Malzahar vs Riven TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Riven

Malzahar vs Riven

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

This is a control mage vs high-mobility fighter matchup where Malzahar must maintain lane control to deny Riven safe all-ins.
Malzahar should focus on steady wave pressure to prevent Riven from freely snowballing through short trades.
Prioritize defensive adaptation to respect Riven's burst combo and use suppression (R) to lock her down when safe.

Trading pattern

Push with (E) and Voidlings, then threaten to silence with (Q) when Riven steps forward after using (Q) and (E).
Punish Riven immediately after she uses (Q) and (E) since her mobility and shield are down.
Avoid trading when Riven holds (W) or third (Q) ready, as her stun and knockup can interrupt (R) and punish Malzahar's lack of mobility.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Riven has all basic cooldowns available, especially (W) stun and third (Q) knockup, as she can chain burst trades.
Avoid engaging when (E) shield is up, as it absorbs return damage and enables her to survive trades.
Respect Riven's level 6 (R) execute window; she can turn prior chip damage into lethal combos quickly.

Early game

Use (E) and Voidlings to push early waves and keep Riven under tower, limiting her mobility advantage.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 as Riven's mobility and stun can punish predictable patterns.
Track Riven's cooldowns and only threaten silence or (R) when she has spent key abilities.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) suppression to lock down Riven for all-ins or picks; track its availability and avoid forcing blind ultimates.
After first mana/AP item, increase wave pressure and trade confidence while respecting Riven's cooldowns.
Respect Riven's level 6 (R) execute window and her first haste/damage item timing, as she can burst and punish cooldowns aggressively.

Win conditions

Maintain constant wave pressure with (E) and Voidlings to deny Riven safe cooldown resets and all-in windows.
Use (R) suppression to pick or disengage from Riven's burst combos, forcing her to respect your lockdown threat.
Leverage first item spike to control trades and set up objective pressure or roams, denying Riven snowball opportunities.