Malphite vs Gwen TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malphite vs Gwen

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Malphite must manage a low early agency lane by surviving Gwen's medium pressure and scaling into teamfight engage power.
Focus on preserving health and mana to reach level 6 for impactful (R) engages and armor stacking against Gwen's magic damage.

Trading pattern

Take low-risk trades when (Q) is not stacked and (W) is down to punish her lower threat window.
Use (E) to reduce Gwen's attack speed and auto-attack damage during trades.
Avoid committing before level 6; prioritize short trades and disengage before Gwen can extend fights with (W) and (R).

Danger windows

Gwen is most dangerous when (Q) is stacked and she fights inside (W) mist, blocking your retaliation.
Be cautious when (R) is available as it adds slow and chase potential for extended all-ins.
Avoid extended trades before you have armor and (R) ready to prevent lethal burst or sustained damage.

Early game

Avoid extended trades before level 6 as Gwen benefits from stacking (Q) and sustained fights.
Use (Q) poke sparingly to conserve mana and rely on (E) to reduce Gwen's auto-attack damage.
Farm safely and build armor to blunt Gwen's early magic damage spikes.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) for guaranteed engage and kill setup; respect (R) slow and chase by timing your engage carefully.
After first armor item, physical trades become easier; maintain safe trades and preserve mana for impactful (R) engages.
Respect Gwen's two-item AP spike which strengthens her extended fight potential; avoid prolonged fights after this point.

Win conditions

Survive early lane pressure by farming safely and stacking armor against Gwen's magic damage.
Use (R) to initiate fights with guaranteed follow-up, focusing on grouped mid-game teamfights.
Punish Gwen when her (W) is down or (Q) is unstacked by stepping forward for short trades and wave control to deny her scaling.