What Can Target Hexproof?
Hexproof is a keyword ability in Magic: The Gathering that prevents a creature from being targeted by spells or abilities controlled by an opponent. While it may seem like a powerful ability, there are still ways to interact with a creature that has hexproof. In this article, we’ll explore what can target a creature with hexproof.
Non-Targeting Removal
One way to interact with a creature with hexproof is through non-targeting removal effects. These effects don’t target the creature, but instead, destroy or exile it. Examples of non-targeting removal effects include:
- Board wipes: Cards like Wrath of God, Day of Judgment, and Oblivion Ring destroy all creatures on the battlefield, regardless of whether they have hexproof or not.
- Sacrifice effects: Cards like Viscera Seer, Carrion Feeder, and Exsanguinate sacrifice a creature, which can be a creature with hexproof.
- Exile effects: Cards like Eternal Witness, Relic of Progenitus, and Containment Priest exile a creature, which can also target a creature with hexproof.
Here’s a table summarizing non-targeting removal effects:
| Card | Effect |
|---|---|
| Wrath of God | Destroy all creatures |
| Day of Judgment | Destroy all creatures |
| Oblivion Ring | Destroy all artifacts and creatures |
| Viscera Seer | Sacrifice a creature |
| Carrion Feeder | Sacrifice a creature |
| Exsanguinate | Sacrifice a creature |
| Eternal Witness | Exile a creature |
| Relic of Progenitus | Exile a creature |
| Containment Priest | Exile a creature |
Sacrifice Effects
As mentioned earlier, sacrifice effects can target a creature with hexproof. These effects don’t target the creature, but instead, sacrifice it. Here are some examples of sacrifice effects:
- Sacrifice creatures: Cards like Sedge Scorpion, Carnage Tyrant, and Blood Artist sacrifice a creature when they deal combat damage to a player.
- Sacrifice tokens: Cards like Splinter Twin, Deadeye Navigator, and Rakdos, Lord of Riots sacrifice a token when they deal combat damage to a player.
Here’s a table summarizing sacrifice effects:
| Card | Effect |
|---|---|
| Sedge Scorpion | Sacrifice a creature when it deals combat damage |
| Carnage Tyrant | Sacrifice a creature when it deals combat damage |
| Blood Artist | Sacrifice a creature when it deals combat damage |
| Splinter Twin | Sacrifice a token when it deals combat damage |
| Deadeye Navigator | Sacrifice a token when it deals combat damage |
| Rakdos, Lord of Riots | Sacrifice a token when it deals combat damage |
Deathtouch
Deathtouch is an ability that destroys a creature when it deals combat damage to it. While deathtouch doesn’t target the creature, it can still interact with a creature that has hexproof. Here are some examples of cards with deathtouch:
- Creatures with deathtouch: Cards like Sedge Scorpion, Carnage Tyrant, and Blood Artist have deathtouch and can destroy a creature when they deal combat damage to it.
- Auras with deathtouch: Cards like Deathtouch Aura, Deathtouch Charm, and Deathtouch Enchantment have deathtouch and can destroy a creature when they deal combat damage to it.
Here’s a table summarizing deathtouch effects:
| Card | Effect |
|---|---|
| Sedge Scorpion | Destroy a creature when it deals combat damage |
| Carnage Tyrant | Destroy a creature when it deals combat damage |
| Blood Artist | Destroy a creature when it deals combat damage |
| Deathtouch Aura | Destroy a creature when it deals combat damage |
| Deathtouch Charm | Destroy a creature when it deals combat damage |
| Deathtouch Enchantment | Destroy a creature when it deals combat damage |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while hexproof provides protection from targeted spells and abilities, there are still ways to interact with a creature that has hexproof. Non-targeting removal effects, sacrifice effects, and deathtouch can all target a creature with hexproof. When building a deck, it’s important to consider these interactions and plan accordingly.
Additional Tips
- Build around non-targeting removal: If you’re playing against a deck with a lot of hexproof creatures, consider building a deck that uses non-targeting removal effects.
- Use sacrifice effects wisely: Sacrifice effects can be powerful, but make sure to use them wisely and not sacrifice your own creatures.
- Keep an eye on deathtouch: Deathtouch can be a powerful ability, but it can also be a liability if your opponent has a creature with deathtouch.
By understanding what can target a creature with hexproof, you can improve your gameplay and make more informed decisions at the table.