Can indestructible creatures be destroyed by damage?

Can Indestructible Creatures be Destroyed by Damage?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, indestructible creatures are a fascinating concept. These creatures are immune to destruction, making them a valuable asset on the battlefield. However, the question remains: can indestructible creatures be destroyed by damage?

Direct Answer

No, indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed by damage. According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, indestructible is a keyword ability that prevents a permanent from being destroyed by any means, including combat damage.

Indestructible and Combat Damage

Combat damage is a critical aspect of Magic: The Gathering, as it allows players to deal damage to their opponents’ creatures and planeswalkers. However, when a creature with indestructible is attacked, it will not be destroyed by combat damage. Instead, the attacking creature will simply deal its combat damage to the indestructible creature, which will remain on the battlefield.

Example

Let’s consider an example to illustrate this point. Suppose you have a creature with indestructible, such as Griselbrand, and your opponent attacks it with a creature with Deathtouch. In this scenario, the Deathtouch ability will deal damage to Griselbrand, but it will not destroy it. Griselbrand will remain on the battlefield, and you can continue to use it to attack your opponent.

Indestructible and Other Types of Damage

Indestructible is not limited to combat damage. It also protects creatures from other types of damage, such as:

• Lethal damage: Lethal damage is damage that would destroy a creature if it were not for indestructible. For example, if a creature with indestructible has 1 toughness and is dealt 1 damage, it will not be destroyed.
• Effects: Indestructible also protects creatures from effects that would destroy them. For example, if a spell or ability attempts to destroy a creature with indestructible, it will not succeed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed by damage, including combat damage. This ability provides a powerful protection for creatures, making them a valuable asset on the battlefield. Whether you’re playing against a opponent with Deathtouch or trying to protect your own creatures from lethal damage, indestructible is an ability that can give you a significant advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can indestructible creatures be exiled?: Yes, indestructible creatures can be exiled by effects that exile permanents.
• Can indestructible creatures be sacrificed?: Yes, indestructible creatures can be sacrificed by effects that sacrifice permanents.
• Can indestructible creatures be returned to the battlefield?: Yes, indestructible creatures can be returned to the battlefield by effects that return permanents to the battlefield.

Table: Indestructible Creatures

Note: The table above is not exhaustive and is meant to provide a few examples of indestructible creatures. There are many more creatures with indestructible in Magic: The Gathering.