Does Hexproof Protect from “Each Creature”?
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No, Hexproof does not protect a creature from effects that affect “each creature” or all creatures on the battlefield. Hexproof specifically prevents a permanent or player from being the target of spells or abilities controlled by opponents. Board wipes or other non-targeting effects are still effective against hexproof creatures.
Understanding Hexproof: The Basics
Hexproof is a powerful defensive ability in Magic: The Gathering, designed to protect your creatures and/or yourself from targeted spells and abilities cast by your opponents. Think of it as a magical shield that deflects any attempt to directly single out the protected permanent with an opponent’s spell or ability. However, the keyword is “target.” If something doesn’t target, Hexproof is useless.
How Targeting Works
A spell or ability “targets” if it explicitly uses the word “target” in its rules text. For example, a card that says “Destroy target creature” is a targeted spell. Similarly, an Aura spell targets the permanent it’s enchanting as it’s being cast.
When Hexproof Doesn’t Help
Here’s where things get interesting. Many powerful spells in Magic affect multiple creatures at once, but they do not target each creature individually. These are often referred to as “board wipes” or “mass removal” spells. Common examples include:
- Wrath of God: Destroys all creatures.
- Damnation: Destroys all creatures.
- Supreme Verdict: Can’t be countered. Destroy all creatures.
Since these spells don’t use the word “target,” they bypass Hexproof entirely. Your Hexproof creature will be destroyed right along with every other creature on the battlefield.
Beyond Board Wipes: Other Hexproof Weaknesses
It’s crucial to remember that Hexproof only protects against targeted spells and abilities. Other vulnerabilities include:
- Combat: A Hexproof creature can still be blocked and destroyed in combat.
- Sacrifice Effects: If an opponent’s ability forces you to sacrifice a creature, Hexproof won’t save it.
- Exile Effects: Spells and abilities that exile creatures, like Path to Exile, are unaffected by Hexproof as these target the player.
- -X/-X Effects: Effects that lower a creature’s toughness (e.g., Toxic Deluge) can still kill a Hexproof creature if its toughness reaches zero.
- Giving -X/-X to all creatures: Spells and abilities that affect all creatures’ power and/or toughness can take the Hexproof creature out of the board as these do not target.
Hexproof: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hexproof to further clarify its intricacies:
1. Does Hexproof protect against destroy all creatures?
No. Spells that destroy all creatures, like Wrath of God or Damnation, do not target. Therefore, Hexproof offers no protection against them.
2. Does Hexproof stop Deathtouch?
No. Deathtouch is an ability that destroys any creature dealt damage by the source with Deathtouch. It doesn’t target, so Hexproof is irrelevant.
3. What is the difference between Ward and Hexproof?
Ward requires your opponent to pay an additional cost (usually mana) to target the permanent. Hexproof simply prevents the opponent from targeting it in the first place. Ward “triggers” if a player is trying to cast a spell. Hexproof prevents it from being cast from the beginning.
4. Is Hexproof or Indestructible better?
It depends on the situation. Indestructible protects against destruction effects and damage, while Hexproof protects against targeted spells and abilities. Indestructible is weak against Exile effects. A healthy mix of both abilities is often ideal.
5. How do I get rid of a Hexproof and Indestructible creature?
Sacrifice effects, exile effects, giving -X/-X can all remove a creature with both Hexproof and Indestructible. Also, bouncing permanents to its owner’s hand is an answer.
6. Does Hexproof stop sacrifice effects?
No. Hexproof only protects against targeted spells and abilities. If an opponent’s ability forces you to sacrifice a creature (e.g., “Target opponent sacrifices a creature”), Hexproof won’t help because the target is the player, not the creature.
7. How do you beat Hexproof?
Use non-targeting removal like board wipes, sacrifice effects that target the player, or combat.
8. Does Hexproof block board wipes?
No. Board wipes don’t target, so Hexproof does not protect against them.
9. Does Hexproof protect against return to hand effects?
Only if the return-to-hand effect specifically targets the Hexproof creature. If it’s a mass return effect, Hexproof provides no protection.
10. Does Hexproof protect from Planeswalker abilities?
Planeswalker abilities are abilities, and they cannot target objects with hexproof that you do not control, just like any other ability in the game.
11. Is Hexproof immune to Counterspell?
No. Hexproof only affects the permanents or players it is granted to. It does not affect spells on the stack. Thus a creature spell with hexproof can still be countered.
12. Does giving Hexproof remove Auras?
No. Hexproof only prevents new Auras controlled by opponents from being attached if the Aura targets while being cast. Existing Auras remain attached.
13. Does Protection from Everything protect from board wipes?
Protection from Everything prevents damage, enchanting/equipping, blocking, and targeting. If the board wipe does none of those things, Protection from Everything will not protect against it.
14. Does Deathtouch beat Indestructible?
No. A creature with Indestructible cannot be destroyed by damage, no matter the source (including damage from a creature with Deathtouch).
15. Does Shroud prevent Deathtouch?
Yes. Deathtouch does not target so Shroud does prevent it.
Strategic Implications of Hexproof
While Hexproof isn’t a foolproof defense, it’s still a valuable tool in many strategies. It forces your opponents to use less efficient, non-targeting removal or rely on combat to deal with your threats. This can buy you valuable time or force them to use resources in a less-than-ideal way.
Building Around Hexproof
When building a deck that relies on Hexproof creatures, it’s important to be aware of their weaknesses and plan accordingly. Consider including:
- Protection from Board Wipes: Include ways to protect your creatures from mass removal, such as spells that give them Indestructible or allow you to regenerate them.
- Ways to deal with sacrifice effects Ensure your deck can win even if you are being forced to sacrifice creatures every turn.
- Combat Tricks: Be prepared to win in combat, since that is a weakness of Hexproof.
Hexproof in Education
The concepts behind Magic: The Gathering, including abilities like Hexproof, can be valuable tools for teaching strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. The Games Learning Society works on these concepts. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
Hexproof is a powerful ability, but it’s essential to understand its limitations. While it offers excellent protection against targeted spells and abilities, it doesn’t shield you from everything. Knowing when Hexproof is effective – and when it isn’t – is crucial for playing Magic: The Gathering effectively. By mastering these nuances, you can use Hexproof to its full potential and gain a significant edge over your opponents.