Olaf vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malzahar

Olaf vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Olaf must pressure Malzahar early to deny his control and scaling lane plan.
Use high early agency and lane pressure to force extended fights where (R) counters Malzahar's suppression and silence.
This is a snowball versus control matchup; Olaf aims to snowball through side-lane duels and deny Malzahar's wave control.

Trading pattern

Trade by landing (Q) and picking it up to maintain chase and pressure Malzahar's predictable pattern.
Use (W) shield and (E) true damage to extend trades once (Q) is secured and Malzahar cannot disengage.
Only commit (R) when Malzahar cannot fully kite or escape, ignoring his suppression and silence during all-ins.

Danger windows

(R) suppression at level 6 is a lethal threat; avoid extended trades or all-ins without (R) or your own (R) ready.
Missing (Q) axes reduces your chase and escape, increasing vulnerability to Malzahar's poke and suppression.
After your (R) ends, be cautious as Malzahar's crowd control and silence regain full effect; avoid overcommitting.

Early game

Start by aggressively pushing and forcing Malzahar under tower to punish his weak early wave control.
Land (Q) axes early to initiate trades and force Malzahar to respect your all-in threat.
Avoid missing (Q) as it reduces your chase potential and allows Malzahar to safely push or trade back.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to ignore Malzahar's suppression and force straight-line fights; avoid using (R) if he can disengage.
First fighter item spike enhances damage and durability, allowing longer chases and punishing Malzahar's missed disengage.
Respect Malzahar's level 6 (R) suppression window; avoid all-ins without (R) ready or if he has defensive tools available.

Win conditions

Win by landing repeated (Q) axes and forcing extended fights where your (R) negates Malzahar's lockdown.
Deny Malzahar's wave control early to prevent his scaling and roaming impact.
Use side-lane pressure and all-ins post-(R) power spike to snowball and close out the lane advantage.