Noise Level

Noise Level, measured in meters, determines the distance at which an enemy will be alerted by any given weapon or ability. Noise levels can be reduced if there is any obstruction between the source of noise and the target. Weapon noise is a key component of Stealth and must be considered when doing stealth missions. Noise level is independent of the sound a player hears; a weapon can sound loud in the game (e.g. Ogris before Update 16.0 (2015-03-19)) but be perceived by enemies as completely silent.

In update 18.1+, stealth killing enemies will produce sound that travels about 5 meters, and any enemies within that radius will become automatically alerted for about 20 seconds, including melee finishers under stealth.

Enemy Reaction

Enemies who hear noise are alerted to the player's presence and will react in one of three ways. An enemy may choose to:

• Locate the nearest cover and hide, waiting to ambush players if they get into range;
• Run to the source of the noise and then search the area; or
• Run to activate a Control Console to sound the alarm in the area.

Enemies who are not killed in one shot or in a very quick moment after being hit the first time will become alerted. Thus silencing weapons not powerful enough to do so are not capable of consistently dealing stealth kills, and are more useful to the player as a tool to prevent enemies from detecting players currently under stealth.

Reducing Noise

Noise level can be decreased with Hush for rifles, Suppress for pistols and Silent Battery for Shotguns. Banshee's Silence power causes all affected enemies to be deafened, preventing enemies from hearing any source of noise. Loki's Syndicate augment Hushed Invisibility acts as a 100% noise reduction for all weapons while using invisibility.

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Codex and Arsenal

Codex entries and weapon statistics only have 2 listed noise levels; Alarming and Silent. Placing a 25%, 50%, or 75% reduction from Hush or Suppress will not display actual changes in this notation. Many weapons are also listed incorrect or misleading by the codex, such as the Latron Wraith being listed as Alarming, but acting nearly silent.

Note: Ivara's Prowl follows the arsenal listing for a weapon's noise level, regardless of the above statement.