Black often uses "pseudo-unblockable" mechanics that restrict which creatures can legally block:
Making creatures unblockable is a means to an end. In black decks, these unblocked hits are often used to trigger powerful "saboteur" effects: mtg black unblockable
| Card | Effect | |------|--------| | | Equipped creature can’t be blocked and has shroud. | | Trailblazer’s Boots | Unblockable if defending player controls a nonbasic land. | | Rogue’s Passage | Land: pay 4 to make a creature unblockable this turn. | | Key to the City | Pay 2, discard a card: creature unblockable this turn. | | Artful Dodge (blue/black flashback) | Target creature unblockable this turn. | | | Rogue’s Passage | Land: pay 4
Cards that force blocking can also achieve a similar effect: | Cards that force blocking can also achieve
| Mechanic | Description | Unblockable By | |----------|-------------|----------------| | (obsolete) | Can’t be blocked except by black and/or artifact creatures. | Non-black, non-artifact creatures | | Intimidate (replaced fear) | Can’t be blocked except by artifact or creatures sharing a color with it. | Creatures without that color | | Shadow | Can only be blocked by creatures with shadow. | Non-shadow creatures | | Menace | Can’t be blocked except by two or more creatures. | Single blockers (not true unblockable) | | "Can’t be blocked" | Explicit text on some black creatures. | All creatures |