Does Sacrifice Beat Hexproof? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, sacrifice effects absolutely beat hexproof. This might seem counterintuitive at first, given hexproof’s reputation as a powerful protective ability. However, the key lies in understanding how sacrifice and hexproof actually function within the rules of Magic: The Gathering (MTG). Hexproof protects a permanent from being targeted by your opponents’ spells and abilities. This crucial distinction is where sacrifice excels. Sacrifice effects do not target the permanents being sacrificed; instead, they usually target the player. This fundamental difference allows sacrifice to circumvent the protection offered by hexproof.
Let’s dive deeper into the mechanics. Hexproof states that a permanent “can’t be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.” This means your opponent can’t directly single out that hexproof creature with a removal spell like “Lightning Bolt” or an ability like “Murderous Rider’s” ability to destroy a creature. However, sacrifice effects bypass this protection because they are not targeting the creature itself. Spells and abilities that force a player to sacrifice a permanent target the player, not the permanent. For example, if a card says “Target player sacrifices a creature,” it’s the player being targeted, not their creature, regardless of that creature having hexproof. This makes sacrifice a potent tool against even the most elusive hexproof threats.
The Nuances of Sacrifice and Hexproof
The interaction between sacrifice and hexproof can sometimes be confusing due to the specificity of MTG rules. The core concept to understand is that hexproof only prevents targeting. If a spell or ability affects a creature without targeting it directly, then hexproof provides no protection.
How Sacrifice Works Around Hexproof
A classic example of a card that defeats hexproof is “Devour Flesh.” This card reads, “Target player sacrifices a creature.” This spell targets a player, not a creature. Therefore, even if the player’s only creature has hexproof, they must still sacrifice it. Other cards like “Grave Pact” and “Liliana of the Veil” employ similar mechanics, forcing players to sacrifice creatures as part of their abilities.
Examples of Sacrifice vs. Hexproof
- “Diabolic Edict”: This spell doesn’t target a creature but forces a player to sacrifice one of their creatures. If an opponent controls a hexproof creature, they would have to sacrifice that creature when affected by “Diabolic Edict.”
- “Fleshbag Marauder”: When “Fleshbag Marauder” enters the battlefield, each player sacrifices a creature. Even if all players have hexproof creatures, they still need to sacrifice one.
- “Sheoldred, Whispering One”: This creature forces each player to sacrifice a creature each turn. Hexproof creatures are not immune to this effect.
Understanding Why Sacrifice Works
The reason sacrifice works around hexproof lies in the way MTG rules define “target”. A spell or ability is only considered to be targeting if it explicitly uses the word “target” in its text, or it’s an Aura spell trying to attach to a creature. The act of sacrificing is not targeting – it is an action forced upon the player. This key difference allows sacrifice effects to bypass hexproof, making them an important tool in a MTG player’s arsenal. Sacrifice provides a way to eliminate creatures that are otherwise protected from direct removal spells.
Not All Removal Targets
It’s essential to note that sacrifice is not the only method of removal that gets around hexproof. Board wipes, such as “Wrath of God” or “Damnation,” also destroy creatures regardless of whether or not they have hexproof because they don’t target individual creatures. Instead, they affect all creatures (or a specified subset of creatures). Overloaded spells like “Mizzium Mortars” can also destroy hexproof creatures for the same reason – they don’t target. The common thread is the absence of the word “target” on the removal effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the nuances of sacrifice and hexproof:
1. Does a board wipe destroy Hexproof creatures?
Yes. Board wipes, like “Wrath of God” or “Supreme Verdict,” don’t target individual creatures. They destroy all creatures (or those that meet the specific condition stated on the card). Therefore, hexproof does not protect creatures from board wipes.
2. Can you counter a spell that forces sacrifice?
Yes. You can counter a spell that forces a sacrifice, like “Diabolic Edict,” using a counterspell like “Counterspell.” The fact that the target of the spell has hexproof is irrelevant to countering the spell.
3. If a player is forced to sacrifice a creature with indestructible and hexproof, what happens?
They must sacrifice the creature. Indestructible only prevents destruction from damage or destroy effects. It does not prevent sacrifice. Hexproof only prevents targeting. Since sacrifice does not target, the creature is sacrificed and put into the graveyard.
4. Does deathtouch work on a creature with hexproof?
Yes. Deathtouch does not target creatures. It is a combat ability that causes damage to destroy any creature it touches. Hexproof only prevents targeting, so a creature with deathtouch will still destroy a creature with hexproof in combat.
5. Does regenerate work on a creature sacrificed?
No. Regeneration prevents destruction, which is not what happens when a creature is sacrificed. Sacrificing a creature is a different action that regeneration does not affect.
6. If a spell doesn’t target, can it bypass Hexproof?
Yes. Any spell or ability that does not target can bypass hexproof. This includes non-targeting removal spells, board wipes, and effects that force sacrifice. The keyword is “target”. If that word is not present in the effect, then hexproof offers no protection.
7. Does proliferate get around hexproof?
Yes. Proliferate does not target any permanents, so it can affect permanents with hexproof. Proliferate adds counters, it does not target a permanent.
8. Can a player sacrifice a creature with shroud?
Yes. Shroud prevents a permanent from being targeted by any spell or ability, including your own. However, sacrifice does not target the permanent. So, a creature with shroud can be sacrificed.
9. Does hexproof stop planeswalker abilities?
Yes and no. Planeswalker abilities are abilities. They cannot target objects with hexproof that you do not control. However, they can still affect hexproof creatures if those creatures are not being targeted.
10. Does hexproof stop instants?
Hexproof does not stop any type of card from affecting it. It only stops cards that target. If an instant, sorcery, creature ability, or enchantment does not target, then hexproof offers no protection.
11. Does hexproof stop auras from falling off a creature?
No. Unlike protection, hexproof does not cause Auras to fall off a creature. It only prevents the object from being targeted, which auras don’t do once they are on the field (enchanting on its own doesn’t target).
12. Is indestructible better than Hexproof?
They are both powerful protection abilities but work in different ways. Indestructible protects against damage and destroy effects but is vulnerable to sacrifice and exiling. Hexproof protects against targeting but is vulnerable to board wipes and sacrifice effects. Which is better depends on the specific situation.
13. Does trample work when blocking?
No. Trample only functions when a creature with trample is attacking. It has no effect when a creature with trample is blocking or dealing noncombat damage.
14. Does first strike beat Deathtouch?
Yes, if the first strike creature has enough power to deal lethal damage to the deathtouch creature. A creature with first strike will hit first and could kill the deathtouch creature before it deals damage.
15. Why is sacrifice sometimes seen as a bad thing?
This refers to the real world term of sacrifice, which can lead to burnout and resentment. In MTG, there are very few drawbacks to sacrificing creatures, unless you are also sacrificing a large game advantage with the creatures.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between targeting and non-targeting effects is crucial in MTG. Sacrifice effects are a powerful answer to creatures with hexproof because they bypass the targeting restriction. Remembering that hexproof only protects against targeting is key to strategizing effectively in MTG. Whether you’re playing with or against hexproof, knowing the limitations of these abilities will help you dominate the game. With this information, you can confidently use sacrifice effects to overcome hexproof and achieve victory!