Shen vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

Shen vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Read Overview → Trading Pattern → Danger Windows first for the fastest Top lane plan.

Shen into Malzaharmedium

Overview

Manage a medium-pressure lane focusing on short trades with empowered to deny Malzahar easy scaling.
Prioritize preparing waves before using to avoid losing top lane tempo and maximize global impact.
Use taunts to punish Malzahar's predictable push pattern and lack of mobility.

Trading pattern

Set up empowered by positioning your blade through Malzahar, then use to force taunt trades.
Exit trades with to block Malzahar's auto-attacks and avoid extended fights.
Exploit Malzahar's lack of mobility by threatening taunts when his defensive tools are down.

Danger windows

Avoid engaging when Malzahar's is available without or ready to counter.
After missing , reposition to avoid poke and wait for cooldowns before re-engaging.
Do not use without wave control to prevent losing top lane plates and tower damage.

Early game

Use level 3 power spike to engage short trades with empowered , , and taunt when Malzahar overextends.
Avoid long trades early as Malzahar's Voidlings and push threaten extended fights.
Punish Malzahar's push by taunting when he commits to Voidlings or mispositions.

Power spikes

At level 6, prepare the wave before using to shield allies and create map pressure without losing plates.
First tank item completion boosts durability; play more aggressively with taunts and empowered trades.
Respect Malzahar's level 6 suppression by holding and defensively.

Win conditions

Control short trades using empowered , , and to deny Malzahar's push and scaling.
Use after preparing waves to impact side lanes or teamfights, converting global pressure into objectives.
Punish Malzahar's predictable push and immobility by forcing taunts and short trades when his defensive cooldowns are down.