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Matchup

Kayn
Kayn
91%
9%

vs

50.0%
Malzahar
Malzahar
18%
82%
Heavy AP damageCountered by stasisHeavy CCCountered by spell shield

Build vs Malzahar

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Gustwalker Hatchling
Health Potion

Core build

Voltaic Cyclosword
1vs Tank
Spear of Shojin
2Bruiser
Spirit Visage
3vs AP

Standard

Ionian Boots of Lucidity
4CDR
Hubris
5vs Tank

Summoner spells

411100%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Death's Dance
5vs AD
Guardian Angel
vs AD

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Anti Tank

Hubris
5vs Tank
Edge of Night
vs Tank
Axiom Arc
vs Tank
Serylda's Grudge
vs Tank
Black Cleaver
vs Tank
Youmuu's Ghostblade
vs Tank
100.0% WR1 games
DominationDomination
Dark HarvestDark Harvest
Sudden ImpactSudden Impact
Grisly MementosGrisly Mementos
Treasure HunterTreasure Hunter
InspirationInspiration
Magical FootwearMagical Footwear
Cosmic InsightCosmic Insight
Adaptive ForceAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
KaynKayn
MalzaharMalzahar
Aggressive
Careful
Careful

Malzahar's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Void Shift (P)

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

LevelQWER
36s8s11s–
66s8s11s2m20
96s8s11s2m20
116s8s11s1m50
166s8s9s1m20
186s8s7s1m20

Playing against Malzahar

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Buy a QSS (Quicksilver Sash): it's the only way to break his R suppression. Mandatory for carries.

2

Break his passive shield with a small ability before engaging — otherwise it blocks your first CC.

3

Malzahar is weak in lane pre-6 and needs items — punish him aggressively in early game.

4

His R immobilizes him too: while he's R'ing an ally, focus Malzahar because he can't move.

Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026