Malphite vs Illaoi TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Illaoi

Malphite vs Illaoi

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Focus on surviving Illaoi's early pressure and avoid giving her free tentacle zones to control.
This is a control vs splitpush matchup where Malphite must deny Illaoi's scaling by maintaining lane stability and preparing for teamfights.
Prioritize armor stacking to blunt Illaoi's physical damage and use (R) to engage grouped fights effectively.

Trading pattern

Use (E) to reduce Illaoi's attack speed and blunt her auto-attack damage during trades.
Take short, low-risk trades when your passive shield is up and Illaoi is forced to approach tentacles.
Avoid committing before (R) is available, as your real kill pressure and engage come post-level 6.

Danger windows

Illaoi is most dangerous when (E) lands near tentacles and (R) is ready to punish grouped fights.
Avoid fighting inside her tentacle zones without (R) ready or proper backup.
Be cautious of ganks that coincide with (R), as she can turn multi-target engagements heavily in her favor.

Early game

Play defensively and farm safely until your first armor item reduces Illaoi's trade efficiency.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 when your engage and tankiness are limited.
Use (Q) sparingly to poke and slow Illaoi without losing mana or your passive shield.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to initiate fights with guaranteed knockup and force Illaoi into unfavorable engagements.
Your first armor item is a major spike that significantly reduces Illaoi's physical damage threat; play safer trades until then.
Respect Illaoi's level 6 (R) which can turn fights if you cluster near her tentacles.

Win conditions

Survive the lane phase by minimizing damage and stacking armor to blunt Illaoi's physical trades.
Use (R) to engage in teamfights where your knockup can disrupt Illaoi and her team.
Deny Illaoi tentacle control by clearing them and avoid giving her space to land (E) for strong trades.