Hexproof — what does it mean?

Can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.

Hexproof appears on 97 cards.

How does Hexproof work?

A permanent with hexproof can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. Anything that uses the word “target” and comes from an opponent can't choose it. You can still target it yourself, so your own Auras, Equipment, and pump spells work fine. That's the difference from shroud, which stops everyone, including you.

Hexproof only protects against targeting. Effects that don't target hit it just the same: “destroy all creatures,” “each creature gets -2/-2,” or “each opponent sacrifices a creature.” The creature can also be blocked and take combat damage as usual. Players can have hexproof too, in which case opponents can't target that player.

A common trick: your opponent targets your creature with removal, and you respond with an instant that gives it hexproof. When the removal tries to resolve, its target is no longer legal. If that was its only target, the spell doesn't resolve and nothing happens. There's also “hexproof from” a quality, such as a color. That only stops opponents' spells of that quality and abilities from opponents' sources with that quality.

An example at the table

You have a 3/3 on the battlefield. Your opponent casts an instant: “Destroy target creature,” targeting your 3/3. You respond with a 1-mana instant that gives your 3/3 hexproof until end of turn. Your instant resolves first, since it's on top of the stack. Then the removal tries to resolve, but its only target is now illegal. It doesn't resolve, and your 3/3 survives. If your opponent then casts “Destroy all creatures” that same turn, hexproof doesn't help and your 3/3 goes to the graveyard anyway.

Cards with Hexproof

Lotus FieldIllustration: John AvonValgavoth's LairIllustration: Martin de Diego SádabaSylvan CaryatidIllustration: Chase StoneVolatile StormdrakeIllustration: Campbell WhiteInvisible StalkerIllustration: Bud Cook

Common mistakes

• Thinking you can't target your own hexproof creature. Hexproof only stops opponents.
• Thinking hexproof protects against “destroy all creatures” or “each player sacrifices a creature.” Those don't target, so hexproof does nothing.
• Mixing up hexproof and shroud. Shroud stops everyone from targeting, you included.
• Thinking gaining hexproof knocks off an opponent's Aura that's already attached. Hexproof only stops new targeting; whatever's already attached stays.

Frequently asked questions

Can I target my own creature with hexproof?

Yes. Hexproof only stops spells and abilities your opponents control. Your own Auras, Equipment, and pump spells work as normal.

Does hexproof protect against a board wipe?

No. An effect like “destroy all creatures” doesn't target, so hexproof doesn't help.

What's the difference between hexproof and shroud?

Hexproof only stops your opponents. Shroud stops everyone, including you.

What happens if my creature gains hexproof in response to removal?

The target is illegal when the removal resolves. If it was the only target, the spell doesn't resolve.

Official rule: Comprehensive Rules 702.11. More on where this rulebook comes from under Sources.

Often seen with

FlyingHexproof fromTrampleTransformReach

← All 303 keywords

Which cards with Hexproof do you own? →

Last updated: 26 October 2026