Talk:Malzahar/@comment-5211662-20150417011907

Malzahar is yet another champ which suffers from six itemslot syndrome.

His problem is that despite the fact that his E recovers mana, it is only reliable for laning phase. Post lane phase, he needs a way to cover his mana problems, otherwise he will be oom during teamfights and skirmishes. Unfortunately all current mana items have significant problems for Malzahar. Both Athene's Unholy Grail and Morellonomicon are strong options, but they don't have any HP, and as such, they make Malzahar very squishy. He is a mage with below-average range, he needs to build tanky because otherwise he will be blown easily during teamfights. As such, Rod of Ages is much more appealing for him as a item to solve his mana problems, due to the HP. However, Rod of Ages does not have CDR, unlike Athene's or Morello. Frozen Heart would be a good option if weren't for the fact that not only it gives no AP at all, but it also makes Malzahar only tanky against AD champions

In short; I have to decide if I need tankyness, or CDR, I can't have both.

As if being unable to decide which mana item is the best for Malzahar wasn't enough, there are also other problems. He really needs Zhonya because he will be focused and as such, he needs a way to be able to counter focus. Void Staff is also needed, because Malzahar has % damage, huge bases, and he is a anti-tank champion and as such, magic penetration is mandatory. Rabadon's Deathcap is also mandatory because, well, he is an AP carry.

Because I need to purchase these items, plus a mana regeneration item AND boots, this leaves Malzahar with only one free slot for items. While Liandry works well with him overall because Malzahar is mostly DoT based, Liandry does not have CDR. Also, Malzahar would be unable to buy Rylai, or Banshee, or even Twin Shadows.

This means that I usually end up with a build that have little to no cooldown reduction. Either that or I have a build that leaves Malzahar very squishy. To somewhat solve this problem, I have started to use Ionian Boots, but the lack of Sorcerer's Shoes hurts Malzahar's damage during early-mid game, until I buy both Void Staff and Hauting Guise.

How to solve that problem?