Malphite vs Gangplank TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Gangplank

Malphite vs Gangplank

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Malphite should focus on surviving early pressure and building armor to blunt Gangplank's physical damage and auto-attack trades.
This is a control vs scaling matchup where Malphite aims to maintain a stable lane and leverage (R) for teamfight engage rather than lane dominance.

Trading pattern

Use measured (Q) poke to harass, then apply (E) to reduce Gangplank's attack speed and auto-attack damage.
Avoid overcommitting when Gangplank has barrels primed or (W) available to cleanse crowd control.
Prioritize trades when (W) is down or barrels are cleared to minimize his zone control.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Gangplank has barrels primed and (W) available, as he can punish melee engages and cleanse your crowd control.
Avoid all-ins before you have armor and (R) available, as Gangplank's poke and barrel chains can overwhelm you.
Watch for Gangplank's global (R) slow impacting nearby fights, which can hinder your engage or escape options.

Early game

Avoid extended trades before you have armor and cooldowns ready to reduce Gangplank's poke and barrel threat.
Use (Q) sparingly to poke and slow Gangplank, but preserve mana and shield for defense.
Farm safely and maintain wave control to prevent Gangplank from setting up barrels easily.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) for guaranteed engage or kill setups in teamfights or objective fights, respecting Gangplank's flash and barrel zones.
After your first armor item, take safer trades as you blunt Gangplank's physical damage and reduce his trade efficiency.
Respect Gangplank's level 6 (R) global slow and barrel scaling power spikes by avoiding clustered fights and barrel zones.

Win conditions

Survive the early lane by minimizing damage and building armor to blunt Gangplank's poke and auto-attacks.
Use (R) to initiate fights when your team can follow up, turning passive lanes into winning engagements.
Deny Gangplank the chance to safely set up barrels by controlling wave position and punishing him when (W) or barrels are down.