Malzahar vs Volibear TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Volibear

Malzahar vs Volibear

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Malzahar should focus on controlling the wave and maintaining medium lane pressure to prevent Volibear from snowballing early.
This lane is a control vs snowball matchup where Malzahar must deny Volibear early health leads and avoid extended brawls.

Trading pattern

Push with (E) and Voidlings, then threaten silence (Q) or ultimate (R) when Volibear steps forward.
Punish Volibear after he uses (Q) or misses (E), as his engage is weaker then.
Avoid trading when Volibear can get a second (W) hit or when (E) is missed, as he heals and shields then.

Danger windows

Volibear is dangerous when (Q) is up and can stun to start trades; avoid getting caught in melee range then.
Beware of Volibear's second (W) hit that heals him; do not allow repeated contact.
After Volibear reaches level 6, be cautious of tower dives and extended fights under turret.

Early game

Use (E) and Voidlings to push and keep Volibear from establishing early melee trades.
Avoid prolonged trades before level 6, as Volibear's early pressure and healing on second (W) are strong.
Respect (Q) stun threat by keeping spacing and not allowing him to engage easily.

Power spikes

At level 6, track (R) availability to use suppression for picks or defensive resets; avoid forcing blind engages.
After first mana/AP item, pressure waves and trades more confidently, leveraging improved damage and wave control.
Respect Volibear's level 6 (R) dive threat and his first bruiser/tank item durability that enable extended trades.

Win conditions

Keep the wave pushed permanently with (E) and Voidlings to deny Volibear early health leads.
Use (R) suppression windows to secure picks or force Volibear off the wave.
Transition pressure into objective control and map presence once lane is controlled.