sneak character and doing just that, finding some nice regular clothes and trying this again.

I was able to backstab bandits and casters with a low sneak, and low one handed skill

The key is, moving really really slowly. Staying in the dark, and moving slowly helps a lot

Not moving at all, when someone hears you, is what allows you to keep trying to make closer sneak attempts. As long as you're not out in the open, where the light is hitting you. If someone hears you, quickly trying to inch into a dark close spot, or staying in one.. Helps you remain undiscovered. Even if they walk right torwards you, as long as your feet don't move.. you have a good chance to not be discovered. Too close for comfort, Start hitting them until they stop moving

Also if you cannot sneak attack with a dagger, there is no shame in sneak attacking with a bow and arrow at the start.

Btw in case this has not been mentioned. Weapons have sound levels. Daggers are the quietest and Two handers the loudest. One handed weapons other than daggers make a decent amount of 'noise' and bows are very quiet...which is funny because bows are not quiet at all lol.