Is Deathtouch blocked by Hexproof?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Deathtouch is not blocked by Hexproof because Deathtouch does not target the creature, it is a static ability that causes any amount of damage from the source with Deathtouch to be lethal damage to the creature. This means that a creature with Hexproof can still be affected by Deathtouch, as Hexproof only prevents the creature from being targeted by spells or abilities controlled by an opponent, not from being dealt damage by a creature with Deathtouch.
Understanding Deathtouch and Hexproof
To fully grasp the relationship between Deathtouch and Hexproof, it’s essential to understand what each of these keywords does in Magic: The Gathering. Deathtouch is a keyword ability that means any amount of damage dealt by a creature with Deathtouch to another creature is lethal, destroying the creature. On the other hand, Hexproof is a keyword ability that prevents a creature from being targeted by spells or abilities controlled by an opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Deathtouch?
Deathtouch is a static ability that causes any amount of damage dealt by a source with Deathtouch to a creature to be lethal, destroying that creature unless it has an ability like Indestructible.
2. Does Deathtouch work if damage is prevented?
No, Deathtouch can only destroy another creature when damage is actually dealt. If damage is prevented, Deathtouch will not trigger.
3. Can Deathtouch be blocked?
While Deathtouch itself cannot be “blocked” in the sense that its effect can be prevented by Hexproof, the damage dealt by a creature with Deathtouch can indeed be blocked by creatures in combat, but this does not prevent Deathtouch from killing the blocking creature if any damage gets through.
4. Does Hexproof bypass Deathtouch?
No, Hexproof does not make a creature immune to Deathtouch. Hexproof prevents a creature from being targeted by spells or abilities controlled by an opponent, but Deathtouch does not target the creature it destroys.
5. What stops Deathtouch in Magic The Gathering?
Spells or abilities that reduce a creature’s power to zero, turn it into a creature with zero power, or give the targeted creature Indestructible can stop Deathtouch from destroying it.
6. What wins indestructible vs Deathtouch?
Indestructible creatures are immune to Deathtouch because Indestructible prevents a creature from being destroyed, even by Deathtouch.
7. Do shield counters block Deathtouch?
Yes, Shield Counters can prevent Deathtouch from destroying a creature by preventing the damage that would trigger Deathtouch.
8. Does first strike negate Deathtouch?
First Strike can negate Deathtouch if a creature with First Strike deals enough damage to kill a Deathtouch creature before it can deal damage back, thus preventing Deathtouch from taking effect.
9. What does Hexproof protect against?
Hexproof protects a permanent or player from being the target of spells or abilities controlled by opponents.
10. Does Deathtouch work on Planeswalkers?
No, Deathtouch only affects creatures. Planeswalkers are not creatures, so Deathtouch does not apply to them.
11. Does Deathtouch work with fight spells?
Yes, Deathtouch works with fight spells because the damage dealt during a fight is still considered damage dealt by the creature, triggering Deathtouch.
12. Is Hexproof better than indestructible?
Both Hexproof and Indestructible are powerful effects, but they protect against different things. Indestructible prevents destruction, while Hexproof prevents targeting. The better effect depends on the situation.
13. What destroys Hexproof?
Any non-targeting removal, such as board wipes or sacrifice effects, can bypass Hexproof creatures.
14. Does Hexproof stop wrath of God?
No, Hexproof does not stop Wrath of God because Wrath of God does not target specific creatures; it destroys all creatures.
15. Can you sacrifice a Hexproof creature?
Yes, Hexproof creatures can be sacrificed if the spell or ability causing the sacrifice targets the player, not the creature, allowing for Hexproof creatures to be sacrificed despite their protection against targeting.