Malzahar vs Zoe MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Opponent

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Malzahar

VS

Mid

Zoe

Malzahar vs Zoe

Updated May 31, 2026

Overview

Malzahar is a control mage focused on pushing mid permanently to gain map presence against Zoe's poke and pick style.
He must manage wave control to deny Zoe angles for Zoe E and avoid passive laning that favors her high early agency and poke.

Trading pattern

Push with E and W, then threaten trades with Q silence when Zoe steps forward, especially after Zoe E is on cooldown.
Punish Zoe's missed Zoe E by engaging with Q and R lockdown for guaranteed damage.
Avoid trading when Zoe's Zoe R is available to extend her poke range or dodge your R channel.

Danger windows

High danger when Zoe's Zoe E is ready, as it sets up her burst and sleep CC.
Avoid channeling R if enemy hard CC or Zoe's Zoe R dodge is available.
Early levels are risky if Zoe focuses on killing your voidlings to deny your push and lane control.

Early game

Use E and W to push early waves and force Zoe to farm under tower, limiting her poke angles.
Respect Zoe E cooldown; avoid extended trades when her sleep bubble is up to prevent burst combos.
Maintain medium lane pressure but avoid overextending early as Zoe's high poke and mobility can punish mistakes.

Power spikes

Malzahar's major spikes: level 6 R and first completed mana/AP item.
Zoe's major spikes: level 6 Zoe R for extended poke angles and first completed AP burst item.
Respect Zoe's burst potential post level 6 and item completion; play around cooldowns to engage safely.

Win conditions

Keep midlane pushed permanently with E and W to limit Zoe's poke angles and roam opportunities.
Use R lockdown on Zoe after punishing missed Zoe E to secure kills or force summoner spells.
Deny Zoe a calm scaling lane by controlling wave and punishing her cooldowns to snowball map presence.