Malzahar vs Neeko MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malzahar

VS

Mid

Neeko

Malzahar vs Neeko

Updated May 31, 2026

Overview

Malzahar is a control mage who wants to keep midlane pushed permanently to pressure Neeko and enable map presence.
Maintain medium lane pressure to deny Neeko safe scaling and limit her disguise and root angles.

Trading pattern

Push with E and Voidlings, then threaten silence with Q when Neeko steps forward for poke.
Punish Neeko if she misses Neeko E by stepping up to trade aggressively.
Avoid trading when Neeko's Neeko R is available and ready to engage with knock-up and burst.

Danger windows

Neeko's Neeko R cast and Neeko E through minions create high danger windows for all-ins or burst trades.
Neeko's disguise and W clone can mask engage timing, so respect spacing when these are active.
Malzahar's R channel can be interrupted by external crowd control, so avoid committing when enemy jungler or enemy crowd control is nearby.

Early game

Use E and W to push the wave quickly and prevent Neeko from safely fishing for E angles through minions.
Avoid extended trades early as Neeko can punish Malzahar if Voidlings are focused or if wave control is lost.
Respect Neeko's medium early agency by maintaining lane pressure without overextending.

Power spikes

Malzahar's major power spike is level 6 with R for point-and-click lockdown.
Respect Neeko's level 6 spike with Neeko R for strong all-in and teamfight threat.
First completed mana/AP item increases Malzahar's damage and lane control significantly.

Win conditions

Keep midlane pushed permanently with E and Voidlings to deny Neeko safe farming and force her into vulnerable trades.
Use R to lock down Neeko when she steps forward after missing Neeko E or when Neeko R is down.
Exploit Neeko's cooldowns on Neeko E and Neeko R to secure kills or force her back, enabling map pressure.