Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty DLC Needs a Formidable Foe to Fulfill Adam Smasher's Potential.

One of the standout characters in Cyberpunk 2077 was Adam Smasher, a ruthless cyborg employed by Arasaka with a complete disregard for human life. However, in the game, his representation fell short of his TTRPG roots, as his fight was nerfed, making him feel far less threatening compared to the endgame protagonist, V.

The anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, on the other hand, portrayed Adam Smasher as a truly terrifying menace, showcasing his monstrous nature and leaving a lasting impact despite his brief appearance. To make Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty a truly satisfying expansion, it should introduce an antagonist that matches or surpasses the scale of Adam Smasher, creating a sense of terror that both players and in-game characters would experience when facing such a foe.

Phantom Liberty's Climactic Encounter: Pushing V to the Limit

As the game's only expansion, Phantom Liberty must maximize the potential of all its systems. A climactic encounter against an opponent who challenges players' builds to their absolute limits would be the perfect way to achieve this. Given the expansion's spy-thriller tone and its potential exploration of the New United States of America's covert operations, it could unveil a well-kept secret—a weapon whose capabilities rival or exceed those of Adam Smasher.

Beyond raw power, this new threat should draw inspiration from Smasher's complete disregard for morality. However, it should stand out by presenting a character who relishes violence in a chilling manner. The game already boasts flawed and self-centered characters, but an antagonist like Smasher succeeds because he exudes an aura of invincibility while reveling in the destruction he causes.

Elevating the Menace: Establishing a Sense of Powerlessness

To achieve this, Phantom Liberty could introduce a direct encounter between V and this new adversary where the player, regardless of their build or equipment, will find themselves in a situation where victory seems unattainable. In contrast, Cyberpunk 2077's initial encounter with Adam Smasher felt limited and didn't convey the overwhelming feeling of powerlessness players should experience against such a formidable foe.

By creating an opponent who feels like an impossibly strong force with unmatched intelligence, able to counter any strategy quickly, the DLC can deliver the horror and fear that Adam Smasher should have embodied. This would give players a genuinely terrifying experience, finally fulfilling the potential of the character who was meant to be Cyberpunk 2077's ultimate threat.