Malphite vs Aatrox TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malphite vs Aatrox

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Malphite aims to survive early pressure and scale into a tanky engage threat using armor stacking and (R).
Avoid giving Aatrox free extended trades by maintaining a stable lane and respecting his early lane pressure.
This is a control vs teamfight matchup where Malphite wins by neutralizing Aatrox's damage and winning grouped fights.

Trading pattern

Use (Q) to poke and slow Aatrox, then follow with (E) to reduce his attack speed and auto damage.
Avoid trading when your passive shield is down or mana is low to prevent losing short trades.
Prioritize defensive trades and wait for (R) to create impactful engages rather than overcommitting early.

Danger windows

Respect (Q) sweet spots combined with (E) repositioning, which can chain knockups and extend trades.
Be cautious when (W) slow and pull are available, as they can trap you for follow-up damage.
Avoid fighting when your (R) is down, as your engage threat and kill potential significantly decrease.

Early game

Focus on farming safely and using (Q) poke only when your passive shield is up to avoid mana waste.
Avoid extended trades before your first armor item and level 6 to reduce Aatrox's damage impact.
Preserve mana and health to threaten level 6 engage rather than forcing early fights.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to initiate fights or ganks with guaranteed knockup and force Aatrox to respect your engage.
After your first armor item, take safer trades as you blunt Aatrox's physical damage and reduce his trade efficiency.
Respect Aatrox's level 6 (R) window where his healing and chase potential spike; avoid extended fights during this time.

Win conditions

Survive the early lane safely and stack armor to blunt Aatrox's physical damage.
Use (R) to initiate or counter-engage in grouped mid-game fights where your knockup can secure kills.
Deny Aatrox extended trades by using (E) attack speed slow and (Q) poke, then scale into a tanky frontline for teamfights.