Warwick vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide

Champion

Opponent

Start here

Read Overview → Trading Pattern → Danger Windows first for the fastest Top lane plan.

Warwick into Malzaharmedium

Overview

Use Warwick's sustain and fear to force extended melee trades against Malzahar's ranged poke.
Punish Malzahar's predictable wave push by shoving early and threatening all-ins before his first item.
Track Malzahar's cooldown to avoid his suppression and pick windows.

Engage in melee trades using healing and hold to fear after absorbing key damage.
Avoid using prematurely; wait for Malzahar's burst to maximize fear value.
Use to suppress and kill low-health or overextended Malzahar after baiting his cooldowns.

Avoid extended trades or all-ins during Malzahar's level 6 suppression window.
Be cautious when is on cooldown, as you become vulnerable to Malzahar's burst damage.
Do not fight while Malzahar's Void Shift spell shield is active to prevent your crowd control from being blocked.

Force extended trades at levels 1-3, holding to absorb burst and healing with .
Shove the wave early to deny Malzahar free resets and force him under tower.
Avoid fighting when Malzahar's Void Shift spell shield is active to ensure your crowd control lands.

Level 3 unlocks Warwick's full kit; use to absorb burst and to sustain longer trades.
Level 6 grants suppression; use it to force picks or all-ins when Malzahar cannot dodge.
Respect Malzahar's first completed mana/AP item which increases his damage and wave control.

Snowball lane by winning extended trades and chasing low-health Malzahar with .
Use suppression to pick Malzahar off when he overextends or mispositions.
Maintain lane pressure to deny Malzahar free farm and limit his wave control and roaming potential.

Tactical tip

For Warwick vs Malzahar, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Top lane check.