Malzahar vs Gangplank TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Gangplank

Malzahar vs Gangplank

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Malzahar should focus on controlling the wave and maintaining lane pressure to prevent Gangplank from safely scaling.
This matchup is control mage versus scaling carry; Malzahar must deny Gangplank's passive scaling by pushing and forcing fights.
Adapt defensively by respecting Gangplank's barrel zones and cleanse windows to avoid extended trades.

Trading pattern

Push with (E) and Voidlings, then threaten silence (Q) or ultimate (R) when Gangplank steps forward without barrel protection.
Punish Gangplank immediately after he uses (W) to cleanse crowd control, as his defensive options are limited.
Avoid trading into barrel chains (E) and respect spacing to prevent being caught in barrel explosions.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Gangplank has barrels primed and (W) available, as he can chain barrels for high damage and cleanse your suppression.
Avoid extended trades when your ultimate (R) is on cooldown, as Gangplank can punish your lack of lockdown.
Track (W) cooldown to avoid engaging when he can cleanse your crowd control and heal damage.

Early game

Use (E) and Voidlings to push early waves and keep Gangplank under pressure before he sets up barrels.
Avoid extended trades if Gangplank has barrels primed or (W) available to cleanse your suppression.
Track (W) cooldown to time trades when his sustain and cleanse are down.

Power spikes

At level 6, (R) becomes a strong lockdown tool; use it to secure picks or force Gangplank to burn (W) defensively.
After completing your first mana/AP item, increase wave pressure and trade confidence to deny Gangplank safe farming.
Respect Gangplank's level 6 (R) global slow and barrel scaling spikes by avoiding close fights without your ultimate ready.

Win conditions

Maintain permanent wave pressure with (E) and Voidlings to deny Gangplank safe scaling and force him to play reactively.
Use your ultimate (R) to lock down Gangplank when he overextends or mispositions without barrel protection.
Control the lane tempo to create opportunities for roams or objective setups, leveraging your push and suppression to influence the map.