Malzahar vs Tristana MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

Back to matchup selector

Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Malzahar

VS

Mid

Tristana

Malzahar vs Tristana

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 10, 2026

Overview

Keep midlane pushed to leverage Malzahar's wave control and roam potential.
Avoid predictable patterns to reduce risk of being punished by Tristana's all-in.
Track (R) cooldown to threaten lockdown and force Tristana to respect engage windows.

Trading pattern

Push with (E) and Voidlings, then threaten silence or (R) when Tristana steps forward.
Punish (W) if used aggressively without support follow-up by stepping up for damage.
Avoid trading when (E) is fully stacked or (W) is off cooldown to reduce burst risk.

Danger windows

Respect Tristana's level 2 all-in with support follow-up; avoid extended trades early.
Beware (W) jump resets after kills, which enable her to continue aggressive plays.
(R) knockback can interrupt your ultimate channel; avoid committing without backup.

Early game

Use (E) and Voidlings to push early waves and deny Tristana easy turret plates.
Avoid extended trades before first item as Tristana's level 2 all-in with support is dangerous.
Hold wave near your tower if Tristana hits level 2 first to reduce all-in threat.

Power spikes

Level 6 unlocks (R) suppression, enabling reliable all-ins or defensive disengages.
First completed mana/AP item increases wave control and trade damage, pressuring Tristana's resets.
Post-level 6, use (R) window to force picks or roams; punish Tristana after her cooldowns expire.

Win conditions

Keep midlane pushed to enable roams and objective setups using vision control.
Use (R) lockdown to secure picks, then convert pressure into dragon or turret control.
Punish Tristana's aggressive jumps without support or after (W) is spent to force resets and recalls.