Does Hexproof Apply in the Graveyard? A Comprehensive Guide
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No, Hexproof does not apply in the graveyard. This is a fundamental rule in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), often misunderstood by new and even seasoned players. Hexproof, like shroud, is an ability that protects a permanent from being targeted by an opponent’s spells or abilities. Crucially, the keyword “permanent” refers specifically to objects on the battlefield. Once a card leaves the battlefield and enters the graveyard, it is no longer considered a permanent; it becomes a permanent card. Therefore, abilities that only apply to permanents, such as hexproof, are no longer relevant. You can target a creature with hexproof that is in the graveyard.
Understanding this distinction is vital for strategic gameplay, and it clarifies how spells and abilities interact with cards in different game zones. Now, let’s dive into related questions and expand our knowledge of hexproof and its limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hexproof
What Exactly is Hexproof?
Hexproof is a keyword ability that provides a protective layer for your permanents. Specifically, a permanent with hexproof cannot be targeted by spells or abilities controlled by an opponent. This makes them resilient to direct removal and other harmful effects, allowing your plans to unfold without immediate interference.
What Does Hexproof Not Protect Against?
While hexproof offers strong protection, it is not a blanket immunity. It does not protect against:
- Board wipes: Spells that affect all creatures, like “destroy all creatures,” don’t target specific permanents. Therefore, hexproof offers no defense.
- Sacrifice effects: These effects force a player to sacrifice their creatures and do not target the creature. Hexproof does not prevent a player from having to sacrifice a hexproof creature.
- Effects that don’t target: Any effect that doesn’t use the word ‘target’ bypasses hexproof. This includes global effects that impact multiple permanents or a player.
- Interactions in the graveyard or library: Hexproof only protects permanents on the battlefield. Cards in other zones are not affected by hexproof, including when being searched for in the library or targeted in the graveyard.
Can I Target My Own Creature with Hexproof?
Yes, you can target your own creatures with hexproof. Hexproof only prevents your opponents from targeting the card. This allows you to buff or otherwise interact with your hexproof creatures using your own spells and abilities.
Can Hexproof Stop a Counterspell?
No, hexproof does not stop a counterspell. A counterspell targets the creature spell while it is on the stack, before it resolves and becomes a permanent. A creature only gains hexproof once it is a permanent on the battlefield. The spell does not have hexproof, only the permanent will.
Does Hexproof Prevent Deathtouch?
No, hexproof does not prevent deathtouch. Deathtouch is an ability that states any amount of damage dealt by a creature with deathtouch is lethal to a creature that is not indestructible. Since deathtouch doesn’t target, it bypasses the protection offered by hexproof.
Is Hexproof Immune to Sacrifice Effects?
No, hexproof is not immune to sacrifice effects. Sacrifice effects target the player, forcing them to choose a permanent they control to sacrifice, rather than directly targeting the specific permanent with hexproof. This key difference makes a sacrifice effect potent against creatures that are otherwise difficult to remove.
Does Hexproof Block Planeswalker Abilities?
Yes, hexproof prevents planeswalker abilities from targeting. Planeswalker abilities are still abilities, and they are subject to the same rules as other abilities. An opponent’s planeswalker can not target your permanents with hexproof.
Does Shroud Work Like Hexproof?
Yes and no. Shroud and Hexproof are very similar. Shroud also prevents a permanent from being targetted by spells and abilities. The main difference is that, unlike hexproof, shroud prevents any player from targeting it with a spell or ability – even the controller. This means you can not use your own abilities or spells to affect your creatures with shroud.
Does Hexproof Stop “Destroy All” Effects?
No, hexproof does not stop effects like “destroy all creatures.” These effects are commonly referred to as board wipes. Such effects do not target, so hexproof has no effect on them.
Can Indestructible Creatures Be Sacrificed?
Yes, indestructible creatures can be sacrificed. Indestructible prevents destruction from damage and effects that state they “destroy” a permanent. It does not stop sacrifice effects from putting the permanent into the graveyard.
Does Indestructible Stop Deathtouch?
Yes, indestructible stops deathtouch. While deathtouch usually causes any damage to be lethal, indestructible prevents the creature from being destroyed in this way.
Is Shroud Better or Worse Than Hexproof?
This depends on your strategy. Shroud is more restrictive, as it prevents any player from targeting the object. Hexproof allows you to still affect your own creature with abilities and spells, but still protects it from your opponents. Therefore, in most cases, hexproof is considered to be better because it allows the controller more options.
Does Hexproof Stop Wrath of God?
No, hexproof does not stop Wrath of God. Wrath of God is a famous example of a board wipe that does not target and thus bypasses the protection hexproof offers.
Can You Exile Indestructible Creatures?
Yes, indestructible creatures can be exiled. Indestructible only prevents the permanent from being destroyed. Exiling is a removal method that is not “destroying”, so the permanent can still be exiled.
Does First Strike Negate Deathtouch?
First strike can interact favorably against deathtouch. If a creature with first strike hits a creature with deathtouch, it will kill the creature with deathtouch before the deathtouch creature can deal damage. The first strike will kill the deathtouch creature before it can inflict damage back. If the first strike does not kill it, the deathtouch damage will proceed as normal.
Conclusion
While hexproof is a powerful ability in MTG, it has key limitations that are important to understand. Remember, hexproof only applies to permanents on the battlefield and only prevents an opponent from targeting your permanent. Once a card is in the graveyard, hexproof is no longer relevant, leaving it vulnerable to various spells and abilities that do not target. These specific rules can make a huge difference in a game, so it’s vital for players of all levels to learn them. Understanding the differences between different types of protection will lead to more well-informed strategic gameplay.