Anivia vs Malzahar MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Anivia

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Mid

Malzahar

Anivia vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 5, 2026

Overview

Anivia is a control mage with medium lane pressure who must manage wave control to prevent Malzahar from freely pushing and roaming.
Focus on denying Malzahar free farm by using your zoning and waveclear to punish his predictable push pattern.

Trading pattern

Punish Malzahar when he steps forward by landing (Q) followed by (E) for maximum damage.
Use (W) to block his movement or funnel him into your (Q) for better pick opportunities.
Avoid trading if you miss (Q), as Malzahar can quickly punish your cooldown window.

Danger windows

Respect (R) suppression after level 6; do not overextend without your (Q) and (W) available.
Be extra cautious when your flash is down due to your low mobility and vulnerability to all-ins.
Missing (Q) creates a punish window where Malzahar can engage or push aggressively.

Early game

Use your strong waveclear to kill Malzahar's Voidlings under his tower and force him to farm safely.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 since Malzahar's suppression and silence make all-ins dangerous.
Keep the wave on your side to limit Malzahar's roam potential and maintain lane control.

Power spikes

After level 6 and your first mana/AP item, you can safely farm and zone with (R), forcing Malzahar to respect your control.
Respect Malzahar's level 6 (R) suppression; avoid extended trades without your key cooldowns ready.
Play cautiously after Malzahar completes his first mana/AP item since his damage and push increase.

Win conditions

Win by farming safely and zoning Malzahar with (R) to deny his push and force mistakes.
Use (Q) and (W) combos to pick off Malzahar when he overextends or tries to push.
Control wave and cooldowns to prevent Malzahar from locking you down and create favorable fight timings.