To effectively defeat Adam Smasher on Very Hard difficulty in Cyberpunk 2077 2.0, prioritize Tech Weapons, Frag Grenades, and chemical damage. Focus on his cyber heart once his chest plate is destroyed, and utilize quickhacks like Weapon Malfunction and Cyberware Malfunction to control the fight and deal significant damage.
Pre-Battle Preparation
Before engaging Adam Smasher, optimizing your loadout and cyberware is crucial for success on Very Hard difficulty. Smasher is resistant to electrical damage but vulnerable to chemical damage, making weapon choice a critical factor. Tech Weapons are particularly effective as they can pierce his front armor plate, which is otherwise difficult to destroy, and can even strike targets through cover.
Consider the following for your inventory and cyberware:
| Item Type | Recommendation | Why |
|---|
Key Abilities and Counters
Adam Smasher’s attack patterns involve a variety of close-range and ranged attacks, making awareness of his current actions crucial. His behavior shifts across three distinct phases.
| Attack Type | Description | Counter-Strategy | | :---------- | :---------- | 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Weapon Type | Description | | :---------- | :---------- | | Tech Weapons | Capable of piercing Adam Smasher’s front armor plate. They can also hit targets through walls or cover. | | Frag Grenades | Effective for dealing significant damage and damaging Smasher’s cyberware. | | Chemical Weapons | Adam Smasher is specifically weak to chemical damage. |
For quickhacks, consider the following:
| Quickhack | Effect | Timing/Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon Malfunction | Reduces the efficiency of Smasher’s bullet storm attack. | Most useful during Phase 1. |
| Cyberware Malfunction | Deals significant damage and can rapidly advance the fight to the next phase. | Requires time to upload and activate; may not be suitable for close-quarters combat. |
The Relic Perk, Vulnerability Analytics, can reveal weak points on Smasher’s limbs. While these points deal increased damage, they are not always accessible and have substantial health. If you struggle to consistently hit them, focusing on overall damage with your chosen weapons might be more effective. However, for gun builds, these are the primary weak points, and ignoring them will prolong the fight.
Phase-by-Phase Strategy
Adam Smasher’s fight unfolds in three distinct phases, each requiring specific tactical adjustments. Staying mobile and understanding his attack patterns will be key to survival on Very Hard.
Phase 1: Melee Dominance and Bullet Storm In his initial phase, Smasher prioritizes aggressive melee combos, jump attacks, and a projectile attack known as the Bullet Storm. He is at his strongest during this phase. Maintaining distance is paramount, as his melee attacks inflict considerable damage. When he charges, begin backing up immediately. As he swings his arms, repeatedly use the dodge button while continuing to retreat to evade his combo attacks, similar to the strategy for Oda. Dodging his jump attack is simpler; sprint away from his landing zone. The Weapon Malfunction quickhack is highly effective here to mitigate the Bullet Storm’s intensity.
Phase 2: Sandevistan and Reinforcements Once Smasher’s health drops below 80%, he will begin activating his Sandevistan, making him incredibly difficult to hit while he moves. To counter this, a Smart gun or your own Sandevistan cyberware is highly recommended. If you lack these, you will only be able to damage him when he is stationary. His chest plate will also catch fire at this point, indicating that his cyber heart on the right side of his chest is now exposed. This is his weakest spot, and focusing fire here will deal significant damage. Tech weapons are ideal for destroying his front plate and subsequently targeting the cyber heart. During this phase, Smasher may also summon reinforcements. Prioritize eliminating these additional enemies quickly to avoid being overwhelmed, utilizing Tech weapons to shoot them through cover if necessary.
Phase 3: Missile Rain and Final Push The final phase often introduces a “missile rain” attack, which requires constant movement and awareness to avoid. Continue to exploit his cyber heart weakness, as this remains his most vulnerable point. If you have any remaining Frag Grenades or chemical damage weapons, deploy them now for maximum impact. Cyberware Malfunction can be a game-changer if you can get it to upload, potentially skipping large portions of this phase. Maintain vigilance for any remaining melee charges or projectile attacks, and keep your health consumables ready.
Key Abilities and Counters
Adam Smasher employs a range of abilities that can quickly deplete your health on Very Hard if not properly countered. Understanding these moves and their appropriate responses is essential for survival.
| Ability | Description | Counter-Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Melee Combos | Close-range punches with Gorilla Arms. Can knock V down. | Back up and spam dodge. If knocked down, use abilities like Healing Item (with Dorph-head), Dash (with Can’t Touch This), or Operating System (with Ticking Time Bomb) to quickly recover. Adrenaline Rush + Unstoppable Force Perks (Body 15) can prevent knockdowns. |
| Jump Attack | Smasher leaps and slams down, creating an area-of-effect impact. | Sprint away from his landing zone as soon as he initiates the jump. |
| Bullet Storm | A sustained projectile attack, particularly prevalent in Phase 1. | Use the Weapon Malfunction quickhack. Maintain distance and utilize cover. |
| Sandevistan | Smasher moves at high speed, making him difficult to target. Activates after 80% health. | Use Smart guns or your own Sandevistan. Otherwise, only attack when he is stationary. |
| Projectile Launch System Energy Blast Cannon | A powerful shot, often following a knockdown. | If knocked down, recover and get out of the way as quickly as possible using movement abilities. |
| Reinforcements | Additional enemies that join the fight. | Prioritize eliminating them quickly. Tech weapons can hit them through cover. |
| Missile Rain | Area-of-effect missile bombardment. | Constant movement and dodging are necessary to avoid damage. |
Throughout the fight, Adam Smasher does not have traditional headshot weak points. Instead, his primary vulnerability is his cyber heart, located on the right side of his chest, which becomes exposed after his chest plate is destroyed. The Relic Perk’s Vulnerability Analytics can highlight temporary weak points on his limbs, but these are often less consistent than targeting his cyber heart directly. Focus fire on the cyber heart whenever possible to maximize your damage output.
FAQ
What types of damage is Adam Smasher weak or resistant to? Adam Smasher is weak to chemical damage and resistant to electrical damage.
What is Adam Smasher’s primary weak point? His cyber heart, located on the right side of his chest, is his weakest spot. It becomes exposed after his front armor plate is destroyed, which is best achieved with Tech Weapons.
Which quickhacks are most effective against Adam Smasher? Weapon Malfunction is excellent for mitigating his Bullet Storm, especially in Phase 1. Cyberware Malfunction deals significant damage and can rapidly advance the fight, though it requires time to upload.
How do I counter Adam Smasher’s Sandevistan? After Smasher drops below 80% health, he will use Sandevistan. To hit him while he’s moving, use a Smart gun or your own Sandevistan. Otherwise, only attack him when he is stationary.
What should I do if Adam Smasher knocks me down? If knocked down, immediately use abilities that increase mitigation or movement speed, such as Healing Item (with Dorph-head), Dash (with Can’t Touch This), or your Operating System (especially with Ticking Time Bomb), to get out of the way of his follow-up attacks. Perks like Adrenaline Rush + Unstoppable Force (Body 15) can also help prevent knockdowns.