To effectively defeat Adam Smasher in Cyberpunk 2077, focus on exploiting his weakness to chemical damage and his cyber heart located on the right side of his chest, which becomes visible after destroying his front plate. Utilize Tech weapons to pierce his armor and Frag Grenades for significant damage, while employing quickhacks like Weapon Malfunction and Cyberware Malfunction to disrupt his attacks and deal massive damage.
Adam Smasher: Overview and Weaknesses
Adam Smasher is the final boss in Cyberpunk 2077’s main storyline, encountered at the bottom of Arasaka Tower. He is a heavily modified mercenary known for defeating Johnny Silverhand. While the Phantom Liberty expansion does not introduce a new Adam Smasher fight, the strategies for defeating him remain consistent across game updates, including Update 2.1. His battle is characterized by three distinct phases, each with unique attack patterns and vulnerabilities.
Smasher possesses several key weaknesses that can be exploited to your advantage. His most significant vulnerability is his cyber heart, located on the right side of his chest. This spot deals substantial damage when hit, but requires his front plate to be destroyed first. Additionally, he is weak to chemical damage, making chemical-based weapons highly effective. Conversely, he has a resistance to electrical damage, so avoid using such weapons.
| Weakness | Location/Type | Benefit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyber Heart | Right side of chest | Inflicts significant damage | Requires destroying front plate first; Tech weapons are ideal for this. |
| Chemical Damage | General | Increases damage output | Prioritize weapons with chemical damage. |
| Front Armor Plate | Chest | Can be pierced by Tech weapons, revealing cyber heart | Destroying it is crucial for accessing his primary weak point. |
| Vulnerabilities | Limbs (via Relic) | Reveals weak points on limbs, if Relic Perk: Vulnerability Analytics | Each weak point has high health and isn’t always available; may be better to ignore if inconsistent. |
The Relic Perk, Vulnerability Analytics, can reveal additional weak points on Smasher’s limbs throughout the fight. These weak points, while offering damage opportunities, have considerable health and are not always accessible. For gun builds, these are the only true weak points outside his cyber heart, so aiming for them can prolong the fight if you cannot consistently hit them.
Recommended Loadout and Quickhacks
Optimizing your loadout before engaging Adam Smasher is crucial for success. Prioritize weapons that deal chemical damage and Tech weapons, as they offer significant advantages. Frag Grenades are also highly effective for dealing burst damage and damaging his cyberware.
| Item Type | Recommendation | Reason to get up earlier, Adam Smasher does not have weak points like other enemies. Headshots do not deal more damage.
- Adam Smasher is resistant to electrical damage.
- The Phantom Liberty expansion does not introduce a new Adam Smasher fight. The strategies for defeating him remain consistent with the base game.
Additional Tips for Victory
Beyond specific weaknesses and loadouts, several tactical considerations can turn the tide against Adam Smasher. Maintaining distance, especially during his melee-heavy first phase, is paramount. His attacks are powerful, and getting caught in a combo can quickly deplete your health.
| Tip | Explanation The first phase of the Adam Smasher fight in Cyberpunk 2077 focuses on his aggressive melee attacks, including powerful combos and jump attacks, alongside a projectile attack known as the Bullet Storm. This is arguably Smasher’s most formidable phase, making distance management crucial.
When Smasher charges for a melee combo, immediately begin backing up. As he starts swinging, repeatedly dodge backward to evade his attacks. This technique is similar to the one used against Oda during the “Gimme Danger” mission in Act 2. For his jump attack, simply sprint away from your current position as soon as you see him prepare to jump.
His Bullet Storm attack can be mitigated using the Weapon Malfunction quickhack, which reduces its effectiveness. If you have a Smart gun or your own Sandevistan, you can counter his Sandevistan usage when he runs around, making him targetable. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to hit him when he stops moving.
Tactical Approach to Smasher’s Phases
Adam Smasher’s boss fight progresses through three distinct phases, each requiring a slightly different tactical approach. Understanding these phases and his attack patterns is key to victory.
Phase 1: Melee and Bullet Storm
As detailed above, the initial phase is characterized by Smasher’s aggressive melee combos, jump attacks, and the Bullet Storm projectile. Your primary goal here is to maintain distance and continuously dodge his charges. Use your Tech weapons to start breaking down his front armor plate while avoiding direct engagement. This phase is when Smasher is at his strongest in terms of direct damage output if you allow him to close the gap.
Phase 2: Cyber Heart Exposure and Reinforcements
Once you’ve dealt enough damage, Smasher’s front plate will be significantly damaged or destroyed, exposing his cyber heart on the right side of his chest. This is your prime target. Focus all available firepower, especially Tech weapons and chemical damage, on this weak point. During this phase, Smasher may also call in reinforcements. Utilize the piercing ability of Tech weapons to eliminate these adds quickly, even through cover. The Cyberware Malfunction quickhack is particularly effective here, as it can deal massive damage to Smasher and often push him into the next phase. Be aware that this quickhack takes time to upload and activate.
Phase 3: Missile Rain and Continued Pressure
The final phase often sees Smasher relying more on ranged attacks, specifically a “missile rain” ability. Continue to target his exposed cyber heart. Use cover effectively to mitigate damage from his missile attacks. Keep applying chemical damage and Frag Grenades. If you still have quickhacks available, continue to use Weapon Malfunction to reduce the threat of his ranged attacks. Persistence and consistent damage to his weak points will eventually lead to his defeat.
Throughout all phases, consider using healing items with perks like Dorph-head for increased mitigation chance, or Dash with Can’t Touch This. The Adrenaline Rush + Unstoppable Force perks (Body 15) can help prevent knockdowns, which are particularly dangerous when Smasher tries to follow up with his Projectile Launch System Energy Blast Cannon.
Additional Tips for Victory
Beyond the core strategies for each phase, several general tips can significantly improve your chances of defeating Adam Smasher.
- Cyberware Management: If you’re running a Sandevistan build, activate it during Smasher’s Sandevistan phases to match his speed and continue landing hits. For other builds, consider cyberware that boosts damage resistance, health regeneration, or movement speed to aid in dodging.
- Environmental Awareness: The arena provides some cover. Use it strategically to block incoming fire, especially during his Bullet Storm and missile rain attacks. However, remember that Tech weapons can pierce cover, so don’t rely solely on it for protection.
- Resource Management: Keep an eye on your grenade count and quickhack cooldowns. Frag Grenades are excellent for burst damage, and well-timed quickhacks can severely disrupt Smasher’s offensive. Don’t be afraid to use consumables for health and stamina regeneration.
- Practice Dodging: Smasher’s melee attacks are devastating. Mastering the backward dodge to evade his combos and sprinting away from his jump attacks is fundamental to surviving the early phase of the fight.
- Patience: This is the final boss, and it’s designed to be challenging. Don’t rush in recklessly. Prioritize survival, chip away at his health, and exploit his weaknesses when opportunities arise.
Remember, the goal is to consistently apply pressure to his vulnerabilities while minimizing incoming damage. With the right preparation and execution, Adam Smasher will fall.
FAQ
Does the Phantom Liberty expansion change the 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 updates like 2.1.
What is Adam Smasher’s main weakness? Adam Smasher’s primary weakness is his cyber heart, located on the right side of his chest. This spot deals significant damage once his front armor plate is destroyed. He is also weak to chemical damage.
What kind of weapons should I use against Adam Smasher? You should prioritize Tech weapons to pierce his armor and expose his cyber heart, and any weapons that deal chemical damage. Avoid electrical damage as he is resistant to it. Frag Grenades are also highly effective.
Which quickhacks are best for fighting Adam Smasher? Weapon Malfunction is excellent for reducing the effectiveness of his Bullet Storm attack. Cyberware Malfunction can deal massive damage and help transition him to the next phase, though it has a longer upload time.
How do I avoid Adam Smasher’s melee attacks? When he charges for a melee combo, back up and repeatedly spam the dodge button. For his jump attack, sprint away from your current location as soon as you see him jump.