New Vegas - Sneak Detection

Question

What is the sneak detection equation in Fallout: New Vegas?

What factors (other than perks and hiding behind things) determines if you are detected while sneaking?

I have read a lot of conflicting information about if/how these things affect sneak detection:

• armor weight
• inventory weight
• weapon weight

Is there a definitive source of information to solve this problem?

Answer 1

There are many factors involved in stealth calculation :

Sneak Skill, obviously. This can be improved temporarily or permanently by perks and items.

Enemy Perception stat : it is worth noting that a crippled head cause a -4 modifier

Light level : less light = more difficult to see. Be careful for your Pip-Boy light.

Movement : this includes looking around. The more you move, the more you are likely to be detected.

Contact : usurprisingly, being in direct physical contact with any target makes it aware of your position

Sound : you emit sound in two ways :

• Most weapons are noisy. Some are silenced : they don't emit sound when you use them ; that includes melee weapons and grenades (throwing is silent). Being attacked will always cause a NPC to enter [CAUTION] mode.
• Moving emits sound, which scales with your equipped weight ; this only includes your weapon if it is drawn. The perk "Silent Runner" negates this entirely.

Distance.

Line of sight : if you cannot be seen, you can only be heard.