To beat Adam Smasher in Cyberpunk 2077, focus on exploiting his cyber heart weakness located on his right chest, which becomes vulnerable after destroying his front plate, ideally with Tech Weapons. Utilize Frag Grenades for significant damage and consider chemical damage weapons while avoiding electrical damage.
Adam Smasher Overview and Weaknesses
Adam Smasher is the final boss in Cyberpunk 2077’s main storyline, a heavily modified mercenary known for his immense power. He is a muscular, tall, and menacing figure who despises mercy and human emotions. The fight is challenging and unfolds in three distinct phases, requiring strategic adaptation.
Smasher possesses several key weaknesses that can be exploited to significantly alter your damage output and simplify the encounter. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for an effective strategy.
| Weakness | Description | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Heart | Located on his right chest, his weakest spot. Inflicts significant damage when hit. | Destroy his front plate first, then target the heart. Tech weapons are ideal for penetration. |
| Chemical Damage | Smasher is vulnerable to chemical damage. | Equip weapons or mods that deal chemical damage. |
| Front Armor Plate | Protects his cyber heart. | Use Tech Weapons to pierce through or destroy this plate. |
| Cyberware | Vulnerable to specific quickhacks. | Use Quickhacks like Cyberware Malfunction or Weapon Malfunction. |
Smasher is resistant to electrical damage, so avoid using weapons or quickhacks that primarily deal this type of damage. His cyber heart, while a prime target, is initially protected, necessitating a coordinated attack to expose it.
Recommended Loadout and Quickhacks
Before engaging Adam Smasher, it is highly recommended to adjust your loadout to maximize your advantage. The right combination of weapons and quickhacks can turn a difficult fight into a manageable one.
| Item Type | Specific Recommendation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Weapons | Tech Weapons | Can pierce through Smasher’s front armor plate and hit targets through cover. |
| Weapons | Chemical Damage Weapons | Smasher is weak to chemical damage. |
| Consumables | Frag Grenades | Deals large amounts of damage and damages his cyberware. |
| Quickhacks | Weapon Malfunction | Reduces the efficiency of his bullet storm attack in Phase 1. |
| Quickhacks | Cyberware Malfunction | Causes huge amounts of damage and can often push Smasher into a new phase. |
Having a diverse weapon set is also beneficial to prevent running out of ammunition during the prolonged fight. While Cyberware Malfunction is powerful, it requires a significant upload time, so plan its use carefully. Tech weapons are particularly versatile, not only for piercing Smasher’s armor but also for dealing with any reinforcements that may appear.
Combat Phases and Strategies
The Adam Smasher boss fight is structured into three distinct phases, each with its own set of attacks and requiring specific counter-strategies. Adapting your approach to each phase is key to victory.
Phase 1: Melee and Bullet Storm
In the initial phase, Adam Smasher is at his strongest, focusing heavily on melee combos, jump attacks, and a projectile attack known as the “Bullet Storm.” He will attempt to close the distance rapidly.
- Melee Combos: Smasher will often rush towards you and perform a three-hit combo or a single powerful swing. To counter, continuously backpedal and spam the dodge button as he charges and swings. This technique is similar to dodging Oda’s attacks in Act 2’s “Gimme Danger” quest.
- Jump Attack: When Smasher performs a jump attack, simply sprint away from his landing zone to avoid the impact.
- Bullet Storm: He uses either a right-hand or left-hand minigun to unleash a barrage of bullets. Hide behind cover to mitigate damage from this attack. The “Weapon Malfunction” quickhack is highly effective here, reducing the attack’s efficiency.
- Strategy: Maintain distance and prioritize dodging his melee attacks. Use Tech Weapons to start chipping away at his front armor. Consider using “Weapon Malfunction” early to reduce pressure.
Phase 2: Rocket Launcher and Reinforcements
After taking significant damage, Smasher will often lose his right arm, which deals a lot of damage and prevents him from using melee attacks. This forces him to prioritize his rocket launcher, moving to upper surfaces to fire barrages. Midway through this phase, he will summon four agents as reinforcements.
- Rocket Launcher Barrage: Smasher will move to higher platforms and unleash a “rocket shower.” Do not stand still; continuously move to dodge the incoming missiles. Standing directly under the platforms can provide temporary cover from the rockets. Prioritize damaging the rocket launcher itself.
- Reinforcements: The four agents are standard enemies and should not pose a significant threat on their own, but they can be a nuisance while dodging Smasher’s rockets. Use Tech Weapons to hit them through cover if possible, or quickly eliminate them to refocus on Smasher.
- Strategy: Focus fire on Smasher’s rocket launcher to disable it. Use cover effectively against the rockets. Eliminate the summoned agents quickly to avoid being overwhelmed. “Cyberware Malfunction” can be used here to deal significant damage to Smasher and potentially push him to the next phase, though its upload time needs to be managed.
Phase 3: Exposing the Cyber Heart
The final phase involves exposing and targeting Smasher’s primary weakness: his cyber heart. This requires sustained damage to his front plate.
- Exposing the Cyber Heart: Continue to use Tech Weapons to pierce and destroy his front armor plate. Once exposed, the cyber heart on his right chest becomes his most vulnerable spot.
- Targeting the Cyber Heart: Once visible, concentrate all fire on the cyber heart. This will deal significant damage. Frag Grenades are also effective at this stage for high burst damage to his cyberware.
- Strategy: This phase is a damage race. Focus all available firepower on the exposed cyber heart. Keep dodging any remaining attacks and use any remaining quickhacks or grenades to finish him off.
General Combat Tips
Beyond specific phase strategies, several general combat tips can enhance your chances of defeating Adam Smasher.
- Mobility is Key: Always be on the move. Standing still will make you an easy target for his bullet storms and rocket barrages. Utilize dodge and sprint frequently.
- Use Cover: The environment provides ample cover. Duck behind obstacles to avoid incoming fire, especially during his minigun and rocket attacks.
- Resource Management: Keep an eye on your ammunition and healing items. Having a diverse weapon loadout helps prevent running out of bullets for a single weapon type. Use healing items strategically when taking heavy damage.
- Exploit Environmental Advantages: As mentioned, standing under platforms can offer temporary respite from rocket fire. Be aware of your surroundings and use them to your advantage.
- Practice Dodging: Smasher’s melee attacks require precise dodging. If you struggled with Oda, practice your dodge timing. Backpedaling while dodging is an effective way to create distance.
By combining these general tips with the phase-specific strategies, you can effectively counter Adam Smasher’s attacks and emerge victorious from this final boss encounter.
FAQ
What is Adam Smasher’s main weakness? Adam Smasher’s main weakness is his cyber heart, located on the right side of his chest. It deals significant damage when hit, but his front armor plate must be destroyed first.
What weapons are best against Adam Smasher? Tech Weapons are highly effective as they can pierce his front armor plate. Weapons dealing chemical damage are also recommended, as Smasher is weak to it. Frag Grenades are useful for high burst damage.
Which quickhacks should I use against Adam Smasher? “Weapon Malfunction” reduces the efficiency of his bullet storm attack. “Cyberware Malfunction” deals significant damage and can push him into a new phase, though it has a longer upload time.
How do I avoid Adam Smasher’s melee attacks? When Smasher charges for a melee attack, continuously backpedal and spam the dodge button to evade his swings and combos. For his jump attack, simply sprint away from his landing spot.
Does Adam Smasher summon reinforcements? Yes, midway through the fight, Adam Smasher summons four standard agents to assist him. These should be dealt with quickly to avoid distraction from Smasher’s attacks.
Is Adam Smasher resistant to any damage type? Yes, Adam Smasher is resistant to electrical damage. Avoid using weapons or quickhacks that primarily deal electrical damage.