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Does Hexproof Stop “Destroy All Creatures”? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is no, Hexproof does not stop effects that “destroy all creatures.” Hexproof only protects a permanent (usually a creature or player) from being the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. A spell or ability that affects all creatures indiscriminately, without targeting, bypasses Hexproof entirely. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and explore the nuances of Hexproof in the world of card games.

Understanding Hexproof: More Than Just Protection

Hexproof is a powerful keyword ability in games like Magic: The Gathering. It essentially provides a personal force field against targeted attacks. It’s vital to understand exactly what Hexproof does, and more importantly, what it doesn’t do.

Hexproof reads: “This permanent can’t be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.”

This definition is the key. It focuses entirely on targeting. Targeting means that a spell or ability specifically chooses the Hexproof permanent as the recipient of its effect.

The Crucial Difference: Targeting vs. Non-Targeting Effects

“Destroy all creatures” effects, like the infamous Wrath of God, are a prime example of non-targeting removal. These cards don’t pick and choose which creatures to eliminate; they apply their effect to every creature on the battlefield (or a specified subset of them).

Since “destroy all creatures” effects don’t target, Hexproof simply doesn’t come into play. The spell or ability doesn’t attempt to target the Hexproof creature, so the protection afforded by Hexproof is irrelevant.

Why “Destroy All Creatures” Works Around Hexproof

Think of it like this: Hexproof is like a personal bodyguard that prevents assassins from singling you out. However, it’s useless against a natural disaster that affects everyone.

Targeting: An opponent casts a spell that says “Destroy target creature.” If you control a creature with Hexproof, that spell is an illegal target and cannot be cast targeting your creature.
Non-Targeting: An opponent casts a spell that says “Destroy all creatures.” Your Hexproof creature is still destroyed because the spell affects everything regardless of individual protection.

Examples in Action

Let’s consider some common scenarios to illustrate this concept further:

Scenario 1: You control a creature with Hexproof. Your opponent casts Doom Blade, which reads “Destroy target nonblack creature.” Because Doom Blade targets, it cannot target your Hexproof creature.
Scenario 2: You control a creature with Hexproof. Your opponent casts Damnation, which reads “Destroy all creatures.” Your Hexproof creature is destroyed. Damnation doesn’t target; it affects all creatures equally.
Scenario 3: You control a creature with Hexproof. Your opponent casts Supreme Verdict, which reads “Destroy all creatures. This spell can’t be countered.” Your Hexproof creature is destroyed. Supreme Verdict doesn’t target, and its uncounterable nature further emphasizes its power.

Implications for Strategy and Deckbuilding

Understanding the limitations of Hexproof is crucial for strategic gameplay and effective deckbuilding. While Hexproof offers strong protection against targeted removal, it’s not a foolproof defense against all threats.

You should consider including other forms of protection, such as:

Indestructible: Makes your creatures immune to destruction effects.
Regeneration: Allows you to save a creature from being destroyed by paying a cost.
Cards that counter board wipes: Intercepting the “destroy all creatures” spell before it resolves.
Creatures that come back from the graveyard: Offering resilience against board wipes.

Diversifying your protection options is vital for building a robust and resilient deck.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Hexproof and its interactions with “destroy all creatures” effects:

If a spell says “Destroy all creatures you don’t control,” does Hexproof protect my creatures?

No. Even though it singles out creatures you don’t control, it still doesn’t target. It simply affects a subset of all creatures.
What is the difference between Hexproof and Shroud?

Hexproof prevents your opponents from targeting the permanent. Shroud prevents anyone from targeting the permanent, including you. You cannot target your own creature with Shroud with spells or abilities.
Does Hexproof stop a “sacrifice” effect?

Generally, no. Sacrifice effects usually don’t target. You are choosing to sacrifice a creature as a cost or effect, but the effect itself usually doesn’t target the creature being sacrificed.
If I have multiple creatures with Hexproof, does a “destroy all creatures” effect still destroy them all?

Yes. The number of creatures with Hexproof you control is irrelevant. “Destroy all creatures” affects all creatures regardless of their individual protection.
Does Hexproof stop an opponent from blocking my creature?

No. Blocking is a game action, not a spell or ability that targets. Hexproof only prevents targeting by spells or abilities your opponents control.
What if a spell says “Choose a creature, then destroy it”? Does Hexproof protect against that?

Yes. The act of “choosing” a creature, as described, is considered targeting in most card games. Therefore, Hexproof would prevent that spell from targeting the creature.
Can I give my opponent’s creature Hexproof to prevent them from targeting it with their own beneficial spells?

Yes, you can! This is a valid strategy in some situations. Giving an opponent’s creature Hexproof can prevent them from using helpful spells or abilities on it, though it also protects the creature from your removal.
If a creature has both Hexproof and Indestructible, can it be destroyed by a “destroy all creatures” effect?

No. Indestructible prevents a permanent from being destroyed by damage or “destroy” effects. Hexproof is irrelevant in this scenario; the Indestructible ability is what protects the creature.
Does Hexproof protect against effects that say “All creatures get -1/-1 until end of turn”?

No. These effects do not target. They apply a global debuff to all creatures.
If a spell deals damage to all creatures, does Hexproof prevent the damage to my creatures?

No. Dealing damage to all creatures doesn’t involve targeting. Hexproof only prevents targeting. If the damage is high enough to destroy your creatures, they will be destroyed.
Does Hexproof protect against triggered abilities that destroy creatures, like the ability of a creature that says “When this creature enters the battlefield, destroy all other creatures”?

No, Hexproof does not protect against triggered abilities of creatures that say “When this creature enters the battlefield, destroy all other creatures”. These abilities do not target.
If I control a creature with Hexproof and my opponent controls a creature with an ability that says “Tap: Destroy target creature”, can they activate the ability targeting my Hexproof creature?

No, they cannot. Hexproof prevents your opponent from targeting your creature with activated abilities.
Can an artifact with Hexproof be destroyed by “Destroy all artifacts”?

Yes, since “Destroy all artifacts” does not target.
If I copy a “destroy all creatures” spell, does it still affect my creatures with Hexproof?

Yes. The copy of the spell functions independently and still destroys all creatures, regardless of Hexproof. The copy inherits the non-targeting nature of the original spell.
Where can I learn more about game mechanics and design?

The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offers resources and insights into the educational aspects of games and their underlying mechanics. Consider exploring their website for a deeper understanding of game design principles. Understanding these mechanics is key to improving your gameplay and strategy.

Conclusion

Hexproof is a powerful tool, but it’s essential to understand its limitations. It excels at protecting against targeted removal, but it offers no protection against non-targeting effects like “destroy all creatures” spells. By understanding this distinction, you can build more resilient decks and make more informed strategic decisions. So, the next time you’re facing down a board wipe, remember: Hexproof won’t save you from everything!

Does Hexproof stop destroy all creatures?