What Effects Does Hexproof Have?
Hexproof is a keyword ability in Magic: The Gathering that prevents a permanent or player from being the target of spells or abilities controlled by opponents. In this article, we will explore the effects of Hexproof and how it interacts with other abilities and mechanics in the game.
Direct Targeting Protection
The most obvious effect of Hexproof is its ability to protect a permanent or player from being directly targeted by spells or abilities. This means that an opponent cannot use a spell or ability that specifically targets a creature or player with Hexproof. For example, if a player tries to cast a spell that says "target creature" and the targeted creature has Hexproof, the spell will not affect the creature.
No Protection from Indirect Targeting
It’s important to note that Hexproof only protects against direct targeting. Indirect targeting, such as a spell that says "destroy all creatures" or "destroy all permanents," is not affected by Hexproof. In these cases, the spell will still affect the creature or permanent with Hexproof, even if it’s not directly targeted.
Hexproof and Deathtouch
Deathtouch is an ability that allows a creature to destroy any creature it deals damage to. When a creature with Deathtouch deals damage to a creature with Hexproof, the creature with Hexproof is destroyed, even though it’s not directly targeted. This is because Deathtouch is an ability that affects the creature itself, rather than targeting it.
Hexproof and Regeneration
Regeneration is an ability that allows a creature to regenerate itself when it’s destroyed. When a creature with Hexproof is destroyed by a spell or ability, it will not regenerate because it’s not being targeted by the spell or ability. However, if the creature is destroyed by a different means, such as being sacrificed or being destroyed by a triggered ability, it will still regenerate.
Hexproof and Proliferate
Proliferate is an ability that allows a player to increase the power or toughness of a creature. When a player uses proliferate on a creature with Hexproof, the creature’s power or toughness will increase, even though it’s not being targeted. This is because proliferate is an ability that affects the creature itself, rather than targeting it.
Hexproof and First Strike
First Strike is an ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage to a creature before the other creature’s combat damage is dealt. When a creature with Hexproof has First Strike, it will deal combat damage to the other creature before the other creature’s combat damage is dealt, even though it’s not directly targeted.
Hexproof and Double Strike
Double Strike is an ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage to a creature twice during combat. When a creature with Hexproof has Double Strike, it will deal combat damage to the other creature twice, even though it’s not directly targeted.
Interaction with Other Abilities
Hexproof interacts with other abilities in the game in several ways. For example, some abilities may specifically target creatures or players with Hexproof, while others may not be affected by Hexproof. Here are a few examples:
- Shroud: Shroud is an ability that prevents a permanent from being targeted by spells or abilities. When a permanent with Shroud has Hexproof, it’s not affected by Hexproof because Shroud takes precedence.
- Indestructible: Indestructible is an ability that prevents a permanent from being destroyed. When a permanent with Indestructible has Hexproof, it’s not affected by Hexproof because Indestructible takes precedence.
- Flying: Flying is an ability that allows a creature to fly over other creatures. When a creature with Flying has Hexproof, it’s not affected by Hexproof because Flying is an ability that affects the creature itself, rather than targeting it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hexproof is a keyword ability that prevents a permanent or player from being the target of spells or abilities controlled by opponents. It’s an important ability to understand because it interacts with other abilities and mechanics in the game in complex ways. By understanding the effects of Hexproof, you can make better decisions about how to play your creatures and interact with your opponent’s creatures.
References
- Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules
- Magic: The Gathering Official FAQs
- Magic: The Gathering Strategy Articles