<p>You are correct--hexproof only prevents spells and abilities which use the "target" keyword. Dampening Pulse does not specify a target, so it will still affect your opponent's creature. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-12T20:49:00.577Z
2016-01-12T20:49:00.577Z
gwj17
<p>Yes, Dampening Pulse will affect creatures your opponents control that have Hexproof. The entire relevant part of the definition of Hexproof (<a href="http://mtgsalvation.gamepedia.com/Hexproof">rule 702.11b</a>) is</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>“Hexproof” on a permanent means “This permanent can’t be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.”</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Then, <a href="http://mtgsalvation.gamepedia.com/Targets">rule 114.9a</a> says</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Just because an object or player is being affected by a spell or ability doesn’t make that object or player a target of that spell or ability. <strong>Unless that object or player is identified by the word “target” in the text of that spell or ability, or the rule for that keyword ability, it’s not a target.</strong></p>
</blockquote>

<p>Dampening Pulse doesn't use the word "target" and it doesn't have any keyword abilities (targeted or otherwise), so Hexproof doesn't affect it.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-12T20:49:25.303Z
2016-01-12T20:49:25.303Z
murgatroid99
<p>My opponent controls <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Plated%20Crusher">Plated Crusher</a>, a 7/6 hexproof creature. I control two <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Dampening%20Pulse">Dampening Pulse</a>s, which give opponents' creatures -1/-0. Would Dampening Pulse affect the hexproof creature? I think it would because it's not directly targeting the hexproof creature.</p>

<magic-the-gathering>
Hexproof vs enchantment affecting all creatures
Hans
# Hexproof vs enchantment affecting all creatures

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-01-12)

My opponent controls [Plated Crusher](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Plated%20Crusher), a 7/6 hexproof creature. I control two [Dampening Pulse](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Dampening%20Pulse)s, which give opponents' creatures -1/-0. Would Dampening Pulse affect the hexproof creature? I think it would because it's not directly targeting the hexproof creature.

**Tags:** magic-the-gathering


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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-01-12. Score: 7 | Accepted answer

Yes, Dampening Pulse will affect creatures your opponents control that have Hexproof. The entire relevant part of the definition of Hexproof ([rule 702.11b](http://mtgsalvation.gamepedia.com/Hexproof)) is

> “Hexproof” on a permanent means “This permanent can’t be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.”

Then, [rule 114.9a](http://mtgsalvation.gamepedia.com/Targets) says

> Just because an object or player is being affected by a spell or ability doesn’t make that object or player a target of that spell or ability. **Unless that object or player is identified by the word “target” in the text of that spell or ability, or the rule for that keyword ability, it’s not a target.**

Dampening Pulse doesn't use the word "target" and it doesn't have any keyword abilities (targeted or otherwise), so Hexproof doesn't affect it.


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### Answer by username_1 on 2016-01-12. Score: 0

You are correct--hexproof only prevents spells and abilities which use the "target" keyword. Dampening Pulse does not specify a target, so it will still affect your opponent's creature.


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