Malzahar vs Gwen TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malzahar vs Gwen

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Malzahar is a control mage who must keep the wave pushed to deny Gwen a calm scaling lane and presence in side lanes.
This is a control vs scaling duel where Malzahar pressures early to prevent Gwen's extended trades and item spikes.

Trading pattern

Push with (E) and Voidlings, then threaten silence (Q) or ultimate (R) when Gwen steps forward without (W).
Avoid extended trades inside (W) mist, as it blocks your spells and her damage scales in longer fights.
Punish Gwen's cooldowns on (W) and unstacked (Q) by forcing short trades or wave pressure.

Danger windows

Gwen is dangerous after stacking (Q) and when (W) is active, as she can negate your spells and sustain through trades.
Avoid fighting when (R) slow and chase are available, as she can extend skirmishes and punish you.
Your ultimate (R) channel is vulnerable to interruption; respect enemy crowd control and Gwen's untargetability from (W).

Early game

Use (E) and Voidlings to push early waves and avoid getting shoved under tower by Gwen's focus on killing Voidlings.
Respect (W) timing to avoid wasting your ultimate channel and trades.
Maintain medium lane pressure to prevent Gwen from stacking (Q) safely before level 6.

Power spikes

At level 6, Malzahar gains point-and-click lockdown with (R); use it for verified all-ins or picks and avoid forcing blind engages.
After first mana/AP item, increase wave pressure and trade confidence while tracking Gwen's defensive cooldowns.
Respect Gwen's level 6 (R) slow and chase; avoid prolonged fights inside her (W) zone where she scales better.

Win conditions

Keep the wave pushed permanently to deny Gwen safe stacking of (Q) and scaling opportunities.
Use (R) lockdown selectively to secure kills or force Gwen out of lane control.
Pressure Gwen before her item spikes and force short trades when her (W) is down to maintain lane dominance and map presence.