shadowstep

Shadowstep is a movement concept used in fantasy fiction and video games to describe a character quickly moving through shadows and reappearing at a different location. It is commonly depicted as a stealth or mobility technique that enables surprise attacks or rapid repositioning.

The term combines "shadow" with "step" and evokes the idea of stepping through darkness. It originated in folklore and martial arts imagery and was later popularized in modern games where it became a named ability rather than a generic description.

In many games, shadowstep functions as a short-range teleport or blink. The user can teleport to a target within range, often appearing behind the target, or simply relocate to a chosen position. Common design elements include a cooldown, a resource cost such as energy or mana, and sometimes a temporary movement speed boost, reduced damage, or brief invisibility after reappearing. Shadowstep is frequently used for ambushes, escaping danger, or bypassing obstacles, and its exact behavior varies by title.

In tabletop role-playing games or fiction, shadowstep may be presented as a spell, a ninja technique, or a magical power with similar effects—stepping between shadows to move unseen or to position for an attack.

See also: blink, phase shift, teleportation, stealth.