Malzahar vs Poppy
Build vs Poppy
The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup
Recommended items for Malzahar: Blackfire Torch, Liandry's Torment, Rylai's Crystal Scepter, Sorcerer's Shoes, Tear of the Goddess, Zhonya's Hourglass, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Poppy's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Poppy throws her buckler that bounces off the target. Poppy can pick it up to gain a temporary shield.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 8s | 20s | 14s | – |
| 6 | 6s | 20s | 14s | 2m20 |
| 9 | 4s | 18s | 14s | 2m20 |
| 11 | 4s | 16s | 14s | 2m |
| 16 | 4s | 12s | 12s | 1m40 |
| 18 | 4s | 12s | 10s | 1m40 |
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 Poppy
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Stay away from walls
Stay away from walls against her: Heroic Charge (E) stuns you if she slams you into an obstacle.
- Step on her buckler
Step on the Iron Ambassador (passive) buckler when it lands: she can no longer pick it up, so she doesn't get her shield.
- No dashes during Steadfast Presence
If you have a dash, don't use it near her during Steadfast Presence (W): the field stops it, and you're slowed and grounded.
- Interrupt her Verdict charge
If you have CC, use it when she spins her hammer for Keeper's Verdict (R): the longer she charges, the farther she sends her target.
Other Malzahar matchups
Patch 16.21.1