Gnar vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malzahar

Gnar vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Control the lane by using mini form range to chip and kite Malzahar while managing Rage for mega form engages.
This is a control vs control matchup where Gnar must deny Malzahar's push and avoid giving him a passive lane state.

Trading pattern

Trade in mini form using (Q) to slow and poke, then kite with (E) before Malzahar can respond.
Punish Malzahar when his Voidlings are vulnerable by using ranged poke and saving Rage for mega form trades.
Avoid extended trades when (R) is available; wait for it to be used or on cooldown before committing.

Danger windows

Respect (R) suppression window; avoid all-ins or extended trades when it is ready.
Mini form without (E) is vulnerable to Malzahar's silence and suppression; avoid fights during this cooldown.
Be cautious when Malzahar has full Voidlings and wave control, as he can zone and set up for (R) engages.

Early game

Use mini form (Q) and (W) to poke and harass Malzahar early, forcing him to farm under tower and disrupting his push.
Preserve (E) for escape to avoid Malzahar's silence and suppression all-in attempts.
Avoid fighting without (E) available to prevent being locked down by (R) suppression.

Power spikes

Level 6 mega form (R) is your major spike; manage Rage to transform near terrain for maximum CC and engage potential.
Malzahar's level 6 (R) is a danger spike; respect its availability and hold (E) for defensive use.
After Malzahar completes his first mana/AP item, expect stronger wave control and trade damage; adjust aggression accordingly.

Win conditions

Use mini form range to chip away at Malzahar and deny his push early by killing Voidlings.
Time Rage to transform into mega form for impactful crowd control near walls, enabling dives or disengages.
Control wave state to prevent Malzahar from pushing freely and punish him after his (R) is spent or missed.