Does Hexproof Survive “Destroy All Creatures” Effects? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: no, Hexproof does not protect a creature from effects that destroy all creatures. This is because “destroy all creatures” effects, often found on cards like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict, do not target individual creatures. Hexproof only prevents a permanent from being the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. Think of it like a blanket immunity to sniper fire, but not a nuclear bomb.
Understanding the Nuances of Hexproof
Hexproof is a powerful keyword ability in the game, but it’s crucial to understand its limitations. The formal definition, according to the comprehensive rules, is:
- “Hexproof on a permanent means ‘This permanent can’t be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.'”
This means if a spell or ability specifically singles out a creature with Hexproof controlled by an opponent, that spell or ability will fizzle or be unable to resolve against that creature. However, if a spell or ability affects all creatures, regardless of whether they’re hexproof, the effect will still apply.
Why “Destroy All Creatures” Bypasses Hexproof
The key concept here is targeting. A spell or ability targets if it uses the word “target” in its rules text, or if it requires you to choose a specific object or player as the recipient of the effect.
Wrath of God, for example, doesn’t say “Destroy target creature.” It simply says “Destroy all creatures.” Because it doesn’t target, Hexproof is irrelevant. The spell affects the entire board, and creatures with hexproof are simply caught in the crossfire. It’s area-of-effect, not pinpoint removal.
The Difference Between Targeting and Affecting
Imagine a scenario where you have a creature with Hexproof and your opponent casts a spell that says, “Each player sacrifices a creature.” This spell targets players, not creatures. Therefore, you would still be forced to sacrifice a creature, even if the only creature you control has Hexproof. The spell doesn’t try to directly affect the hexproof creature; it compels you to make a choice that ultimately impacts the board state, including that creature.
Is Indestructible a Better Option?
Many players wonder if Indestructible is superior to Hexproof. The answer is that it depends on the situation. Indestructible prevents a permanent from being destroyed by damage or “destroy” effects. However, it doesn’t protect against exiling, sacrifice effects, or effects that reduce toughness to zero.
Essentially:
- Hexproof: Protects from targeted spells and abilities.
- Indestructible: Protects from destruction and damage.
A combination of both abilities provides the most robust protection, making a creature exceptionally difficult to remove.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify how Hexproof interacts with different game mechanics:
1. Does Hexproof stop Deathtouch?
No. Deathtouch is an ability that makes any amount of damage dealt by a creature lethal. It doesn’t target, so Hexproof offers no protection. If a creature with Deathtouch deals damage to a creature with Hexproof, that creature will be destroyed (unless it also has Indestructible).
2. Can I enchant my opponent’s creature with Hexproof using an Aura?
You cannot cast an Aura spell targeting an opponent’s creature with Hexproof. However, if you can put an Aura onto the battlefield without casting it (e.g., using an ability that puts Auras directly onto the battlefield), you can attach it to a creature with Hexproof controlled by your opponent, as this does not involve targeting.
3. Does Hexproof protect against sacrifice effects?
No. Sacrifice effects, such as “Target player sacrifices a creature,” target the player, not the creature. The player is forced to choose a creature to sacrifice, even if that creature has Hexproof.
4. What is the difference between Hexproof and Shroud?
Hexproof prevents your opponents from targeting the permanent, while Shroud prevents anyone from targeting the permanent, including yourself. Therefore, you cannot target your own creature with Shroud with beneficial spells or abilities.
5. Can I use a Planeswalker ability to target a creature with Hexproof that my opponent controls?
No. Planeswalker abilities are abilities, and they are subject to the same rules as any other ability. If the ability targets a creature with Hexproof that you do not control, you cannot use it.
6. Does Hexproof protect against -1/-1 counters?
No. Placing -1/-1 counters on a creature doesn’t target the creature. Effects that apply counters to all creatures or specific types of creatures will affect creatures with Hexproof.
7. Can Hexproof creatures be exiled by effects that don’t target?
Yes. Exiling a creature is a way to get rid of indestructible creatures, yes! Exiling effects such as Farewell do not target, so Hexproof does not protect against them.
8. If I control a creature with Hexproof, can my opponent block it with a creature with Deathtouch?
Yes. Blocking doesn’t target. The creatures are simply engaged in combat, and the Deathtouch ability will function as normal, destroying the creature with Hexproof (unless, again, it also has Indestructible).
9. Does Hexproof stop my opponent from using a board wipe with a “-X/-X” effect?
No. Board wipes like Toxic Deluge don’t target. -X/-X effects will reduce the creature’s toughness, and if it reaches 0, the creature will be put into the graveyard, irrespective of Hexproof.
10. Does Hexproof prevent my opponent from returning my creature to my hand?
Not entirely. If the spell targets the creature, Hexproof prevents it. However, if a spell like Evacuation returns all creatures to their owners’ hands, Hexproof offers no protection, as the spell doesn’t target.
11. Can I equip a creature with Hexproof?
If the Equipment spell targets the creature, the answer is no. However, some Equipment cards enter the battlefield unattached, and you can then pay to attach them to a creature you control. This attaching ability might be able to target a creature with Hexproof.
12. What are some good strategies for dealing with creatures with Hexproof?
Use board wipes, sacrifice effects, or effects that target the player controlling the creature. Also, consider effects that remove all abilities from a creature (like Imprisoned in the Moon), rendering Hexproof irrelevant.
13. Does Hexproof stop trample damage from being assigned to me by a creature blocked by my Hexproof creature?
Yes and no. A creature with Trample still needs to assign lethal damage to the blocking creature with Hexproof before the rest is trampled over the player.
14. Can I use creature Auras on a creature with Hexproof?
It depends. If you are casting a creature aura on an opponent’s creature, Hexproof will stop it. If you have an effect that puts an Aura on the battlefield without casting it, you can ignore Hexproof because the creature isn’t being targeted.
15. Does Hexproof protect a Planeswalker?
Yes. Hexproof on a player prevents opponents from targeting that player with spells or abilities.
Final Thoughts
Hexproof is a valuable tool for protecting your creatures and yourself from targeted removal, burn spells, and other pinpoint effects. However, it’s essential to understand its limitations. “Destroy all” effects, sacrifice mandates, and global debuffs are all ways to circumvent Hexproof. By understanding how Hexproof works and its limitations, you can craft more effective strategies and make informed decisions during gameplay. To learn more about the complexities of games and their impact on learning, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society: GamesLearningSociety.org.