Gragas vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malzahar

Gragas vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Gragas should control short trades using passive sustain and (W) to outlast Malzahar's push pressure.
Manage lane pressure to deny Malzahar a calm scaling lane and avoid giving him free wave control.
This is a control vs control matchup where Gragas must disrupt Malzahar's push and punish overextensions.

Trading pattern

Start trades by slowing Malzahar with (Q), then empower with (W) before engaging with (E) stun for burst damage.
Punish Malzahar immediately after he uses (R) by disengaging or isolating targets with your own (R).
Avoid using (E) if it risks missing, as losing engage and escape tools leaves you vulnerable to Malzahar's follow-up damage.

Danger windows

Beware of Malzahar's level 6 (R) suppression, which can lock you down if you engage carelessly.
Avoid extended trades when your passive sustain or (W) is on cooldown, as Malzahar can punish sustained damage.
Be cautious after missing (E), as you lose both your stun engage and escape, exposing you to Malzahar's damage.

Early game

Use early wave control to push Malzahar under tower and focus down Voidlings to reduce his lane pressure.
Approach level 3 with full kit ready to perform short burst trades using (E) stun and (W) damage reduction.
Avoid extended fights before level 6 and hold (E) for when Malzahar commits forward.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to interrupt (R) channel or isolate him from his team to deny lockdown.
After first AP or tank item, leverage improved burst or durability to pressure Malzahar and force short trades.
Respect Malzahar's level 6 (R) suppression and his first completed mana/AP item that boosts his wave control and damage.

Win conditions

Win by controlling short trades using (Q), (W), and (E) combos while healing off your passive.
Punish Malzahar's predictable push pattern early by killing Voidlings and forcing him under tower.
Use (R) strategically to disengage from or isolate Malzahar during his ultimate, denying his lockdown and enabling teamfight disruption.