Malzahar vs Nasus TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malzahar vs Nasus

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Use your control mage tools to keep constant lane pressure and deny Nasus safe scaling stacks.
This matchup is control vs scale; Malzahar must avoid giving Nasus a passive lane to stack (Q).

Trading pattern

Start trades by pushing wave and summoning Voidlings, then threaten silence (Q) or ultimate (R) when Nasus steps forward.
Punish Nasus when his (W) slow is down by forcing short trades and backing off before he can retaliate.
Avoid long fights before level 6 to prevent giving Nasus stack opportunities and sustain advantage.

Danger windows

Beware Nasus's level 6 (R) duration where he gains durability and can punish overextended trades.
Respect (W) slow when it is available; avoid engaging if you cannot disengage quickly.
Watch for jungle ganks especially if you overextend pushing against Nasus who can 1v2 when ahead.

Early game

Push early waves with (E) and Voidlings to prevent Nasus from safely stacking (Q).
Avoid extended trades before level 6 as Nasus's low early agency means you can pressure without heavy risk.
Use your spell shield to block key poke or slows and maintain lane presence.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) for guaranteed lockdown to force picks or roams; track its cooldown to avoid overcommitting.
After first mana/AP item, increase wave pressure and trade confidence to deny Nasus farm and stacking safely.
Respect Nasus's level 6 (R) and high (Q) stacks timing by disengaging extended fights and punishing cooldowns.

Win conditions

Keep the lane pushed constantly to deny Nasus safe (Q) stacking and force him to farm under pressure.
Use (R) suppression windows to pick Nasus or roam and create map pressure.
Leverage wave control and item spikes to maintain lane dominance and prevent Nasus from reaching side-lane scaling power.