Build a safe wave and resource cycle

Lane phase before the first major rotations, especially before each recall, river move, or objective setup

Use the opening waves to secure CS and test whether you can push without exposing yourself. If Malefic Visions is placed on a unit likely to die, let that death create a possible transfer and Mana return; if the enemy can punish your approach, prioritize safe XP and preserve Void Shift. Crash before recalling or roaming when the matchup and wave state allow it, because leaving an uncrashed wave gives away tempo. After a crash, inspect nearby lanes and river before choosing a move; if behind, treat safe farm and intact Void Shift as the transition condition rather than forcing priority.

Lane

Lane: turn Visions into controlled priority

If the wave is contestable and Void Shift is active, place Malefic Visions on a unit likely to die and use Call of the Void or Void Swarm when those spells also serve the push. When the afflicted unit dies, Visions can transfer and return Mana, but this is not a reason to force a spell cycle if the enemy can trade into you; in that case, farm from safer range and preserve resources.

With Malzahar

• If Malzahar is preparing a wave, help him secure the crash rather than pulling him into an unrelated fight; the resulting time lets him reset, move, or establish river control. If Malefic Visions is active on a unit that is about to die, avoid disrupting the intended transfer unless the immediate kill is more valuable than the next spell window.
• If you are the frontline, stand close enough that Malzahar can channel Nether Grasp after you create contact, but do not treat his ultimate as self-sufficient initiation. If his Void Shift is down, create the first safe angle or absorb the initial threat so he can contribute without channeling into immediate enemy damage.
• If an objective setup is about a minute away, help him push or protect the relevant wave, then fight within his range and suppression zone. If Malzahar catches an enemy with Nether Grasp, focus that target during the channel; if the ultimate is unavailable, keep the fight extended enough for his recurring spells to matter.
• If Malzahar is assigned a side wave, give him time to clear and leave when the wave has forced an answer, but do not demand a blind cross-map entry. His follow-up is strongest when the route is visible and the team is already positioned near the next play.