Malzahar vs Gnar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

Back to matchup selector

Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Malzahar

VS

Top

Gnar

Malzahar vs Gnar

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Malzahar should focus on controlling the wave and maintaining lane pressure to prevent Gnar from scaling safely.
This matchup is a control mage versus a ranged harasser with form-shift engage, so Malzahar must manage Gnar's Rage and Mega form windows carefully.

Trading pattern

Push with (E) and Voidlings then threaten trades by positioning to silence with (Q) or all-in with (R) when safe.
Avoid trading when Gnar's Rage is near Mega form or (E) is available to kite or engage.
Punish Gnar's mini form when (E) is down by stepping forward for short trades and wave control.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Gnar's Rage is near Mega form and he has (E) available to engage or escape.
Avoid fighting near terrain when Gnar's Mega (R) is ready, as he can land impactful crowd control.
Malzahar is vulnerable to interruption during (R) channel; avoid committing if enemy crowd control is available.

Early game

Use (E) and Voidlings to push early waves and deny Gnar the chance to safely farm or build Rage.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 since Gnar can punish Malzahar if Voidlings are killed and (E) pressure falters.
Track (E) cooldown to exploit his vulnerability when it is down, stepping forward to apply pressure.

Power spikes

At level 6, Malzahar gains (R) suppression; use it for verified picks or defensive resets rather than forcing blind all-ins.
After first mana/AP item, pressure waves and trades more confidently, as damage and control improve.
Respect Gnar's level 6 Mega form and (R) wall stun; back away before he transforms or wait for Mega form to expire before committing.

Win conditions

Maintain constant wave pressure with (E) and Voidlings to deny Gnar safe scaling and force him into unfavorable trades.
Use (R) suppression after level 6 to secure picks or disengage from Gnar's Mega form engages.
Transition lane control into map presence by pushing waves and enabling roams or objective setups.