To defeat Adam Smasher in Cyberpunk 2077, focus on exploiting his cyber heart with Tech weapons after destroying his front plate, and utilize chemical damage. Employ Frag Grenades and quickhacks like Weapon Malfunction and Cyberware Malfunction to significantly weaken him throughout the three-phase battle.
Adam Smasher’s Weaknesses
Adam Smasher, the final boss in Cyberpunk 2077’s main storyline, has several vulnerabilities that can be strategically exploited. Preparing your loadout to target these weaknesses is crucial for a successful encounter. His most significant weak spot is his cyber heart, located on the right side of his chest. Inflicting damage here deals substantial harm, but you must first destroy his front armor plate to expose it. Tech weapons are particularly effective for this task.
Smasher is also susceptible to chemical damage, making chemical-based weapons a strong choice. Conversely, he possesses a resistance to electrical damage, so avoid using such weapons. Tech weapons offer additional advantages, as they can pierce his armor and strike targets through cover, which is useful for dealing with any reinforcements that may appear. Frag Grenades are excellent for delivering considerable damage and harming his cyberware. Quickhacks also play a vital role in weakening Smasher, with specific options proving highly effective.
| Weakness/Vulnerability | Recommended Tactic/Weapon | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Heart | Tech weapons | Significant damage when exposed |
| Chemical Damage | Chemical-based weapons | High damage output |
| Front Armor | Tech weapons | Pierces armor, exposes cyber heart |
| Bullet Storm | Weapon Malfunction | Reduces attack efficiency in Phase 1 |
| General Cyberware | Frag Grenades, Cyberware Malfunction | Large damage, can push to next phase |
The Weapon Malfunction quickhack is highly beneficial in the first phase, as it reduces the effectiveness of his bullet storm attack, which can otherwise be challenging to avoid. The Cyberware Malfunction quickhack can deal massive damage and often push Smasher into a new phase. However, it requires a significant upload time, so timing its activation is key.
Phase 1 Strategy
Adam Smasher’s initial phase is characterized by aggressive melee combos, powerful jump attacks, and his projectile “Bullet Storm” attack. He is at his strongest during this phase, so maintaining distance is paramount to avoid heavy damage from his close-quarters assaults. His melee combos can be dodged by consistently backing up and repeatedly pressing the dodge button as he swings his arms. This technique is similar to the one used to defeat Oda in Act 2.
To evade his jump attack, simply sprint away from your current position when he leaps into the air. Getting hit by this attack will knock you down. However, do not run too far, as he will be vulnerable while kneeling after landing, unable to attack for several seconds. Once he begins to regain function, immediately move out of his melee range. If Smasher closes the distance and uses his Gorilla Arms for punches, and you are knocked down, he may follow up with a shot from his Projectile Launch System Energy Blast Cannon. It is crucial to get up and move away immediately to avoid this devastating follow-up.
For managing damage and avoiding knockdowns, consider abilities that increase mitigation such as Healing Item with Dorph-head, Dash with Can’t Touch This, or your Operating System, especially with Ticking Time Bomb. The Adrenaline Rush and Unstoppable Force Perks (Body 15) can also help prevent knockdowns. Once Smasher’s health drops below 80%, he will begin using Sandevistan, making him difficult to hit while moving unless you have a counter like a Smart gun or your own Sandevistan. At this point, his chest plate will catch fire, and he will rip it off, revealing his cyber heart weak point. This is an ideal moment to use Tech weapons to target his exposed core.
General Combat Tips
Throughout the entire fight, Adam Smasher does not have traditional weak points like headshots that deal increased damage. However, if you possess the Relic Perk, Vulnerability Analytics, it will highlight weak points on his limbs. These limb weak points have substantial health and are not always accessible. If you find yourself unable to consistently hit these limb weak points, it might be more efficient to concentrate your fire on his core weaknesses, particularly his cyber heart once exposed. For gun builds, these limb weak points are the only specific targets outside of his core, and ignoring them will prolong the fight considerably.
It is vital to manage your health and resources carefully across all three phases of the battle. Utilize cover effectively, especially against his ranged attacks such as the Bullet Storm in Phase 1 and the missile rain in later phases. Ensure you have a steady supply of Frag Grenades and that your quickhacks are ready for deployment, as these will significantly aid in breaking down his defenses and cyberware. Adapting your strategy based on his current phase and his exposed weaknesses is the key to overcoming this challenging final encounter.
FAQ
When do you fight Adam Smasher? You fight Adam Smasher as the final boss in all three endings of the base game, after the point of no return that begins when you meet Hanako Arasaka at Embers for the mission Nocturne Op55N1.
What are Adam Smasher’s main weaknesses? Adam Smasher’s main weaknesses include his cyber heart (exposed after destroying his front plate), chemical damage, and vulnerability to Tech weapons. He is also susceptible to quickhacks like Weapon Malfunction and Cyberware Malfunction.
Should I use electrical damage against Adam Smasher? No, Adam Smasher has a resistance to electrical damage, so it is recommended to avoid using weapons that deal electrical damage.
Does Adam Smasher have headshot weak points? No, Adam Smasher does not have traditional headshot weak points. However, the Relic Perk “Vulnerability Analytics” can reveal weak points on his limbs.
What happens when Adam Smasher reaches 80% health? When Adam Smasher drops below 80% health, he begins using Sandevistan while moving, making him difficult to hit unless you have a counter like a Smart gun or your own Sandevistan. His chest plate will also catch fire and he will rip it off, revealing his cyber heart.