There is a meme “Infravision was a mistake, change my mind”. I agree with the sentiment and feel even Darkvision is still too powerful.
To me, having one or several PCs that can see rather well in pitch dark for about 20 meters and absolutely perfectly in dim conditions for same distance is suspense breaking/OP. -> 5E says:
“Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.”
This rule leads to odd situation where characters that have infravision always have to scout ahead in dark environments or that torches are not needed, or that people want to play certain races purely for this very advantageous game mechanic/advantage. I mean even if you really want to RP an effective dungeon delving or cat-burglar thief, and from a purely RP perspective would prefer to play a human, you might still never pick human and lose out on Darkvision, it is just too big a disadvantage.
I am not into resource management much, but in terms of needing torches or oil lamps or spells in any oppressive, dark, underground and dangerous places, or else having to be extremely careful, I am into that. I think it substantially adds to atmosphere and the good kinds of risk or scary situations.
What are your house rules? Do you know any blog that came up with far “harder” and less OP infravision or darkvision rule?
My own houserule:
" Infravision (Darkvision) for PCs is very limited and does not detect temperature in any way. It is akin to having a small candle in your hand, except you barely see colour, you see primarily shades of grey, objects and things (very) close by are very clear, anything beyond a few meters rapidly gets fainter and fainter, harder and harder to make out. The maximum range for infravision in pitch dark is 20 meters, beyond that you can not make anything out at all /it is like having no infravision. Torches, lamps or other light sources are important for any character, if to a slightly lesser degree for PCs with infravision."
Perhaps it is too harsh? Any tweaks?