Nightveil PredatorHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Triple Threat of Keywords

Nightveil Predator features three powerful keywords: Flying, Deathtouch, and Hexproof. Flying ensures it can soar over ground blockers to deal damage directly. Deathtouch makes it a lethal blocker, as any amount of damage it deals to a creature is enough to destroy it. Finally, Hexproof provides a magical shield, preventing your opponents from targeting it with spells or abilities.

How Combat and Protection Resolve

When Nightveil Predator attacks, the game checks for blockers with Flying or Reach; if none are present, it deals damage directly to the player or planeswalker. If it is blocked, its Deathtouch ability triggers during the damage step, destroying the blocker regardless of its toughness. Throughout this process, Hexproof is active, meaning the opponent cannot use targeted removal like 'Destroy target creature' spells to stop it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common misconception is that Hexproof makes a creature invincible. Nightveil Predator can still be destroyed by board wipes or effects that do not use the word 'target,' such as 'all creatures' effects. Additionally, Hexproof only protects against opponents; you can still target your own Nightveil Predator with your own spells and abilities to buff it.

When to Deploy the Predator

This card is best used as a 'finisher' in control decks or as a sturdy roadblock in midrange decks. Because it requires two Blue and two Black mana, ensure your mana base is stable before attempting to cast it. Once on the battlefield, it serves as an excellent deterrent against large attackers while slowly chipping away at the opponent's life total.

Interaction examples

The Ultimate Trade

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent attacks with a Solemn Simulacrum, you can block with Nightveil Predator. Because of Deathtouch, the Predator will destroy the Simulacrum. While the Simulacrum's 'dies' ability will trigger to let the opponent draw a card, your Predator remains on the battlefield, untouched due to its higher toughness.

Choosing the Vampire Type

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield and choose 'Vampire' as it enters, it will gain the Vampire type. While Nightveil Predator has three powerful keywords, none of them are triggered abilities (they are static abilities). Therefore, Roaming Throne will not cause Flying, Deathtouch, or Hexproof to trigger an additional time, but the two creatures still form a powerful defensive line together.