Quick Strategy Overview
To effectively defeat Adam Smasher, focus on exploiting his weakness to chemical damage and utilizing Tech weapons to bypass his armor and target his cybernetic heart. Prioritize using Frag Grenades and specific quickhacks like Weapon Malfunction and Cyberware Malfunction to control the fight and inflict significant damage.
Adam Smasher serves as the final boss in Cyberpunk 2077’s main storyline, making him a formidable opponent. His battle unfolds across three distinct phases, each presenting unique challenges. A well-prepared loadout and strategic approach are crucial for success. Understanding his attack patterns and weaknesses will significantly streamline the encounter.
Adam Smasher’s Weaknesses and Recommended Gear
Adam Smasher, despite his imposing cybernetic enhancements, possesses several exploitable weaknesses that can drastically alter the flow of battle. Preparing your loadout to capitalize on these vulnerabilities is paramount before initiating the fight.
His primary weakness is to chemical damage, making weapons or consumables that inflict this type of damage highly effective. Conversely, he exhibits resistance to electrical damage, so avoid using electric-based weaponry.
A critical target is his cybernetic heart, located on the right side of his chest. Inflicting damage here results in significant health reduction. However, his front armor plate must be destroyed first to expose this weak spot. Tech weapons are ideal for this purpose due to their armor-piercing capabilities.
| Item Type | Benefit The Adam Smasher (Boss) page on the Fextralife Wiki provides some additional details about his attacks and drops.
Tactics for Each Phase
Adam Smasher’s battle is divided into three distinct phases, each requiring slightly different tactical approaches. Understanding his attack patterns and your positioning is key to surviving and dealing damage.
Phase 1: Melee Dominance
The initial phase sees Adam Smasher heavily focused on aggressive melee combos, jump attacks, and a projectile attack known as the “Bullet Storm.” He is arguably at his strongest here, making distance management critical.
- Melee Combos: Smasher will charge you and attempt to hit with a swing of his right arm or a three-hit combo. As soon as you see him charging, begin backing up. When he starts to swing, continuously spam the dodge button while retreating. This technique is similar to dodging Oda’s attacks in Act 2.
- Jump Attack: When Smasher jumps, simply sprint away from your current location to avoid his impact.
- Bullet Storm: This is a rapid barrage of bullets from his right-hand minigun. Utilize cover to block the incoming fire. If available, deploy the “Weapon Malfunction” quickhack to significantly reduce its effectiveness.
- General Strategy: Maintain distance and prioritize destroying his front armor plate with Tech weapons to expose his cybernetic heart. If you can shoot off his right arm, it will deal significant damage and prevent him from using further melee attacks, forcing him to rely on his rocket launcher.
Phase 2: Rocket Barrage and Reinforcements
After taking sufficient damage, Smasher will likely move to an elevated position, primarily utilizing his rocket launcher. This phase also introduces minor enemy reinforcements.
- Rocket Launcher Barrage: Smasher will fire a volley of rockets from his back-mounted launcher. Do not stand still; continuously move and dodge to avoid the incoming missiles. Standing directly under the platforms he uses can provide temporary cover from the rockets.
- Reinforcements: Midway through this phase, Smasher will summon four standard agents. These enemies should not pose a significant threat but can be a nuisance. Prioritize eliminating them quickly while simultaneously dodging Smasher’s rockets. Tech weapons are useful here as they can strike targets through cover.
- General Strategy: Your priority shifts to damaging his rocket launcher. The “Cyberware Malfunction” quickhack can be incredibly effective here, causing massive damage and potentially forcing him into the next phase, as well as temporarily disabling his rocket launcher and freezing him in place. Be aware that this hack takes time to upload.
Phase 3: Final Stand
Details for a distinct third phase are not explicitly detailed in the provided sources beyond the general three-phase structure. However, it’s reasonable to expect Smasher to continue his aggressive assault, potentially combining elements from previous phases or becoming more desperate.
- General Strategy: Continue to exploit his weaknesses. If his cybernetic heart is exposed, focus all fire there. Keep Frag Grenades in reserve for burst damage. Maintain mobility and use cover effectively. If you haven’t already, fully disable his cyberware with quickhacks when possible.
General Combat Tips
Beyond phase-specific strategies, several general combat tips will help you overcome Adam Smasher.
- Weapon Diversity: It’s advisable to bring at least three different weapon types to prevent running out of ammunition during the prolonged fight. Ensure these include Tech weapons and ideally, chemical damage-dealing weapons.
- Quickhacks: “Weapon Malfunction” is excellent for mitigating his Bullet Storm, while “Cyberware Malfunction” can deal substantial damage and temporarily incapacitate him, allowing for free hits.
- Grenades: Frag Grenades are highly effective for dealing large amounts of damage and further damaging his cyberware. Consider equipping them if you have spares.
- Dodge and Cover: Constant movement and effective use of environmental cover are crucial for avoiding his heavy-hitting attacks, especially his melee combos and Bullet Storm.
- Patience: Adam Smasher is a final boss, and the fight will not be easy. Don’t rush; take your time, manage your resources, and prioritize survival while looking for openings to deal damage.
- Health Management: Keep an eye on your health and use healing items proactively. Don’t wait until you’re critically low.
FAQ
What are Adam Smasher’s main weaknesses? Adam Smasher is primarily weak to chemical damage and Tech weapons. His cybernetic heart, located on the right side of his chest, is his weakest spot after his front armor plate is destroyed. He is resistant to electrical damage.
Which quickhacks are most effective against Adam Smasher? The “Weapon Malfunction” quickhack is highly effective for reducing the efficiency of his Bullet Storm attack, especially in Phase 1. “Cyberware Malfunction” can deal significant damage and temporarily disable his rocket launcher and movement, making it very useful.
Should I use grenades against Adam Smasher? Yes, Frag Grenades are recommended as they deal large amounts of damage and can also damage his cyberware, providing a significant advantage during the fight.
How do I avoid Adam Smasher’s melee attacks? To avoid his melee combos, continuously back up and spam the dodge button as he charges and swings. For his jump attack, simply sprint away from your current location.
What should I do when Adam Smasher summons reinforcements? During Phase 2, Adam Smasher will summon four standard agents. Prioritize eliminating these standard enemies quickly while continuing to dodge Smasher’s rocket barrages. Tech weapons can help by allowing you to shoot through cover.