Ziggs vs Malzahar MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Ziggs

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Mid

Malzahar

Ziggs vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 1, 2026

Overview

Ziggs wants to use his superior poke and waveclear to keep Malzahar pushed and under turret pressure.
Maintain high lane pressure to deny Malzahar a calm scaling lane and force him to play reactively.

Trading pattern

Poke with Q from max range and zone Malzahar from approaching through E's slow zones.
Respect Malzahar R lockdown; avoid engaging when it is available and save W for disengage.
Punish Malzahar if he wastes Malzahar R or steps into your poke zones without Voidlings support.

Danger windows

Malzahar R lockdown at level 6 is the primary danger; avoid extended trades during its cooldown.
When W is down, Ziggs is vulnerable to Malzahar's all-in attempts.
Be cautious if low on mana as it weakens your poke and waveclear, increasing risk of Malzahar push and engage.

Early game

Use Q and E to harass Malzahar and clear waves quickly before he can establish permanent push.
Focus on killing Malzahar's Voidlings with your poke to reduce his lane pressure early.
Avoid standing close enough for Malzahar to silence with Malzahar Q and be ready to disengage with W if he tries to all-in.

Power spikes

Ziggs major spikes: Level 6 R for long-range burst and first completed mage poke item.
Malzahar major spikes: Level 6 Malzahar R point-and-click suppression and first completed mana/AP item.
Respect Malzahar R as a lethal all-in threat and use your W cooldown to stay safe.

Win conditions

Use superior waveclear and poke to keep Malzahar pushed under turret and deny his roaming.
Convert poke pressure into turret plates damage using W execute when Malzahar is low.
Capitalize on Malzahar's predictable lane pattern by landing Q and controlling approach paths with E to force favorable fights or resets.