Yes. You can activate Spellskite’s ability targeting a spell or ability even when Spellskite cannot legally become that object’s target. But the target changes only if Spellskite is a legal target for the original spell or ability when Spellskite’s ability resolves. If it isn’t, the original target stays unchanged.
What does Spellskite target?
Spellskite’s ability reads: “{U/P}: Change a target of target spell or ability to this creature.” It targets the spell or ability on the stack—not Spellskite as the proposed new target. That distinction lets you activate the ability even when the attempted redirection cannot succeed.
The card ruling dated August 7, 2020, confirms that you may activate the ability even if Spellskite is not a legal target for the spell or ability, or even if that object has no targets. If Spellskite cannot legally replace a target when the ability resolves, no target changes.
When does the target actually change?
At resolution, check whether Spellskite satisfies the original spell or ability’s target restrictions. Under Comprehensive Rules 115.7a–b, a target-changing effect can change only to another legal target; if no legal change is possible, the original target remains, even if that original target has since become illegal. The effect changes one target, not the number of targets.
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For example, if an opponent activates an Equip ability that can target only a creature they control, you may target that ability with Spellskite. But if Spellskite is not controlled by the ability’s controller, it cannot become the target, so the Equip ability’s target does not change.
Common cases
Protection or another restriction
If protection or another applicable restriction makes Spellskite an illegal target for the original spell or ability, Spellskite’s ability does not bypass that restriction. The attempted redirection fails and the existing target remains.
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Aura spells and Auras on the battlefield
An Aura spell targets while it is on the stack. Spellskite can redirect it only if Spellskite satisfies that Aura’s enchant restriction. Once an Aura has resolved and is on the battlefield, it does not target, so Spellskite cannot move it with this ability.
Spells or abilities with multiple targets
Each resolution of Spellskite’s ability changes at most one target. It cannot change the number of targets or make another target illegal. Whether Spellskite can be chosen for more than one target instance depends on the original object’s wording and the restrictions on each target; a single target instance cannot be selected twice for the same change.
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No targets, or Spellskite becomes unavailable
You may target a spell or ability that has no targets, but there is nothing to change when Spellskite’s ability resolves. Likewise, if Spellskite leaves the battlefield or otherwise becomes an illegal target for the original spell or ability before resolution, no target changes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Rules reference
The controlling source is Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules, effective September 25, 2026. Rule 115.7 covers changing targets; rule 115.5 says a spell or ability on the stack is an illegal target for itself; and rule 608.2b explains how targets are checked as a spell or ability resolves. If all targets are illegal, it does not resolve. If at least one target remains legal, it resolves but does not affect its illegal targets.
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