Malzahar
Recommended Build
Most popular build path
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Anti AD
Anti Heal
Anti CC
Anti Tank
DPS
Sorcery
Deathfire Touch
Manaflow Band
Transcendence
Scorch
Inspiration
Magical Footwear
Cosmic Insight
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.
| 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 |
Your R (Nether Grasp) suppresses a target and makes them immobile — use it on the enemy carry in teamfights to lock them down.
Voidlings (W) deal heavy damage in groups — place W after casting E (Malefic Visions) so they focus the infected target.
The passive (Void Shift) blocks the next CC — play around it to resist engages.
E (Malefic Visions) spreads to nearby minions when the target dies — use it to push waves quickly.
Playing as Malzahar
Tips to maximize your impact
Your R (Nether Grasp) suppresses a target and makes them immobile — use it on the enemy carry in teamfights to lock them down.
Voidlings (W) deal heavy damage in groups — place W after casting E (Malefic Visions) so they focus the infected target.
The passive (Void Shift) blocks the next CC — play around it to resist engages.
E (Malefic Visions) spreads to nearby minions when the target dies — use it to push waves quickly.
Playing against Malzahar
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Buy a QSS (Quicksilver Sash): it's the only way to break his R suppression. Mandatory for carries.
Break his passive shield with a small ability before engaging — otherwise it blocks your first CC.
Malzahar is weak in lane pre-6 and needs items — punish him aggressively in early game.
His R immobilizes him too: while he's R'ing an ally, focus Malzahar because he can't move.
Stats with Malzahar
Your best and worst matchups
Stats against Malzahar
Your stats when facing this champion
Counters
Best and worst matchups
Source: op.gg · Patch 16.9.1 · May 1, 2026
Versus
Compare against an opponent
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Pro Players
High-elo players who play this champion.
