Hexproof vs Enchantment in MTG – Differences Explained
Enchantment cards and Hexproof cards are equally impressive, and sometimes are even one and the same. But, these two MTG keywords are vastly different as one is a type and the other is an ability or mechanic.
Read on below and explore more of the differences between a Hexproof creature, or Hexproof card in general, and an Enchantment!
Hexproof vs Enchantment
Enchantments and Hexproof creatures and other various cards are both powerful and diverse weapons to wield against the opponent, though they are far from the same exact thing.
The main difference between an Enchantment card and a card with Hexproof is that an Enchantment is a card type, while Hexproof is one of 150+ keyword abilities.
That said, cards granting Hexproof are, in fact, quite often Enchantments, Artifacts, or Aura spells. In the following section, we continue breaking down the differences between these two.
What Are Hexproof MTG Cards?
Hexproof creatures, and other cards with the keyword ability, have protection from all spells or abilities under your opponents’ control. No matter the opponent’s creatures attack with, or what spells the enemy attempts to cast targeting your Hexproof creature, no damage will be dealt.
Not to be confused with Shroud, which grants protection from all spells and abilities of all players in the game, cards with Hexproof may still be targeted by spells and abilities that you may want to cast on them(such as Aura spells or buffs of some sort).
Example of Card With Hexproof
Aegis of the Gods
Aegis of the Gods is a rare white card with a casting cost of one colorless mana and one white basic land. It is classified as an Enchantment Human Soldier creature with Hexproof.
As a 2/1 Hexproof creature, the card cannot be the target creature of any spells or abilities your opponent’s control. In other words, the creature has protection from almost anything the enemy can throw your way.
What Are MTG Enchantment Cards?
Enchantments are some of the most beloved and enjoyable spells in all of Magic the Gathering. That’s because they are among the most versatile of all MTG cards ever made.
Further, every Enchantment is different as well, making them even more diverse. Enchantments may offer abilities such as protection, healing, and card draw, or other mechanics like Hexproof, Lifelink, and Deathtouch.
Types of Enchantment Cards
There are many types of Enchantments in MTG, and the number is likely to continue growing well into the future:
- Aura
- Class
- Curse
- Deathtouch
- Hexproof
- Lifelink
- Rune
- Saga
- Shrine
- Shard
- Shroud
With each new MTG set, new spells, creatures, abilities, and mechanics are released. Typically, these new cards include at least a few new Enchantments as well!
Example of an Enchantment Card
Painful Quandary
The Painful Quandry card is a mono-black Enchantment of Rare status that comes with a casting cost of three colorless mana and two basic swamp lands.
The mechanics of this Enchantment force each opponent who casts a spell to lose five life points unless they discard a card. More or less, the Enchantment is both a life siphon and a low-level mill.
A Final Word About Hexproof vs Enchantment MTG
Hexproof prevents creatures from being the target of any spell or ability cast or controlled by an opponent. It does not interfere, however, with you casting your own spell or receiving the effects of an ability created by a permanent that you currently have out on the battlefield.
Enchantments, on the other hand, are a different sort of permanent altogether, rather than being an ability. That means Enchantment cards may feature any ability or mechanic in the entire game, including Hexproof.