Malzahar vs Gangplank
Skill matchup
Build vs Gangplank
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Malzahar: Blackfire Torch, Rylai's Crystal Scepter, Liandry's Torment, Sorcerer's Shoes, Zhonya's Hourglass, Shadowflame, Oblivion Orb, Malignance.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Gangplank's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Every few seconds, Gangplank's melee strike will set his opponent on fire.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4.5s | 22s | 0s | – |
| 6 | 4.5s | 22s | 0s | 2m40 |
| 9 | 4.5s | 20s | 0s | 2m40 |
| 11 | 4.5s | 18s | 0s | 2m20 |
| 16 | 4.5s | 14s | 0s | 2m |
| 18 | 4.5s | 14s | 0s | 2m |
Playing as Malzahar
Tips to maximize your impact
- Keep your Void Shift up
Avoid free damage to keep Void Shift (passive) up: when you haven't taken damage or CC for a while, you take much less damage and ignore CC.
- Push the wave with your visions
Push the wave with Malefic Visions (E): they finish off low minions, then jump to the nearest enemy when their target dies, restoring your mana.
- Cast spells before Void Swarm
Cast your other spells, Malefic Visions (E) included, before Void Swarm (W): each one adds a Voidling, and they go after the targets of your visions.
- Save your R for their carry
Save Nether Grasp (R) for the enemy carry: you lock them down while you channel, and the zone around them also damages their allies.
Playing against Gangplank
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Pop his kegs before he does
Destroy his kegs before he does: a Powder Keg (E) destroyed by an enemy is defused, and each keg loses health over time.
- All-in, he has no dash
If you can engage, go all-in: his kit has no dash to escape.
- Save a CC for after his W
If your team has several CCs, don't use them all at once: Remove Scurvy (W) cleanses all his CC, then has a 22 to 14 second cooldown.
- Get out of his keg zone
In teamfights, get out of his kegs' area: each Powder Keg (E) explosion deals the damage of the attack that set it off, ignores part of your armor and slows you.
Other Malzahar matchups
Patch 16.21.1