Mordekaiser vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malzahar

Mordekaiser vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Mordekaiser must control the lane by forcing extended trades where his passive and (W) shield sustain outvalue Malzahar's poke and push.
Prioritize maintaining wave control to prevent Malzahar from freely pushing and roaming, as both have medium lane pressure and agency.
This is a control vs control matchup where Mordekaiser aims to isolate Malzahar with (R) and win sustained duels rather than quick burst trades.

Trading pattern

Start trades by threatening or landing (E) to pull Malzahar in, then follow with isolated (Q) for maximum damage.
Only extend trades when your passive is active or you can force (R) isolation to prevent Malzahar from kiting.
Avoid trading when (E) is on cooldown or Malzahar's spell shield is up, as your engage threat is significantly reduced.

Danger windows

Be cautious when (R) suppression is available; avoid committing to all-ins without cooldown knowledge.
Avoid extended trades if (E) pull misses, as your engage and damage potential drop significantly.
Watch for Malzahar's push pressure early; getting shoved under tower can limit your ability to land (E) and isolate trades.

Early game

Use early waves to pressure Malzahar and deny him easy push by threatening (E) pull and isolated (Q) damage.
Avoid walking forward without (E) ready to prevent being silenced or punished by Malzahar's poke.
Focus on slow, extended trades once passive is active to build up shield and healing from (W) before level 6.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to isolate Malzahar and force duels where he cannot call for help or kite effectively.
After first AP bruiser item, force longer trades to leverage increased sustain and damage, but only if (E) or wave state keeps Malzahar in range.
Respect Malzahar's level 6 (R) suppression window; save key defensive cooldowns and punish after it is used.

Win conditions

Use wave control and (E) pull pressure to force Malzahar into extended trades where your passive and (W) shield outvalue his damage.
At level 6, target Malzahar with (R) to isolate and win duels he cannot escape or receive help from.
Deny Malzahar's push and roam potential by controlling the wave and punishing his predictable patterns with (E) and isolated (Q) damage.