To beat Adam Smasher on Very Hard, prioritize chemical damage and Tech weapons to exploit his weaknesses, focusing on his cyber heart after destroying his chest plate. Utilize Frag Grenades and specific quickhacks like Weapon Malfunction and Cyberware Malfunction to significantly reduce his offensive capabilities and health.
Adam Smasher’s Weaknesses and Recommended Loadout
Adam Smasher, the final boss of Cyberpunk 2077’s main storyline, presents a significant challenge, especially on Very Hard difficulty. However, he possesses several key weaknesses that, when exploited, can dramatically alter the fight in your favor. Before initiating the battle, it is crucial to adjust your loadout to maximize your damage output against him.
His primary vulnerability is chemical damage, while he exhibits resistance to electrical damage. Therefore, any weapons or consumables that inflict chemical damage should be prioritized. Tech weapons are also highly effective as they can pierce through his tough front armor plate, which is otherwise difficult to damage. This piercing ability also allows them to hit targets through cover, which can be useful against reinforcements. Frag Grenades are excellent for dealing high burst damage and disrupting his cyberware.
Adam Smasher’s most significant weak spot is his cyber heart, located on the right side of his chest. To expose it, you must first destroy his front plate. Tech weapons are ideal for this task.
Quickhacks can also be incredibly potent. Weapon Malfunction is particularly useful in Phase 1, as it reduces the effectiveness of his bullet storm attack. Cyberware Malfunction, while taking time to upload, can cause massive damage and even force him into the next phase.
Here’s a recommended loadout strategy:
| Item Type | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Weapons | Tech Weapons | Pierce front armor, can hit through cover. |
| Chemical Weapons | Adam Smasher is weak to chemical damage; avoid electrical. | |
| Consumables | Frag Grenades | Deal significant damage and can damage cyberware. |
| Quickhacks | Weapon Malfunction | Reduces effectiveness of his bullet storm attack in Phase 1. |
| Cyberware Malfunction | Deals massive damage and can transition phases, though it has a longer upload time. |
By focusing on these specific damage types and tools, you can significantly mitigate the difficulty of the Adam Smasher encounter, even on the highest settings. Remember to confirm your weapon types and quickhack loadout before engaging.
Phase 1: Melee and Bullet Storm Strategy
Adam Smasher’s first phase is characterized by aggressive melee combos, powerful jump attacks, and a devastating projectile attack known as the Bullet Storm. During this phase, Smasher is at his most formidable in close quarters, making distance management paramount. Allowing him to get close will result in substantial damage.
When Smasher charges, immediately begin backing up. As he starts his melee swings, repeatedly dodge backward to evade his combo attacks. This technique is similar to the strategy used against Oda in Act 2’s “Gimme Danger” mission. His jump attack is more straightforward to avoid; simply sprint away from your current position when you see him initiating the jump.
The Bullet Storm attack can be particularly challenging. This is where the Weapon Malfunction quickhack becomes invaluable. Activating it will reduce the efficiency of this attack, making it much easier to survive. If you don’t have Weapon Malfunction, focus on finding cover and continuously moving to avoid the projectiles.
Consider these tactical approaches for Phase 1:
- Maintain Distance: Keep a significant distance from Smasher to avoid his melee combos and jump attacks.
- Dodge Spam: When he closes the gap for melee, continuously dodge backward to evade his swings.
- Sprint from Jump Attacks: When Smasher prepares a jump attack, sprint away from your current location.
- Weapon Malfunction: Use this quickhack to weaken his Bullet Storm attack.
- Tech Weapon Focus: Use Tech weapons to start damaging his front plate from a distance, working towards exposing his cyber heart.
Successfully navigating Phase 1 relies heavily on evasive maneuvers and strategically weakening his most dangerous attacks. Once his front plate is destroyed, begin targeting his exposed cyber heart with your most potent chemical and Tech weapons.
Sandevistan and Vulnerability Analytics
As the fight progresses and Adam Smasher’s health drops below 80%, he will begin to utilize a Sandevistan cyberware, making him incredibly difficult to hit when moving. During these periods, he becomes a blur, and conventional weapons will struggle to connect. To counter this, you have a few options.
A Smart gun can effectively track and hit him even when he’s using his Sandevistan, providing a consistent damage output. Alternatively, if you have your own Sandevistan operating system, activating it will allow you to match his speed, making him vulnerable to your attacks. If neither of these options is available, you must wait for him to stop moving before you can land effective hits.
Another important aspect, especially for gun builds, is the Relic Perk, Vulnerability Analytics. If you possess this perk, it will highlight a series of weak points on his limbs throughout the fight. These weak points have a substantial health pool and are not always accessible. While they offer the only true “weak points” outside of his cyber heart, if you find yourself unable to consistently hit them, it might be more efficient to focus on general body shots with your chemical and Tech weapons, especially if you’ve already exposed his cyber heart. However, for those with precision and the perk, targeting these vulnerabilities can significantly accelerate the fight.
| Feature | Description This is a guide for the Adam Smasher boss fight in Cyberpunk 2077, specifically tailored for the Very Hard difficulty. It incorporates strategies effective as of Update 2.1.
Adam Smasher’s Weaknesses and Recommended Loadout
Adam Smasher, the final boss of the main storyline, is a heavily modified mercenary who presents a formidable challenge on Very Hard. To gain an advantage, a strategic loadout is essential. Smasher is notably weak to chemical damage but resistant to electrical damage, so prioritize weapons that deal chemical effects. Tech weapons are also highly effective as they can pierce his durable front armor plate, which is crucial for exposing his primary weak spot. Furthermore, Tech weapons can hit targets through cover, offering tactical flexibility against him and any potential reinforcements. Frag Grenades are excellent for inflicting significant damage and disrupting his cyberware.
Smasher’s most vulnerable point is his cyber heart, located on the right side of his chest. However, it remains shielded until his front plate is destroyed. Tech weapons are particularly adept at breaking through this armor.
Quickhacks are another powerful tool in your arsenal. Weapon Malfunction is exceptionally useful, especially during Phase 1, as it reduces the potency of his “bullet storm” attack, which can be one of his most challenging abilities to contend with. Cyberware Malfunction, while requiring a longer upload time, can deal immense damage to Smasher, often accelerating the transition to the next phase of the fight.
| Category | Recommended Items/Actions