Does Hexproof Stop? Understanding Magic’s Evasive Mechanic
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The simple answer to the question “Does Hexproof stop?” is no, not everything. Hexproof is a powerful keyword ability in Magic: The Gathering, but it’s crucial to understand its limitations. It doesn’t create an impenetrable fortress; it provides a specific type of protection, and many effects can bypass it. Hexproof specifically prevents a permanent from being the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. This means if something doesn’t target, or you control the source, then hexproof doesn’t stop it. Let’s delve into the specifics of what Hexproof does and doesn’t stop.
What Hexproof Protects Against
Hexproof’s core function is to safeguard against targeted interference from your opponents. This means:
- Targeted Spells: Spells like “Lightning Bolt,” which explicitly say “target creature” cannot target your creature with hexproof if cast by an opponent.
- Targeted Abilities: Activated or triggered abilities that target a creature, such as a planeswalker ability or a creature’s ability that says “target creature” will not affect your hexproof creature, provided your opponent controls that ability.
- Aura Enchantments: If an aura enchantment, like “Pacifism,” targets a creature, it cannot target a creature with hexproof (controlled by you) if it is cast by an opponent.
What Hexproof Does NOT Stop
The most important aspect of understanding hexproof is recognizing what it doesn’t block. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Non-Targeted Effects: This is the most significant loophole. If a spell or ability doesn’t use the word “target,” it likely bypasses hexproof. Examples include:
- Board Wipes: Spells like “Wrath of God” or “Damnation” that say “destroy all creatures” will affect your hexproof creatures because they don’t target any specific creature.
- “Each” Effects: Effects that say “each creature” will also affect your hexproof creatures, as these effects do not target.
- Sacrifice Effects: Spells or abilities that force you to sacrifice a creature, like “Diabolic Edict”, can bypass hexproof. This is because the spell or ability targets you and not your hexproof creature.
- Deathtouch: Hexproof does not prevent a creature with deathtouch from killing your creature in combat. Deathtouch makes damage lethal, and it does not target a creature.
- Effects that Interact with the Graveyard or Library: Hexproof only applies on the battlefield. Effects that interact with cards in your graveyard or library aren’t affected by Hexproof on the field.
- Activated Abilities You Control: You can cast spells, use abilities and target your own hexproof creatures.
Key Takeaways on Hexproof
- Targets, Targets, Targets: The most important thing to remember is that hexproof only stops targeting. If an effect doesn’t target a card, then hexproof will not prevent the effects.
- Opponent Controlled: Hexproof only prevents your opponents from targeting. You can freely target and affect your own hexproof cards.
- Not Invulnerable: Hexproof is strong, but not a guarantee of protection. Understanding how to work around it is vital to playing against it.
- Focus on the wording: Look for keywords like target, each, and all when determining if hexproof will protect your permanents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s address some common questions to solidify your understanding of Hexproof.
1. Does Hexproof stop Deathtouch?
No. Deathtouch makes damage lethal. It doesn’t target a creature, so it isn’t stopped by hexproof. If a creature with deathtouch deals combat damage to a creature with hexproof, the hexproof creature will die.
2. Does Hexproof protect against board wipes?
No. Board wipes like “Wrath of God” or “Damnation” do not target specific creatures. They affect all creatures on the battlefield, bypassing hexproof.
3. Does Hexproof stop sacrifice effects?
No. Spells and abilities that force you to sacrifice a creature, like “Diabolic Edict,” target you (the player), not the creature directly. Therefore, hexproof doesn’t prevent you from having to sacrifice your hexproof creature.
4. Can I target my own hexproof creatures?
Yes. Hexproof only prevents your opponents from targeting your creature. You can freely target your own hexproof creatures with your spells and abilities.
5. Does Hexproof stop abilities from planeswalkers?
No, planeswalkers are abilities and therefore cannot target objects with hexproof that you do not control.
6. Is Hexproof better than Indestructible?
Neither ability is strictly superior. Indestructible prevents destruction from damage and effects that destroy, but it is vulnerable to exile, sacrifice, and effects that reduce toughness to zero. Hexproof protects from targeted spells and abilities, but is vulnerable to board wipes, sacrifice and effects that do not target.
7. Does Hexproof stop proliferate?
No. Proliferate does not target and is not stopped by hexproof.
8. Can a creature with hexproof be returned to hand?
Yes, a creature with hexproof can be returned to hand as long as the effect that returns it does not target it specifically. Effects that return “each creature” to its owners hand will affect a hexproof creature.
9. Does Hexproof stop “each” effects?
No. If an effect affects “each creature,” it doesn’t target a specific creature, and hexproof offers no protection.
10. Does Hexproof remove curses?
No. Hexproof prevents a creature from being targeted. Curses can still be attached to a creature and will remain unless removed or the creature leaves play.
11. Does Hexproof stop ETB (Enter the Battlefield) triggers?
No, not always. An ETB trigger has already targeted before the creature resolves. However, If you respond to the ETB trigger by giving the targeted creature hexproof after the trigger is on the stack, the ETB trigger will be countered due to a now illegal target.
12. Does Hexproof protect against aura enchantments?
Yes, and no. If an aura enchantment is trying to target a creature with hexproof, it will fail. However, if an aura enchantment is already on the creature, giving the creature hexproof will not cause the aura enchantment to fall off.
13. What’s the difference between hexproof and shroud?
Hexproof prevents your opponents from targeting a permanent. Shroud prevents everyone from targeting it, including yourself. Shroud was later replaced with hexproof because it hindered the player using shroud too much.
14. What happens if I give my opponent’s creature hexproof?
If an enchantment says the creature you enchant gains hexproof, then the creature will become untargetable by you, but will still be targetable by the controller of the creature.
15. How do I get rid of a creature with Hexproof and Indestructible?
The best way is to force them to sacrifice it or put a lot of -1/-1 counters on it or exile the card. Spells like “Devour Flesh” or “Mutilate” can be a great way to deal with these threats.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for effectively utilizing hexproof and playing around it. It’s a powerful ability, but it is far from foolproof. By knowing what hexproof stops and, more importantly, what it doesn’t, you can enhance your game strategy in Magic: The Gathering.