Vayne vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Vayne

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Malzahar

Vayne vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Vayne aims to pressure and deny Malzahar a passive lane by using ranged spacing and kiting tools.
This matchup is a scale versus control lane where Vayne must manage wave states to avoid being pushed under tower and punished.

Trading pattern

Trade by auto-attacking from max range and using (Q) to reposition safely around Malzahar's voidlings and silence.
Hold (E) for enemy engage attempts or to pin Malzahar against terrain for a stun.
Punish Malzahar when his (R) is down or after he uses (Q) silence, as his all-in threat is reduced.

Danger windows

Be cautious when (R) is available, as his point-and-click suppression can lead to lethal all-ins.
Avoid pushing the wave without vision early, as it increases vulnerability to ganks and Malzahar's follow-up.
Stay away from walls without spacing control to prevent getting stunned by (E) and locked down by (R).

Early game

Use early levels to contest wave control and avoid pushing without vision to reduce gank risk.
Hold (E) to punish Malzahar's predictable push pattern and threaten all-ins near walls.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 when (R) lockdown is unavailable but still respect his silence and spell shield.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to gain stealth and repositioning to outplay (R) suppression; avoid fighting when his (R) is ready.
After completing two core items, pressure side lanes aggressively to leverage true damage and kite space.
Respect Malzahar's first completed mana/AP item spike by playing more cautiously and avoiding extended trades.

Win conditions

Use ranged spacing, (Q) stealth repositioning, and (E) terrain stuns to deny Malzahar farm and pressure his wave control.
Scale into side-lane duels after two items where Vayne's true damage and mobility outmatch Malzahar.
Force Malzahar into short spaces or engage after (E) cooldown to neutralize his (R) threat and secure kills.