Does Destroy All Creatures Go Through Hexproof?
In Magic: The Gathering, there are several ways to destroy creatures, including spells and abilities that specifically target and eliminate them from the battlefield. One of the most effective ways to destroy multiple creatures at once is with "destroy all creatures" effects. But what happens when a creature with Hexproof is on the battlefield? Does the "destroy all creatures" effect still apply to it, or is it immune to the destruction?
What is Hexproof?
Before we dive into the specifics of "destroy all creatures" effects and Hexproof, let’s take a quick look at what Hexproof is. Hexproof is a keyword ability that prevents a creature from being targeted by spells or abilities controlled by opponents. In other words, Hexproof makes it impossible for opponents to target a creature with a spell or ability.
Does Destroy All Creatures Go Through Hexproof?
Now, let’s get to the question at hand: does a "destroy all creatures" effect go through Hexproof? The answer is no. Destroy all creatures effects do not target individual creatures, but rather destroy all creatures on the battlefield. Since Hexproof only prevents targeting, it does not apply to destroy all creatures effects.
Why Does Hexproof Not Apply?
Hexproof only prevents targeting, and destroy all creatures effects do not target individual creatures. Instead, they destroy all creatures on the battlefield, regardless of whether they have Hexproof or not. This means that even if a creature with Hexproof is on the battlefield, it will still be destroyed by a destroy all creatures effect.
Examples
Let’s look at a few examples to illustrate this point.
- Wrath of God: This card reads, "Destroy all creatures." Since it doesn’t target individual creatures, Hexproof does not apply.
- Day of Judgment: This card also reads, "Destroy all creatures." Again, since it doesn’t target individual creatures, Hexproof does not apply.
In Contrast
In contrast, an ability that targets individual creatures, such as "Target creature" or "Target creature you control," would be blocked by Hexproof. For example:
- Path to Exile: This card reads, "Exile target creature." Since it targets an individual creature, Hexproof would prevent it from being exiled.
Conclusion
In conclusion, destroy all creatures effects do not go through Hexproof. Since they don’t target individual creatures, Hexproof does not apply, and all creatures on the battlefield, including those with Hexproof, will be destroyed. This makes destroy all creatures effects a powerful way to clear the battlefield and take control of the game.