Can you destroy target creature with indestructible?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
You can target a creature with indestructible with a spell or ability that says “destroy target creature“, but the creature will not be destroyed due to its indestructible ability, which prevents it from being destroyed by effects that specifically say “destroy” or by lethal damage. The spell or ability will still resolve, but the indestructible creature will not be affected, thanks to the rule 700.4 which prevents the destruction of the creature.
Understanding Indestructible
Indestructible is a static ability that makes a creature or permanent immune to destruction, whether it’s from a spell or ability that says “destroy” or from lethal damage. This ability has significant implications for gameplay, as it can make certain creatures or permanents nearly unkillable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does indestructible mean?
Indestructible means that a creature or permanent cannot be destroyed by effects that specifically say “destroy” or by lethal damage. This includes damage from spells, abilities, and combat.
2. Does destroy target creature work against indestructible?
Yes, you can target a creature with indestructible with a spell or ability that says “destroy target creature“, but the creature will not be destroyed due to its indestructible ability.
3. Can you target a creature with indestructible?
Yes, you can target a creature with indestructible with a spell or ability, but it’s often a waste of resources since the creature cannot be destroyed.
4. Does destroy all creatures work on indestructible?
No, indestructible creatures are immune to effects that destroy all creatures, such as Wrath of God.
5. What is the indestructible rule?
The indestructible rule states that a creature or permanent with indestructible cannot be destroyed by effects that specifically say “destroy” or by lethal damage.
6. How can you destroy an indestructible creature?
There are several ways to get rid of an indestructible creature, including exiling it, using -1/-1 counters or infect to reduce its toughness to 0, or forcing its controller to sacrifice it.
7. What does indestructible protect from?
Indestructible protects a creature or permanent from effects that specifically say “destroy” and from lethal damage.
8. Does indestructible prevent 0 toughness?
No, indestructible does not prevent a creature from dying due to having 0 toughness.
9. Does deathtouch beat indestructible?
No, deathtouch does not beat indestructible, as deathtouch causes lethal damage, which is prevented by indestructible.
10. Do board wipes work on indestructible?
It depends on the effect of the board wipe. If it destroys or damages creatures, indestructible creatures will be unaffected. If it exiles or gives -X/-X to creatures, indestructible creatures may be affected.
11. Does indestructible prevent legendary rule?
No, indestructible does not prevent the legendary rule, which states that if a player controls two or more legendary permanents with the same name, they must sacrifice all but one of them.
12. What is a shield counter on an indestructible creature?
A shield counter is a replacement effect that modifies an event, but on an indestructible creature, it has no effect because the creature cannot be destroyed.
13. Does indestructible work against a card that forces you to sacrifice a creature?
No, indestructible does not prevent a creature from being sacrificed, as sacrificing a creature is not the same as destroying it.
14. What are the rules for indestructible in Magic?
The rules for indestructible in Magic can be found in rule 702.12, which states that a permanent with indestructible cannot be destroyed by effects that specifically say “destroy” or by lethal damage.
15. Does Avacyn, Angel of Hope make everything indestructible?
Yes, Avacyn, Angel of Hope gives indestructible to all permanents controlled by its controller, making them immune to destruction.