Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - Suggestions & Feedback Failed passive checks should not be shown, and shouldn't be rolls in the first place.

I mean, that's the very reason why DM/GM screens exist, and why are they demanded product.
DM/GM always should be aware about 'secret checks", and that he should, and when he should make those. And no player can see the result.

Party walk into the room - DM/GM checks what everyone's perception is - and roll perception FOR THEM. If at least one person succeed - DM/GM mention what they are spotted. If no one succeed - DM/GM remain silent about what party missed.

Unlike for investigation, which is actually a player activity, that occurs only when player actually calls to do it. But even then, DM/GM should mention nothing about what players could miss. He should allow investigation check even if there nothing important in the room.... which practically means player will find nothing no matetr how high they roll.

Of course, investigation, unlike perception actually takes time. And if players would try to waste too much time trying to investigate every room for 20 minutes each- DM/GM should punish them for that.