Malzahar vs Illaoi TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malzahar vs Illaoi

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Malzahar aims to control the lane by keeping constant wave pressure and denying Illaoi safe farming zones.
Maintain medium lane pressure to prevent Illaoi from establishing tentacle zones and forcing her into unfavorable fights.
This is a control mage vs juggernaut splitpush matchup where Malzahar must leverage wave control and suppression picks to limit Illaoi's scaling.

Trading pattern

Push with (E) and Voidlings, then threaten with (Q) silence or (R) suppression when Illaoi steps forward.
Avoid trading when Illaoi has tentacles nearby or after she lands (E), as she punishes committed fights in her zone.
Use short trades after Illaoi wastes (E) or when her tentacles are cleared to pressure her safely.

Danger windows

Illaoi's biggest threat is when (E) lands and she has tentacles nearby; avoid walking into her zone during these windows.
Post level 6, (R) can turn ganks or trades lethal if multiple tentacles are active; play around vision and cooldowns.
Malzahar is vulnerable when his (R) is down and Voidlings are focused early; avoid extended fights without suppression ready.

Early game

Use (E) and Voidlings to push early waves and avoid getting shoved under tower by Illaoi's tentacles.
Respect (E) threat angles and avoid walking into her tentacle zones before level 6.
Focus on maintaining lane control rather than extended trades to prevent Illaoi from setting up her zone.

Power spikes

At level 6, Malzahar gains (R) suppression; use this for verified all-ins or picks and avoid forcing blind engages.
After first mana/AP item, increase wave pressure and trade confidence while tracking Illaoi's cooldowns.
Respect Illaoi's level 6 (R) which enables strong all-ins inside tentacle zones; avoid fighting clustered near tentacles then.

Win conditions

Keep the wave pushed to deny Illaoi safe tentacle setups and force her to farm under pressure.
Use (R) suppression to pick Illaoi off or disengage from her all-ins, then pressure the wave aggressively.
Maintain lane control to enable map presence and objective setup, preventing Illaoi from scaling or side-laning effectively.