Matchup
Hard matchup
You are stronger late game — farm safe and avoid early trades.
Build vs Ambessa
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
64%
25%Anti AD
Anti Heal
Anti CC
Anti Tank
DPS
Other options
Sorcery
Deathfire Touch
Manaflow Band
Transcendence
Scorch
Inspiration
Magical Footwear
Cosmic Insight
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Malzahar
AmbessaAmbessa's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Entering an attack or movement command while casting an ability will cause Ambessa to dash a short distance once the ability is cast, granting her next attack bonus range, damage, and attack speed, and refunding energy.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 14s | 18s | 13s | – |
| 6 | 12s | 18s | 13s | 2m10 |
| 9 | 10s | 17s | 13s | 2m10 |
| 11 | 10s | 16s | 13s | 1m55 |
| 16 | 10s | 14s | 11s | 1m40 |
| 18 | 10s | 14s | 9s | 1m40 |
Playing against Ambessa
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Ambessa is very mobile but predictable: each dash follows an auto-attack. If she misses an ability, her mobility is reduced.
Avoid fighting in tight spaces: her mobility lets her catch up to you easily in the jungle.
Respect her ult: the suppression cannot be cleansed by Cleanse. Only QSS works.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026