Darkvision: preserve the difference between dark and dim

SRD 5.2.1 · Senses

At the table

1. Read the feature’s actual range.
2. Within that range, treat Dim Light as Bright Light and Darkness as Dim Light.
3. In that Darkness, describe colors only as shades of gray; other rules and effects can add limitations.

Example decision

A character uses Darkvision to look at two identical ribbons, one red and one green, in Darkness within range. Does Darkvision itself supply their colors?

No; colors in that Darkness are discerned only as shades of gray.

Darkvision changes Darkness to the equivalent of Dim Light and specifically limits colors there to shades of gray. Other visual differences might still distinguish the ribbons, but identifying them by their actual red and green colors requires information this sense does not supply in that lighting.

Watch for this mistake

Do not silently extend Darkvision beyond its stated range. Also read a magical darkness effect’s own text before deciding how it interacts with a particular sense.

Ask the table

What is the actual light level, what lies within range, and does the task depend on color?

Source rule

If you have Darkvision, you can see in Dim Light within a specified range as if it were Bright Light and in Darkness within that range as if it were Dim Light. You discern colors in that Darkness only as shades of gray. See also “Playing the Game” (“Exploration”).

Source: SRD 5.2.1, 180. Online guide.