What does Hexproof prevent?

What Does Hexproof Prevent?

Hexproof is a powerful ability found in Magic: The Gathering that prevents a creature or player from being targeted by spells or abilities. It’s a crucial concept for any player to understand, especially in competitive play. In this article, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of Hexproof, exploring what it does and doesn’t prevent, and how it interacts with other game mechanics.

Targeting and Hexproof

To understand Hexproof, it’s essential to grasp the concept of targeting. In Magic, targeting refers to selecting a specific creature, player, or object with a spell or ability. Hexproof prevents opponents from targeting a creature or player with spells or abilities. This means that opposing players cannot choose the Hexproof creature or player as the target of their spells or abilities.

Protecting from Spells and Abilities

Hexproof prevents spells and abilities from targeting a creature or player. This includes direct damage spells, removal spells, and abilities that exile or destroy creatures. Any spell or ability that requires the player to choose a target cannot target a creature with Hexproof.

Blockers and Combat

When a creature with Hexproof is attacked, it does not prevent the attacking creature from dealing damage. If the attacking creature has lifelink, it can still gain life from dealing damage to the Hexproof creature. However, the creature with Hexproof cannot be destroyed or exiled by combat damage.

Sacrifice and Exile

Hexproof does not prevent a creature from being sacrificed or exiled. It only prevents opponents from targeting the creature with spells or abilities. A creature with Hexproof can still be sacrificed or exiled if its controller chooses to do so.

Board Wipes and Mass Removal

Hexproof does not prevent board wipes or mass removal spells from affecting a creature. These spells can destroy or exile a creature, regardless of whether it has Hexproof.

Other Mechanics and Interactions

• Deathtouch: Hexproof has no effect on Deathtouch. Deathtouch can still trigger and destroy a creature, even if it has Hexproof.
• First Strike: Hexproof has no effect on First Strike. A creature with Hexproof can still attack with First Strike and deal its combat damage.
• Shroud: Hexproof and Shroud are cumulative. A creature with both Hexproof and Shroud cannot be targeted by spells or abilities and cannot be destroyed or exiled in combat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hexproof is a powerful ability that prevents opponents from targeting a creature or player with spells or abilities. It does not prevent sacrifice, exile, or destruction by other means, such as board wipes or mass removal. While it does not interact with Deathtouch, First Strike, or Shroud, it is still an essential ability to consider when building a deck and making strategic decisions during play.

Hexproof Ability Types

In the next article, we’ll explore more advanced Magic: The Gathering concepts and strategies. Stay tuned!