Heroes of the Storm

Patch 2.57 Updated

Tank · Warcraft

Mal'Ganis

Nathrezim Lord

Role
Tank
Attack
Melee
Difficulty
Hard
Released
16 Oct 2018
Last patched
28 Sep 2026
Damage
5/10
Utility
3/10
Survivability
7/10
Complexity
3/10

Counters and synergies

Mal'Ganis is strong against

Score 1–100 for Mal'Ganis's net edge once both kits are weighed (50 = neutral)

  1. Kerrigan Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedNight Rush puts a diving Kerrigan to Sleep and Fel Claws' third slash stuns her mid-combo, while Vampiric Touch heals Mal'Ganis for half of what he deals back.via Night Rush, Fel Claws, Vampiric Touch
    • TheoryMal'Ganis has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Kerrigan off a target.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis can deny a burst window (Carrion Swarm), wasting Kerrigan's cooldowns. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Carrion Swarm.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) can stop Kerrigan in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's area damage (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) clears Kerrigan's summoned units quickly. Only when Kerrigan takes Summon Ultralisk.
  2. Illidan Curated
    Why? 6
    • CuratedFel Claws and Night Rush are Abilities that Evasion cannot stop, and Night Rush's 2.5-second Sleep shuts off the Basic Attacks Illidan heals through.via Fel Claws, Night Rush, Evasion
    • TheoryMal'Ganis has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Illidan off a target.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Winged Guard), which Illidan relies on for damage. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Winged Guard.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) can stop Illidan in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryIllidan deals damage based on maximum Health (Fiery Brand), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Illidan takes Fiery Brand.
    • TheoryIllidan can interrupt channels with stun (The Hunt), and Mal'Ganis relies on channelled abilities. Only when Illidan takes The Hunt. Mal'Ganis must also take Dark Conversion.
  3. Why? 7
    • CuratedNight Rush puts The Butcher to Sleep after Ruthless Onslaught lands, and Vampiric Touch heals Mal'Ganis for half the damage he deals back.via Night Rush, Ruthless Onslaught, Vampiric Touch
    • TheoryMal'Ganis has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Winged Guard), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Winged Guard.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryThe Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
    • TheoryThe Butcher can ignore or remove crowd control (Ruthless Onslaught), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep.
    • TheoryThe Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Mal'Ganis relies on channelled abilities. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Dark Conversion.
  4. Genji Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryMal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Genji's ability burst.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Genji off a target.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis can deny a burst window (Carrion Swarm), wasting Genji's cooldowns. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Carrion Swarm.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) can stop Genji in the middle of a dive.
  5. Nova Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryMal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Nova's ability burst.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's area damage (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) clears Nova's summoned units quickly.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis can deny a burst window (Carrion Swarm), wasting Nova's cooldowns. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Carrion Swarm.
  6. Greymane Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryMal'Ganis has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Greymane off a target.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Winged Guard), which Greymane relies on for damage. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Winged Guard.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) can stop Greymane in the middle of a dive.
View 5 more
  1. Kharazim Score 72 Theory Mal'Ganis has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Kharazim off a target.
    2 more reasons
    • Mal'Ganis can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Winged Guard), which Kharazim relies on for damage. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Winged Guard.
    • Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) can stop Kharazim in the middle of a dive.
  2. Li-Ming Score 72 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Li-Ming's ability burst.
    2 more reasons
    • Mal'Ganis can deny a burst window (Carrion Swarm), wasting Li-Ming's cooldowns. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Carrion Swarm.
    • Mal'Ganis can interrupt channels with stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius), and Li-Ming relies on channelled abilities. Only when Li-Ming takes Disintegrate.
  3. Zeratul Score 70 Theory Mal'Ganis has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Zeratul off a target.
    2 more reasons
    • Mal'Ganis can deny a burst window (Carrion Swarm), wasting Zeratul's cooldowns. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Carrion Swarm.
    • Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) can stop Zeratul in the middle of a dive.
  4. Kel'Thuzad Score 68 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Kel'Thuzad's ability burst.
    1 more reason
    • Mal'Ganis can deny a burst window (Carrion Swarm), wasting Kel'Thuzad's cooldowns. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Carrion Swarm.
  5. Probius Score 66 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Probius's ability burst.
    3 more reasons
    • Mal'Ganis's area damage (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) clears Probius's summoned units quickly.
    • Mal'Ganis can deny a burst window (Carrion Swarm), wasting Probius's cooldowns. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Carrion Swarm.
    • Probius deals damage based on maximum Health (Shoot 'Em Up), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Probius takes Shoot 'Em Up.
25 more below the bar

Weaker mechanical edges

Generic rule matches with no hand-written matchup behind them: scoring under 65, or past the 8 strongest.

  1. Xal'atath Score 66 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Xal'atath's ability burst.
  2. Azmodan Score 65 Theory Mal'Ganis's area damage (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) clears Azmodan's summoned units quickly.
  3. Li Li Score 65 Theory Mal'Ganis's area damage (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) clears Li Li's summoned units quickly.
  4. Jaina Score 64 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Jaina's ability burst.
  5. Samuro Score 64 Theory Mal'Ganis can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Winged Guard), which Samuro relies on for damage. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Winged Guard.
  6. Hanzo Score 63 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Hanzo's ability burst.
  7. Abathur Score 62 Theory Mal'Ganis's area damage (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) clears Abathur's summoned units quickly.
  8. Tracer Score 61 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Tracer's ability burst.
  9. Chromie Score 60 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Chromie's ability burst.
  10. Junkrat Score 60 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Junkrat's ability burst.
  11. Orphea Score 60 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Orphea's ability burst.
  12. Thrall Score 60 Theory Mal'Ganis has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Thrall off a target.
  13. Artanis Score 59 Theory Mal'Ganis has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Artanis off a target.
  14. Sgt. Hammer Score 59 Theory Mal'Ganis can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Winged Guard), which Sgt. Hammer relies on for damage. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Winged Guard.
  15. Tassadar Score 58 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Tassadar's ability burst.
  16. Anub'arak Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's area damage (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) clears Anub'arak's summoned units quickly.
  17. Fenix Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Winged Guard), which Fenix relies on for damage. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Winged Guard.
  18. Rexxar Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's area damage (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) clears Rexxar's summoned units quickly.
  19. Alarak Score 56 Theory Mal'Ganis can deny a burst window (Carrion Swarm), wasting Alarak's cooldowns. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Carrion Swarm.
  20. Kael'thas Score 56 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst.
  21. Mephisto Score 56 Theory Mal'Ganis has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Mephisto off a target.
  22. Qhira Score 56 Theory Mal'Ganis has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Qhira off a target.
  23. Tychus Score 56 Theory Mal'Ganis can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Winged Guard), which Tychus relies on for damage. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Winged Guard.
  24. Xul Score 56 Theory Mal'Ganis can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Winged Guard), which Xul relies on for damage. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Winged Guard.
  25. Nazeebo Score 53 Theory Mal'Ganis's area damage (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) clears Nazeebo's summoned units quickly.

Mal'Ganis is weak against

Score 1–100 for their net edge over Mal'Ganis's kit

  1. Ana Curated
    Why? 6
    • CuratedMal'Ganis lives on Vampiric Touch healing; a Biotic Grenade on him cancels all of it for 1.75 seconds, and Sleep Dart can stop Night Rush before it reaches the backline.via Biotic Grenade, Sleep Dart, Vampiric Touch, Night Rush
    • CuratedBiotic Grenade shuts off Vampiric Touch's healing for 1.75 seconds, removing the self-sustain that makes Mal'Ganis hard to kill.
    • TheoryAna reduces healing received (Biotic Grenade), which blunts Mal'Ganis's self-healing in melee range.
    • TheoryAna deals damage based on maximum Health (Night Terrors), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Ana takes Night Terrors.
    • TheoryAna can interrupt channels with stun (Sleep Dart), and Mal'Ganis relies on channelled abilities. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Dark Conversion.
    • TheoryAna can ignore or remove crowd control (Purifying Darts, Smelling Salts), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep. Only when Ana takes Purifying Darts or Smelling Salts.
  2. Malthael Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedReaper's Mark keeps ticking percent damage on Mal'Ganis's 2600-Health pool, and Touch of Death (level 7) halves his Vampiric Touch healing while he is marked.via Touch of Death, Reaper's Mark, Vampiric Touch
    • TheoryMalthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest.
    • TheoryMalthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Mal'Ganis's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
    • TheoryMalthael can ignore or remove crowd control (Inevitable End), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep. Only when Malthael takes Inevitable End.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Winged Guard), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Winged Guard.
  3. Johanna Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedIron Skin's Unstoppable makes Johanna immune to Night Rush's Sleep and the Fel Claws stun, and Sins Exposed (level 7) cuts Mal'Ganis's healing by 35%.via Sins Exposed, Iron Skin, Night Rush, Fel Claws, Vampiric Touch
    • TheoryJohanna can ignore or remove crowd control (Iron Skin, Falling Sword), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep.
    • TheoryJohanna can interrupt channels with stun (Condemn, Falling Sword), and Mal'Ganis relies on channelled abilities. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Dark Conversion.
  4. Stitches Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryStitches deals damage based on maximum Health (Serrated Edge), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Stitches takes Serrated Edge.
    • TheoryStitches reduces healing received (Master Hooker), which blunts Mal'Ganis's self-healing in melee range. Only when Stitches takes Master Hooker.
    • TheoryStitches reduces enemy Armor (Pulverize), offsetting Mal'Ganis's Spell Armor. Only when Stitches takes Pulverize.
    • TheoryStitches can interrupt channels with stun (Gorge), and Mal'Ganis relies on channelled abilities. Only when Stitches takes Gorge. Mal'Ganis must also take Dark Conversion.
  5. Leoric Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryLeoric deals damage based on maximum Health (Drain Hope, Crushing Hope), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest.
    • TheoryLeoric can ignore or remove crowd control (Wraith Walk, March of the Black King), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep.
    • TheoryLeoric can interrupt channels with silence (Buried Alive), and Mal'Ganis relies on channelled abilities. Only when Leoric takes Buried Alive. Mal'Ganis must also take Dark Conversion.
  6. Hogger Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryHogger deals damage based on maximum Health (Headbanger), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Hogger takes Headbanger.
    • TheoryHogger can ignore or remove crowd control (Hogg Wild), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep.
    • TheoryHogger reduces enemy Armor (Power Spike), offsetting Mal'Ganis's Spell Armor. Only when Hogger takes Power Spike.
    • TheoryHogger can interrupt channels with stun (Staggering Blow, Shockwave), and Mal'Ganis relies on channelled abilities. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Dark Conversion.
View 5 more
  1. Varian Score 72 Theory Varian deals damage based on maximum Health (Juggernaut), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Varian takes Juggernaut.
    3 more reasons
    • Varian reduces healing received (Mortal Strike), which blunts Mal'Ganis's self-healing in melee range. Only when Varian takes Mortal Strike.
    • Varian reduces enemy Armor (Colossus Smash), offsetting Mal'Ganis's Spell Armor. Only when Varian takes Colossus Smash.
    • Varian can interrupt channels with silence (Taunt), and Mal'Ganis relies on channelled abilities. Only when Varian takes Taunt. Mal'Ganis must also take Dark Conversion.
  2. D.Va Score 71 Theory D.Va deals damage based on maximum Health (Rush-down), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when D.Va takes Rush-down.
    3 more reasons
    • D.Va reduces healing received (Aggression Matrix), which blunts Mal'Ganis's self-healing in melee range. Only when D.Va takes Aggression Matrix.
    • D.Va reduces enemy Armor (Target Locked), offsetting Mal'Ganis's Spell Armor. Only when D.Va takes Target Locked.
    • D.Va can ignore or remove crowd control (Bunny Hop), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep. Only when D.Va takes Bunny Hop.
  3. Rehgar Score 69 Theory Rehgar deals damage based on maximum Health (Hunger of the Wolf), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Rehgar takes Hunger of the Wolf.
    2 more reasons
    • Rehgar reduces healing received (Purification), which blunts Mal'Ganis's self-healing in melee range. Only when Rehgar takes Purification.
    • Rehgar can ignore or remove crowd control (Purge), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep.
  4. Gazlowe Score 66 Theory Gazlowe deals damage based on maximum Health (Hyperfocus Coils, Overklock), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Gazlowe takes Hyperfocus Coils or Overklock.
    2 more reasons
    • Gazlowe can interrupt channels with stun (Xplodium Charge, Grav-O-Bomb 3000), and Mal'Ganis relies on channelled abilities. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Dark Conversion.
    • Gazlowe can ignore or remove crowd control (Robo-Goblin), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep. Only when Gazlowe takes Robo-Goblin.
  5. Cho'gall Score 65 Theory Cho'gall deals damage based on maximum Health (Uppercut, Searing Shadows), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Cho'gall takes Uppercut or Searing Shadows.
    1 more reason
    • Cho'gall reduces healing received (Enraged Regeneration), which blunts Mal'Ganis's self-healing in melee range. Only when Cho'gall takes Enraged Regeneration.
27 more below the bar

Weaker mechanical edges

Generic rule matches with no hand-written matchup behind them: scoring under 65, or past the 8 strongest.

  1. Garrosh Score 65 Theory Garrosh reduces healing received (Body Check), which blunts Mal'Ganis's self-healing in melee range. Only when Garrosh takes Body Check.
  2. Brightwing Score 64 Theory Brightwing can ignore or remove crowd control (Soothing Mist), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep.
  3. Deathwing Score 64 Theory Deathwing can ignore or remove crowd control (Aspect of Death), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep.
  4. Mei Score 64 Theory Mei can ignore or remove crowd control (Cryo-Freeze), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep.
  5. Tyrande Score 64 Theory Tyrande deals damage based on maximum Health (Empower), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Tyrande takes Empower.
  6. Lúcio Score 63 Theory Lúcio reduces healing received (Mixing Fire), which blunts Mal'Ganis's self-healing in melee range. Only when Lúcio takes Mixing Fire.
  7. Diablo Score 62 Theory Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Mal'Ganis's Spell Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge.
  8. Lunara Score 62 Theory Lunara deals damage based on maximum Health (Invigorating Spores), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Lunara takes Invigorating Spores.
  9. The Lost Vikings Score 62 Theory The Lost Vikings deals damage based on maximum Health (Nordic Attack Squad), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest.
  10. Yrel Score 62 Theory Yrel deals damage based on maximum Health (Templar's Verdict), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Yrel takes Templar's Verdict.
  11. Sylvanas Score 61 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  12. Dehaka Score 60 Theory Dehaka reduces healing received (Paralyzing Enzymes), which blunts Mal'Ganis's self-healing in melee range. Only when Dehaka takes Paralyzing Enzymes.
  13. Arthas Score 57 Theory Arthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Mal'Ganis's Spell Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor.
  14. Chen Score 57 Theory Chen reduces enemy Armor (Accumulating Flame), offsetting Mal'Ganis's Spell Armor. Only when Chen takes Accumulating Flame.
  15. Imperius Score 57 Theory Imperius reduces enemy Armor (Melting Touch), offsetting Mal'Ganis's Spell Armor. Only when Imperius takes Melting Touch.
  16. Uther Score 57 Theory Uther can interrupt channels with stun (Hammer of Justice, Divine Storm), and Mal'Ganis relies on channelled abilities. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Dark Conversion.
  17. Zarya Score 57 Theory Zarya can interrupt channels with silence (Gravity Kills), and Mal'Ganis relies on channelled abilities. Only when Zarya takes Gravity Kills. Mal'Ganis must also take Dark Conversion.
  18. Deckard Score 56 Theory Deckard reduces healing received (Emerald), which blunts Mal'Ganis's self-healing in melee range. Only when Deckard takes Emerald.
  19. Zagara Score 56 Theory Zagara deals damage based on maximum Health (Corrosive Saliva), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Zagara takes Corrosive Saliva.
  20. Anduin Score 55 Theory Anduin can ignore or remove crowd control (Leap of Faith), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep.
  21. Valla Score 54 Theory Valla deals damage based on maximum Health (Manticore), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Valla takes Manticore.
  22. Raynor Score 53 Theory Raynor deals damage based on maximum Health (Bounty Hunter), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Raynor takes Bounty Hunter.
  23. Lt. Morales Score 52 Theory Lt. Morales deals damage based on maximum Health (Bedside Manner), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Lt. Morales takes Bedside Manner.
  24. Maiev Score 52 Theory Maiev deals damage based on maximum Health (Vengeful Knives), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Maiev takes Vengeful Knives.
  25. Cassia Score 51 Theory Cassia deals damage based on maximum Health (Martial Law), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Cassia takes Martial Law.
  26. Murky Score 51 Theory Murky deals damage based on maximum Health (Wrath of Cod), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Murky takes Wrath of Cod.
  27. Sonya Score 51 Theory Sonya deals damage based on maximum Health (Giant Slammer), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Sonya takes Giant Slammer.

Mal'Ganis works well with

Score 1–100 for how well the kits combine

  1. Raynor Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedRaynor's rapid Basic Attacks and Give 'Em Some Pepper are Physical Damage, letting Vampiric Aura heal him steadily in extended fights. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Vampiric Aura (level 4).via Vampiric Aura, Give 'Em Some Pepper
    • TheoryMal'Ganis peels divers off Raynor, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Raynor room to deal damage from behind it.
  2. Tychus Curated
    Why? 1
    • CuratedVampiric Aura heals nearby allies for 20% of the Physical Damage they deal, and Tychus's Minigun output turns that into steady healing. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Vampiric Aura (level 4).via Vampiric Aura, Minigun
  3. Valla Curated
    Why? 1
    • CuratedValla's Hatred-fueled Basic Attacks are Physical Damage, so Vampiric Aura gives her lifesteal while she shoots from behind Mal'Ganis. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Vampiric Aura (level 4).via Vampiric Aura, Hatred
  4. Chromie Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryMal'Ganis peels divers off Chromie, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Chromie's burst.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Chromie room to deal damage from behind it.
  5. Why? 3
    • TheoryMal'Ganis peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  6. Why? 3
    • TheoryMal'Ganis peels divers off Kel'Thuzad, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Kel'Thuzad's burst.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Kel'Thuzad room to deal damage from behind it.
View 5 more
  1. Azmodan Score 71 Theory Mal'Ganis peels divers off Azmodan, who cannot escape alone.
    1 more reason
    • Mal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Azmodan room to deal damage from behind it.
  2. Gul'dan Score 71 Theory Mal'Ganis peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
    1 more reason
    • Mal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.
  3. Jaina Score 71 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Jaina's burst.
    1 more reason
    • Mal'Ganis can protect Jaina's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  4. Li-Ming Score 71 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Li-Ming's burst.
    1 more reason
    • Mal'Ganis can protect Li-Ming's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  5. Murky Score 71 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Murky's burst.
    1 more reason
    • Mal'Ganis can protect Murky's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
35 more below the bar

Weaker mechanical edges

Generic rule matches with no hand-written matchup behind them: scoring under 65, or past the 8 strongest.

  1. Nazeebo Score 71 Theory Mal'Ganis peels divers off Nazeebo, who cannot escape alone.
  2. Nova Score 71 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Nova's burst.
  3. Probius Score 71 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Probius's burst.
  4. Sgt. Hammer Score 71 Theory Mal'Ganis peels divers off Sgt. Hammer, who cannot escape alone.
  5. Zul'jin Score 71 Theory Mal'Ganis peels divers off Zul'jin, who cannot escape alone.
  6. Genji Score 69 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Genji's burst.
  7. Kerrigan Score 69 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Kerrigan's burst.
  8. Tracer Score 69 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Tracer's burst.
  9. Valeera Score 69 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Valeera's burst.
  10. Zeratul Score 69 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Zeratul's burst.
  11. Alarak Score 62 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  12. Hanzo Score 62 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Hanzo's burst.
  13. Junkrat Score 62 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Junkrat's burst.
  14. Orphea Score 62 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Orphea's burst.
  15. Tassadar Score 62 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Tassadar's burst.
  16. Xal'atath Score 62 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Xal'atath's burst.
  17. Abathur Score 60 Theory Mal'Ganis can protect Abathur's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  18. The Lost Vikings Score 60 Theory Mal'Ganis can protect The Lost Vikings's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  19. Ana Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Ana room to deal damage from behind it.
  20. Anduin Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Anduin room to deal damage from behind it.
  21. Artanis Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) lets Artanis dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  22. Deckard Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Deckard room to deal damage from behind it.
  23. Gazlowe Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Gazlowe room to deal damage from behind it.
  24. Greymane Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) lets Greymane dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  25. Illidan Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) lets Illidan dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  26. Kharazim Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) lets Kharazim dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  27. Lt. Morales Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Lt. Morales room to deal damage from behind it.
  28. Maiev Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) lets Maiev dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  29. Mephisto Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) lets Mephisto dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  30. Qhira Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) lets Qhira dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  31. Sonya Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) lets Sonya dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  32. Stukov Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Stukov room to deal damage from behind it.
  33. The Butcher Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  34. Thrall Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) lets Thrall dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  35. Whitemane Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Whitemane room to deal damage from behind it.

Spot a wrong or missing matchup? Suggest a correction with the mechanical reason; accepted notes land in the theory layer for everyone.

Maps

Best maps for Mal'Ganis

Score 1–100 from how the kit fits each map's layout and objective (50 = neutral)

  1. Why? 2
    • TheoryMal'Ganis can stand on Hanamura Temple's payload and absorb pressure.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Hanamura Temple's pushing objective.
  2. Why? 2
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's sleep (Night Rush, Seeker Swarm) stops enemies channelling Blackheart's Bay's objective.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Blackheart's Bay's pushing objective.
  3. Why? 2
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's sleep (Night Rush, Seeker Swarm) stops enemies channelling Dragon Shire's objective.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Dragon Shire's pushing objective.
  4. Why? 2
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's sleep (Night Rush, Seeker Swarm) stops enemies channelling Towers of Doom's objective.
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Towers of Doom's pushing objective.
  5. Why? 1
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Alterac Pass's pushing objective.
  6. Why? 1
    • TheoryMal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Battlefield of Eternity's pushing objective.
View 13 more
  1. Braxis Holdout Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Braxis Holdout's pushing objective.
  2. Braxis Outpost Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) holds Braxis Outpost's single lane.
  3. Cursed Hollow Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's sleep (Night Rush, Seeker Swarm) stops enemies channelling Cursed Hollow's objective.
  4. Garden of Terror Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Garden of Terror's pushing objective.
  5. Haunted Mines Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Haunted Mines's pushing objective.
  6. Industrial District Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) holds Industrial District's single lane.
  7. Infernal Shrines Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Infernal Shrines's pushing objective.
  8. Lost Cavern Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) holds Lost Cavern's single lane.
  9. Silver City Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) holds Silver City's single lane.
  10. Sky Temple Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Sky Temple's pushing objective.
  11. Tomb of the Spider Queen Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Tomb of the Spider Queen's pushing objective.
  12. Volskaya Foundry Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's waveclear (Fel Claws, Necrotic Embrace) helps hold lanes against Volskaya Foundry's pushing objective.
  13. Warhead Junction Score 55 Theory Mal'Ganis's sleep (Night Rush, Seeker Swarm) stops enemies channelling Warhead Junction's objective.

All maps

Talents

Talents by level

  1. Level 1

    • Will of Tichondrius Q Quest

      Quest: Hit Heroes with Fel Claws to permanently increase Fel Claw's damage by 0.25. Quest: Hit 4 Heroes in the first 2 slashes to cause the final slash to increase damage by 1. Reward: Upon gaining 20 bonus damage, the final Stun is increased by 0.25 seconds and the final slash steals 4% of enemy Hero Health.

    • Winged Guard W

      Each time Necrotic Embrace hits an enemy Hero, gain 75 Physical Armor against the next enemy Hero Basic Attack. If Winged Guard has no charges, Mal'Ganis will gain 1 charge after 5 seconds.

    • Time to Feed Passive

      Mal'Ganis heals for 70 (+4% per level) when damaging a nearby enemy Hero. This can occur once every 6 seconds against each enemy Hero, but is also refreshed when they are Slept by Night Rush.

  2. Level 4

    • Might of Sargeras W

      Necrotic Embrace now provides 35 Armor for 3 seconds.

    • Echo of Doom W

      When Necrotic Embrace expires, it explodes again for 68 (+4% per level) damage. For each enemy Hero hit, gain 5 Mana and reduce the cooldown of Necrotic Embrace by 0.75 seconds. Does not wake Sleeping targets.

    • Vampiric Aura Trait

      Mal'Ganis heals for 40% of Physical Damage dealt, and nearby allied Heroes heal for 20% of Physical Damage dealt.

  3. Level 7

    • Black Claws Q

      After Mal'Ganis hits an enemy Hero with Fel Claws, his next Basic Attack deals 60% more damage and reduces the Armor of enemy Heroes by 15 for 2 seconds.

    • Fueled by Torment W

      Necrotic Embrace now Slows nearby enemies by 25% for 3 seconds.

    • Spreading Plague E

      After casting Night Rush, deal 33 (+4% per level) damage per second to nearby enemies. This effect lasts for 5 seconds and Basic Attacks against Heroes refresh its duration. Does not wake Sleeping targets.

  4. Level 10

    • Carrion Swarm Heroic

      After 1 second, disperse into an Invulnerable swarm of bats for 3 seconds, dealing 120 (+4% per level) damage per second to enemies. Vampiric Touch heals for 75% of Carrion Swarm's damage to Heroes.

    • Dark Conversion Heroic

      Channel on an enemy Hero for 0.75 seconds, then swap Health percentages with the target over 3 seconds.

  5. Level 13

    • Deep Sleep E

      Increase Night Rush's Sleep duration by 0.75 seconds and its Movement Speed bonus by 15%.

    • The Night Beckons E

      Basic Attacks deal 200% bonus damage to Sleeping enemies. After Night Rush's Sleep ends, targets are Slowed by 30% for 3 seconds.

    • Blood Rush Trait

      When Mal'Ganis is healed by a Hero, he gains 1% Movement Speed for 6 seconds, up to 15%.

  6. Level 16

    • Plague Bats W

      Necrotic Embrace unleashes a wave of bats in front of Mal'Ganis, dealing 81 (+4% per level) damage.

    • Frenzied Assault Passive

      Basic Attacks against Heroes with a higher Health percentage heal for an additional 50% of damage dealt. Basic Attacks against Heroes with a lower Health percentage grant 35% Attack Speed for 3 seconds.

    • Blind as a Bat Active

      Activate to erupt with blind rage, removing the cooldown and Mana cost of Fel Claws, but losing all vision. Lasts 5.5 seconds. Enemy Heroes hit by the final slash of Fel Claws reduces the cooldown of this Ability by 4 seconds. Does not provide quest stacks while active.

  7. Level 20

    • Seeker Swarm Heroic

      Upon expiring, Carrion Swarm's bats seek nearby enemy Heroes, dealing 132 (+4% per level) damage and Sleeping them for 2.5 seconds.

    • Wrath of Nathreza Heroic

      Enemy Heroes near the target suffer 85% of the transferred Health as damage over 3 seconds. Does not benefit from Vampiric Touch.

    • Vanquish the Weak Q

      Damage from Fel Claws and Basic Attacks Slows enemies by 25% for 1.5 seconds, and Vampiric Touch converts 10% more damage into healing versus Slowed Heroes.

    • Alone in the Dark E

      Reduce the cooldown of Night Rush by 4 seconds. Enemy Heroes put to Sleep by Night Rush have their vision greatly reduced during the Sleep and for 2 seconds after.

Abilities and mechanics

  • Vampiric Touch D Trait

    Mal'Ganis heals for 50% of damage dealt to enemy Heroes and 15% of damage dealt to non-Heroes.

  • Fel Claws Q Ability

    8 s cooldown 45 Mana

    Violently slash in the chosen direction, dealing 66 (+4% per level) damage to enemies. Reactivate to slash up to 2 more times. The third slash Stuns enemies for 0.75 seconds.

  • Necrotic Embrace W Ability

    8 s cooldown 35 Mana

    Desecrate the air, dealing 121 (+4% per level) damage to nearby enemies and gaining 15 Spell Armor for 3 Seconds. This ability's base damage provides double healing from Vampiric Touch.

  • Night Rush E Ability

    14 s cooldown 70 Mana

    After 0.62 seconds, gain 50% Movement Speed for 2 seconds. While active, Mal'Ganis can move through enemy Heroes and put them to Sleep for 2.5 seconds.

  • Carrion Swarm R Heroic

    100 s cooldown 70 Mana

    After 1 second, disperse into an Invulnerable swarm of bats for 3 seconds, dealing 120 (+4% per level) damage per second to enemies. Vampiric Touch heals for 75% of Carrion Swarm's damage to Heroes.

  • Dark Conversion R Heroic

    60 s cooldown 60 Mana

    Channel on an enemy Hero for 0.75 seconds, then swap Health percentages with the target over 3 seconds.

Mechanics tags

What the theory layer reads from Mal'Ganis's kit. Each tag shows the ability or talent text that produced it; curated notes cover play-style traits the text cannot show.

Crowd control

Sleep
Ability Night Rush “While active, Mal'Ganis can move through enemy Heroes and put them to Sleep for 2.5 seconds.”
Talent Seeker Swarm “Upon expiring, Carrion Swarm's bats seek nearby enemy Heroes, dealing 132 damage and Sleeping them for 2.5 seconds.”
Talent Alone in the Dark “Enemy Heroes put to Sleep by Night Rush have their vision greatly reduced during the Sleep and for 2 seconds after.”
Slow
Talent Fueled by Torment “Necrotic Embrace now Slows nearby enemies by 25% for 3 seconds.”
Talent The Night Beckons “After Night Rush's Sleep ends, targets are Slowed by 30% for 3 seconds.”
Talent Vanquish the Weak “Damage from Fel Claws and Basic Attacks Slows enemies by 25% for 1.5 seconds, and Vampiric Touch converts 10% more…”
Stun
Ability Fel Claws “The third slash Stuns enemies for 0.75 seconds.”
Talent Will of Tichondrius “Reward: Upon gaining 20 bonus damage, the final Stun is increased by 0.25 seconds and the final slash steals 4% of…”

Defense and mobility

Ally healing
Talent Vampiric Aura “Mal'Ganis heals for 40% of Physical Damage dealt, and nearby allied Heroes heal for 20% of Physical Damage dealt.”
Talent Frenzied Assault “Basic Attacks against Heroes with a higher Health percentage heal for an additional 50% of damage dealt.”
Block
Talent Winged Guard “Each time Necrotic Embrace hits an enemy Hero, gain 75 Physical Armor against the next enemy Hero Basic Attack.”
Invulnerable
Ability Carrion Swarm “After 1 second, disperse into an Invulnerable swarm of bats for 3 seconds, dealing 120 damage per second to enemies.”
Physical Armor
Talent Winged Guard “Each time Necrotic Embrace hits an enemy Hero, gain 75 Physical Armor against the next enemy Hero Basic Attack.”
Self-healing
Ability Vampiric Touch “Mal'Ganis heals for 50% of damage dealt to enemy Heroes and 15% of damage dealt to non-Heroes.”
Ability Carrion Swarm “Vampiric Touch heals for 75% of Carrion Swarm's damage to Heroes.”
Talent Time to Feed “Mal'Ganis heals for 70 when damaging a nearby enemy Hero.”
Talent Vampiric Aura “Mal'Ganis heals for 40% of Physical Damage dealt, and nearby allied Heroes heal for 20% of Physical Damage dealt.”
Spell Armor
Ability Necrotic Embrace “Desecrate the air, dealing 121 damage to nearby enemies and gaining 15 Spell Armor for 3 Seconds.”

Damage and macro

Area damage
Ability Fel Claws “Violently slash in the chosen direction, dealing 66 damage to enemies.”
Ability Necrotic Embrace “Desecrate the air, dealing 121 damage to nearby enemies and gaining 15 Spell Armor for 3 Seconds.”
Talent Spreading Plague “After casting Night Rush, deal 33 damage per second to nearby enemies.”
Channeled abilities
Ability Dark Conversion “Channel on an enemy Hero for 0.75 seconds, then swap Health percentages with the target over 3 seconds.”
Waveclear
Ability Fel Claws “Violently slash in the chosen direction, dealing 66 damage to enemies.”
Ability Necrotic Embrace “Desecrate the air, dealing 121 damage to nearby enemies and gaining 15 Spell Armor for 3 Seconds.”

Play-style traits

Frontline
Curated note Vampiric Touch heals him for half the damage he deals to Heroes, so Mal'Ganis sustains himself while standing in the middle of fights.
Peel
Curated note Night Rush passes through enemy Heroes and puts them to Sleep, giving him a strong answer to divers on his backline.

Patch history

  1. 3 buffs

    • BuffNight Rush: Cast time 0.75 s → 0.625 sBase
    • BuffVampiric Touch: Healing 45% → 50%Base
    • BuffVampiric Touch: Healing 10% → 15%Base
  2. 3 buffs

    • BuffNight Rush: Cast time 0.75 s → 0.625 sBase
    • BuffVampiric Touch: Healing 45% → 50%Base
    • BuffVampiric Touch: Healing 10% → 15%Base
  3. 1 nerf, 1 other change

    • NerfWill of Tichondrius: Stun's duration increase 0.5 s → 0.25 sLevel 1
    • ChangeBlind as a Bat: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 16
  4. 1 nerf, 1 other change

    • NerfWill of Tichondrius: Stun's duration increase 0.5 s → 0.25 sLevel 1
    • ChangeBlind as a Bat: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 16
  5. 3 buffs, 2 nerfs

    • NerfWill of Tichondrius: Damage bonus per stack 0.5 → 0.25Level 1
    • BuffWill of Tichondrius: Damage 40 → 20Level 1
    • NerfWinged Guard: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
    • BuffDeep Sleep: Movespeed bonus 10% → 15%Level 13
    • BuffWrath of Nathreza: Transferred damage 75% → 85%Level 20
  6. 3 buffs, 5 other changes

    • ChangeNecrotic Embrace: 2 effect changes (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • BuffNecrotic Embrace: Damage 110 → 121Base
    • ChangeWill of Tichondrius: 2 effect changes (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
    • ChangeVampiric Aura: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
    • BuffVampiric Aura: Self healing 30% → 40%Level 4
    • BuffVampiric Aura: Healing of nearby Allies 15% → 20%Level 4
    • ChangeMight of Sargeras: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
    • ChangeFueled by Torment: 2 effect changes (see Blizzard's notes)Level 7
  7. 2 buffs, 6 other changes

    • ChangeNecrotic Embrace: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • ChangeNecrotic Embrace: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • ChangeWill of Tichondrius: 2 effect changes (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
    • ChangeVampiric Aura: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
    • BuffVampiric Aura: Self healing 30% → 40%Level 4
    • BuffVampiric Aura: Healing of nearby Allies 15% → 20%Level 4
    • ChangeMight of Sargeras: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
    • ChangeFueled by Torment: 2 effect changes (see Blizzard's notes)Level 7

Game-data changes between builds

Detected by comparing the game files of consecutive builds, including silent changes.

  1. 2.55.17.98025 → 2.57.0.98285

    • Night Rush delay: 0.75 → 0.62
    • Vampiric Touch healing: 45% → 50%
    • Vampiric Touch damage: 10% → 15%

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