Warwick vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Warwick vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Warwick should leverage his early dueling strength to pressure Malzahar and deny him a passive lane state.
Prioritize extended melee fights where Warwick's sustain and suppression excel to snowball the lane advantage.

Trading pattern

Engage in extended melee trades using (Q) to heal and hold (E) to fear when Malzahar commits damage.
Avoid using (E) prematurely; wait to absorb key burst before fearing Malzahar to maximize trade value.
Use (R) to lock down low-health or overextended Malzahar after baiting his movement or cooldown usage.

Danger windows

Respect (R) suppression window at level 6; avoid extended trades or all-ins during this time unless (R) is baited or dodged.
Be cautious if (E) is on cooldown, as Warwick is more vulnerable to Malzahar's burst damage then.
Avoid fighting when Malzahar's Void Shift spell shield is active, as it blocks your crowd control and damage.

Early game

Use levels 1-3 to force extended trades, holding (E) to absorb Malzahar's initial damage and follow up with (Q) healing.
Punish Malzahar's predictable push by shoving wave and threatening all-ins before he completes his first item.
Track (R) cooldown closely to avoid committing to fights when his suppression is available.

Power spikes

At level 3, Warwick gains full kit allowing strong extended trades; use (E) to absorb burst and (Q) to sustain.
At level 6, (R) unlocks a long-range suppression engage; use it to force picks or all-ins when Malzahar cannot dodge.
Respect Malzahar's level 6 (R) suppression and his first completed mana/AP item, which increase his lockdown and damage potential.

Win conditions

Snowball lane advantage by winning early extended trades and chasing low-health Malzahar with (W).
Use (R) suppression to pick Malzahar off when he overextends or mispositions.
Deny Malzahar scaling by maintaining lane pressure and forcing him under tower, limiting his wave control and roam potential.