Should Malphite always build full armor even when the game is mainly decided by his right to enter alive?

No. Armor remains his natural specialty and often his best efficiency, but Malphite still has to answer the threat type that truly decides the game. If he enters badly or dies before even existing into AP, stubbornly forcing full armor creates a thematically correct but strategically bad build.

When is Randuin actually better than Thornmail on Malphite?

Randuin becomes better when the game mostly revolves around an AD carry with explosive autos or crits rather than around sustain that must be cut. If the real threat wins in a few burst seconds rather than through long durability, Randuin gives you a more direct lever than Thornmail.

Gargoyle or Quicksilver on Malphite depending on whether he mainly needs to survive burst or actually get the trigger off?

Gargoyle is better when your engage starts correctly but you mainly need to survive long enough after impact for your team to convert. Quicksilver comes first if one key crowd control effect prevents proper initiation, because an engage that never triggers is worth even less than one that triggers with slightly less tankiness.

Malphite Wild Rift Best Build Guide (Patch 7.2a)

Builds — official CN server data (patch 7.2)

Why this data? →

Three reads of the same champion, computed by our engine on official CN server data (current-patch stats, ratios and prices): a reliable base to adapt to your game. This champion is played in 3 positions: each tab has its own build, runes and boots — a support build does not carry over to mid lane. Builds prioritize survivability against specific damage types (physical, magic) or general frontline presence.

Malphite Baron Lane — recommended build

Standard — frontline

Standard build maximizing damage output. Use on neutral matchups or when ahead.

Thornmail›

14,150 total cost

Vs AD comps

Defensive build adding survivability. Pick this against high enemy damage or when behind.

Thornmail›

14,300 total cost +150g

Vs AP comps

Anti-armor build for tanky enemies. Choose when multiple enemies build resistances.

14,250 total cost +100g

Recommended bootsPlated Steelcaps

Recommended runes: Grasp of the UndyingGrasp of the Undying provides sustain and bonus damage on extended trades, synergizing with Malphite's tankiness.

Situational adaptations

Mantle of the Twelfth HourAgainst AD burst (assassins, Zed, Rengar…)

Kaenic RookernAgainst AP burst (Syndra, Fizz, Evelynn…)

Malphite Mid Lane — recommended build

Standard — frontline

Standard build maximizing damage output. Use on neutral matchups or when ahead.

14,200 total cost

Vs AD comps

Defensive build adding survivability. Pick this against high enemy damage or when behind.

Thornmail›

14,300 total cost +100g

Vs AP comps

Anti-armor build for tanky enemies. Choose when multiple enemies build resistances.

14,250 total cost +50g

Recommended bootsPlated Steelcaps

Recommended runes: Grasp of the UndyingGrasp of the Undying provides sustain and bonus damage on extended trades, synergizing with Malphite's tankiness.

Situational adaptations

ThornmailAgainst healing (Soraka, Aatrox, lifesteal…)

Mantle of the Twelfth HourAgainst AD burst (assassins, Zed, Rengar…)

Gargoyle StoneplateAgainst AP burst (Syndra, Fizz, Evelynn…)

Malphite Support — recommended build

Standard — engage/peel

Standard build maximizing damage output. Use on neutral matchups or when ahead.

Bulwark of the Mountain›

Zeke's Convergence›

Yordle Trap›

Knight's Vow›

Radiant Virtue

11,250 total cost

Carry protection

Defensive build adding survivability. Pick this against high enemy damage or when behind.

Bulwark of the Mountain›

Knight's Vow›

Yordle Trap›

Redemption›

Radiant Virtue

11,150 total cost -100g

Vs dive

Anti-armor build for tanky enemies. Choose when multiple enemies build resistances.

Bulwark of the Mountain›

Knight's Vow›

Thornmail›

Randuin's Omen›

Gargoyle Stoneplate

11,500 total cost +250g

Recommended bootsPlated Steelcaps

Recommended runes: Grasp of the UndyingGrasp of the Undying provides sustain and bonus damage on extended trades, synergizing with Malphite's tankiness.

Situational adaptations

ThornmailAgainst healing (Soraka, Aatrox, lifesteal…)

Mantle of the Twelfth HourAgainst AD burst (assassins, Zed, Rengar…)

Gargoyle StoneplateAgainst AP burst (Syndra, Fizz, Evelynn…)

Core build — historical analysis (patch 7.0e)Being rewritten

Foundational item core, without recent situational additions — kept as a base for understanding the kit. For the up-to-date build, see the section above.

Malphite is one of the few tanks whose armor improves not only survivability but also part of his real threat.