Does destroy all work on Hexproof?

Does Destroy All Work on Hexproof?

Introduction

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, creatures with hexproof are considered nearly indestructible, as they cannot be destroyed by most removal spells. However, there is a common misconception that "destroy all" effects, such as Wrath of God, cannot target creatures with hexproof. In this article, we will explore whether destroy all effects can work on hexproof creatures.

Direct Answer

The short answer is yes, destroy all effects can work on hexproof creatures. However, it’s essential to understand the nuances of how these effects interact with hexproof.

The Rule of Targeting

According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, "A spell or ability that destroys one or more creatures can target a creature, even if it has hexproof." This means that destroy all effects, which target all creatures on the battlefield, can indeed target creatures with hexproof.

Example: Wrath of God

Let’s consider the classic example of Wrath of God, which reads: "Destroy all creatures." This spell targets all creatures on the battlefield, regardless of their abilities or power. If a player controls a creature with hexproof, such as a Tarmogoyf, Wrath of God will still destroy it.

Subheading: Why Hexproof Doesn’t Protect

Hexproof is not a shield

Hexproof is often misunderstood as a shield that protects creatures from destruction. However, hexproof only prevents creatures from being destroyed by targeted spells and abilities. Destroy all effects, on the other hand, are not targeted at a specific creature, but rather at all creatures on the battlefield.

Table: Comparison of Targeted and Non-Targeted Effects

Conclusion

In conclusion, destroy all effects can indeed work on hexproof creatures. Hexproof is not a shield that protects creatures from destruction, but rather a mechanism that prevents targeted spells and abilities from destroying them. By understanding the rules of targeting and the nuances of destroy all effects, players can make informed decisions about which cards to play and how to interact with their opponents.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Watch out for indirect destruction While destroy all effects can target hexproof creatures, some removal spells may have indirect destruction effects that can still affect creatures with hexproof.
• Use destroy all effects strategically Consider playing destroy all effects at the right moment to take out multiple creatures, including those with hexproof.
• Keep an eye on the board state Always be aware of the creatures on the battlefield and adjust your strategy accordingly to take advantage of destroy all effects.

By mastering the intricacies of destroy all effects and hexproof, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a formidable Magic: The Gathering player.