Keep moving when Adam Smasher marks blast zones, use cover against his sustained machine-gun fire, and reposition immediately after a knockdown. When he activates Sandevistan, use a Smart gun or your own Sandevistan if you have one; otherwise, attack when he stops moving. At half health, close the distance carefully, avoid the mortar barrage, and deal with reinforcements.
What changed in the Adam Smasher fight?
Older guides may describe a different encounter. CD Projekt Red said Update 2.0 rebalanced the base game’s main boss fights and introduced armor penetration for them (Update 2.0 announcement). In its December 4, 2023 Update 2.1 patch notes, the studio specifically said it improved Adam Smasher’s boss fight and gave him the ability to activate Sandevistan (Update 2.1 Patch Notes).
The tactics below reflect the post-2.1 fight described by VULKK’s guide, which says it is up to date for Update 2.3, and its July 2025 guide. They are guide-based recommendations, not firsthand test results (VULKK boss fight guide; VULKK 2025 guide).
Where the fight happens
The Arasaka Tower encounter is the final boss fight in the base game’s endings. It follows the point of no return associated with meeting Hanako at Embers during Nocturne Op55N1. If you are not ready to finish that ending, do not proceed past the point of no return yet.
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How to handle Smasher’s attacks
Marked blast zones and the jumping slam
Keep moving when Smasher marks areas for his burst-fire cannon; do not stand in the marked zones. If he jumps toward you, dodge or run clear before he lands. The guide distinguishes this marked burst attack from his sustained machine-gun barrage.
Knockdowns and close-range attacks
Smasher can punch you down and follow with an energy blast from his projectile launcher. Get back on your feet and move away immediately rather than trying to attack from the ground.
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Sustained machine-gun fire
Take cover when he raises his arm for sustained fire without the red targeting lights associated with the marked burst attack. Staying in the open makes it harder to avoid the barrage.
What to do when Smasher uses Sandevistan
Below 80% health, the guide says Smasher can activate Sandevistan while running, making him difficult to hit in motion. A Smart gun can track him, and your own Sandevistan can help you respond. Neither is a mandatory build choice: if you have neither, save attacks for moments when he is stationary instead of wasting shots as he moves.
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What happens at half health
At 50% health, one of Smasher’s arms is blown off and he retreats to the side of the room as reinforcements arrive. The guide describes waves that include weaker enemies and turrets, followed by heavier enemies from the lower level. Smasher also fires a shoulder-mounted mortar barrage as reinforcements arrive.
Move toward his new position, but watch the marked mortar impact zones as you cross the room. Clear the reinforcements promptly with the multi-target tools that suit your build; do not let the adds distract you from avoiding the barrage.
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Adapt the plan to your build
You do not need a specific build to fight him. Choose tactics around the problems the encounter presents:
Quick Recap
- Against fast movement: use a Smart gun or your own Sandevistan if available; otherwise, attack when Smasher is stationary.
- Against close-range pressure: preserve room to move, and prioritize getting up and away after a knockdown.
- Against marked attacks: favor mobility and leave marked impact zones before they detonate.
- Against sustained fire: use cover rather than trying to outlast the barrage in the open.
- At the transition: use whichever multi-target options your build has to clear reinforcements while avoiding mortar strikes.
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