Adam Smasher’s Weaknesses
Adam Smasher, the heavily modified mercenary encountered at the bottom of Arasaka Tower, presents a significant challenge as the final boss in Cyberpunk 2077’s main storyline. However, he possesses several vulnerabilities that players can exploit to gain an advantage.
One of Smasher’s most significant weaknesses is his cybernetic heart, located on the right side of his chest. Inflicting damage directly to this spot causes substantial harm. To expose the heart, you must first destroy his front armor plate. Tech weapons are particularly effective for this purpose, as they can pierce through his armor.
Chemical damage is another key vulnerability. Before initiating the fight, it is highly recommended to equip weapons that deal chemical damage. Conversely, Smasher has a resistance to electrical damage, so avoid using such weapons. If chemical weapons are not available, Tech weapons remain a strong alternative due to their armor-piercing capabilities.
Frag Grenades are also highly effective. They deal considerable damage to Smasher and can specifically target his cyberware, making them a valuable addition to your loadout.
Combat Strategy and Phases
The battle against Adam Smasher unfolds across three distinct phases, each requiring different tactical approaches.
Phase 1: This initial phase is characterized by Smasher’s aggressive melee combos, jump attacks, and a projectile attack known as the Bullet Storm. He is at his strongest during this phase, making maintaining distance crucial. If he gets close, he will deal significant damage with his melee attacks. To avoid melee damage, begin backing away as soon as he charges. When he starts swinging his arms, continuously spam the dodge button while retreating. This evasion technique is similar to the one used against Oda during the “Gimme Danger” mission in Act 2. When Smasher jumps, sprint away from your current position to avoid his landing impact.
Phase 2 (and beyond): After Smasher’s health drops below 80%, he will begin utilizing Sandevistan when moving, making him difficult to hit. To counter this, a Smart gun or your own Sandevistan can be effective. Otherwise, you will only be able to damage him when he is stationary. His chest plate will also catch fire once he reaches this health threshold.
Throughout the fight, Smasher will employ a variety of attacks, including a Projectile Launch System Energy Blast Cannon, a Burstfire Blast Cannon, Machine Gun fire, a Meteoric Slam, and a Shoulder-Mounted Mortar Barrage or Cluster Missile Devastation. He may also call for reinforcements.
Quickhacks and Relic Perks
Quickhacks can provide significant tactical advantages during the fight.
- Weapon Malfunction: This is one of the most useful quickhacks, as it reduces the effectiveness of Adam Smasher’s Bullet Storm attack during the first phase, which can be particularly challenging.
- Cyberware Malfunction: This quickhack deals a substantial amount of damage to Smasher, often pushing him into the next phase of the fight. However, it takes a considerable amount of time to upload and activate, so it might not be suitable for all playstyles.
If you have the Relic Perk, Vulnerability Analytics, it will highlight specific weak points on Smasher’s limbs throughout the battle. These weak points have considerable health and are not always accessible. For gun builds, these are the only true weak points, and targeting them will shorten the fight. If you cannot consistently hit them, it might be more efficient to focus on other strategies.
Additional Combat Tips
When Smasher engages in melee combat, he may knock you down and attempt to follow up with a shot from his Projectile Launch System Energy Blast Cannon. If knocked down, quickly get up and move out of the way. Consider using abilities that increase your mitigation chance, such as Healing Item (with Dorph-head perk), Dash (with Can’t Touch This perk), or your Operating System. The Adrenaline Rush and Unstoppable Force Perks (Body 15) can help prevent knockdowns entirely.
Remember to prioritize destroying his front plate with Tech weapons to expose his cybernetic heart for critical damage. Keep Frag Grenades handy for additional damage and cyberware disruption.
FAQ
When do you encounter Adam Smasher? You encounter Adam Smasher as the final boss in Cyberpunk 2077’s main storyline, at Arasaka Tower, after the point of no return that begins with the “Nocturne Op55N1” mission.
What types of weapons are effective against Adam Smasher? Tech weapons and chemical-based weapons are highly effective. Frag Grenades are also useful for damage and cyberware disruption.
Does Adam Smasher have specific weak points? Yes, his cybernetic heart on the right side of his chest is his weakest spot, but his front armor plate must be destroyed first. The Relic Perk “Vulnerability Analytics” can also reveal temporary weak points on his limbs.
What quickhacks are recommended for the fight? Weapon Malfunction can reduce the effectiveness of his Bullet Storm, and Cyberware Malfunction deals significant damage, though it has a longer upload time.
How can I avoid Adam Smasher’s melee attacks? Maintain distance and continuously spam the dodge button while backing away when he charges with melee combos. Sprint away when he performs a jump attack.