Poppy vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

Back to matchup selector

Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Poppy

VS

Top

Malzahar

Poppy vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

This is a control vs control matchup where Poppy must manage terrain to punish Malzahar's lack of mobility.
Poppy should pressure to deny Malzahar a calm lane and avoid letting him push freely for map presence.

Trading pattern

Trade around (W) to block any dash attempts and use (Q) plus passive shield for short trades.
Punish Malzahar when he steps forward after using (Q) silence or when his Voidlings are vulnerable.
Avoid fighting away from walls where (E) stun threat is weak and Malzahar can safely push or poke.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Malzahar has (R) available as it is a point-and-click suppression that can force summoner spells or kills.
Avoid extended trades without (W) ready to block dashes or mitigate burst damage.
Watch for Malzahar pushing the wave hard early, which can expose you to ganks or force you under tower.

Early game

Use early waves to position near walls and threaten (E) stuns to punish Malzahar's predictable push pattern.
Avoid extended trades without (W) ready since Malzahar's silence and push can punish overcommitments.
Focus on short trades using (Q) and passive shield before level 6 to chip and maintain lane control.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to interrupt Malzahar's ultimate or disengage bad fights to reset or isolate targets.
After first tank item, hold (W) to deny any dash attempts and extend survivability in trades.
Respect Malzahar's level 6 (R) suppression and avoid committing without (R) available to counter-engage.

Win conditions

Deny Malzahar's push and roaming by controlling terrain and punishing his predictable wave patterns.
Use (E) to stun near walls and (W) to block any dash attempts, forcing Malzahar into unfavorable trades.
Leverage (R) to disengage or isolate threats in teamfights, enabling Poppy to peel and disrupt effectively.