Malzahar – LoL Champion Review | SmurfMania.com

malzahar

Malzahar Review

Hey there, fellow summoners! Today, we’re diving into the mystical world of League of Legends to talk about a champion that’s been holding its ground since its release in 2010 – Malzahar. But why am I so excited to review this champ? Well, the answer is simple: Malzahar is just plain cool. As a Battlemage who reigns supreme in the mid lane, he’s got all the magical mojo to make your opponents quake in their boots.

Lore

 

Malzahar isn’t just any other champion. He’s a religious zealot on a mission to unite all life and believes that the mysterious Void is the key to Runeterra’s salvation. Born in the desolate desert of Shurima, his journey led him to Icathia, where he peered into the heart of the Void. The outcome? Malzahar emerged as The Prophet of the Void, with the power to shepherd others into its embrace or release the dreaded voidlings.

In his early days, Malzahar knew the bitterness of solitude, having lost his family, but this hardship fueled his empathy for those less fortunate. As a fortune-teller, he guided others on their life paths, yet the ever-increasing human suffering pushed him towards Icathia, where he fully embraced the Void’s might, even to the extent of sacrificing entire cities.

Champion Abilities

 

Malzahar’s kit is a unique blend of magic, darkness, and control:

Passive – Void Shift: This ability grants him damage reduction and crowd control immunity when he hasn’t recently taken damage or been crowd-controlled, offering valuable survival.

Q – Call of the Void: Malzahar opens two portals to the Void, unleashing projectiles that silence enemy champions. A perfect tool for zoning and shutting down enemy abilities.

W – Void Swarm: He summons Voidlings that relentlessly attack nearby foes, adding to his damage output.

E – Malefic Visions: This ability inflicts torment on its target, dealing damage over time. Using other abilities on the afflicted target refreshes the visions. If the target dies while under this spell’s influence, the torment passes on to a nearby enemy.

R – Nether Grasp: Malzahar channels the power of the Void to suppress an enemy champion within a zone of damaging energy, making him an ultimate threat in team fights.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Champion

Now, let’s get real about Malzahar’s pros and cons:

Pros:

  • High damage output against both squishies and tanks.
  • Enjoy crowd control immunity with his passive, making him a slippery target.
  • He applies significant pressure during the laning phase.
  • His ult offers powerful crowd control capabilities.
  • As the game goes late, Malzahar’s scaling becomes absolutely insane.

Cons:

  • He’s squishy without his passive, so be wary of that.
  • His lack of mobility makes him vulnerable to ganks.
  • While his ult is powerful, it immobilizes him during use.
  • Early game, his abilities come with high cooldowns and mana costs.
  • Be prepared to face counters, particularly opponents who build specific items.

Best Items for Champion

Now, what to buy to make Malzahar truly shine on the Rift?

 Liandry’s Anguish: This item is the go-to choice for Malzahar in almost 95% of games. Its burning passive syncs perfectly with Malefic Visions and Nether Grasp, causing devastating damage over time. Plus, it’s your ticket to melting tanks, no matter how beefy they are.

 Rylai’s Crystal Scepter: This one’s all about utility and kiting. The passive slows your opponents, and Malefic Visions keeps it active, making your Q – Call of the Void easier to land. Enemies won’t be able to catch you, and your team will have no trouble pursuing them. Plus, it’s budget-friendly.

 Demonic Embrace: This is your ticket to becoming tankier and melting those pesky tanks. It synergizes beautifully with Liandry’s Anguish and your abilities.

 Void Staff: As the game progresses, magic resist items start appearing. That’s when you want to grab Void Staff. Its percentage-based magic penetration becomes more valuable as opponents stack magic resist.

 Rabadon’s Deathcap: When you don’t need situational or defensive items, this is your holy grail. Your AP is now high enough to make the most out of Rabadon’s passive.

Best Lanes and Roles for Champion

Malzahar is a mid-lane control mage, and he’s been holding it down since his release. His positioning in the League is iconic.

Champion Picks and Counter Picks

Now, let’s talk strategy. Malzahar excels against champions like LeBlanc and Yasuo in the mid lane. But, be cautious when facing Talon and Swain; they can make your life miserable.

Price of this Champion in 2023

In 2023, Malzahar is up for grabs at a store price of 4800 Blue Essence or 880 Riot Points.

My Feedback

Malzahar is one of those champions that many players underestimate or don’t get to face often. While his early levels might not be his strongest suit, once he hits Level 6 and gets Nether Grasp, he becomes a game-changer. There’s an abundance of kill potential, opportunities to pick off opponents, and a chance to turn the game in your favor.

He’s great at wave-clearing with just two spells, which lets you rotate around the map and apply immense pressure. Malzahar fits into almost any team composition, and his scaling potential is off the charts. The longer the game goes, the stronger he becomes!

However, he does have his downsides. Malzahar’s early game isn’t a walk in the park, and his lack of mobility makes him susceptible to ganks. He doesn’t offer much burst potential early on, so you need to tread carefully. He’s also vulnerable to champions with Quicksilver Sash, which can break his root, and long-range mages like Xerath, Viktor, Vel’Koz, and Ziggs can give him a run for his money.

Best Guide for Malzahar in 2023

For the best guide on mastering Malzahar in 2023, check out this detailed guide.

Best Skins for this Champion

Now, let’s talk style. Here are the best skins for Malzahar:

  • Vizier Malzahar: A legacy skin with minimal changes, offering little value for its 520 RP price tag.
  • Shadow Prince Malzahar: Another 520 RP legacy skin with a slightly better color swap but lacking substantial changes.
  • Hextech Malzahar: Priced at 10 Gemstones, this futuristic skin is visually appealing but faces tough competition from more affordable skins with similar themes.
  • Overlord Malzahar: An aged skin with improved animations, offering a decent option for 975 RP.
  • Debonair Malzahar: Despite mixed reception and a lack of a new voiceover, this 1350 RP skin has some appealing animations but falls short in certain aspects.
  • Beezahar: An adorable and whimsical skin with bee-themed details, perfect for those who enjoy sillier skins.
  • Djinn Malzahar: A simple yet effective makeover inspired by Aladdin, offering thematic cohesion at an affordable 520 RP price.
  • Worldbreaker Malzahar: An epic skin with strong arcane vibes, priced at 1350 RP.
  • Battle Boss Malzahar: A nostalgia-inducing skin embracing old-school gaming aesthetics, with unique animations and sound cues, available for 1350 RP.
  • Snow Day Malzahar: Beloved for its well-balanced design, including a top-notch character model, smooth animations, and a visually appealing splash art, offered at 975 RP.

Champion’s Tricks and Interesting Facts

Lastly, here are some neat tricks and facts about Malzahar:

  • After the Mage update in V6.9, Malzahar’s Voidlings changed in color scheme from purple with yellow eyes to gray with purple eyes.
  • Malzahar is one of the few champions in League of Legends with a pet, making him even more unique.
  • In team fights, use your Ultimate (Nether Grasp) on the closest enemy champion to maximize your impact.
  • Be cautious in the early game as your Passive shield has a long cooldown.

FAQ

Who is Malzahar, and what is his role in League of Legends?

Malzahar is a champion in League of Legends, a Battlemage who excels in the mid lane. He has a unique kit that combines magic, darkness, and control, making him a powerful choice for players who enjoy crowd control and high damage output.

What are the pros and cons of playing Malzahar?

Pros include his high damage output, crowd control immunity with his passive, and strong scaling into the late game. Cons include his squishiness without his passive, vulnerability to ganks due to lack of mobility, and high early game cooldowns and mana costs.

What are the best items for Malzahar in 2023?

Recommended items for Malzahar include Liandry’s Anguish, Rylai’s Crystal Scepter, Demonic Embrace, Void Staff, and Rabadon’s Deathcap. These items enhance his damage, utility, and survivability.

What are Malzahar’s strengths and weaknesses in the mid lane?

Malzahar is strong against champions like LeBlanc and Yasuo but can struggle against opponents like Talon and Swain. His strength lies in his ability to control waves and apply pressure in the mid lane.

What are some noteworthy skins for Malzahar, and how can I maximize my impact with him in team fights?

Notable skins for Malzahar include Battle Boss Malzahar, Snow Day Malzahar, and Worldbreaker Malzahar. To make a bigger impact in team fights, it’s recommended to use Malzahar’s Ultimate (Nether Grasp) on the closest enemy champion, maximizing your crowd control in team engagements.

Malphite – LoL Champion Review | SmurfMania.com

malphite

Malphite Review

Hey there, fellow summoners! Today, we’re diving into the world of League of Legends to talk about a rock-solid champion – Malphite. I’ve been itching to review this champion, and in this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about him. Malphite may be a living boulder, but trust me, there’s more to him than meets the eye.

Why I Want to Review This Champion

I’ve got a soft spot for Malphite. He’s not the flashiest champion out there, but he’s definitely worth having in your champion pool, especially when you need to give certain champions a hard time. This guy is as reliable as they come.

Lore

Malphite’s lore is as rock-solid as he is. Born from the great Ixtal Monolith, this living stone giant has been around for ages, studying the elemental balance of Runeterra. He’s like the world’s oldest babysitter, using his strength to keep the chaos in check. But now, he’s dealing with us mortals and trying to find a worthy cause. It’s a tough gig for the last of his kind.

Champion Abilities

Malphite’s abilities pack a punch, and they’re all about the earth-shaking action.

Passive – Granite Shield Malphite is literally shielded by a layer of rock, which can soak up damage. It’s like having a forcefield of stone. And if he doesn’t get hit for a while, it recharges – talk about a tough nut to crack!

Q – Seismic Shard Malphite hurls a piece of the earth at his foe, dealing damage and stealing their move speed. It’s like having your own personalized earthquake on standby.

W – Thunderclap Malphite’s punches are so powerful that they create sonic booms. These punches also create aftershocks, making him a one-man rock show.

E – Ground Slam Malphite slams the ground, sending out a shockwave that dishes out magic damage based on his armor. Plus, it slows down enemy attack speeds, making it tough for them to trade blows with him.

R – Unstoppable Force Unstoppable Force is not just a cool name; it’s an amazing ultimate. Malphite launches himself at high speed to a location, damaging enemies and knocking them up. It’s a game-changer in team fights.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Malphite

Now, let’s get real about Malphite’s strengths and weaknesses. Here’s my take:

Pros

  • Great initiation skills
  • A formidable counter for specific champions
  • Incredibly tanky against certain team compositions
  • Unleashes havoc in team fights
  • Can shut down most split-pushers

Cons

  • Struggles when hard-countered
  • Ineffective against champions with strong AP sustain
  • Tricky to play, especially without follow-up from your team
  • Requires careful decision-making when engaging

Best Items for Malphite

Choosing the right items can make or break your Malphite game. Here are my go-to picks:

 Warmog’s Armor: Don’t underestimate this item. Malphite thrives on having a high health pool, even if he’s already got rock-hard defenses. You can tank tower shots during sieges, then back off to regenerate your health, and jump back into the fight with full vigor. It’s a game-changer in team fights, too.

 Randuin’s Omen: It used to be primarily for crit-based champions, but it’s evolved into a versatile anti-physical damage item. With solid armor and extra utility, it’s perfect for dealing with AD assassins or bruisers.

 Thornmail: When you’re facing champions with enormous sustain, this is your go-to. Champions like Fiora, Tryndamere, or AD carries with lots of lifesteal won’t know what hit them. Besides the healing reduction, it dishes out significant damage to those who dare to attack you.

 Gargoyle Stoneplate: Since the recent changes, this item has become a must-have for Malphite. It’s perfect if you already have a decent health pool and need mixed defense against both AD and AP threats. It used to give extra health, which reduced your damage, but now it’s just a shield effect that doesn’t sacrifice your damage potential. It’s a game-changer in team fights.

 Dead Man’s Plate: It might not have been a top pick for Malphite in the past, but after the rework of tank items, it’s found its place. This item enhances your mobility, allowing you to chase down targets or engage in team fights more efficiently. It’s a must-have for a more mobile Malphite.

Best Lanes and Roles for Malphite

Malphite isn’t picky about where he goes, but he truly shines in the top lane. You can also unleash his might in the jungle or even mid lane if you’re aiming for a victory. If you’re looking for that early-game dominance and the ability to win team fights, he’s your guy.

Champion Picks and Counter Picks

Here’s the lowdown on Malphite’s matchups. He’s a top lane champ that thrives against the likes of Darius and Tryndamere, but beware of Sylas and Maokai; they can be nightmares. It’s best to avoid them like the plague.

Price of Malphite in 2023

In 2023, Malphite’s price is pretty budget-friendly. You can get him for 450 Blue Essence or 260 Riot Points. It’s a steal for a champion this rock-solid.

My Feedback

Alright, time to wrap this up. Malphite is the definition of a situational champion. He can bulldoze certain top-lane champs and is a powerhouse in team fights. However, he does have some obvious weaknesses, especially against heavy AP teams. And remember, if you’re playing Malphite, you’re the one responsible for initiating fights. It’s a double-edged sword – either you do it right and bask in glory, or you mess it up, and everyone points their fingers at you. It’s all part of the game, though.

Best Guide for Malphite in 2023

If you want to master Malphite in 2023, I’ve got a cool guide for you. Check out Malphite Guide. It’s a treasure trove of tips and strategies to help you rock the Rift.

Best Skins for Malphite

Now, let’s talk about the skins that give Malphite some extra style points. Here’s my take:

  • Dark Star Malphite: It’s a bit disappointing and doesn’t capture Malphite’s essence. The animations are cool, but it feels like a different champion.
  • Marble Malphite: It’s a cheap skin with minimal changes. Not the most memorable, but it might be worth considering if you get it from a chest.
  • Odyssey Malphite: This one’s an A-tier when his shield is up, but he looks like a slug without it. The space theme and animations with the shield are top-notch.
  • Coral Reef Malphite: It’s decent but doesn’t offer much. The splash art is outdated, and the in-game model and ability changes are pretty minor.
  • Mecha Malphite: Impressive animations but lacks a truly robotic appearance. It’s more reminiscent of a toy robot than a giant one, but it’s not a bad choice.
  • Old God Malphite: This skin takes Malphite to a whole new level, transforming him into a nightmarish demon. With an impressive base model and animations that perfectly fit the Old God theme, it’s a real showstopper.

Champion’s Tricks and Interesting Facts

We’re not done yet! Let’s uncover some hidden gems about Malphite:

  • Did you know that while the Ground Slam’s icon shows Malphite punching the ground, the actual animation has him slam the ground with his open palm? It’s a little detail that adds to his character.
  • Ground Slam leaves an imprint shaped like the Riot Games Inc. logo upon impact. It’s a subtle Easter egg for the eagle-eyed players.
  • Malphite’s dance reflects the moves of Capoeira, specifically the ‘Ginga Steps.’ So when you’re grooving with Malphite, you’re dancing to a real-world martial art!

Malphite is a rock-solid champion, both in terms of gameplay and lore. He may not have the most extensive toolkit, but what he brings to the table is raw power and resilience. Just like his monolithic origins, Malphite endures in the League of Legends universe, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash his unstoppable force.

So, the next time you’re on the Rift and hear the ground rumbling, you’ll know that Malphite, the unstoppable force of nature, is on the move. Embrace the rock and roll of the League, and may your games be filled with seismic victories!

FAQ

Who is Malphite in League of Legends?

Malphite is a champion in League of Legends, released on September 2, 2009. He’s known for his rock-solid appearance and powerful abilities.

What are Malphite’s key strengths and weaknesses?

Malphite excels at initiation, countering specific champions, and being a tank in the right team composition. However, he struggles when hard-countered, faces challenges against champions with strong AP sustain, and requires careful decision-making during engagements.

What are the recommended items for Malphite in 2023?

Key items for Malphite include Warmog’s Armor for high health, Randuin’s Omen for anti-physical damage, Thornmail against sustain champions, Gargoyle Stoneplate for mixed defense, and Dead Man’s Plate for enhanced mobility.

Where is the best lane and role for Malphite to play?

Malphite is versatile and can be played in the top lane, jungle, or mid lane, but he truly shines in the top lane. He’s an excellent choice for early-game dominance and team fighting.

What are the best skins for Malphite in League of Legends?

Some of the recommended skins for Malphite include Old God Malphite for a nightmarish theme and Odyssey Malphite for a space-themed appearance with impressive animations.