Cyberpunk 2077: How to Beat Adam Smasher in Arasaka Tower

A comprehensive guide to defeating Adam Smasher in Cyberpunk 2077's Arasaka Tower, covering his weaknesses, attack patterns, and effective combat strategies.

Cyberpunk 2077: How to Beat Adam Smasher in Arasaka Tower — illustration

When and Where You Fight Adam Smasher

Adam Smasher is a recurring figure in Cyberpunk 2077, first encountered during the Relic heist BD of Konpeki Plaza. However, the definitive boss battle against him occurs at the climax of the main storyline, within Arasaka Tower. This confrontation is the final boss fight in the main game, specifically during the “Totalimmortal” main job, as V makes their way to Yorinobu’s office. This battle signifies the point of no return for the base game’s endings, beginning after you meet Hanako Arasaka at Embers for the “Nocturne Op55N1” mission.

Adam Smasher’s Weaknesses

Adam Smasher, despite his formidable nature, possesses several key weaknesses that can be exploited to your advantage. Understanding these can significantly alter the fight’s outcome and increase your damage output.

  • Cyber Heart: Located on the right side of his chest, Smasher’s cybernetic heart is a critical weak spot. To expose it, you must first destroy his front chest plate. Tech weapons are particularly effective for this. Once exposed, hitting the cyber heart deals substantial damage.
  • Chemical Damage: Smasher is vulnerable to chemical damage. Equipping weapons that deal this type of damage can provide a significant advantage. He is, however, resistant to electrical damage.
  • Tech Weapons: These weapons are highly recommended for the fight. Their ability to pierce through Smasher’s front armor plate makes them ideal for exposing his cyber heart. Additionally, Tech weapons can strike targets through cover, which is useful for dealing with any reinforcements Smasher might call.
  • Frag Grenades: These explosives are excellent for inflicting large amounts of damage and can also damage his cyberware.
  • Quickhacks: Several quickhacks can be highly effective:
    • Weapon Malfunction: This quickhack can reduce the effectiveness of his bullet storm attack, especially useful in the first phase.
    • Cyberware Malfunction: Using this quickhack can cause Smasher to take significant damage, potentially pushing him into the next phase. Be aware that it takes time for this hack to upload and activate.
  • Vulnerability Analytics Perk: If you have the Relic Perk, “Vulnerability Analytics,” it will highlight weak points on his limbs throughout the fight. While these weak points have considerable health and aren’t always available, they are the primary weak points for gun builds. If you can consistently hit them, they will shorten the fight.

Combat Strategies and Phase Breakdown

The fight against Adam Smasher is divided into three distinct phases, with his behavior and attack patterns shifting in each.

Phase 1

Smasher’s initial phase is characterized by aggressive melee combat, jump attacks, and a projectile attack known as the “Bullet Storm.” He is at his strongest during this phase.

  • Melee Combos: Smasher will attempt to get close and unleash powerful melee combos. To avoid damage, maintain distance. As he charges, begin backing away. When he swings, spam the dodge button while continuing to retreat. This technique is similar to dodging Oda’s attacks.
  • Jump Attack: When Smasher jumps into the air, sprint away from your current position to avoid his landing impact.
  • Bullet Storm: Use the “Weapon Malfunction” quickhack to reduce the efficiency of this attack.
  • Reinforcements: Smasher may call for reinforcements during this phase. Tech weapons can be useful for targeting these enemies through cover.

Phase 2

After Smasher’s health drops below 80%, his chest plate will catch fire, and he will begin to utilize Sandevistan.

  • Sandevistan: When Smasher activates Sandevistan, he becomes incredibly fast and difficult to hit while moving.
    • Countering Sandevistan: A Smart gun or your own Sandevistan operating system can help you track and hit him during these periods. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to land hits when he is stationary.
  • Cyberware Malfunction: This quickhack can be used to deal significant damage and potentially transition him faster into the next phase, though it requires a charge-up time.

Phase 3

Specific details on the third phase are not extensively detailed in the provided sources beyond confirming its existence and Smasher’s continued ability to call reinforcements. However, it’s generally expected that his attacks will remain potent, and utilizing the weaknesses identified earlier will be crucial.

Additional Tips for the Fight

  • Loadout Preparation: Before the battle, adjust your loadout to include Frag Grenades, Tech Weapons, and chemical-based weapons to maximize your advantage.
  • Mitigation: When Smasher knocks you down, quickly get up and out of the way to avoid his follow-up attacks, such as his Projectile Launch System Energy Blast Cannon. Consider using items or perks that increase your mitigation chance, like Healing Items with “Dorph-head,” Dash with “Can’t Touch This,” or your Operating System with “Ticking Time Bomb.”
  • Perks: The “Adrenaline Rush” and “Unstoppable Force” perks (Body 15) can help prevent you from being knocked down.
  • Cover: Smasher has the ability to destroy environmental cover like curtains, so do not rely solely on static cover for protection.
  • Stealth: While Smasher possesses enormous firepower and strong melee capabilities, the sources do not explicitly detail a viable stealth approach for the boss fight itself. The “Cyberware Malfunction” quickhack offers a stealth-oriented option for damage, but it’s not a full stealth bypass of the fight.

FAQ

When does the Adam Smasher boss fight occur? The Adam Smasher boss fight is the final boss battle of the main storyline in Cyberpunk 2077, taking place in Arasaka Tower during the “Totalimmortal” main job.

What are Adam Smasher’s main weaknesses? Adam Smasher is weak to chemical damage, and his cybernetic heart (on his right chest) is a critical weak spot once his front plate is destroyed. Tech weapons, Frag Grenades, and specific quickhacks like Weapon Malfunction and Cyberware Malfunction are also effective.

How do I expose Adam Smasher’s cyber heart? You need to destroy his front chest plate to expose his cybernetic heart. Tech weapons are particularly good for this.

How do I counter Adam Smasher’s Sandevistan? When he uses Sandevistan, he becomes very fast. A Smart gun or your own Sandevistan can help you hit him while he’s moving. Otherwise, target him when he is stationary.

Is Adam Smasher resistant to any damage types? Yes, Adam Smasher is resistant to electrical damage.