Ekko vs Malzahar
Build vs Malzahar
The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup
Recommended items for Ekko: Dusk and Dawn, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap, Sorcerer's Shoes, Zhonya's Hourglass, Void Staff, Stormsurge, Banshee's Veil.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Malzahar's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
When he hasn't recently taken damage or been crowd controlled, Malzahar gains massive damage reduction and crowd control immunity, lingering for a short period after taking damage.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6s | 8s | 11s | – |
| 6 | 6s | 8s | 11s | 2m20 |
| 9 | 6s | 8s | 11s | 2m20 |
| 11 | 6s | 8s | 11s | 1m50 |
| 16 | 6s | 8s | 9s | 1m20 |
| 18 | 6s | 8s | 7s | 1m20 |
Playing as Ekko
Tips to maximize your impact
- Hit with your Q both ways
Throw Timewinder (Q) at a champion, then position so the device passes through them again on its way back: it expands into a slowing field, and the return hits again.
- Three hits for your Resonance
Hit with Timewinder (Q) out and back, and weave in the empowered auto from Phase Dive (E): the third hit triggers Z-Drive Resonance (passive), with bonus damage and speed.
- Step into your sphere
Cast Parallel Convergence (W) where the fight will happen, then step into the sphere when it appears: you stun the enemies inside and gain a shield.
- Engage, then rewind time
Engage, deal your damage, then cast Chronobreak (R): you return to where you were 4 seconds earlier, in stasis, and recover health based on what you lost.
Playing against Malzahar
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Get out of his portals
Get out of the Call of the Void (Q) zone quickly: its two portals fire after a short delay, and their projectiles silence you.
- Break his Void Shift first
If you have CC, hit him first with a cheap attack, then wait a moment: Void Shift (passive) still ignores CC right after the first damage.
- Avoid minions hit by his Visions
Stay away from minions hit by Malefic Visions (E): if they die, the visions jump to the nearest enemy, and his Voidlings follow them.
- Trade before he hits 6
Take your trades before he hits level 6: after that, Nether Grasp (R) can lock you down from range while his team hits you.
- Focus him during his Grasp
When he casts Nether Grasp (R) on an ally, focus him: he channels in place, and any CC interrupts him and frees your ally.
Other Ekko matchups
Patch 16.21.1