Sacrificing the Untouchable: Can You Sacrifice a Hexproof Creature?
The short answer is a resounding yes. A creature with hexproof can indeed be sacrificed. Understanding why requires delving into the nuances of Magic: The Gathering’s (MTG) rules, specifically how hexproof and sacrifice effects interact. Hexproof only prevents targeting, and a sacrifice effect usually doesn’t target the creature itself, making the creature vulnerable to being sacrificed.
Understanding Hexproof: The Shield Against Targeting
The Definition
Hexproof is a static ability in MTG that prevents a permanent or player from being the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. The comprehensive rules define it as:
- 702.11b “Hexproof” on a permanent means “This permanent can’t be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.”
- 702.11c “Hexproof” on a player means “You can’t be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.”
In essence, hexproof acts as a protective barrier against any spell or ability an opponent controls that specifically targets the permanent or player with hexproof.
What Hexproof Does Not Do
Critically, hexproof does not grant immunity to all effects. It’s not a universal shield. Hexproof doesn’t protect against:
- Non-targeting effects: These include board wipes like Wrath of God (destroy all creatures) or effects that give all creatures -X/-X.
- Sacrifice effects: Spells or abilities that force an opponent to sacrifice a creature don’t target the creature; they target the player, compelling them to choose a creature to sacrifice.
- Combat damage: Hexproof offers no defense against creatures dealing combat damage, even if they have deathtouch.
- Effects in the graveyard or library: Hexproof only applies on the battlefield and doesn’t stop your opponent from interacting with the card if it’s in the graveyard or library.
The Mechanics of Sacrifice
Sacrifice as a Keyword Action
Sacrifice is a keyword action in MTG. A keyword action means you need a card or ability that allows you to perform it; you can’t simply choose to sacrifice a creature whenever you want. Cards like Diabolic Edict, which states “Target player sacrifices a creature”, trigger this action.
Why Sacrifice Bypasses Hexproof
The key distinction is that cards forcing sacrifice usually target the player, not the creature. Since hexproof only prevents being the target of spells or abilities an opponent controls, if the player is the target, the hexproof creature is fair game for sacrificing. Because hexproof only prevents targeting, it fails to protect a permanent if it’s being sacrificed as a consequence of an effect targeting the player.
Common Misconceptions
Many players mistakenly believe hexproof grants near-invulnerability. However, understanding its limitations is crucial for effective gameplay. Remember, hexproof is a powerful tool, but it’s not a panacea against all forms of removal. Cards that target you, or that simply have a sweeping effect on the board, can neutralize creatures with hexproof.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Hexproof stop a card like “Diabolic Edict”?
Yes, Diabolic Edict would be effective against a player who controls a hexproof creature. Diabolic Edict targets the player and forces them to sacrifice a creature. The hexproof creature is a valid target for sacrifice because the player is the target of the spell, not the creature.
2. If my opponent controls a creature with Hexproof and Indestructible, can I get rid of it?
Yes. Indestructible prevents destruction, but it does not prevent sacrifice. An effect that forces your opponent to sacrifice the creature will successfully remove it, even if it has both hexproof and indestructible. Other options include exiling the card.
3. Does Hexproof prevent a creature from being exiled?
It depends. If the exile effect targets the creature, then no, hexproof will prevent it. However, if the exile effect is part of a non-targeting ability like a board wipe that exiles all creatures, or the effect targets the player, then hexproof offers no protection.
4. Does Hexproof protect against combat damage?
No. Hexproof only prevents a permanent from being the target of spells or abilities. Combat damage is neither a spell nor an ability targeting the creature, so hexproof has no effect.
5. Does Hexproof stop Deathtouch?
No. Deathtouch doesn’t target. It’s a static ability that changes the rules for how damage is applied. If a creature with deathtouch deals damage to a creature with hexproof, the creature with hexproof is destroyed (unless it also has indestructible).
6. Is Hexproof better than Indestructible?
Neither is strictly “better”; they protect against different things. Indestructible protects against damage and destruction effects, but not against sacrifice or exile. Hexproof protects against targeted spells and abilities, but not against board wipes or sacrifice. The better choice depends on the expected threats in a game.
7. Can a Hexproof creature be destroyed by a board wipe, like Wrath of God?
Yes. Wrath of God says, “Destroy all creatures.” This effect does not target any specific creature, so it bypasses hexproof and destroys all creatures on the battlefield, including those with hexproof.
8. Can I use a Counterspell on a creature spell that would create a Hexproof creature?
Yes, you can counter the creature spell. Hexproof only applies to permanents on the battlefield and does not affect the spell while it’s on the stack.
9. Does Hexproof stop a Planeswalker’s abilities?
It depends. Planeswalker abilities are abilities. They cannot target objects with hexproof that you do not control, just like any other ability in the game.
10. Does Shroud protect against sacrifice?
No. Shroud prevents a permanent from being the target of spells or abilities, regardless of who controls them. However, like hexproof, it does not protect against being sacrificed.
11. Does sacrifice count as destroying a creature?
No. Sacrificing a permanent is different from destroying it. This is significant because effects that prevent destruction (like indestructible) do not prevent sacrifice.
12. Can I give a creature spell hexproof to prevent it from being countered?
No, there is no way to give a creature spell hexproof to prevent it from being countered. Hexproof only applies to permanents on the battlefield and does not affect the spell while it’s on the stack.
13. As the monarch, do my permanents have Hexproof?
Some cards like Deification can grant you monarch, but they would need to specifically state “As long as you’re the monarch, permanents you control have hexproof.” This is not an inherent rule of the monarch mechanic itself.
14. What’s the difference between Hexproof and Shroud?
Hexproof prevents a permanent from being the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. Shroud prevents a permanent from being the target of spells or abilities anyone controls, including you.
15. If a creature has First Strike and Deathtouch, how does it interact with a creature that has Hexproof?
A creature with First Strike and Deathtouch will deal damage during the first combat damage step. If it deals damage to the creature with Hexproof, the Deathtouch ability will trigger, and the creature with Hexproof will be destroyed. Hexproof only prevents targeting, it does not prevent the lethal effect of Deathtouch in combat.
Understanding the interaction between hexproof, sacrifice, and other game mechanics is crucial for mastering MTG. While hexproof provides excellent protection against targeted removal, it’s essential to remember its limitations and plan accordingly. For more insights into the nuances of game-based learning, check out the resources available at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org can help you understand how these rules can be simplified through game design.