Locke vs Malzahar MID Matchup Guide

Champion

Opponent

Start here

Read Overview → Trading Pattern → Danger Windows first for the fastest Mid lane plan.

Locke into Malzaharmedium

Overview

Use to stack Soul Nails and slow Malzahar before committing trades.
Exploit Malzahar's predictable push by crashing waves early and punishing Voidlings under tower.
Force skirmishes when Malzahar is chipped to leverage your execute pressure from .

Start trades by landing multiple nails to slow and mark Malzahar.
Activate only when you can stick and trade damage, avoiding unnecessary health drain.
Use to close or reposition only after marks are applied and enemy crowd control is spent.

Respect Malzahar's level 6 suppression; avoid extended trades when it is available.
Avoid trading while is active but you cannot stay on target due to health cost.
Be cautious after using without securing a takedown; you lose chase and reset potential.

Level 3 unlocks full combo: mark with , commit with , then follow with .
Level 6 increases execute threat; chip Malzahar first to maximize kill potential.
First completed assassin or AP item boosts damage and execute setup; prioritize resets over front-to-back fights.

Tactical tip

For Locke vs Malzahar, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Mid lane check.