To defeat Adam Smasher in Cyberpunk 2077, focus on exploiting his cyber heart weakness with Tech weapons and chemical damage. Utilize Frag Grenades and specific quickhacks like Weapon Malfunction and Cyberware Malfunction to significantly reduce his effectiveness and health throughout the three-phase battle.
Adam Smasher’s Weaknesses
Adam Smasher, the final boss in Cyberpunk 2077’s main storyline, possesses several vulnerabilities that can be exploited to your advantage. Preparing your loadout with these weaknesses in mind is crucial for a successful encounter. His primary weak spot is his cyber heart, located on the right side of his chest, which deals significant damage when hit. However, you must first destroy his front plate to expose it, a task well-suited for Tech weapons.
Adam Smasher is also susceptible to chemical damage, making chemical-based weapons highly effective. Conversely, he has a resistance to electrical damage, so avoid using such weapons. Tech weapons are particularly useful as they can pierce his armor plate and even strike targets through cover, which can be beneficial for dealing with any reinforcements. Frag Grenades are excellent for inflicting substantial damage and harming his cyberware.
Quickhacks also play a significant role in weakening Smasher. Weapon Malfunction can reduce the effectiveness of his bullet storm attack in the first phase, making it less challenging. Cyberware Malfunction is potent, capable of dealing massive damage and often pushing him into the next phase, though it requires time to upload and activate.
| Weakness | Recommended Tactic/Weapon | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Heart | Tech weapons (after destroying front plate) | Deals significant damage; located on the right side of his chest. |
| Chemical Damage | Chemical-based weapons | High damage output due to vulnerability. |
| Front Armor | Tech weapons | Pierces through armor, making his cyber heart accessible. |
| Bullet Storm | Weapon Malfunction quickhack | Reduces efficiency of the attack in Phase 1. |
| General Cyberware | Frag Grenades, Cyberware Malfunction quickhack | Deals large amounts of damage, can push him to a new phase (Cyberware Malfunction takes time to upload). |
Phase 1 Strategy
Adam Smasher’s first phase is characterized by aggressive melee combos, jump attacks, and a projectile attack known as the Bullet Storm. He is at his strongest during this initial phase, so maintaining distance is paramount to avoid heavy damage from his close-quarters assaults. His melee combos can be dodged by continuously backing up and spamming the dodge button as he swings his arms, a technique similar to defeating Oda in Act 2. For his jump attack, simply sprint away from your current position to evade it.
When Smasher closes the distance, he will use his Gorilla Arms for punches. If he knocks you down, he may follow up with a shot from his Projectile Launch System Energy Blast Cannon. It is crucial to get up and move away immediately to avoid this follow-up. Consider using abilities that increase mitigation, such as Healing Item with Dorph-head, Dash with Can’t Touch This, or your Operating System, especially with Ticking Time Bomb. The Adrenaline Rush and Unstoppable Force Perks (Body 15) can also help prevent knockdowns.
Once Smasher’s health drops below 80%, he will begin using Sandevistan, making him difficult to hit while moving unless you have a counter like a Smart gun or your own Sandevistan. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to damage him when he is stationary. At this point, his chest plate will catch fire, which he will then rip off, revealing his cyber heart weak point. This is an opportune moment to use Tech weapons to target his exposed core.
General Combat Tips
Throughout the fight, Adam Smasher does not have traditional weak points like headshots dealing more damage. However, if you have the Relic Perk, Vulnerability Analytics, it will highlight weak points on his limbs. These limb weak points have substantial health and are not always available. If you cannot consistently hit them, it might be more efficient to focus on his core weaknesses. For gun builds, these limb weak points are the only specific targets, and ignoring them will prolong the fight.
Remember to manage your health and resources carefully across all three phases. Utilize cover effectively, especially against his ranged attacks like the Bullet Storm and later phases’ missile rain. Keeping a supply of Frag Grenades and ensuring your quickhacks are ready for use will significantly aid in breaking down his defenses and cyberware. Adapting your strategy based on his current phase and exposed weaknesses is key to overcoming this challenging final encounter.
FAQ
When do you fight Adam Smasher? You fight Adam Smasher as the final boss in all three endings of the base game, after the point of no return that begins when you meet Hanako Arasaka at Embers for the mission Nocturne Op55N1.
What are Adam Smasher’s main weaknesses? Adam Smasher’s main weaknesses include his cyber heart (exposed after destroying his front plate), chemical damage, and vulnerability to Tech weapons. He is also susceptible to quickhacks like Weapon Malfunction and Cyberware Malfunction.
Should I use electrical damage against Adam Smasher? No, Adam Smasher has a resistance to electrical damage, so it is recommended to avoid using weapons that deal electrical damage.
Does Adam Smasher have headshot weak points? No, Adam Smasher does not have traditional headshot weak points. However, the Relic Perk “Vulnerability Analytics” can reveal weak points on his limbs.
What happens when Adam Smasher reaches 80% health? When Adam Smasher drops below 80% health, he begins using Sandevistan while moving, making him harder to hit. His chest plate will also catch fire, which he then removes to expose his cyber heart weak point.