Is Hexproof better than indestructible?

Is Hexproof Better than Indestructible?

When it comes to protecting creatures in Magic: The Gathering, two of the most important effects are Hexproof and Indestructible. But which one is better? In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of each effect and examine the scenarios where one may be more beneficial than the other.

Direct Answer

Hexproof is better than Indestructible in certain situations, but not always. Hexproof specifically prevents opponents from targeting a creature with spells and abilities, while Indestructible prevents a creature from being destroyed by any means, including damage. Both effects can be powerful tools, but they serve different purposes.

Understanding Hexproof

Hexproof is a keyword ability that prevents an opponent from targeting a creature with spells and abilities. This means that an opponent cannot use a spell or ability to destroy or put the creature into play through the opponent’s zone of control. However, damage dealt to the creature, such as from combat, can still destroy it. Hexproof does not provide protection from damage.

Here are some key points about Hexproof:

• Non-targeting removal: Hexproof can bypass non-targeting removal effects, such as board wipes and sacrifice effects.
• Abilities and spells: Hexproof prevents opponents from targeting a creature with spells and abilities, but does not prevent them from using their own abilities or spells that target the creature.
• Combat damage: Hexproof does not prevent a creature from being destroyed by combat damage.

Understanding Indestructible

Indestructible is a keyword ability that prevents a creature from being destroyed by any means, including damage. This means that an opponent cannot destroy the creature by dealing damage to it or using a spell or ability to destroy it. However, Indestructible does not prevent a creature from being removed from the battlefield through other means, such as sacrificing it or exile.

Here are some key points about Indestructible:

• No removal: Indestructible makes a creature immune to all removal effects, including destroy and exile.
• Damage: Indestructible prevents a creature from being destroyed by damage, whether it’s from combat, spells, or abilities.
• Other means of removal: Indestructible does not prevent a creature from being removed from the battlefield through other means, such as sacrificing it or exile.

Scenarios Where Hexproof is Better

There are certain situations where Hexproof may be more beneficial than Indestructible:

• Board wipes: Hexproof can bypass board wipes and other non-targeting removal effects, making it more useful in situations where an opponent is likely to use such effects.
• Ability-based removal: Hexproof can prevent opponents from targeting a creature with abilities or spells, making it more useful in situations where opponents are likely to use abilities or spells to remove a creature.
• Counter-based removal: Hexproof can prevent opponents from using counterspells or other removal effects that target a creature, making it more useful in situations where an opponent is likely to use such effects.

Scenarios Where Indestructible is Better

There are certain situations where Indestructible may be more beneficial than Hexproof:

• Combat: Indestructible provides protection from damage, making it more useful in situations where combat damage is a significant threat.
• Non-targeting removal: Indestructible provides protection from all removal effects, including non-targeting removal effects, making it more useful in situations where an opponent is likely to use such effects.
• Exile or sacrifice: Indestructible does not prevent a creature from being removed from the battlefield through exile or sacrifice, making it more useful in situations where such effects are a significant threat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hexproof and Indestructible are both powerful effects that can be beneficial in different situations. While Hexproof provides protection from spells and abilities, Indestructible provides protection from damage and removal effects. By understanding the specifics of each effect and the situations where one may be more beneficial than the other, players can make informed decisions about which effect to include in their decks and strategies.

Table: Summary of Hexproof and Indestructible

References

• MTG Salvation: "How to Destroy an Indestructible Creature"
• Card Kingdom: "Is Indestructible Better than Hexproof?"
• The Board Game Family: "Why You Should Choose Indestructible Over Hexproof"
• Magic: The Gathering – Official Website: "Hexproof" and "Indestructible" article