Can Indestructible be Countered?
Indestructible is a powerful ability that has been a game-changer in the world of Magic: The Gathering. It allows a creature to survive even the most gruesome of attacks, dodging destruction and staying in the game. But the question remains: can indestructible be countered?
Direct Answer:
The answer is yes. Indestructible creatures can be killed under specific circumstances. While the indestructible ability makes a creature resistant to destruction, it doesn’t provide invincibility. With some clever play and card synergies, you can exploit the weaknesses of an indestructible creature and bring it down.
Why Indestructible Doesn’t Mean Invincible:
Let’s start with the definition of indestructible: "A permanent can’t be destroyed by lethal damage." This means that indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed by combat damage, but they can still die from other sources.
• Lethal non-combat damage: Creatures can still die from damage that isn’t from combat, such as:
- Exiling through effects like Fatal Push or Abrupt Decay.
- Killing through effects like Dreadbore or Tormented Angel.
- Sacrificing through effects like Heroic Intervention or Beast Whisperer.
• Sacrificing: As mentioned earlier, indestructible creatures can still be sacrificed through effects like Heroic Intervention or Beast Whisperer.
• Deck cycle: Indestructible creatures can still be put out of the game by the deck cycle, making it impossible for them to play.
Countering Indestructible Creatures:
So, how do you counter indestructible creatures? Here are some strategies to keep in mind:
• Targetted destruction: Use targeted removal spells like Abrupt Decay or Fatal Push to remove an indestructible creature.
• Exile or sacrifice: Use exile effects like Dreadbore or Tormented Angel to banish an indestructible creature, or sacrifice effects like Heroic Intervention or Beast Whisperer to sacrifice it.
• Ramp and burn: Create an empty board through Ramp spells and then use Burn spells to deal lethal non-combat damage to an indestructible creature.
• Board wipes: Clear the board with an board wipe spell like Chaos Strike or Vandalblast to remove an indestructible creature.
Important Card Interactions:
When dealing with indestructible creatures, remember to check the interaction with these specific cards:
• Wrath of God: This planeswalker ability destroys all creatures without targeting, making it unaffected by indestructible creatures.
• Crash Through: This Sorcery creates an infinite mana source when an indestructible creature is destroyed, which can be used to kill additional creatures.
• Helm of Obsidian: This Equipment prevents destruction of a creature while attached, but doesn’t interact with indestructible.
Conclusion:
While indestructible creatures seem invincible, there are ways to counter them. Indestructible does not mean invincible, and with the right strategy, you can bring an indestructible creature to its knees. Remember to always check the interaction with specific cards and use the correct removal spells to put these creatures out of commission.