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Sneaking mechanic in Jagged Alliance 3 has a few kinks that are not necessarily intuitive and while Haemimont didn't explain it all, experience in the game and talking with the community can reveal most of the secrets.
Or you can just read this guide and be ready to wreck hostiles before they even know you're there.
Detection radius
The first and most important part of sneaking successfully is having at least decent agility stat. Any merc with over 75 agility can get reasonably close to enemies without getting spotted but the higher the stat, the lower the detection radius.
Yes, the detection works in a radius, even if they are not looking in your direction. The radius is decreased by the Stealthy trait and camo armour. Only a handful of mercs have Stealth but you can also add it to your IMP character. Untraceable perk reduces the rate at which the detection bar fills up.
The radius is also smaller during the night and in the fog. Additionally, if you are approaching from behind an enemy, the detection bar will fill at a lower rate.
Beware of the enemy Scouts, who are usually designated by the radar icon next to their icons because they have larger detection AoE and sneak attacks have a lower chance to kill them instantly.
Sneak attacks
The change of a sneak attack's success is shown with the red bars while you are choosing which body part to shoot. The head usually has the highest sneak attack chance, followed by the torso.
Body parts with armour will lower the sneak attack chance and certain boss-like enemies can't be cheesed this way as the sneak attack is replaced by a sneak crit chance.
Stealthy trait, Ambusher and Assassination perks as well as the Tactical Device upgrade for firearms increase the chance of getting a sneak attack. Untraceable increases the damage of failed sneak attacks so it's fantastic on stealth snipers who will then likely get a one-shot kill anyway.
Sneaking speed
You can sneak while crouched or prone, both of which are slower than normal movements. Keep in mind that you can always run without hiding until you spot enemies and then start sneaking in order to go around the map faster.
Shadow is the exception to the rule as he is the only merc who can sneak while standing up.
Sneaking in combat
Jagged Alliance 3 allows you to re-stealth in combat and the enemies won't be able to shoot your mercs until they reveal them again. You also get a new attempt at sneak attacks.
To re-stealth, you need to be out of the enemies' line of sight. Being far enough from them will do the trick but the best bet is to find a wall they can't see through and go there. Full cover between you and the enemy almost always allows re-stealthing.
