Malzahar vs Cho'Gath TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malzahar vs Cho'Gath

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Malzahar is a control mage who must maintain lane pressure to deny Cho'Gath safe scaling and stacking opportunities.
Prioritize pushing the wave permanently to prevent Cho'Gath from farming comfortably and becoming a durable front line.

Trading pattern

Push with (E) and Voidlings, then threaten silence with (Q) or all-in with (R) when Cho'Gath steps forward.
Punish missed (Q) knockups by Cho'Gath with immediate pressure and trades.
Avoid trading when (W) silence is available to prevent being locked out of spells or escape.

Danger windows

Beware (Q) knockup followed by (W) silence combo as a strong all-in threat.
Malzahar is vulnerable when (R) is down or interrupted; avoid committing to fights without suppression available.
Watch for Cho'Gath's execute range with (R) on low-health targets; maintain spacing to avoid getting burst down.

Early game

Use (E) and Voidlings to push early waves and force Cho'Gath under tower where his short trades are less effective.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 as Cho'Gath's passive sustain and silence make early fights risky.
Keep track of (Q) cooldown to avoid knockup setups during trades.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) unlocks Malzahar's point-and-click suppression; use it for verified all-ins or defensive resets rather than blind engages.
First completed mana/AP item increases Malzahar's damage and wave control; pressure waves and trades more confidently after this.
Respect Cho'Gath's level 6 (R) execute; avoid low-health windows where he can secure kills or objectives.

Win conditions

Keep the lane permanently pushed with (E) and Voidlings to deny Cho'Gath safe farming and stacking.
Use (R) suppression to secure picks or force Cho'Gath out of lane, enabling roams or objective setups.
Pressure Cho'Gath after his key cooldowns, especially after he misses (Q) or uses (W), to control lane and snowball advantage.