Malzahar vs Syndra

Malzahar
vs
Not enough games
Syndra
High burstHeavy AP damageHeavy pokeCountered by spell shield

Build vs Syndra

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, Zhonya's Hourglass, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap, Morellonomicon.

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Blackfire Torch
1
Liandry's Torment
2
Rylai's Crystal Scepter
3

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Zhonya's Hourglass
5

Summoner spells

FlashTeleport50%
FlashDot50%

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Other options

Zhonya's Hourglass
Shadowflame
Rabadon's Deathcap
Morellonomicon
SorcerySorcery
Summon AerySummon Aery
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
TranscendenceTranscendence
Gathering StormGathering Storm
ResolveResolve
OvergrowthOvergrowth
Bone PlatingBone Plating
Ability HasteHealth ScalingTenacity

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Syndra's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Transcendent (P)

Syndra collects Splinters of Wrath from gaining levels and damaging enemies which upgrade her abilities.Dark Sphere: Syndra can hold an additional chargeForce of Will: Bonus true damage.Scatter the Weak: Increased width and slows all targetsUnleashed Power: Executes low health targets

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
37s13s15s–
67s13s15s2m
97s12s15s2m
117s11s15s1m40
167s9s15s1m20
187s9s15s1m20

Playing as Malzahar

Tips to maximize your impact

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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 Syndra

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

  1. Don't line up with her spheres

    Don't stand in line between Syndra and one of her spheres: Scatter the Weak (E) pushes it toward you, and it stuns the enemies it hits.

  2. Engage after Scatter the Weak

    If you can engage, go in right after Scatter the Weak (E): she has no dash and nothing else to push you back during its 15-second cooldown.

  3. Count her spheres once she hits 6

    Once she hits level 6, count her spheres before taking a trade: Unleashed Power (R) launches the 3 orbiting her at you, plus up to 4 more nearby.

Patch 16.21.1