Vladimir vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Vladimir vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Vladimir should focus on surviving early pressure while farming safely to reach his strong AP scaling.
Avoid giving Malzahar free lane control or passive scaling by maintaining a calm lane state and using (Q) sustain effectively.
This is a scaling mage versus control mage matchup where Vladimir aims to outscale and impact grouped fights with (R).

Trading pattern

Trade short bursts around empowered (Q) and save (W) to dodge (R) suppression or silence (Q).
Punish Malzahar if he uses (W) Voidlings aggressively by clearing them quickly and forcing him under tower.
Avoid trading when empowered (Q) is down or (W) is on cooldown to prevent being punished by Malzahar's ranged poke and lockdown.

Danger windows

Be cautious when (R) suppression is available; hold (W) to deny or escape the lockdown.
Avoid engaging when (W) is on cooldown as Vladimir is vulnerable to Malzahar's poke and suppression.
Watch for Malzahar's silence (Q) to prevent follow-up trades or all-ins that can chain into suppression.

Early game

Use (Q) to sustain through Malzahar's early push and avoid extended fights before your first item spike.
Avoid fighting early waves where Malzahar's Voidlings and push can force you under tower and deny farm.
Play around empowered (Q) cooldowns to safely trade short bursts when Malzahar steps forward.

Power spikes

Vladimir's level 6 (R) unlocks a real all-in threat; use this window for picks or defensive resets.
Vladimir's first completed AP item improves wave pressure and trade safety; increase aggression while respecting Malzahar's own item spikes.
Respect Malzahar's level 6 (R) suppression and first completed mana/AP item power spike to avoid lethal trades.

Win conditions

Survive early lane by using (Q) sustain and avoiding forced fights to reach mid-game power spikes.
Exploit Malzahar's predictable push pattern by punishing his Voidlings and wave control before his item spikes.
Use empowered (Q) and (R) in grouped fights to burst key targets and turn teamfights in your favor.