Hwei vs Malzahar
Skill matchup
Build vs Malzahar
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Hwei: Blackfire Torch, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap, Sorcerer's Shoes, Liandry's Torment, Dark Seal, Zhonya's Hourglass, Luden's Echo.
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 Hwei
Tips to maximize your impact
- Poke with Devastating Fire
Poke with Devastating Fire (QQ) in lane: the fireball explodes on the first enemy hit and adds damage based on their max health.
- Two spells for your signature
Hit the same champion with two damaging spells: Signature of the Visionary (passive) then leaves a signature beneath them that explodes shortly after.
- Pick the right subject
Pick the subject that fits the moment: Devastating Fire (QQ) for damage, Pool of Reflection (WW) to protect your allies, Crushing Maw (EE) to pull a group together.
- Block a path with lava
Block a chokepoint with Molten Fissure (QE): the line of eruptions leaves pools of lava that slow and damage enemies.
- Ult a champion near their team
Cast Spiraling Despair (R) on a champion surrounded by allies: the vision expands around them, slowing harder and damaging nearby enemies before it explodes.
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 Hwei matchups
Patch 16.21.1