Indestructible vs. Hexproof: Which Reigns Supreme in MTG?

In the grand arena of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), creatures stand tall, wielding potent abilities to outmaneuver opponents. Two of the most coveted keywords are Indestructible and Hexproof, both offering distinct layers of protection. So, which is better? It’s a classic “apples and oranges” scenario, as they excel in different situations. Generally, Indestructible is superior for surviving board wipes and damage-based removal, while Hexproof shines at dodging targeted spells. The “better” choice depends entirely on the metagame, your deck’s strategy, and the types of threats you anticipate facing.

Deeper Dive: Indestructible

Indestructible is straightforward: a permanent with indestructible can’t be destroyed by damage or effects that specifically say “destroy.” Think of it as an unyielding fortress. Indestructible doesn’t prevent damage, it merely ignores the consequence of destruction that would normally follow. This has important implications.

• Board Wipes: A classic Wrath of God, which states “Destroy all creatures,” is completely nullified against indestructible creatures.
• Lethal Damage: An indestructible creature can block a 10/10 attacker even if it’s a 1/1 – it will take the 10 damage, but won’t die.
• Wither and Infect: While indestructible survives damage, it doesn’t prevent the application of -1/-1 counters from Wither or Infect. Enough -1/-1 counters will reduce a creature’s toughness to zero, sending it to the graveyard, even with Indestructible.

Unpacking Hexproof

Hexproof, on the other hand, is a form of magical evasion. It simply means a permanent with hexproof can’t be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. This is a powerful defense against targeted removal, pump spells aimed at your creatures, and other forms of manipulation.

• Targeted Removal: Spells like Murder or Lightning Bolt are useless against a hexproof creature because your opponent can’t legally target it.
• Auras: An opponent can’t enchant your hexproof creature with a detrimental aura like Pacifism.
• Board Wipes: Hexproof doesn’t protect against board wipes like Wrath of God because these effects don’t target individual creatures. They affect all creatures on the battlefield simultaneously.

Strengths and Weaknesses Compared

To really understand the strengths and weaknesses, think about these scenarios:

• Scenario 1: You have a massive indestructible creature. Your opponent casts a spell that says, “Exile all creatures.” Your indestructible creature is gone.
• Scenario 2: You have a powerful hexproof creature. Your opponent casts Wrath of God. Your hexproof creature is destroyed.
• Scenario 3: Your opponent tries to use a card that says, “Destroy target creature.” If that creature has Hexproof, your opponent can’t even cast it.
• Scenario 4: Your indestructible creature is taking on too many -1/-1 counters from Infect or Wither. In this case, your creature might be vulnerable even though it can’t be destroyed.

In general, you should know that exile effects, sacrifice effects, and effects that reduce a creature’s toughness to zero are the most common ways to deal with an indestructible creature.

Why Context Matters: Deck Archetypes and the Metagame

The relative value of Indestructible and Hexproof is highly dependent on the context:

• Aggro Decks: Aggro decks often prefer Hexproof on their key creatures to protect them from early removal, allowing them to apply consistent pressure.
• Control Decks: Control decks might prioritize Indestructible on their finishers to ensure they can survive board wipes and stabilize the game.
• Midrange Decks: Midrange decks might use a mix of both, depending on the specific threats they expect to face.

Furthermore, the prevailing metagame influences the decision. If your local game store is full of decks running targeted removal like Fatal Push, Hexproof gains significant value. Conversely, if board wipes are rampant, Indestructible becomes more desirable.

Thinking Outside the Box: Other Protective Measures

Beyond Indestructible and Hexproof, there are other forms of protection in MTG:

• Protection from [Color]: This prevents damage, targeting, enchanting/equipping, and blocking by sources of the specified color.
• Ward [Cost]: When the creature becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter it unless that player pays [Cost].
• Shield Counters: Shield counters are a one-time shield for being destroyed.

These alternatives offer different advantages and disadvantages and can further complicate the decision-making process when building a deck.

FAQs: Demystifying Indestructible and Hexproof

Does Indestructible protect from board wipes?

It depends on the type of board wipe. If the board wipe destroys creatures, Indestructible negates the effect. However, if the board wipe exiles creatures or gives them -X/-X, Indestructible is ineffective.

What kills Indestructible in MTG?

Exile effects, effects that reduce toughness to 0 or less (like -X/-X), and forcing an opponent to sacrifice the creature are the most common answers.

Does Indestructible block all damage?

No. Indestructible doesn’t prevent damage, it prevents damage from causing a creature to be destroyed. The damage is still dealt, which matters for effects like lifelink or infect/wither.

Does Indestructible prevent Deathtouch?

Indestructible gets rid of Deathtouch. Indestructible prevents the destruction that Deathtouch would otherwise cause.

Can you exile an Indestructible creature?

Yes, you can. Indestructible only protects against destroy effects, not exile effects.

Does Indestructible prevent -0/-0?

No. If a creature’s toughness is reduced to zero, it still dies, even if it has Indestructible.

Do counters beat Indestructible?

-X/-X counters and other effects that reduce toughness below zero will kill an Indestructible creature. Regular +1/+1 counters will not.

Does Infect beat Indestructible?

Yes. Infect deals damage in the form of -1/-1 counters. These counters can reduce a creature’s toughness to zero, causing it to die even with Indestructible.

Does sacrificing work on Indestructible?

Yes. Indestructible only prevents destruction. Sacrificing is a different mechanic that forces a player to put a permanent into their graveyard, regardless of its durability.

What are the exact rules for Indestructible?

The comprehensive rules state that a permanent with indestructible can’t be destroyed. It ignores the state-based action that checks for lethal damage.

Does Blasphemous Act get around Indestructible?

No, Blasphemous Act does not get around Indestructible. Blasphemous Act deals damage and Indestructible prevents damage from killing the creature.

What happens if a Planeswalker is Indestructible?

An indestructible planeswalker would survive a destroy effect. However, damage dealt to a planeswalker still causes loyalty counters to be removed.

Does Deathtouch beat Shield counters?

No, Deathtouch does not beat Shield counters. Shield counters prevent destruction, and a creature with deathtouch cannot bypass this.

Does Indestructible prevent Wrath of God?

No, Indestructible protects permanents from being destroyed, but does not stop Wrath of God from applying to the permanent.

Can you destroy a target creature with Indestructible?

Yes, you can target a creature with Indestructible. The spell resolves but does not destroy the permanent.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, neither Indestructible nor Hexproof is universally “better” than the other. They are tools in your arsenal, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The wise player understands these nuances and chooses the right protection based on their deck strategy and the expected threats in their local MTG environment. Analyze the meta, understand your deck’s vulnerabilities, and choose wisely!

Are you interested in learning more about the intricate strategies and dynamics of games like Magic: The Gathering? Explore the field of game-based learning and its impact on education and beyond at the Games Learning Society: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society is an organization dedicated to the research and advancement of learning through games.