Smog

Learn how to take down the Smog enemy in Silent Hill: Homecoming. Discover its weaknesses, attack patterns, and effective strategies for defeating it.

Alright, so you're going to run into this thing called a Smog. Think of it like a creepy, armless human that hangs out in the streets. It's not the toughest enemy, but it's got a couple of nasty tricks up its sleeve, so let's go over how to deal with it.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Weakest Against: Handgun, Melee Weapons (when chest is open)
• Critical Hit Spot: Orange Lungs (inside chest cavity)
• Required Hits (Lungs): 2 shots with handgun, 1 melee hit + follow-up

Phases:

1. Initial Encounter: The Smog will approach and perform one of its attacks.
2. Vulnerable State: After an attack, its chest opens, revealing glowing orange lungs. This is your window to attack.
3. Finisher Opportunity: If you manage to stun it, a finisher can be performed.

Strategy:

• Using a Handgun: The easiest way to beat a Smog is from a distance with your handgun. You'll want to wait for it to do one of its chest-opening attacks. When you see those bright orange lungs, unload two shots into them. Boom, dead Smog. Sometimes you'll need to move a bit closer and then back away to bait it into opening its chest. Pay attention to its attacks – the lung-reveal is more obvious during the 'Smoke Spray' than the 'Smoke Screen'.
• Using Melee Weapons: You can also take it down with a melee weapon, but you'll need to get up close and personal. The key is timing. Wait for it to inhale deeply, then rush in as it opens its chest and stab its lungs. The Combat Knife's X attack is great for this. A well-timed melee hit after stepping towards it can even knock it down, giving you a chance for a ground finisher.
• Dodging Attacks: Smogs have a few moves you need to watch out for:
  • Rib Stab: It kneels down and dashes forward. Dodge just as it starts to move.
  • Smoke Screen: It ducks down and releases smoke around itself. Dodge as it rises from its crouch.
  • Smoke Spray: It inhales, opens its chest, and sprays poison smoke. You can dodge this like the others, but if you're close, you need to move in as it inhales and dodge right before it sprays. Be careful, though, as the smoke can still get you even if you dodge to the side.
• Finishers: If you manage to stun a Smog (which is pretty rare and hard to spot), you can perform a finisher. The Combat Knife or Ceremonial Dagger lets you stab its lungs, while the Steel Pipe or Crowbar lets you drag it down through its chest. If you're using an axe, you'll plunge it into the chest and drive it down.