Ornn vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

Back to matchup selector

Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Ornn

VS

Top

Malzahar

Ornn vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Ornn aims for a stable, survivable lane focusing on scaling and teamfight impact rather than early kills.
Manage lane pressure carefully to avoid giving Malzahar free wave control and roam opportunities.
This is a control-versus-teamfight matchup where Ornn must deny Malzahar's passive scaling and leverage engage tools later.

Trading pattern

Trade around (Q) terrain and apply brittle with (W) before committing to (E) knockup trades.
Punish Malzahar when his ultimate (R) is down by using (R) engage with team follow-up.
Avoid using (E) without terrain or escape paths to prevent being punished by Malzahar's poke and silence.

Danger windows

Be cautious when (R) is available; avoid overextending or committing without backup.
Avoid fighting near terrain without vision, as Malzahar can punish with suppression and silence.
Vulnerable before first tank item; strong early poke or extended trades from Malzahar can punish Ornn's low durability.

Early game

Avoid extended duels early; focus on safe farming and setting up (Q) terrain for (E) knockups.
Use early wave control to prevent Malzahar from pushing uncontested and gaining roam priority.
Respect Malzahar's spell shield and silence when trading before level 6, avoiding risky all-ins.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to start fights or punish Malzahar's lack of mobility and force his ultimate cooldown.
First tank item spike allows you to absorb trades and focus on stable brittle trades rather than forced kills.
Respect Malzahar's level 6 (R) suppression and increased damage after his first mana/AP item; play cautiously around these windows.

Win conditions

Focus on stable farming and using (Q) terrain setups to enable safe (E) engages and brittle trades.
Use level 6 (R) with jungle or team follow-up to create picks or turn fights in your favor.
Prioritize scaling through item upgrades and teamfight presence to outlast Malzahar's control and push pressure.