To effectively defeat Adam Smasher in Cyberpunk 2077, including in content consistent with the Phantom Liberty expansion, focus on exploiting his cyber heart located on the right side of his chest after destroying his front plate, and his general weakness to chemical damage. Utilize Tech weapons for armor penetration and Frag Grenades for burst damage, while employing quickhacks like Weapon Malfunction and Cyberware Malfunction to control the fight and deal significant damage.
Overview and Weaknesses
Adam Smasher, the final boss of Cyberpunk 2077’s main storyline, is a heavily modified mercenary found at the bottom of Arasaka Tower. Despite the Phantom Liberty expansion not introducing a new Smasher fight, the established strategies remain effective as of Update 2.1. His battle unfolds across three distinct phases, each with unique attack patterns and vulnerabilities that players can exploit.
Smasher’s primary vulnerability is his cyber heart, situated on the right side of his chest. This critical weak point deals substantial damage when hit, but it only becomes accessible after his front armor plate is destroyed. Tech weapons are particularly effective for piercing this armor. Additionally, Smasher is susceptible to chemical damage, making weapons with this damage type highly advantageous. Conversely, he possesses a resistance to electrical damage, so avoid using such weapons. The Relic Perk, Vulnerability Analytics, can highlight additional weak points on his limbs, though these are not always available and have considerable health.
| Weakness Type | Location/Benefit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Heart | Right side of chest; Inflicts significant damage | Requires destroying front plate first; Tech weapons are ideal. |
| Chemical Damage | General; Increases damage output | Prioritize weapons with chemical damage. |
| Front Armor Plate | Chest; Reveals cyber heart when destroyed | Crucial for accessing his primary weak point. |
| Limbs (via Relic) | Reveals weak points if Vulnerability Analytics is active | High health, not always available; may be better to ignore if inconsistent. |
It’s important to note that Adam Smasher does not have traditional weak points like headshots, and he is resistant to electrical damage.
Recommended Loadout and Quickhacks
Optimizing your gear and quickhacks before engaging Adam Smasher is crucial for a successful encounter. Prioritize weapons that inflict chemical damage and Tech weapons, as they offer significant tactical advantages. Frag Grenades are also highly effective for delivering burst damage and damaging his cyberware.
| Item Type | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Weapons | Chemical Damage Weapons | Smasher is weak to chemical damage. |
| Weapons | Tech Weapons | Pierces his armor, reveals cyber heart, and can hit through cover. |
| Grenades | Frag Grenades | Deals high burst damage and damages his cyberware. |
| Quickhacks | Weapon Malfunction | Reduces the effectiveness of his Bullet Storm attack. |
| Quickhacks | Cyberware Malfunction | Deals massive damage and can often transition him to the next phase. |
Tech weapons are particularly valuable because their piercing capabilities allow you to hit Smasher’s cyber heart even through his armor, and they can eliminate reinforcements through cover. For quickhacks, Weapon Malfunction is excellent for mitigating his Bullet Storm attack in the first phase, while Cyberware Malfunction can inflict massive damage, potentially skipping entire segments of the fight. Be aware that Cyberware Malfunction takes time to upload and activate.
Tactical Approach to Smasher’s Phases
Adam Smasher’s battle is divided into three distinct phases, each demanding a slightly different tactical approach. Understanding his attack patterns in each phase is key to victory.
Phase 1: Melee and Bullet Storm This initial phase is characterized by Smasher’s aggressive melee attacks, including powerful combos and jump attacks, alongside his projectile attack known as the Bullet Storm. This is arguably his most dangerous phase in terms of direct damage output. Maintaining distance is paramount. When Smasher charges for a melee combo, immediately back up and repeatedly dodge backward to evade his swings. This strategy is similar to avoiding Oda’s attacks in the “Gimme Danger” mission. For his jump attack, sprint away from your current position as soon as he prepares to leap. The Bullet Storm can be mitigated using the Weapon Malfunction quickhack, reducing its effectiveness. If you possess a Smart gun or Sandevistan, you can target him when he uses his own Sandevistan; otherwise, you’ll need to wait until he stops moving to land hits. Focus on breaking down his front armor plate with Tech weapons during this phase while actively avoiding his close-range assaults.
Phase 2: Cyber Heart Exposure and Reinforcements Once sufficient damage has been dealt, Smasher’s front plate will be significantly damaged or destroyed, exposing his cyber heart on the right side of his chest. This is your primary target. Concentrate all available firepower, especially Tech weapons and chemical damage, on this weak point. During this phase, Smasher may call in reinforcements. Utilize the piercing ability of Tech weapons to eliminate these adds quickly, even if they are behind cover. The Cyberware Malfunction quickhack is highly effective here, capable of dealing massive damage to Smasher and often pushing him into the final phase.
Additional Tips for Victory
Beyond specific weaknesses and loadouts, several tactical considerations can significantly improve your chances against Adam Smasher. Always prioritize maintaining distance, especially during his melee-heavy first phase. His attacks are incredibly powerful, and getting caught in a combo can rapidly deplete your health.
If you have a Smart gun or your own Sandevistan, you can counter his Sandevistan usage, making him targetable even when he’s moving quickly. Otherwise, you’ll be limited to hitting him when he pauses. When he performs a jump attack, sprint away to avoid being knocked down, then take advantage of his brief kneeling state to land some hits before he recovers and you need to re-establish distance. For the Bullet Storm, while Weapon Malfunction is ideal, dodging can also be an option if cover isn’t available. Remember, the key is consistent damage to his weak points while minimizing your exposure to his devastating attacks.
FAQ
Does the Phantom Liberty expansion add a new Adam Smasher fight? No, the Phantom Liberty expansion does not introduce a new Adam Smasher fight. The strategies for defeating him remain consistent with the base game, even with Update 2.1.
What is Adam Smasher’s main weakness? Adam Smasher’s main weakness is his cyber heart, located on the right side of his chest, which becomes visible after his front plate is destroyed. He is also generally weak to chemical damage.
What weapons are best against Adam Smasher? Tech weapons are highly recommended because they can pierce his armor and hit his cyber heart, as well as eliminate reinforcements through cover. Weapons dealing chemical damage are also very effective due to his vulnerability.
Are headshots effective against Adam Smasher? No, headshots do not deal more damage to Adam Smasher; he does not have traditional weak points like other enemies.
What quickhacks should I use against Adam Smasher? Weapon Malfunction is excellent for reducing the effectiveness of his Bullet Storm attack, and Cyberware Malfunction can deal massive damage and help transition him between phases.