Is Hexproof a Triggered Ability? Decoding Magic: The Gathering’s Evasive Keyword
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.
No, Hexproof is not a triggered ability in Magic: The Gathering. It’s a static ability. This distinction is crucial for understanding how Hexproof interacts with other mechanics in the game. Static abilities are always “on,” constantly providing their effect. In the case of Hexproof, that effect is preventing your permanents or you, the player, from being targeted by spells or abilities your opponents control. Think of it as a constant shield deflecting unwanted attention. Triggered abilities, on the other hand, are abilities that go on the stack in response to something that happens in the game.
Now, let’s delve into the nuances of Hexproof with some frequently asked questions. Understanding these will equip you with a better grasp of this powerful protective keyword.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hexproof
What Exactly Does Hexproof Do?
Hexproof on a permanent or player means “This permanent/player can’t be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.” It’s a powerful form of protection, limiting your opponent’s options. The critical word here is “target.” Hexproof only protects against things that specifically target.
How Does Hexproof Differ from Protection?
While both Hexproof and Protection provide defense, they work differently. Protection is broader and more specific, defined as “Protection from [quality]” (e.g., Protection from Red). This means the permanent with Protection can’t be damaged by sources of that quality, can’t be enchanted or equipped by permanents of that quality, and can’t be blocked by creatures of that quality. Hexproof is less specific, focusing solely on preventing targeting by opponents.
Can My Own Spells Target My Creatures with Hexproof?
Yes! Hexproof only prevents your opponents’ spells and abilities from targeting. You can target your own Hexproof creatures with your spells and abilities to your heart’s content. This allows you to buff them, equip them, or otherwise interact with them beneficially.
Does Hexproof Stop Board Wipes?
Generally, no. Board wipes, like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict, typically don’t target specific creatures. They affect all creatures on the battlefield. Since Hexproof only protects against targeting, these board wipes will still destroy your Hexproof creatures. A card that has ‘hexproof’ is still affected by board wipes that don’t target specifically that card.
Can I Sacrifice a Hexproof Creature?
Yes, you can. Hexproof doesn’t prevent you from sacrificing your own creatures. Sacrificing is an action you take, not something your opponent is forcing upon you via a targeting spell or ability (unless the spell targets you, forcing you to sacrifice).
What About Auras? Can My Opponent Attach an Aura to My Hexproof Creature?
No, your opponent can’t target a Hexproof creature with an Aura spell. Hexproof prevents opponents from targeting your permanents. If an Aura is already attached, Hexproof will not cause it to become unattached.
Does Hexproof Stop Deathtouch?
No. Deathtouch is a static ability that changes the rules of combat damage. It doesn’t target. If a creature with Deathtouch deals damage to a Hexproof creature, the Hexproof creature will still be destroyed (unless it also has Indestructible).
Does Indestructible Stop Deathtouch?
Yes! Indestructible creatures also ignore deathtouch. Normally, a creature is destroyed if it takes damage from a creature with deathtouch. But since indestructible creatures can’t be destroyed, they’re immune.
Can My Opponent Counter a Creature Spell That Has Hexproof Once It’s on the Battlefield?
Your opponent can counter the creature spell. The important distinction here is that the creature spell doesn’t stop being a spell and start being a creature until the creature spell resolves. The creature has hexproof, the creature spell does not. As such, hexproof does not stop the creature spell from being targetted by a counterspell.
If My Opponent’s Spell Says “Target Opponent Sacrifices a Creature,” Does Hexproof Help?
No. The spell is targeting you, the player, not the creature. You must sacrifice a creature, even if the only creature you control has Hexproof. You are still targeted and must sacrifice a creature.
What Are Some Examples of Cards That Can Deal with Hexproof Creatures?
Anything that doesn’t target. Some common examples include:
- Board Wipes: Wrath of God, Damnation, Farewell.
- Overloaded Spells: Mizzium Mortars (when overloaded).
- Effects that Target Players: Devour Flesh (forcing the player to sacrifice a creature).
- Proliferate: Proliferate does not target, so permanents with shroud or hexproof can be chosen.
Does Hexproof Protect from a Planeswalker’s Abilities?
Planeswalker abilities are abilities. They cannot target objects with hexproof that you do not control, just like any other ability in the game.
Can I Use Mutate on a Hexproof Creature?
With creatures that grant hexproof, the downside of mutate can be mitigated through hexproof.
Does Hexproof Stop “All Will Be One”?
Whenever you put one or more counters on a permanent or player, All Will Be One deals that much damage to target opponent, creature an opponent controls, or planeswalker an opponent controls. All Will Be One’s ability will trigger any time you put one or more counters on a permanent or player. If this ability targets a creature your opponent controls, Hexproof will protect it.
Does First Strike Negate Deathtouch?
A creature with first strike will hit first, and can possibly kill the deathtouch creature before it has a chance to hit. If it does, then the deathtouch creature dies, and nothing happens to the first strike creature. In order for deathtouch to do anything, the creature has to hit first. This does not have any effect on Hexproof, since the creature is being dealt damage regardless.
Understanding Hexproof is key to mastering Magic: The Gathering. By knowing what it does and, more importantly, what it doesn’t do, you can make informed decisions during gameplay and build more effective decks. It’s also important to consider the broader implications of game design elements like hexproof, and how they contribute to the overall learning experience offered by games. For further insights into the educational aspects of gaming, explore resources such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Remember, knowledge is power, and in Magic, power translates to victory!