Illaoi vs Malphite TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malphite

Illaoi vs Malphite

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Use tentacle zones to control wave and force Malphite into risky (E) angles for spirit pulls.
Prioritize lane pressure to deny Malphite safe scaling and avoid giving him passive lane advantage.
This is a splitpush vs teamfight matchup; focus on side-lane tentacle control and punishing Malphite's engage windows.

Trading pattern

Fish for (E) spirit pulls to force committed trades inside tentacle range; follow up with (W) and (R) when Malphite is locked in.
Avoid chasing Malphite after (E) misses or when tentacles are cleared to prevent losing lane pressure.
Punish Malphite's cooldowns by engaging when his passive shield is down and (R) is unavailable.

Danger windows

Respect (R) knockup engage after level 6; avoid fighting outside tentacle zones to reduce all-in threat.
Be cautious when (E) spirit pull is down or tentacles are cleared, as your lane threat drops sharply.
Watch for ganks after level 6 when (R) is ready; use tentacle zones to turn fights or disengage safely.

Early game

Establish tentacles early around the wave to create pressure and bait Malphite into (E) range.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 unless (E) lands, as Malphite's poke and shield reduce your damage.
Use (E) to force short trades and punish Malphite's low early lane agency.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) unlocks huge multi-target tentacle damage; fight only inside tentacle zones and use (R) to punish Malphite's engage.
Side-lane tentacle setups create strong zone control, forcing Malphite to choose between wave control or risking spirit pulls.
Respect Malphite's level 6 (R) engage potential and his first armor item timing which reduces your physical damage effectiveness.

Win conditions

Control tentacle zones and force Malphite into (E) range to land spirit pulls and win trades.
Use (R) to punish multi-target commits and ganks, turning fights in your favor.
Apply consistent side-lane pressure to deny Malphite safe scaling and reach mid-game tentacle setups for zone dominance.