To beat Adam Smasher on Very Hard, prioritize chemical and Tech weapons, focus on his cyber heart after destroying his front plate, and effectively use Frag Grenades and quickhacks like Weapon Malfunction and Cyberware Malfunction to disrupt his attacks and deal significant damage. Maintaining distance and consistently dodging his melee and projectile attacks are crucial throughout the fight.
Pre-Battle Preparation and Weaknesses
Adam Smasher, the final boss of Cyberpunk 2077’s main storyline, presents a significant challenge, especially on Very Hard difficulty. Before initiating the fight, a strategic loadout adjustment is critical. Smasher has specific vulnerabilities that can be exploited to significantly increase your damage output. His primary weaknesses include chemical damage and Tech weapons. Conversely, he possesses resistance to electrical damage, making such weapons ineffective.
His most critical weak point is his cybernetic heart, located on the right side of his chest. Inflicting damage here results in substantial health reduction. However, his front armor plate must first be destroyed to expose this vulnerability effectively. Tech weapons are particularly adept at piercing this armor, making them invaluable for this task. Additionally, Frag Grenades are highly effective for dealing large bursts of damage and damaging his cyberware.
| Item Type | Effectiveness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Damage | High | Significantly increases damage output. |
| Tech Weapons | High | Pierces front armor, can hit through cover. |
| Frag Grenades | High | Deals large damage, damages cyberware. |
| Electrical Damage | Low | Adam Smasher is resistant to electrical damage. |
Equipping a variety of weapon types is also recommended to prevent running out of ammunition during the prolonged engagement. The ability of Tech weapons to strike targets through walls or cover is an additional advantage, particularly when dealing with reinforcements or Smasher’s strategic positioning.
Phase One: Melee and Bullet Storm
Adam Smasher’s initial phase is characterized by aggressive melee combos, powerful jump attacks, and a high-damage projectile attack known as the “Bullet Storm.” He is at his most formidable during this stage, making distance management paramount. Allowing Smasher to close the gap and engage in melee will result in heavy damage.
To counter his melee assaults, immediately begin backing up when he charges. As he starts his arm swings, continuously spam the dodge button while retreating to evade his combo attacks. This technique is similar to the one used against Oda in Act 2. For his jump attack, a straightforward sprint away from his landing zone is usually sufficient to avoid damage. The Bullet Storm attack, a barrage of bullets from his right-hand minigun, necessitates seeking cover to mitigate incoming damage. Using the Weapon Malfunction quickhack at this point can significantly reduce the efficiency of this attack, making it less dangerous.
Mid-Fight Tactics and Rocket Barrage
As the battle progresses, Smasher’s tactics evolve. After taking sufficient damage, shooting off his right arm can deal significant damage and prevent him from using further melee attacks. This action will force him to rely more heavily on the rocket launcher mounted on his back. He will often reposition to an upper surface, primarily firing rockets from there. During this stage, your priority should shift to damaging the rocket launcher itself.
Midway through the fight, Smasher will summon four agents as reinforcements. These are standard enemies and should not pose a significant threat individually, but they can be a nuisance while simultaneously dodging Smasher’s rocket barrages. Standing directly under platforms can provide cover from his rocket attacks, allowing you to deal with the agents more safely. Employing the Cyberware Malfunction quickhack can temporarily disable his rocket launcher and immobilize him for several seconds, creating valuable windows for focused damage or clearing out the summoned agents.
| Attack Type | Counter Strategy |
|---|---|
| Right-hand Minigun | Hide behind cover. |
| Jump Attack | Dodge to either side. |
| Rush Attack | Dodge to either side (for both single swing and three-hit combo variations). |
| Rocket Launcher Barrage | Keep moving, do not stand still. Standing under platforms can prevent hits. |
| Left-hand Minigun | Hide behind cover. |
Leveraging Quickhacks and Cyberware
Quickhacks are an indispensable tool for managing Adam Smasher on Very Hard. Two quickhacks stand out for their effectiveness: Weapon Malfunction and Cyberware Malfunction.
Weapon Malfunction is particularly useful during Smasher’s first phase. Activating this quickhack reduces the effectiveness of his Bullet Storm attack, significantly easing the pressure during what many consider one of the more challenging aspects of the fight. Cyberware Malfunction, while requiring a longer upload time, delivers massive damage to Smasher and can frequently push him into the next phase of the battle. This quickhack also temporarily stops him from moving and using his rocket launcher, providing crucial openings. While the upload time can be a drawback, the damage and disruption it causes are often worth the investment, especially for stealth-oriented builds.
It is important to note that while Cyberware Malfunction can be a game-changer, its upload time means it may not be suitable for every playstyle or every moment of the fight. Strategic timing of this quickhack, perhaps when Smasher is momentarily distracted or after a successful dodge, will maximize its impact. Always ensure your cyberdeck is equipped with these quickhacks before entering the final confrontation.
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.
Which quickhacks are most effective against Adam Smasher? Weapon Malfunction is highly effective for reducing the impact of his Bullet Storm attack, and Cyberware Malfunction deals massive damage and temporarily disables his cyberware, including his rocket launcher.
How do I deal with Adam Smasher’s melee attacks? To avoid his melee combos and rush attacks, continuously dodge backward or to the side as he charges and swings. For his jump attack, sprint away from his landing zone.
Should I bring multiple weapon types? Yes, it is a good idea to bring three different types of weapons to ensure you do not run out of ammunition during the fight.
How do I protect myself from his rocket launcher? When Adam Smasher uses his rocket launcher from an elevated position, keep moving to dodge the missiles. Standing under platforms can also provide cover from the rocket barrage.
What happens if I shoot off his right arm? Shooting off his right arm deals a lot of damage and prevents him from using melee attacks, forcing him to rely more on his rocket launcher.