What Happens if I Give an Opponent’s Creature Hexproof?

Giving your opponent’s creature Hexproof in a game like Magic: The Gathering is almost always a strategically terrible idea. Hexproof, by definition, prevents that creature from being the target of spells or abilities you control. So, by granting Hexproof to your opponent’s creature, you’re essentially immunizing it from most of your own removal spells, combat tricks, and other interactions that target creatures. It’s like building a fortress around their asset, making it harder for you to deal with it. Now, why would you ever do that? There are a very small handful of corner cases where this could be used as a strategy, for example:

• Politics in Multiplayer: In games like Commander, sometimes you need to make deals. Giving an opponent’s creature Hexproof might be part of an agreement, like protecting their key attacker so it can swing at another opponent, in exchange for them not attacking you next turn.
• Extremely Niche Card Interactions: Some extremely rare card combinations might exist where giving an opponent’s creature a specific ability benefits you indirectly, but these are highly unlikely to come up. Think of using a convoluted combination of cards that causes you to benefit whenever any creature gains an ability.
• Misplays: Most of the time, it simply amounts to a misplay. New players, or even experienced players in a hurry, might accidentally target the wrong creature.

Generally speaking, you should almost never target your opponent’s creature with a spell to give it Hexproof. You are actively making your own gameplay more difficult.

Understanding Hexproof: A Deep Dive

Hexproof is a very powerful keyword ability in games with targeting mechanics. Let’s explore it further.

The Precise Definition

The comprehensive rules of Magic: The Gathering define Hexproof as: “This permanent can’t be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.” The key phrase is “opponents control.” This is what distinguishes Hexproof from Shroud, which prevents anyone from targeting the permanent, including its controller.

Why Hexproof Matters

Hexproof offers strong protection against targeted removal. It makes creatures significantly harder to deal with, as players can’t use targeted destruction spells, targeted exile effects, or targeted bounce spells against them. This can lock down the board and give a player a significant advantage, particularly if the creature in question is a powerful attacker or has other useful abilities.

Limitations of Hexproof

While powerful, Hexproof isn’t a perfect defense. It doesn’t protect against:

• Board Wipes: Spells that affect all creatures, like “Wrath of God” or “Damnation,” don’t target individual creatures and will still destroy a creature with Hexproof.
• Sacrifice Effects: Effects that force a player to sacrifice a creature, like “Diabolic Edict” or “Liliana of the Veil’s” -2 ability, target the player, not the creature. Therefore, Hexproof is ineffective.
• Combat Damage: Hexproof only prevents targeting by spells or abilities. It doesn’t stop a creature with Hexproof from being blocked and taking combat damage.
• Non-Targeted Removal: Some removal spells don’t use the word “target.” These bypass Hexproof.
• Auras controlled by its controller: Hexproof only prevents opponents from targeting the permanent with their spells and abilities. The player that controls a creature with Hexproof can still cast Auras on it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hexproof

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Hexproof to further clarify its function and implications.

1. If I control a creature with Hexproof, can my opponent still block it?

   Yes. Hexproof only prevents targeting by spells or abilities. Blocking is part of combat, not a spell or ability targeting the creature.

2. Can I give my own Hexproof creature an Aura?

   Yes. Hexproof only protects against spells and abilities controlled by opponents. You, as the controller, can still enchant or equip your own Hexproof creature.

3. Does Hexproof stop my opponent from using a board wipe like Wrath of God?

   No. Board wipes don’t target individual creatures. They affect all creatures on the battlefield, so Hexproof is irrelevant.

4. If my opponent has a creature with Hexproof, can I force them to sacrifice it?

   Yes. Sacrifice effects target the player, not the creature. Spells like “Diabolic Edict” will force your opponent to sacrifice a creature, even if it has Hexproof.

5. Can I counter a creature spell with Hexproof?

   Yes. Hexproof only functions once the permanent is on the battlefield. While the creature is a spell on the stack, it can still be countered.

6. Does Hexproof protect against Deathtouch?

   No. Deathtouch doesn’t target. If a creature with Deathtouch deals damage to a creature with Hexproof, that creature with Hexproof will be destroyed (unless it also has Indestructible).

7. Can I target a creature to give it Hexproof in response to my opponent targeting it with a removal spell?

   You can try, but it won’t work. Once a creature is targeted, applying Hexproof afterwards doesn’t retroactively invalidate the already-targeting spell. The removal spell will still resolve.

8. What’s the difference between Hexproof and Shroud?

   Hexproof prevents opponents from targeting a permanent, while Shroud prevents anyone, including the controller, from targeting it.

9. Does Hexproof stop Planeswalker abilities?

   It depends. If the Planeswalker ability targets the permanent with Hexproof, then no, it cannot be targeted if you are the opponent. However, if the Planeswalker ability is an effect that doesn’t target, it can still affect creatures with Hexproof.

10. If a creature has both Hexproof and Indestructible, can it be removed from the battlefield?

    Yes, but only in specific ways. It cannot be destroyed by damage or effects that say “destroy” (due to Indestructible) and cannot be targeted by your spells and abilities (due to Hexproof). However, it can still be exiled or if its controller is forced to sacrifice it.

11. Can I proliferate onto a creature with Hexproof?

    Yes, proliferate doesn’t target, it chooses permanents and/or players that already have counters on them. Because it doesn’t target, it will work on permanents with Hexproof.

12. Can an enchantment that is already on a creature be removed from the battlefield by giving it Hexproof?

    No. Hexproof doesn’t remove existing enchantments. It only prevents new ones from being attached by opponents.

13. If my opponent controls a creature with Hexproof, can I still use an Equipment to it?

    Yes, if you control the Equipment. Remember Hexproof only prevents targeting by opponents.

14. Does Hexproof stop First Strike?

    No. First strike doesn’t target. It’s an ability that affects the timing of combat damage. Hexproof only affects spells and abilities that target.

15. Can a spell itself have Hexproof?

    Yes, some spells can have Hexproof. This means your opponent can’t counter them. For example, the creature spell “Invisible Stalker” has Hexproof once it resolves and is on the battlefield.

The Strategic Nuances of Hexproof

While the rules surrounding Hexproof are relatively straightforward, the strategic implications can be complex. Consider these points:

• Hexproof as a Defensive Tool: Hexproof is primarily a defensive ability. It protects valuable creatures from removal, allowing them to continue generating value or attacking.
• Exploiting Hexproof: Recognizing the limitations of Hexproof is crucial. Using board wipes, sacrifice effects, or combat tricks can overcome this defense.
• Deckbuilding Considerations: Building a deck that can effectively handle creatures with Hexproof is important, especially in formats where Hexproof is prevalent. This might involve including more non-targeted removal or sacrifice effects.
• Games Learning Society: Exploring card interactions and strategies like those surrounding Hexproof is a great way to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You can learn more about the intersection of games and education at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

In conclusion, while giving your opponent’s creature Hexproof is generally a poor strategy, understanding the nuances of Hexproof and its interactions is essential for mastering games like Magic: The Gathering.