Does Hex resolve if one of its six targets disappears?

The scenario

You legally cast Hex targeting six different creatures. Before it resolves, one is returned to its owner's hand with Unsummon. The other five remain legal targets. What happens?

Short answer

Hex resolves and destroys the other five creatures, assuming nothing prevents their destruction. It does not affect the creature that left the battlefield. Losing one target does not invalidate all the other targets.

Step by step

1. Hex requires six different legal creature targets when you cast it. You cannot cast it targeting only five.
2. Unsummon resolves first. The creature that returned to hand is no longer a legal target of Hex.
3. On resolution, Hex checks all its targets. Because at least one is legal, it resolves and affects its remaining legal targets. You do not choose a new sixth target.

What changes the answer?

All six targets become illegal

If every target is illegal when Hex would resolve, it does not resolve and is put into its owner's graveyard. Its effects do not happen.

A target has indestructible

Indestructible does not make a creature an illegal target for Hex. Hex can resolve targeting it, but cannot destroy that creature.

Rules and verification

Checked against the Comprehensive Rules effective 2026-09-25. Read the dated official source. Rule-browser links may use an older site snapshot; the dated official document is this scenario's verification source.

• CR 601.2c: Required targets are chosen while casting; the same target cannot be repeated for one instance of 'target'.
• CR 608.2b: A spell resolves if any target remains legal and does not affect illegal targets.

Card sources

Oracle text snapshot checked 2026-10-15. These quotations are card reference material, not original MtG-RC explanations.

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