Malzahar vs Syndra
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
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Syndra's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
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
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7s | 13s | 15s | – |
| 6 | 7s | 13s | 15s | 2m |
| 9 | 7s | 12s | 15s | 2m |
| 11 | 7s | 11s | 15s | 1m40 |
| 16 | 7s | 9s | 15s | 1m20 |
| 18 | 7s | 9s | 15s | 1m20 |
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 Syndra
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Other Malzahar matchups
Patch 16.21.1