Matchup

Heavy AP damageCountered by stasisHeavy CCCountered by spell shield

Build vs Malzahar

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Scorchclaw Pup

Core build

Dark Seal
1
Blackfire Torch
2Mage
Liandry's Torment
3Mage tank

Standard

Ionian Boots of Lucidity
4CDR
Voltaic Cyclosword
5vs Tank

Summoner spells

111471%
41129%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Zhonya's Hourglass
5vs AD
Guardian Angel
vs AD

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Anti Tank

Voltaic Cyclosword
5vs Tank
The Collector
vs Tank
Youmuu's Ghostblade
vs Tank
Lord Dominik's Regards
vs Tank

DPS

Infinity Edge
DPS
Phantom Dancer
DPS
100.0% WR1 games
DominationDomination
Hail of BladesHail of Blades
Sudden ImpactSudden Impact
Grisly MementosGrisly Mementos
Relentless HunterRelentless Hunter
PrecisionPrecision
Coup de GraceCoup de Grace
Legend: AlacrityLegend: Alacrity
Attack SpeedAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
ShacoShaco
MalzaharMalzahar
Aggressive
Careful
Careful

Malzahar's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Void Shift (P)

When he hasn't recently taken damage or been crowd controlled, Malzahar gains massive damage reduction and crowd control immunity, lingering for a short period after taking damage.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
36s8s11s
66s8s11s2m20
96s8s11s2m20
116s8s11s1m50
166s8s9s1m20
186s8s7s1m20

Playing against Malzahar

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Buy a QSS (Quicksilver Sash): it's the only way to break his R suppression. Mandatory for carries.

2

Break his passive shield with a small ability before engaging — otherwise it blocks your first CC.

3

Malzahar is weak in lane pre-6 and needs items — punish him aggressively in early game.

4

His R immobilizes him too: while he's R'ing an ally, focus Malzahar because he can't move.

Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026