Hexproof vs. Sorceries: A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer: Hexproof does not provide blanket immunity against all sorceries. It only prevents a permanent or player from being the target of a sorcery your opponents control. Sorceries that don’t target a specific creature or player can still affect creatures with Hexproof.

Understanding Hexproof: The Shield Against Targeting

Hexproof is a keyword ability in games like Magic: The Gathering that acts as a powerful defensive layer. It specifically protects a permanent (like a creature) or a player from being chosen as the target of spells or abilities controlled by an opponent.

This is crucial to understand. The operative word is “target.” If a sorcery specifically names a creature or player as the recipient of its effect, Hexproof comes into play. If, however, the sorcery affects all creatures or players, or interacts with them in a way that doesn’t involve targeting, Hexproof offers no protection.

Sorceries That Bypass Hexproof

Many sorceries avoid targeting altogether, thus bypassing Hexproof entirely. These include:

• Board Wipes: Spells like Wrath of God or Damnation destroy all creatures on the battlefield, regardless of whether they have Hexproof. They don’t target; they simply affect every creature.
• Global Buffs/Debuffs: Sorceries that grant all creatures +1/+1 or -1/-1 don’t target. They affect the entire board, including creatures with Hexproof.
• Sacrifice Effects: “Edict” effects, such as Diabolic Edict, force an opponent to sacrifice a creature. These sorceries target the player, not the creature, so Hexproof is irrelevant.
• Graveyard/Library Interaction: Sorceries that interact with cards in the graveyard or library can affect creatures with Hexproof if those creatures are in those zones. Hexproof only protects on the battlefield (or against effects that target a player, if the player has Hexproof).

Sorceries Blocked by Hexproof

On the flip side, sorceries that explicitly target a creature with Hexproof will be countered by the game rules. These include:

• Direct Removal: Sorceries like Murder, Doom Blade, or Hero’s Downfall, which state “Destroy target creature,” cannot target a creature with Hexproof controlled by an opponent.
• Targeted Auras: While not a sorcery, Aura enchantments cast by opponents and attached directly to a creature target the creature. Therefore, they cannot be attached to a creature with Hexproof.
• Targeted Buffs/Debuffs (from opponents): If an opponent tries to cast a sorcery that grants +X/+X or applies a negative effect to “target creature,” they cannot target a creature with Hexproof.

Strategic Implications

Understanding the nuances of Hexproof is crucial for strategic play. You can use Hexproof to protect key creatures from targeted removal, forcing your opponent to rely on less efficient board wipes or sacrifice effects. Conversely, if your opponent is relying heavily on Hexproof creatures, you should include non-targeting removal spells in your deck to effectively deal with them.

FAQs: Hexproof and Sorceries

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the interaction between Hexproof and sorceries:

1. Does Hexproof stop a sorcery that says “All creatures get -1/-1”?

No. This sorcery doesn’t target any specific creature; it affects all creatures on the battlefield. Hexproof only protects against targeted spells and abilities.

2. If I cast a sorcery that says “Target creature you control gains indestructible until end of turn,” can I target my own creature with Hexproof?

Yes. Hexproof only prevents your opponents from targeting your creatures. You are free to target your own creatures, even if they have Hexproof.

3. My opponent cast a sorcery that forces me to sacrifice a creature. Does Hexproof save my creature?

No. These types of sorceries, often called “edict” effects, target you (the player), not the creature. You must choose a creature to sacrifice, even if it has Hexproof.

4. If a sorcery says “Destroy target creature or planeswalker,” can my opponent target my planeswalker with Hexproof?

Yes, assuming your planeswalker has Hexproof. Hexproof works the same way for planeswalkers as it does for creatures, preventing opponents from targeting them.

5. Can my opponent use a sorcery that exiles all creatures to get rid of my Hexproof creatures?

Yes. Sorceries that exile all creatures (like Farewell) don’t target, so Hexproof offers no protection.

6. If a sorcery says “Each player sacrifices a creature,” does Hexproof protect my creatures?

No. This is a global effect affecting each player. The player is choosing which creature to sacrifice, the spell is not targeting a creature.

7. Can I cast an Aura sorcery on my opponent’s creature with Hexproof?

No. Aura enchantments cast on creatures target. Since you don’t control the Hexproof Creature, you cannot cast an Aura sorcery on your opponent’s creature.

8. Does Hexproof stop a sorcery that copies itself for each creature on the battlefield?

The Hexproof ability works in a very specific way. The main question for this scenario is: Is the Hexproof permanent being targeted? No. Therefore, Hexproof does not protect against a sorcery that copies itself.

9. If my opponent controls a sorcery that changes the text of other spells, can they make it so a sorcery can target my creature with Hexproof?

This is complex and depends on the specific sorcery and its wording. Generally, the answer is likely yes. Spells that manipulate rules or card text can potentially override Hexproof, especially if they specifically remove the Hexproof ability or change the targeting restrictions.

10. Can I use a sorcery to give my creature Hexproof?

Yes. Sorceries can grant Hexproof. The creature becomes protected from your opponent’s targeted spells and abilities until the sorcery effect wears off (usually at the end of the turn).

11. If a sorcery says “Tap target creature,” can my opponent tap my creature with Hexproof?

No. Tapping a creature is done using the word “target,” and your creature has hexproof. Therefore, your opponent cannot tap your creature.

12. Can my opponent use a sorcery that destroys all creatures of a specific color, if my Hexproof creature is that color?

Yes. This type of sorcery affects all creatures of a certain color, regardless of whether they have Hexproof. It is non-targeting removal.

13. If a sorcery creates tokens that are copies of my Hexproof creature, do the tokens also have Hexproof?

Yes. If the tokens are created as copies of the original creature, they will inherit all of its abilities, including Hexproof.

14. If a sorcery deals damage to “target creature and all creatures it controls”, and my opponent targets one of their creatures, is my Hexproof creature safe?

Yes. The spell targets only your opponent’s creature. Your Hexproof creature is a non-targetted spell and is therefore safe from the effects of your opponent’s spell.

15. Does Hexproof protect against a planeswalker ability that acts like a sorcery?

A planeswalker’s ability follows all normal targeting rules. No matter if they act as if they were sorceries or instants, Hexproof still protects against planeswalker’s abilities.

Mastering Hexproof: A Key to Victory

Hexproof is a powerful mechanic, but it’s not invincible. Understanding its limitations and how it interacts with different types of sorceries is crucial for making informed strategic decisions and building effective decks. It provides a layer of strategic depth, encourages players to think creatively about how to overcome challenges, and exemplifies the kind of engaging gameplay that organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org study and promote.