Indestructibility is a powerful ability in Magic: The Gathering. It makes a permanent immune to destruction. It’s a common ability found in many cards, particularly creatures, that can make them difficult to deal with. However, the question remains: can spells destroy indestructible MTG cards? The answer is not so straightforward, and it depends on the specific card and situation.
Understanding the mechanics of indestructibility is crucial to answering this question. Indestructible permanents cannot be destroyed by rules or effects, but they can still be put into their owner’s graveyard by other means, such as by the “legend rule,” by being sacrificed, or by having zero or less toughness. They can also be removed from the battlefield by being bounced or exiled.
Key Takeaways – Can Spells Destroy Indestructible MTG
- Spells cannot destroy indestructible MTG cards, but there are other ways to remove them from the battlefield.
- Cards with abilities that exile or bounce permanents can circumvent indestructibility.
- Countering spells that grant indestructibility or using spells that reduce toughness can be effective strategies against indestructible permanents.
Understanding Indestructibility in MTG
Defining Indestructibility
Indestructibility is a keyword ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) that prevents a permanent from being destroyed by any means. It is a static ability that is always in effect as long as the permanent is on the battlefield. This means that a permanent with indestructible cannot be destroyed by damage or any effect that says “destroy.”
Indestructibility is a powerful ability that can make a permanent difficult to deal with. Creatures with indestructible are immune to damage from combat and spells that deal damage. Artifacts and enchantments with indestructible are immune to destruction from effects like [[Vandalblast]] or [[Naturalize]].
Mechanics of Indestructibility
Indestructibility is a static ability that is always active as long as the permanent with indestructible is on the battlefield. It does not require any activation cost or tap ability to use. Once a permanent gains indestructibility, it cannot be destroyed by any means.
Indestructibility does not prevent a permanent from being exiled, returned to a player’s hand, put into a graveyard for having 0 or less toughness, or sacrificed. It only prevents the permanent from being destroyed. This means that effects like [[Path to Exile]] or [[Swords to Plowshares]] can still remove a creature with indestructible from the battlefield.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can spells destroy indestructible creatures? | No, spells that say “destroy” cannot destroy indestructible creatures. |
| Can damage destroy indestructible creatures? | No, indestructible creatures are immune to damage. |
| Can indestructible creatures be blocked? | Yes, indestructible creatures can be blocked like any other creature. |
| Can indestructible creatures be removed from the battlefield? | Yes, indestructible creatures can be exiled, returned to a player’s hand, put into a graveyard for having 0 or less toughness, or sacrificed. |
| Can a creature with indestructible die from having 0 or less toughness? | Yes, a creature with indestructible can still die from having 0 or less toughness. |
Ways to Circumvent Indestructibility
As mentioned earlier, Indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed by spells or abilities that use the word “destroy.” However, there are other ways to deal with them. In this section, I will discuss some of the ways to circumvent Indestructibility.
Utilizing Exile Effects
Exile effects are one of the most effective ways to deal with Indestructible creatures. Cards like [[Path to Exile]] and [[Swords to Plowshares]] can remove any creature from the battlefield, including Indestructible creatures, by exiling them. This method is particularly useful because it doesn’t target the creature, so Indestructibility doesn’t protect it. Exiling a creature also means it won’t trigger any “dies” triggers, so it can be useful to bypass those effects as well.
Employing Sacrifice Mechanics
Sacrifice mechanics are another way to deal with Indestructible creatures. Cards like [[All Is Dust]] and [[Innocent Blood]] force all players to sacrifice a creature, which can include Indestructible creatures. Sacrificing a creature is not the same as destroying it, so Indestructibility doesn’t protect it. Additionally, sacrificing a creature can be useful for triggering “dies” triggers or other effects that trigger when a creature is sacrificed.
Leveraging Negative Counters
Negative counters, like -1/-1 counters, can be used to reduce a creature’s toughness to 0 or less, which will cause it to be put into the graveyard. Indestructibility doesn’t protect a creature from being put into the graveyard due to having 0 or less toughness, so this can be an effective way to deal with Indestructible creatures. Cards like [[Burn from Within]] can deal damage to a creature and put -1/-1 counters on it, making it easier to get rid of.
Analyzing Indestructible Cards
Indestructible cards are some of the most powerful cards in Magic: The Gathering. They are immune to destruction by damage or effects that specifically say “destroy”. As a result, they can be difficult to deal with, and players often wonder what can destroy them.
Iconic Indestructible Creatures
Some of the most well-known indestructible creatures in Magic: The Gathering include Avacyn, Angel of Hope, Blightsteel Colossus, Darksteel Myr, and Darksteel Juggernaut. These creatures are known for their resilience and are often included in decks that rely on their indestructibility to win.
Indestructible Enchantments and Artifacts
In addition to creatures, there are also indestructible enchantments and artifacts. Some of the most notable examples include Darksteel Plate, Darksteel Axe, Darksteel Ingot, Darksteel Forge, and Darksteel Sentinel. These cards are often included in decks that rely on their indestructibility to protect other cards or to provide a strong defense.
Strategies Against Indestructible Permanents
As an experienced Magic: The Gathering player, I have come across many indestructible permanents on the battlefield. These cards can be difficult to deal with, but there are strategies that can help you overcome them.
Strategic Removal Spells
One of the most effective ways to deal with indestructible permanents is by using strategic removal spells. Cards like Tragic Slip and Soul Sear can target indestructible creatures and still destroy them. It’s important to note that these spells target the creature’s toughness, not its indestructibility. So, if the creature has a low enough toughness, it can still be destroyed.
Another option is to use spells like Lightning Bolt to lower the creature’s toughness, making it easier to destroy. This can be especially effective if you have multiple spells to use in a single turn.
Adjusting Combat Tactics
Another way to deal with indestructible permanents is to adjust your combat tactics.
Instead of trying to destroy the creature, you can try to bypass it altogether.
For example, you can use creatures with flying or unblockable to attack your opponent directly, rather than targeting their creatures.
If your opponent has multiple indestructible creatures on the battlefield, you can try to overwhelm them with a large number of creatures.
This can force your opponent to block with their indestructible creatures, which can lead to them being destroyed in combat.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Removal spells can destroy indestructible creatures | Requires a specific card in hand |
| Combat tactics can bypass indestructible creatures | Requires specific creatures or spells |
| Overwhelming with creatures can force blocks and lead to destruction | Vulnerable to board wipes |
FAQs
Q: Can indestructible creatures be destroyed by removal spells?
A: Yes, strategic removal spells can target indestructible creatures and still destroy them.
Q: Can combat damage destroy indestructible creatures?
A: No, combat damage cannot destroy indestructible creatures.
Q: Can indestructible creatures be targeted by spells that don’t destroy them?
A: Yes, indestructible creatures can still be targeted by spells, even if they can’t be destroyed.
Notable Indestructible-Related Cards
As someone who has been playing Magic: The Gathering for years, I know that Indestructible is one of the most powerful abilities in the game.
It’s a keyword that means a permanent (creature, artifact, enchantment, or planeswalker) can’t be destroyed by damage or any other means.
In this section, I’ll discuss some of the most notable Indestructible-related cards in the game.
Evergreen Indestructible Cards
There are a few creatures in Magic that have Indestructible as an evergreen ability, meaning it’s always present in the game.
One of the most iconic creatures with this ability is [[Avacyn, Angel of Hope]]. This legendary angel from the Innistrad block costs 8 mana to cast and has flying, vigilance, and gives all your other permanents Indestructible.
Avacyn is a powerhouse in any white deck and is a nightmare for your opponents to deal with.
Another notable evergreen Indestructible card is [[Darksteel Colossus]]. This artifact creature costs 11 mana to cast and has trample, but its most important ability is its Indestructible.
This means that your opponent will have to find a way to exile it or remove it from the game, as they can’t destroy it with spells or abilities.
Cards That Grant Indestructibility
There are also cards in Magic that can grant Indestructibility to other creatures or permanents.
One such card is [[Bonds of Mortality]], an enchantment from the Oath of the Gatewatch block that costs 1 green mana to cast.
Bonds of Mortality gives all creatures your opponents control hexproof and also has an ability that lets you pay 1 green mana to give a creature Indestructible until the end of the turn.
This card is great for dealing with pesky Indestructible creatures that your opponent controls.
Another card that grants Indestructibility is [[Eldrazi Monument]]. This mythic rare artifact from the Zendikar block costs 5 colorless mana to cast and has an ability that gives all your creatures flying, a +1/+1 counter, and Indestructible.
This card is great for token-based decks, as it can protect your army of creatures from board wipes and removal spells.
Gameplay Interactions with Indestructibility
In MTG, indestructibility is a powerful ability that can make a creature or permanent immune to destruction.
However, there are certain gameplay interactions that players should be aware of when dealing with indestructible cards. In this section, I will discuss some of the important gameplay interactions with indestructibility.
State-Based Actions and Effects
State-based actions are checked by the game at specific times during play.
One of the state-based actions is to check if a creature or permanent has lethal damage marked on it.
If a creature or permanent has lethal damage marked on it, it is destroyed as a state-based action. However, indestructible creatures and permanents are immune to this state-based action.
This means that even if an indestructible creature has lethal damage marked on it, it will not be destroyed.
Card Abilities and Targeting
There are some card abilities that can destroy an indestructible creature or permanent.
For example, the card [[Terminus]] has the ability to put all creatures on the bottom of their owner’s library. This ability does not destroy creatures, so it can affect indestructible creatures.
However, if an ability specifically says “destroy,” it will not affect indestructible creatures.
It is also important to note that targeting an indestructible creature or permanent with a spell or ability that says “destroy” will not work.
This is because indestructible creatures and permanents cannot be destroyed by effects that say “destroy.”
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I counter a spell that targets my indestructible creature? | Yes, you can counter a spell that targets your indestructible creature with a counterspell. However, the indestructible creature will still be on the battlefield. |
| Can I destroy an indestructible creature with damage? | No, you cannot destroy an indestructible creature with damage. Indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed by damage. |
| Can I destroy an indestructible permanent with a spell that does not say “destroy”? | Yes, you can destroy an indestructible permanent with a spell that does not say “destroy.” For example, you can exile an indestructible permanent with the card [[Path to Exile]]. |
| Can I target an indestructible creature with a spell or ability that says “destroy”? | No, you cannot target an indestructible creature with a spell or ability that says “destroy.” Indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed by effects that say “destroy.” |
Building a Deck Around Indestructibility
As a seasoned MTG player, I know that building a deck around Indestructibility can be a powerful strategy. In this section, I will share some tips on how to build a deck around this keyword ability.
Choosing the Right Mana Base
The first step in building a deck around Indestructibility is to choose the right mana base.
This means selecting the right mix of lands and mana-producing creatures or artifacts to ensure you have the right colors of mana available when you need them.
To maximize your chances of drawing the right lands and mana sources, it’s important to include a good mix of basic lands and non-basic lands.
Non-basic lands like Temple of Triumph and Sacred Foundry can be particularly useful in a deck that relies on Indestructibility, as they can produce multiple types of mana.
Balancing the Deck with Indestructible Options
Once you have a solid mana base, the next step is to balance your deck with Indestructible options.
This includes creatures, permanents, artifacts, and enchantments that have Indestructibility.
Some of the best Indestructible creatures to include in your deck are Darksteel Myr, Ghalta, Primal Hunger, and Blightsteel Colossus.
These creatures are difficult to remove from the battlefield, making them ideal for a deck that relies on Indestructibility.
In addition to creatures, there are also plenty of artifacts and enchantments that have Indestructibility.
Some of the best options include Darksteel Plate, Indestructibility, and Eldrazi Conscription.
These cards can provide additional protection for your creatures and permanents, making them even harder to remove from the battlefield.
Countering Indestructible Strategies
As a Magic: The Gathering player, I know how frustrating it can be to face an opponent with indestructible creatures.
However, there are ways to counter these strategies and come out on top. In this section, I will discuss effective sideboard cards and how to adapt your play style and strategy to deal with indestructible creatures.
Effective Sideboard Cards
When facing an opponent with indestructible creatures, it’s important to have a sideboard plan in place. Here are some effective sideboard cards to consider:
| Card Name | Card Type | Mana Cost | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminus | Sorcery | {WWW} | Put all creatures on the bottom of their owner’s library. |
| Gideon of the Trials | Planeswalker | {1}{W}{W} | +1: Until your next turn, prevent all damage target permanent would deal. 0: Until end of turn, Gideon of the Trials becomes a 4/4 Human Soldier creature with indestructible that’s still a planeswalker. Prevent all damage that would be dealt to him this turn. |
| Engineered Explosives | Artifact | {X} | Sunburst – Enter the battlefield with X charge counters on it. {2}, Sacrifice Engineered Explosives: Destroy each nonland permanent with converted mana cost equal to the number of charge counters on Engineered Explosives. |
| Damnation | Sorcery | {2}{B}{B} | Destroy all creatures. They can’t be regenerated. |
| Anguished Unmaking | Instant | {1}{W}{B} | Exile target nonland permanent. You lose 3 life. |
Adapting Play Style and Strategy
In addition to sideboard cards, adapting your play style and strategy can also help you deal with indestructible creatures. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use counters: Indestructible creatures can’t be destroyed, but they can be countered.
- Cards like Counterspell can stop them before they even hit the battlefield.
- Hexproof and regeneration: Indestructible creatures are immune to destruction, but they can still be targeted by spells and abilities that don’t destroy them.
- Cards like Hexproof and Regeneration can help protect your creatures from these effects.
- Deathtouch and infect: Indestructible creatures may be immune to destruction, but they’re not immune to damage.
- Cards like Deathtouch and Infect can deal damage to them and potentially take them down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What methods exist to remove indestructible creatures from the battlefield in MTG?
Indestructible creatures are difficult to remove from the battlefield, but they are not impossible to deal with. Some methods of removal include exile, bounce effects, sacrifice effects, and reducing their toughness to 0.
However, it’s important to note that these methods may not work in all situations, and some indestructible creatures may still be able to return to the battlefield from exile or the graveyard.
How does damage interact with indestructible creatures in Magic: The Gathering?
Indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed by lethal damage, but they can still be dealt damage and have their toughness reduced.
If an indestructible creature’s toughness is reduced to 0 or less, it will be put into its owner’s graveyard.
Additionally, if an effect causes a creature to become 0/0, it will be put into its owner’s graveyard, even if it has indestructible.
Can board wipes affect creatures with indestructibility in MTG?
Board wipes that destroy creatures will not affect indestructible creatures, as they cannot be destroyed. However, board wipes that exile or bounce creatures can still affect indestructible creatures.
Are there any spells or abilities that can bypass the indestructible keyword?
There are some spells and abilities that can bypass the indestructible keyword, such as spells that exile or bounce creatures, or spells that force a player to sacrifice a creature.
These effects can still affect indestructible creatures.
How does reducing toughness to 0 impact an indestructible creature in MTG?
If an indestructible creature’s toughness is reduced to 0 or less, it will be put into its owner’s graveyard.
This can happen through -X/-X effects, such as the infect ability, or through spells that reduce toughness.
Is it possible to block with an indestructible creature, and what are the consequences?
Indestructible creatures can block just like any other creature.
However, if an indestructible creature blocks a creature with trample, the attacking player can assign any excess damage to the defending player or planeswalker.
Additionally, if an indestructible creature is dealt damage, it will still receive that damage, even if it cannot be destroyed.
