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Overview

Role Plan

Danger Windows

Early Game

Power Spikes

Win Conditions

Malzahar vs Naafiri MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Malzahar

VS

Mid

Naafiri

Malzahar vs Naafiri

Updated May 31, 2026

Overview

Malzahar is a control mage who must keep midlane pushed to limit Naafiri's all-in windows.
Maintain lane pressure to deny Naafiri safe poke and prevent her from isolating you for R engages.

Trading pattern

Start trades by applying E to spread E and summon Voidlings to pressure.
Punish Naafiri when her W is on cooldown or if she commits it into your crowd control.
Use Q silence proactively to interrupt Naafiri's all-in attempts and follow with R lockdown when safe.

Danger windows

Naafiri is dangerous when her Q poke has lowered your health and W is ready to engage.
Avoid fighting when Naafiri's R is active and her pack shield is up.
Be cautious if Naafiri commits W into crowd control, as this is her main all-in threat.

Early game

Use E and W to continuously push and force Naafiri to farm under tower, disrupting her poke pattern.
Avoid extended fights before level 6 as Naafiri's W dash can punish immobility.
Respect Naafiri's Q poke and avoid stepping forward without Void Shift shield up.

Power spikes

Malzahar's level 6 R is a major lockdown tool to punish Naafiri's mobility reliance.
First completed mana/AP item boosts Malzahar's waveclear and trading power.
Naafiri's level 6 R enhances her chase and burst potential; respect this spike by playing cautiously.

Win conditions

Keep midlane pushed with E and Voidlings to deny Naafiri safe poke and force her into risky engages.
Use R to lockdown Naafiri when her defensive cooldowns or mobility are down.
Maintain Void Shift shield to absorb burst and punish Naafiri's committed all-ins with your crowd control.

Tip: For Malzahar vs Naafiri, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Mid lane check.

Updated May 31, 2026New matchup