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'''Unblockable''' is an attribute of a creature that precludes it from being blocked.
{{Infobox mechanic
| icon = MTGA Unblockable.png
| first = Alpha
| last = Evergreen
| text = ... can't be blocked ...
| stats =
| icon2 = Duels Unblockable symbol.png
| search = can't be blocked
}}
{{TOCright|limit=3}}
'''Unblockable''' is a [[List of Magic slang|slang term]] used to describe the [[mechanic]] that prevents [[creatures]] from being [[blocked]].
 
On cards, it appears as '''can't be blocked'''.
 
==Activation==
This ability must be present prior to the blocking phase for it to work.


{{Rules|text = '''From the [[Comprehensive Rules]]'''
For cards like Frilled Sea Serpent which need to spend mana to activate this ability temporarily, it needs to be activated prior to the actual blocking phase, during the attacking phase.
*'''700.5.''' If an attacking creature is unblockable, no creature can legally block it. (See rule 509, "Declare Blockers Step.") Spells or abilities may still cause it to become blocked.
**'''700.5a''' Although the text "[This permanent] is unblockable" is an ability, actually being unblockable is neither an ability nor a characteristic. It’s just something that’s true about a creature.
}}


Creatures that are unblockable can be [[static ability|static]] (<c>Covert Operative</c>), [[triggered ability|triggered]] (<c>Bubbling Beebles</c>) or [[activated ability|activated]] (<c>Blockade Runner</c>). Some creatures have activated abilities that target creature with power 2 or less to become unblockable (<c>Dwarven Warriors</c>). Some spells that grant unblockability, also grant [[shroud]].
Activating it after a blocker has already been assigned does not negate that block: the card must be enhanced prior to the blocking declaration.


==Example of Unblockable==
==Examples==
{{examples|text=''
{{examples|<c>Phantom Warrior</c> {{1}}{{U}}{{U}}<br>Creature {{-}} Illusion Warrior<br>2/2<br>Phantom Warrior can't be blocked.}}
*<c>Phantom Warrior</c> - {{1}}{{U}}{{U}}<br>Creature {{-}} Illusion Warrior<br>2/2<br>Phantom Warrior is unblockable.<br>
}}


==Color percentages==
==History==
<div style="background-color: #f7f7d3; border: 1px solid #111111; padding: 10px; padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom:20px; margin-right: 100px; margin-left: 100px;">
[[R&D]] tried to [[keyword]] this [[evasion ability]] only to discover that there are so many variations on it that they couldn't.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/637324327078985728/is-there-a-chance-cant-be-blocked-gets|title=Is there a chance “can't be blocked” gets keyworded to “unblockable”?|December 12, 2020}}</ref> Officially, it used to be an [[attribute]] of a creature, until it was made [[obsolete]] in ''[[Magic 2014]]'' when the text ''Is unblockable'' was changed to ''Can't be blocked'' to make it very clear that "unblockable" is not an ability.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/magic-2014-core-set-rules-preview-2013-05-23|''Magic 2014'' Core Set Rules Preview|[[Matt Tabak]]|May 23, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/94614070843/what-is-the-reason-for-unblockable-not-being-a|title=What is the reason for "unblockable" not being a keyword?|August 13, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Color Pie 2017">{{DailyRef|making-magic/mechanical-color-pie-2017-2017-06-05|Mechanical Color Pie 2017|[[Mark Rosewater]]|June 5, 2017}}</ref> Cards that used the term have received [[errata]] in the [[Oracle]] card reference. ''Can't be blocked'' is [[primary]] in [[blue]], which has both creatures with this ability and grants it through [[spell]]s and [[Aura]]s.<ref name="Color Pie 2017"/>
There is a total of 81 cards that involve unblockable, which divide by color as such:
*Blue = 58 %
*Multicolor = 12 %
*Red = 7 %
*Artifact = 7 %
*Green = 5 %
*White = 5 %
*Black = 4 %
*Land = 2 %
</div>


==Spells and Artifacts that grant Unblockable==
==Granting unblockability==
A creature's ability that grants unblockability can be [[static ability|static]] (<c>Covert Operative</c>), [[triggered ability|triggered]] (<c>Cunning Survivor</c>) or [[activated ability|activated]] (<c>Blockade Runner</c>). Some spells also grant a creature unblockability, often along with [[shroud]]. Additionally, some effects that grant unblockability may only target creatures with power 2 or less (<c>Dwarven Warriors</c>). The latter version is nicknamed '''tunneling'''.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/187863654138/whatever-happened-to-tunneling-we-still-do-it|title=Whatever happened to tunneling?|September 21, 2019}}</ref>


===Spells and Artifacts that grant Unblockable===
'''Enchantments'''
'''Enchantments'''
''target creature''
''target creature''
*<c>Writ of Passage</c> {{u}} (enchanted creature with power 2 or less)
*<c>Aqueous Form</c> {{-}} {{U}} (Also grants scry 1 when enchanted creature attacks)
*<c>Cloak of Mists</c> {{1}}{{u}}
*<c>Cloak of Mists</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U}}
*<c>Protective Bubble</c> {{3}}{{u}} (also has shroud)
*<c>Protective Bubble</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{U}} (also has shroud)
*<c>Steel of the Godhead</c> {{2}}{{uw}}
*<c>Security Bypass</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U}} (if attacking alone)
*<c>Steel of the Godhead</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{W/U}} (as long as enchanted creature is blue)
*<c>Sword Coast Sailor</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U}} ([[Commander (designation)|Commanders]])
*<c>Tricks of the Trade</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{U}}
*<c>Way of the Thief</c> {{-}} (as long as you control a [[Gate]])
*<c>Writ of Passage</c> {{-}} {{U}} (enchanted creature with power 2 or less)


'''Instants'''
'''Instants'''
*<c>Infiltrate</c> {{1}}{{u}}  
*<c>Aquatic Ingress</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{U}} ([[Adventure]])
*<c>Veil of Secrecy</c> {{1}}{{u}} (also has shroud)
*<c>Hearth Charm</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{R}} (target creature with power 2 or less)
*<c>Teleport</c> {{u}}{{u}}{{u}}
*<c>Infiltrate</c> {{-}} {{U}}
*<c>Hearth Charm</c> {{1}}{{r}} (target creature with power 2 or less)
*<c>Sewers of Estark</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{B}}{{B}}
*<c>Sewers of Estark</c> {{2}}{{b}}{{b}}
*<c>Teleport</c> {{-}} {{U}}{{U}}{{U}}
*<c>Trailblazer</c> {{2}}{{g}}{{g}}
*<c>Trailblazer</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{G}}{{G}}
*<c>Veil of Secrecy</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U}} (also grants shroud)


'''Sorceries'''
'''Sorceries'''
*<c>Artful Dodge</c> {{u}}
*<c>Artful Dodge</c> {{-}} {{U}}
*<c>Distortion Strike</c> {{u}}
*<c>Distortion Strike</c> {{-}} {{U}}
*<c>Touch of Invisibility</c> {{3}}{{u}}
*<c>Ghostform</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U}} (up to two target creatures)
*<c>Slip Through Space</c> {{-}} {{U}}
*<c>Teleportal</c> {{-}} {{U}}{{R}}, [[Overload]] {{3}}{{U}}{{R}}
*<c>Touch of Invisibility</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{U}}


'''Artifacts'''
'''Artifacts'''
*<c>Tawnos's Wand</c> {{2}} (target creature with power 2 or less)
*<c>Glaring Spotlight</c> {{-}} {{1}} ({{3}}, Sacrifice Glaring Spotlight, also gain [[hexproof]])
*<c>Runed Arch</c> {{3}} (target creature(s) with power 2 or less)
*<c>Runed Arch</c> {{-}} {{3}} (target creature(s) with power 2 or less)
*<c>Tawnos's Wand</c> {{-}} {{2}} (target creature with power 2 or less)
*<c>Key to the City</c> {{-}} {{2}} ({{T}}, Discard a card: Up to one target creature can't be blocked this turn)
*<c>Manifold Key</c> {{-}} {{1}} ({{3}}, {{T}}: Target creature can't be blocked this turn)


'''Equipment'''
'''Equipment'''
*<c>Whispersilk Cloak</c> {{3}} (also has shroud)
*<c>Thieves' Tools</c> {{-}} {{B}} if power is 3 or less.
*<c>Whispersilk Cloak</c> {{-}} {{3}} (also grants shroud)


==Cards that allow unblocked attacking creature becomes blocked==
'''Land'''
*<c>Rogue's Passage</c> {{-}} {{4}}, {{T}}: target creature is unblockable this turn


==Cards that allow a player to block an unblockable attacking creature==
'''Instants'''
'''Instants'''
*<c>Fog Patch</c> {{1}}{{g}}
*<c>Choking Vines</c> {{-}} {{X}}{{G}}
*<c>Choking Vines</c> {{X}}{{g}}
*<c>Curtain of Light</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{W}}
*<c>Curtain of Light</c> {{1}}{{w}}
*<c>Dazzling Beauty</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{W}}
*<c>Dazzling Beauty</c> {{2}}{{w}}
*<c>Flash Foliage</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{G}}  
*<c>Fog Patch</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{G}}


'''Creature'''
'''Creature'''
*<c>Trap Runner</c> {{2}}{{w}}{{w}} ([[activated ability]])
*<c>Trap Runner</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{W}}{{W}} ([[activated ability]])


=="Cannot be blocked (except) by"==
A variant of 'unblockable', restricts unblockability to certain type of creatures, like [[color]], [[artifact creature]], [[creature type]], number of [[power]] or greater, number of [[blocking]] creatures and creatures with [[keyword ability]].


==Example of "Cannot be blocked (except) by"==
=="Cannot be blocked (except) by" ==
A variant of 'unblockable' restricts unblockability to a certain subset of creatures, often naming a [[color]], [[creature type]], number of [[power]] or greater, number of [[blocking]] creatures or creatures with a certain [[keyword ability]].


{{examples|text=''
===Example of "Cannot be blocked (except) by"===
*<c>Wanderbrine Rootcutters</c> - {{2}}{{ub}}{{ub}}<br>Creature {{-}} Merfolk Rogue<br>3/3<br>Wanderbrine Rootcutters can't be blocked by green creatures.<br>
{{examples
*<c>Treetop Rangers</c> - {{2}}{{g}}<br>Creature {{-}} Elf<br>2/2<br>Treetop Rangers can't be blocked except by creatures with flying.<br>
|<c>Wanderbrine Rootcutters</c> {{2}}{{U/B}}{{U/B}}<br>Creature {{-}} Merfolk Rogue<br>3/3<br>Wanderbrine Rootcutters can't be blocked by green creatures.
|<c>Treetop Rangers</c> {{2}}{{G}}<br>Creature {{-}} Elf<br>2/2<br>Treetop Rangers can't be blocked except by creatures with flying.
}}
}}


==Creatures that are "Cannot be blocked (except) by"==
===Creatures that are "Cannot be blocked (except) by"===
'''Cannot be blocked by [''[[color]]'']'''
*<c>Barrenton Cragtreads</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{W/U}}{{W/U}} ([[red]])
*<c>Dauthi Horror</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{B}} ([[white]])
*<c>Elder Spawn</c> {{-}} {{4}}{{U}}{{U}}{{U}} (red)
*<c>Fylamarid</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U}}{{U}} ([[blue]])
*<c>Metathran Transport</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U}}{{U}} (blue)
*<c>Mudbrawler Raiders</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{R/G}}{{R/G}} (blue)
*<c>Raven's Run Dragoon</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{G/W}}{{G/W}} ([[black]])
*<c>Sacred Knight</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{W}} (black and/or red)
*<c>Sootwalkers</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{B/R}}{{B/R}} (white)
*<c>Wanderbrine Rootcutters</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{U/B}}{{U/B}} ([[green]])
 
'''Cannot be blocked by [[artifact creatures]]'''
*<c>Argothian Pixies</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{G}}
*<c>Basalt Golem</c> {{-}} {{5}}
*<c>Clockwork Steed</c> {{-}} {{4}}
 
'''Cannot be blocked by creature [[token]]s'''
*<c>Legion Loyalist</c> {{-}} {{R}}
 
'''Cannot be blocked except by [''color'' or artifact creatures]'''
*<c>Amrou Seekers</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{W}} (artifact and/or white)
*<c>Dread Warlock</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{B}}{{B}} (black)
*<c>Manta Ray</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U}}{{U}} (blue)
*<c>Prowling Nightstalker</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{B}} (black)
*<c>Skirk Shaman</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{R}}{{R}} (artifact and/or red)
*<c>Zulaport Enforcer</c> {{-}} {{B}} (black)
 
'''Cannot be blocked by [''[[creature type]]'']'''
*<c>Bog Rats</c> {{-}} {{B}} ([[Wall]]s)
*<c>Clockwork Swarm</c> {{-}} {{4}} (Walls)
*<c>Flow of Maggots</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{B}} (non-Walls)
*<c>Juggernaut</c> {{-}} {{4}} (Walls)
*<c>Otarian Juggernaut</c> {{-}} {{4}} (Walls)
*<c>Rampart Crawler</c> {{-}} {{B}} (Walls)
*<c>Stromkirk Noble</c> {{-}} {{R}} ([[Human]]s)
*<c>Vindictive Mob</c> {{-}} {{4}}{{B}}{{B}} ([[Saproling]]s)
 
'''Cannot be blocked except by [''[[creature type]]'']'''
*<c>Deathcult Rogue</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U/B}}{{U/B}} ([[Rogue]]s)
*<c>Evil Eye of Orms-by-Gore</c> {{-}} {{4}}{{B}} (Walls)
*<c>Shifting Sliver</c> {{-}} {{U}} ([[Sliver]]s; grant by all Slivers)
 
'''Cannot be blocked by creatures with [''[[keyword ability]]'']'''
*<c>Gnat Alley Creeper</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{R}} ([[flying]])
*<c>Greater Stone Spirit</c> {{-}} {{4}}{{R}}{{R}} (flying)
*<c>Stone Spirit</c> {{-}} {{4}}{{R}} (flying)
*<c>Taoist Mystic</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{G}} ([[horsemanship]])
*<c>Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{G}}{{G}} (horsemanship)
 
'''Cannot be blocked except by creatures with [''[[keyword ability]]'']'''
*<c>Elven Riders</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{G}}{{G}} (Walls and/or creatures with flying)
*<c>Noggle Bandit</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U/R}}{{U/R}} ([[defender]])
*<c>Orchard Spirit</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{G}} (flying or [[reach]])
*<c>Signal Pest</c> {{-}} {{1}} (flying or reach)
*<c>Silhana Ledgewalker</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{G}} (flying)
*<c>Spire Tracer</c> {{-}} {{G}} (flying or reach)
*<c>Treetop Rangers</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{G}} (flying)
*<c>Treetop Scout</c> {{-}} {{G}} (flying)
 
'''Cannot be blocked by more than [''number of blocking creatures'']'''
*<c>Charging Rhino</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{G}}{{G}} (one creature)
*<c>Huang Zhong, Shu General</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{W}}{{W}} (one creature)
* <c>Ironhoof Ox</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{G}}{{G}} (one creature)
*<c>Krosan Vorine</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{G}} (one creature)
*<c>Norwood Riders</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{G}} (one creature)
*<c>Stalking Tiger</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{G}} (one creature)
*<c>Yuan Shao, the Indecisive</c> {{-}} {{4}}{{R}} (one creature)
 
'''Cannot be blocked except by [''number of blocking creatures'']'''
''two or more creatures'' ([[Menace]])
*<c>Caterwauling Boggart</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{R}} (grant by [[Goblin]] or [[Elemental]] you control)
*<c>Horde of Boggarts</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{R}}
*<c>Kederekt Creeper</c> {{-}} {{U}}{{B}}{{R}}
*<c>Ripscale Predator</c> {{-}} {{4}}{{R}}{{R}}
*<c>Searing Spear Askari</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{R}} (activated ability)
*<c>Stormblood Berserker</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{R}}
*<c>Summit Apes</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{G}} (active as long as controlling a [[Mountain]])
* <c>Terror of Kruin Pass</c> {{-}} (grant by [[Werewolf]] you control)
*<c>Two-Headed Dragon</c> {{-}} {{4}}{{R}}{{R}}
*<c>Two-Headed Sliver</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{R}} (grant by all Slivers)
*<c>Viashino Runner</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{R}}
*<c>Vine Kami</c> {{-}} {{6}}{{G}}
*<c>Wind Spirit</c> {{-}} {{4}}{{U}}
 
''three or more creatures''
*<c>Gorilla Berserkers</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{G}}{{G}}
*<c>Guile</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{U}}{{U}}{{U}}
*<c>Pathrazer of Ulamog</c> {{-}} {{11}}
*<c>Phyrexian Colossus</c> {{-}} {{7}}


Cannot be blocked by [''[[color]]'']
'''Cannot be blocked by creatures with [''number of power''] or greater'''
*<c>Barrenton Cragtreads</c> {{2}}{{wu}}{{wu}} ([[red]])
*<c>Amrou Kithkin</c> {{-}} {{W}}{{W}} (power 3)
*<c>Dauthi Horror</c> {{1}}{{b}} ([[white]])
*<c>Daxos of Meletis</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{W}}{{U}} (power 3)
*<c>Elder Spawn</c> {{4}}{{u}}{{u}}{{u}} (red)
*<c>Fleet-Footed Monk</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{W}} (power 2)
*<c>Fylamarid</c> {{1}}{{u}}{{u}} ([[blue]])
*<c>Goldmeadow Dodger</c> {{-}} {{W}} (power 4)
*<c>Metathran Transport</c> {{1}}{{u}}{{u}} (blue)
*<c>Mudbrawler Raiders</c> {{2}}{{rg}}{{rg}} (blue)
*<c>Raven's Run Dragoon</c> {{2}}{{gw}}{{gw}} ([[black]])
*<c>Sacred Knight</c> {{3}}{{w}} (black and/or red)
*<c>Sootwalkers</c> {{2}}{{br}}{{br}} (white)
*<c>Wanderbrine Rootcutters</c> {{2}}{{ub}}{{ub}} ([[green]])


Cannot be blocked by [[artifact creatures]]
'''Cannot be blocked by creatures with greater power''' ([[Skulk]])
*<c>Argothian Pixies</c> {{1}}{{g}}
*<c>Farbog Revenant</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{B}}
*<c>Basalt Golem</c> {{5}}
*<c>Fogwalker</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U}}
*<c>Clockwork Steed</c> {{4}}
*<c>Forgotten Creation</c> {{-}} {{3}}{{U}}
*<c>Furtive Homunculus</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U}}
*<c>Pale Rider of Trostad</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{B}}
*<c>Persistent Nightmare</c> {{-}} (back side of <c>Startled Awake</c>)
*<c>Rancid Rats</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{B}}
*<c>Uninvited Geist</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{U}}
*<c>Vampire Cutthroat</c> {{-}} {{B}}
*<c>Wharf Infiltrator</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{U}}


Cannot be blocked by [''[[creature type]]'']
'''Cannot be blocked by creatures power [''number of power''] or less'''
*<c>Bog Rats</c> {{b}} ([[Walls]])
*<c>War-Name Aspirant</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{R}} (power 1)
*<c>Clockwork Swarm</c> {{4}} (Walls)
* <c>Scuttling Doom Engine</c> {{-}} {{6}} (power 2)
*<c>Flow of Maggots</c> {{2}}{{b}} (non-Walls)
*<c>Ghirapur Guide</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{G}} (power 2, granted by activated ability)
*<c>Juggernaut</c> {{4}} (Walls)
*<c>Elegant Edgecrafters</c> {{-}} {{4}}{{G}}{{G}} (power 2)
*<c>Otarian Juggernaut</c> {{4}} (Walls)
*<c>Demolition Stomper</c> {{-}} {{6}} (power 2)
*<c>Rampart Crawler</c> {{b}} (Walls)
*<c>Outland Boar</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{R}}{{G}} (power 2)
*<c>Stromkirk Noble</c> {{r}} ([[Humans]])
*<c>Greater Sandwurm</c> {{-}} {{5}}{{G}}{{G}} (power 2)
*<c>Vindictive Mob</c> {{4}}{{b}}{{b}} ([[Saprolings]])
*<c>Rhonas's Stalwart</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{G}} (power 2, on exert)


Cannot be blocked by creatures with [''[[keyword ability]]'']
===Spells and Artifacts that grant "Cannot be blocked (except) by"===
*<c>Gnat Alley Creeper</c> {{2}}{{r}} ([[flying]])
'''Cannot be blocked by [''color'']'''
*<c>Greater Stone Spirit</c> {{4}}{{r}}{{r}} (flying)
*<c>Black Scarab</c> {{-}} {{W}} (black)
*<c>Stone Spirit</c> {{4}}{{r}} (flying)
*<c>Blue Scarab</c> {{-}} {{W}} (blue)
*<c>Taoist Mystic</c> {{2}}{{g}} ([[horsemanship]])
*<c>Green Scarab</c> {{-}} {{W}} (green)
*<c>Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage</c> {{1}}{{g}}{{g}} (horsemanship)
*<c>Red Scarab</c> {{-}} {{W}} (red)
*<c>White Scarab</c> {{-}} {{W}} (white)


Cannot be blocked except by creatures with [''[[keyword ability]]'']
'''Cannot be blocked by artifact creatures'''
*<c>Noggle Bandit</c> {{1}}{{ur}}{{ur}} ([[defender]])
*<c>Artifact Ward</c> {{-}} {{W}}
*<c>Orchard Spirit</c> {{2}}{{g}} (flying or [[reach]])
*<c>Signal Pest</c> {{1}} (flying or reach)
*<c>Silhana Ledgewalker</c> {{1}}{{g}} (flying)
*<c>Treetop Rangers</c> {{2}}{{g}} (flying)
*<c>Treetop Scout</c> {{g}} (flying)


Cannot be blocked by more than [''number of blocking creatures'']
'''Cannot be blocked except by [''color'' or artifact creatures]'''
*<c>Charging Rhino</c> {{3}}{{g}}{{g}} (one creature)
*<c>Seeker</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{W}}{{W}} (artifact and/or white)
*<c>Huang Zhong, Shu General</c> {{2}}{{w}}{{w}} (one creature)
*<c>Ironhoof Ox</c> {{3}}{{g}}{{g}} (one creature)
*<c>Krosan Vorine</c> {{3}}{{g}} (one creature)
*<c>Norwood Riders</c> {{3}}{{g}} (one creature)
*<c>Stalking Tiger</c> {{3}}{{g}} (one creature)
*<c>Yuan Shao, the Indecisive</c> {{4}}{{r}} (one creature)


Cannot be blocked by creatures with [''number of power''] or greater
'''Cannot be blocked by [''creature type'']'''
*<c>Amrou Kithkin</c> {{w}}{{w}} (power 3)
*<c>Blazing Torch</c> {{-}} {{1}} ([[Vampire]]s or [[Zombie]]s)
*<c>Fleet-Footed Monk</c> {{1}}{{w}} (power 2)
* <c>Field of Reality</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{U}} ([[Spirit]]s)
*<c>Goldmeadow Dodger</c> {{w}} (power 4)
*<c>Tower of Coireall</c> {{-}} {{2}} (Walls)


==Spells and Artifacts that grant "Cannot be blocked (except) by"==
'''Cannot be blocked except by [''creature type'']'''
* <c>Cloak of Invisibility</c> {{-}} {{U}} (Walls) (also has [[phasing]])
*<c>Invisibility</c> {{-}} {{U}}{{U}} (Walls)


Cannot be blocked by [''color'']
'''Cannot be blocked by creatures with [''keyword ability'']'''
*<c>Black Scarab</c> {{w}} (black)
*<c>Dust Corona</c> {{-}} {{R}} (flying)
*<c>Blue Scarab</c> {{w}} (blue)
*<c>Skyblinder Staff</c> {{-}} {{1}} (flying)
*<c>Green Scarab</c> {{w}} (green)
*<c>Red Scarab</c> {{w}} (red)
*<c>White Scarab</c> {{w}} (white)


Cannot be blocked by artifact creatures
'''Cannot be blocked except by creatures with [''keyword ability'']'''
*<c>Artifact Ward</c> {{w}}
*<c>Canopy Cover</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{G}} (flying or reach)
*<c>Infiltrator's Magemark</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{U}} (defender)
*<c>Treetop Bracers</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{G}} (flying)


Cannot be blocked by [''creature type'']
'''Cannot be blocked by more than [''number of blocking creatures'']'''
*<c>Blazing Torch</c> {{1}} ([[Vampires]] or [[Zombies]])
*<c>Alpha Authority</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{G}} (one creature, also has hexproof)
*<c>Field of Reality</c> {{2}}{{u}} ([[Spirits]])
*<c>Familiar Ground</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{G}} (one creature)
*<c>Tower of Coireall</c> {{2}} (Walls)
*<c>Vorrac Battlehorns</c> {{-}} {{2}} (one creature)


Cannot be blocked by creatures with [''keyword ability'']
'''Cannot be blocked except by [''number of blocking creatures'']'''
*<c>Dust Corona</c> {{r}} (flying)
* <c>Goblin War Drums</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{R}} (two or more creatures)
*<c>Imposing Visage</c> {{-}} {{R}} (two or more creatures)
*<c>Madcap Skills</c> {{-}} {{1}}{{R}} (two or more creatures)


Cannot be blocked except by creatures with [''keyword ability'']
'''Cannot be blocked by creatures with [''number of power''] or greater'''  
*<c>Canopy Cover</c> {{1}}{{g}} (flying or reach)
*<c>Kithkin Armor</c> {{-}} {{W}} (power 3)
*<c>Infiltrator's Magemark</c> {{2}}{{u}} (defender)
*<c>Treetop Bracers</c> {{1}}{{g}} (flying)


Cannot be blocked by more than [''number of blocking creatures'']
'''Cannot be blocked by creatures with greater power''' ([[Skulk]])
*<c>Familiar Ground</c> {{2}}{{g}} (one creature)
*<c>Behind the Scenes</c> {{-}} {{2}}{{B}}
*<c>Vorrac Battlehorns</c> {{2}} (one creature)
*<c>Skeleton Key</c> {{-}} {{1}}


Cannot be blocked by creatures with [''number of power''] or greater
==Rules==
*<c>Kithkin Armor</c> {{w}} (power 3)
{{CR|glossary|Unblockable}}


==See also==
==References==
*[[Evasion ability]]
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Magic rules]][[Category:Miscellaneous mechanics]]
[[Category:Miscellaneous mechanics]]

Latest revision as of 21:55, 25 October 2023

Unblockable
[[File:{{#setmainimage:MTGA Unblockable.png}}|70x70px]]
Mechanic
Introduced Alpha
Last used Evergreen
Reminder Text ... can't be blocked ...
Other Symbols
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Duels Unblockable symbol.png}}|70x70px]]
Scryfall Search
fulloracle:"can't be blocked"

Unblockable is a slang term used to describe the mechanic that prevents creatures from being blocked.

On cards, it appears as can't be blocked.

Activation

This ability must be present prior to the blocking phase for it to work.

For cards like Frilled Sea Serpent which need to spend mana to activate this ability temporarily, it needs to be activated prior to the actual blocking phase, during the attacking phase.

Activating it after a blocker has already been assigned does not negate that block: the card must be enhanced prior to the blocking declaration.

Examples

Example

Phantom Warrior {1}{U}{U}
Creature — Illusion Warrior
2/2
Phantom Warrior can't be blocked.

History

R&D tried to keyword this evasion ability only to discover that there are so many variations on it that they couldn't.[1] Officially, it used to be an attribute of a creature, until it was made obsolete in Magic 2014 when the text Is unblockable was changed to Can't be blocked to make it very clear that "unblockable" is not an ability.[2][3][4] Cards that used the term have received errata in the Oracle card reference. Can't be blocked is primary in blue, which has both creatures with this ability and grants it through spells and Auras.[4]

Granting unblockability

A creature's ability that grants unblockability can be static (Covert Operative), triggered (Cunning Survivor) or activated (Blockade Runner). Some spells also grant a creature unblockability, often along with shroud. Additionally, some effects that grant unblockability may only target creatures with power 2 or less (Dwarven Warriors). The latter version is nicknamed tunneling.[5]

Spells and Artifacts that grant Unblockable

Enchantments target creature

Instants

Sorceries

Artifacts

Equipment

Land

Cards that allow a player to block an unblockable attacking creature

Instants

Creature


"Cannot be blocked (except) by"

A variant of 'unblockable' restricts unblockability to a certain subset of creatures, often naming a color, creature type, number of power or greater, number of blocking creatures or creatures with a certain keyword ability.

Example of "Cannot be blocked (except) by"

Example 1

Wanderbrine Rootcutters {2}{U/B}{U/B}
Creature — Merfolk Rogue
3/3
Wanderbrine Rootcutters can't be blocked by green creatures.

Example 2

Treetop Rangers {2}{G}
Creature — Elf
2/2
Treetop Rangers can't be blocked except by creatures with flying.

Creatures that are "Cannot be blocked (except) by"

Cannot be blocked by [color]

Cannot be blocked by artifact creatures

Cannot be blocked by creature tokens

Cannot be blocked except by [color or artifact creatures]

Cannot be blocked by [creature type]

Cannot be blocked except by [creature type]

Cannot be blocked by creatures with [keyword ability]

Cannot be blocked except by creatures with [keyword ability]

Cannot be blocked by more than [number of blocking creatures]

Cannot be blocked except by [number of blocking creatures] two or more creatures (Menace)

three or more creatures

Cannot be blocked by creatures with [number of power] or greater

Cannot be blocked by creatures with greater power (Skulk)

Cannot be blocked by creatures power [number of power] or less

Spells and Artifacts that grant "Cannot be blocked (except) by"

Cannot be blocked by [color]

Cannot be blocked by artifact creatures

Cannot be blocked except by [color or artifact creatures]

  • Seeker — {2}{W}{W} (artifact and/or white)

Cannot be blocked by [creature type]

Cannot be blocked except by [creature type]

Cannot be blocked by creatures with [keyword ability]

Cannot be blocked except by creatures with [keyword ability]

Cannot be blocked by more than [number of blocking creatures]

Cannot be blocked except by [number of blocking creatures]

Cannot be blocked by creatures with [number of power] or greater

Cannot be blocked by creatures with greater power (Skulk)

Rules

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

Unblockable (Obsolete)
A term that meant “can’t be blocked.” Cards that used this term have received errata in the Oracle card reference.

References

  1. ↑ Mark Rosewater (December 12, 2020). "Is there a chance “can't be blocked” gets keyworded to “unblockable”?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  2. ↑ Matt Tabak (May 23, 2013). "Magic 2014 Core Set Rules Preview". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 13, 2014). "What is the reason for "unblockable" not being a keyword?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  4. ↑ a b Mark Rosewater (June 5, 2017). "Mechanical Color Pie 2017". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 21, 2019). "Whatever happened to tunneling?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
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