Nasus vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

Back to matchup selector

Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Nasus

VS

Top

Malzahar

Nasus vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Prioritize safe (Q) stacking early to reach your scaling juggernaut power before engaging Malzahar in extended fights.
Avoid giving Malzahar a passive lane where he can push uncontested and threaten with his level 6 suppression (R).

Trading pattern

Use (W) to slow Malzahar when he overextends for a trade, then follow up with (Q) to punish his low mobility.
Avoid trading when (W) is down or (R) is available to prevent getting locked down.
Engage in extended fights only when (R) is active and you have enough (Q) stacks to outlast and outdamage him.

Danger windows

Be cautious when (R) is available; avoid overextending or committing to trades during his suppression window.
Vulnerable before meaningful (Q) stacks and level 6, as Malzahar's poke and push can deny your farm and force resets.
Avoid freezing the wave far from your tower to reduce risk of ganks and Malzahar's poke pressure.

Early game

Focus on last-hitting with (Q) near your tower to avoid Malzahar's push and limit his ability to zone you.
Use (E) to farm and clear Malzahar's voidlings quickly to reduce his lane pressure.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 when (R) suppression is unavailable but his poke and push are strong.

Power spikes

At level 6, activate (R) to increase durability and threaten extended trades; force Malzahar to respect your all-in potential.
Once you have high (Q) stacks and defensive items, pressure side lanes to force Malzahar to respond.
Respect Malzahar's level 6 (R) suppression window and his first completed mana/AP item which increases his damage and lane control.

Win conditions

Survive early lane by safely stacking (Q) and using (W) to punish Malzahar's overextensions.
Once (R) and high (Q) stacks are available, pressure side lanes to force Malzahar into unfavorable duels.
Use extended fights with (R) active to outlast Malzahar and convert your scaling advantage into kills or objectives.