Unveiling Annihilator: A Deep Dive into Magic: The Gathering’s Destructive Mechanic

Yes, Annihilator is definitively a triggered ability in Magic: The Gathering. This keyword ability, synonymous with the colossal Eldrazi of Rise of the Eldrazi, spells doom for opponents by forcing them to sacrifice permanents whenever the creature with Annihilator attacks. Let’s delve deeper into this iconic and often feared mechanic, dissecting how it functions and answering some frequently asked questions.

The Anatomy of Annihilator

Annihilator’s text reads as follows: “Annihilator N” means “Whenever this creature attacks, defending player sacrifices N permanents.” Let’s break down this concise yet impactful statement:

• Trigger Condition: The trigger is “Whenever this creature attacks.” This means that the ability goes onto the stack when the creature is declared as an attacker. Importantly, this happens before blockers are declared.
• Effect: Upon resolution of the triggered ability, the “defending player sacrifices N permanents.” The defending player is the player being attacked by the creature with Annihilator, or in the case of attacking a planeswalker, the controller of that planeswalker. “N” represents a numerical value specifying the number of permanents to be sacrificed.
• Non-Targeting: Crucially, Annihilator does not target the defending player. The ability forces a sacrifice, but it does not single out the player. This distinction is vital when considering how Annihilator interacts with other abilities like Hexproof and Protection.

The devastating effect of Annihilator lies in its timing. As the defending player is forced to sacrifice permanents before blockers are declared, they may be compelled to sacrifice potential blockers, opening the path for a devastating attack. This makes Annihilator incredibly impactful and often game-ending.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Annihilator

Here are some common questions and detailed answers about the Annihilator mechanic in Magic: The Gathering:

1. Does Annihilator trigger before combat damage?

Yes, Annihilator triggers during the Declare Attackers step, which occurs before the Declare Blockers step and the Combat Damage step. The defending player must sacrifice permanents before they have the opportunity to assign blockers.

2. Does Annihilator trigger when attacking a Planeswalker?

Yes. When a creature with Annihilator attacks a Planeswalker, the controller of the Planeswalker is considered the defending player for the purpose of Annihilator. They must sacrifice the required number of permanents.

3. Does Hexproof stop Annihilator?

No. Hexproof only prevents spells and abilities from targeting a player or permanent. Since Annihilator does not target the defending player, Hexproof offers no protection against it. The defending player is still forced to sacrifice permanents.

4. Does Protection from creatures stop Annihilator?

No. Protection prevents damage, enchanting/equipping, blocking, and targeting (DEBT). Annihilator does none of these things; it forces a sacrifice. Protection will not help.

5. Does Annihilator work with Double Strike?

No, Annihilator only triggers once, during the Declare Attackers step. Double Strike affects how combat damage is dealt, but it does not cause the creature to be declared as an attacker multiple times.

6. Can Annihilator be copied?

Yes! You can use effects like Strionic Resonator to copy the triggered ability of Annihilator when it goes on the stack. This will create an additional instance of the Annihilator trigger, forcing the defending player to sacrifice even more permanents.

7. What is “Annihilator 2”?

“Annihilator 2” simply means that “Whenever this creature attacks, defending player sacrifices two permanents.” The number following “Annihilator” indicates the number of permanents the defending player must sacrifice.

8. How does Annihilator work in Two-Headed Giant?

In Two-Headed Giant, the controller of the attacking creature with Annihilator chooses which of the defending players is affected by the ability. Only that player sacrifices permanents. The choice is made as the ability resolves.

9. If a creature has multiple instances of Annihilator, does each instance trigger?

Yes. If a creature somehow gains multiple instances of Annihilator (e.g., through effects like multiple applications of Eldrazi Conscription), each instance will trigger separately when that creature attacks.

10. Can I sacrifice a creature with Hexproof to Annihilator?

Yes. You can sacrifice a creature with Hexproof to Annihilator. While your opponent can’t target your creature with spells, Annihilator forces you to sacrifice permanents, and you can choose to sacrifice a creature with Hexproof if you wish.

11. Can Emrakul, the Aeons Torn, be blocked?

Yes. Emrakul, the Aeons Torn, can be blocked. While its “take an extra turn” ability is powerful, and Annihilator 6 makes blocking challenging, the creature itself is subject to normal blocking rules.

12. What happens if the Annihilator creature is removed in response to the trigger?

The Annihilator ability is independent of the creature once it’s on the stack. Removing the creature will not stop the Annihilator trigger from resolving. The defending player will still have to sacrifice the required number of permanents.

13. Does Annihilator work against indestructible permanents?

Yes, Annihilator works against indestructible permanents. While indestructible permanents cannot be destroyed by damage or “destroy” effects, they can still be sacrificed. Indestructible does not prevent sacrifice.

14. Can I respond to the Annihilator trigger?

Yes. The Annihilator ability goes on the stack, and players have the opportunity to cast spells and activate abilities in response to it before it resolves. This is a critical window to attempt to remove the attacking creature or otherwise mitigate the impending sacrifice.

15. How is Annihilator related to the Games Learning Society?

While Annihilator itself doesn’t directly relate to the Games Learning Society, the strategic thinking and understanding of game mechanics required to effectively use (or defend against) Annihilator aligns with the Games Learning Society’s mission to explore and promote the educational potential of games. Analyzing complex interactions like those involving Annihilator fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For more information on the intersection of games and learning, visit https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.

Mastering Annihilator: A Key to Victory

Annihilator remains one of the most powerful and impactful triggered abilities in Magic: The Gathering. Understanding its nuances, interactions, and limitations is crucial for both effectively wielding its destructive power and formulating strategies to survive its onslaught. By grasping the timing of the trigger, the non-targeting nature of the effect, and the available responses, players can navigate the treacherous waters of the Eldrazi and emerge victorious.