Decoding “Indestructible” in MTG: It’s Tough, But Not Unkillable (Unless You’re a Tardigrade)
You found the term “indestructible” in Magic: The Gathering. You might think, “Game over!” These creatures are strong. Wait. Indestructible is powerful, but it isn’t a “get out of jail free” card. Let’s see what it means and what kills these creatures. Your mind will be slightly rearranged.
What Does “Indestructible” Actually Mean in MTG?
Let’s be clear. In MTG, “indestructible” is like a permanent in bubble wrap of rules. This means a permanent, and usually a creature, can’t be destroyed. Seems straightforward. Here are a few definitions:
- Indestructible means a creature can’t be destroyed by combat damage.
- It can’t be destroyed by spells or abilities that say “destroy target creature.”
- It’s like immunity to effects that usually destroy something.
If you cast “Lightning Bolt” to fry that indestructible creature, you’ll be disappointed. It shrugs it off like a summer breeze. Annoying, right? But don’t worry, there are loopholes.
The Kryptonite of Indestructible: What Actually Works?
Indestructible is strong, but it’s not invincible. Think of it as strong armor, not complete invulnerability. Here are ways to deal with these pesky permanents:
- Zero Toughness Shenanigans: Indestructible protects from destruction only. If toughness is 0 or less, even for a moment, it dies. Think of effects reducing toughness. Now, “indestructible” is as effective as a chocolate teapot.
- Exile: Gone, But Not Forgotten: Exile is a friend against indestructible threats. Exile cards bypass indestructible. They aren’t destroyed; they are simply gone. Poof! Say goodbye to that nuisance.
- Bounce ‘Em Back to Hand: Bouncing a creature back to its owner works, too. It’s not as permanent as exile, but it removes the threat for a time. Tempo is king.
- Sacrifice: Forced Decisions: Forcing your opponent to sacrifice a creature also works. They are sacrificed, not destroyed. It’s a glorious loophole.
- Counterspells: Prevention is Better Than Cure: The best way to deal with an indestructible creature? Stop it from hitting the battlefield! Counterspells are your proactive solution. Deny, deny, deny!
In short, indestructible only prevents destruction. Anything that removes the creature without destroying it or reduces its toughness to zero will work. Clever, right?
Indestructible Interactions: Deathtouch, Trample, and More!
Now, let’s explore specific MTG mechanics and how they interact with indestructible creatures. Here’s where things get nuanced, and knowing the rules pays off.
Deathtouch vs. Indestructible: A Stand-off
Does deathtouch kill indestructible creatures? Short answer: Nope.
- Deathtouch means any damage is lethal damage.
- However, indestructible creatures can’t be destroyed by lethal damage.
- So even if a deathtouch creature deals damage to an indestructible creature, it just laughs it off. It’s like throwing pebbles at a tank.
Deathtouch is frightening, but not enough for indestructible.
Trample vs. Indestructible: Damage Still Goes Through
Does trample work against indestructible blockers? Yes!
- Trample lets excess damage “trample over” to the player.
- When assigning damage to an indestructible blocker, you assign “lethal damage” first. Even if the creature is not destroyed, you assign damage equal to its toughness.
- Any excess damage tramples over to the player.
You won’t kill the indestructible blocker, but your trampling creature still deals pain to your opponent. It’s a win, though slightly less satisfying.
Hexproof/Shroud vs. Deathtouch: Irrelevant in This Fight
Do hexproof or shroud protect against deathtouch? No.
- Hexproof and shroud prevent targeting by spells or abilities.
- Deathtouch applies when a creature deals damage. It doesn’t target anything.
- Thus, hexproof and shroud do not matter here.
Think of it this way: hexproof and shroud act as force fields against aimed attacks, but deathtouch is just part of damage itself. It’s like poison on a blade – the blade hits, not the poison “targeting” the creature.
Board Wipes: Some Work, Some Don’t
Board wipes clear the battlefield. But do they affect indestructible creatures? It depends on the wipe type.
- Board wipes that “destroy” creatures: Think cards like “Wrath of God” or “Supreme Verdict.” These don’t affect indestructible creatures because they can’t be destroyed.
- Board wipes that “exile” or “sacrifice” creatures: Cards like “Farewell,” “Cyclonic Rift” (overloaded), or “Toxic Deluge” (gives -X/-X). These are effective. Exile and sacrifice bypass indestructible completely. -X/-X effects reduce toughness to zero and bypass too.
Choose your board wipes wisely when facing indestructible threats. “Destroy” wipes leave them standing, while exile or -X/-X wipes will clear the way.
Lifelink: Healing Through Invulnerability
Does lifelink work against indestructible creatures? Yes!
- Lifelink lets you gain life equal to damage dealt.
- Even if an indestructible creature isn’t destroyed by damage, damage is still dealt.
- A creature with lifelink gains you life when dealing damage to an indestructible creature.
Lifelink focuses on damage dealt, not whether the target gets destroyed. So, heal away!
Planeswalkers and Deathtouch: Different Rules Apply
Does deathtouch affect planeswalkers? Nope.
- Planeswalkers aren’t creatures. They take damage as loyalty counters removed.
- Deathtouch refers specifically to “lethal damage” to creatures.
- While planeswalkers can be attacked by deathtouch creatures, it doesn’t affect them. Damage is just damage regarding planeswalkers.
Deathtouch is a creature ability; planeswalkers follow different rules.
Specific Card Examples: Putting it All Together
Let’s look at specific MTG cards and how they interact with indestructible creatures, reinforcing these concepts.
Blasphemous Act: Lots of Damage, Still No Destruction (Usually)
Does “Blasphemous Act,” which deals massive damage to all creatures, kill indestructible creatures? No.
- “Blasphemous Act” deals damage; indestructible creatures can’t be destroyed by that damage.
- If a creature gains indestructible from another effect and that effect is removed, then “Blasphemous Act’s” damage could kill it.
- But in general, an indestructible creature will ignore “Blasphemous Act.”
Toxic Deluge and Meathook Massacre: -X/-X to the Rescue
Do “Toxic Deluge” or “The Meathook Massacre” bypass indestructible? Yes!
- Both cards give creatures -X/-X. “Toxic Deluge” is instant and you choose X. “The Meathook Massacre” continuously gives -X/-X.
- As mentioned earlier, reducing toughness to 0 or less kills it even if it’s indestructible.
- These cards target toughness directly, bypassing the indestructible shield entirely.
This shows how -X/-X effects are powerful against indestructible threats.
Supreme Verdict: Just No.
Does “Supreme Verdict,” a classic board wipe, kill indestructible creatures? No way!
- “Supreme Verdict” says “destroy all creatures.”
- Indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed.
- This means “Supreme Verdict” asks indestructible creatures to leave, but they decline and stay on the board.
“Supreme Verdict” excels as a board wipe, but against indestructible, it’s as useful as a screen door on a submarine.
Indestructible in Nature: Tardigrades – The Real MVPs
Alright, MTG is fun, but let’s talk about real-world “indestructible” beings. Meet tardigrades, or water bears. These microscopic critters are among Earth’s closest things to true indestructibility.
- Tardigrades survive extreme temperatures (from absolute zero to boiling water).
- They withstand immense pressure at the bottom of oceans.
- They endure the vacuum of space!
- They resist radiation, even nuclear blasts.
- Tardigrades last years without food or water by entering suspended animation.
Compared to tardigrades, MTG’s indestructible creatures seem fragile! Armadillos, crocodiles, and rhinos have strong natural defenses, but aren’t tardigrade-level. Maybe Wizards of the Coast should create a tardigrade card… “Indestructible, Hexproof, Trample, Deathtouch, Lifelink… and survives exile!” Okay, maybe not that.
So there you have it. Indestructible in MTG is tough but not unbeatable. Remember the loopholes – zero toughness, exile, sacrifice, and clever counterspells. If all fails, picture your opponent’s indestructible creature as less impressive than a microscopic water bear. That counts for something, right?
