In Atomic Heart, bosses aren’t just thick-skinned mobs you have to grind away at for damage numbers. According to the game’s lore, they are peaceful robots designed for civilian use, equipped with a hidden combat mode. Each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses. In this part of the guide, we’ll break down the game’s early and mid-game bosses, from the massive Kultysh to the formidable Belyash.

1. ROS-9 “Yezhikha” Robot (The Most Interesting Boss)

“The Hedgehog” is a surveying robot that, in combat mode, transforms into a deadly tumbleweed capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h. A full-scale battle with it takes place in front of the entrance to the VDNH complex. According to many players, this is the most well-designed and interesting boss in the game.

  • Features: Nearly complete immunity to firearms, melee weapons, energy weapons, and freezing attacks. Hitting her armor is a waste of time and ammunition.
  • Weaknesses: The “Krepsh” rocket launcher and overheated reactors.
  • Tactics: Run around the arena, actively using double dodge and the “Polymer Shield” ability. After a series of attacks (or if she crashes into the statue, which can be raised from the ground using the control panel in the center of the arena), Yezhikha stops and releases orange cooling reactors. These are the targets you need to damage. 5–6 precise hits on the reactors are enough to end the battle.
  • Secret: If you raise the alarm level to maximum during the battle, after defeating Yezhikha, containers filled with little Belyashas will start dropping on you—a great additional challenge!

2. Krupny Kultyš

You’ll encounter this mini-boss after defeating the giant hogweed, as you exit the pesticide plant at the Vavilov Complex. The large lump is much faster and tougher than regular zombies.

  • Features: What sets it apart is that the “Escape” mutant attaches itself not to the victim’s head, but to their back (spinal cord). Because of this, this particular creature speaks in the eerie voice of a person whose consciousness is fading. It can launch itself in short bursts.
  • Weaknesses: Fire and Telekinesis.
  • Tactics: The best solution is to equip a fire cartridge on your weapon and set the enemy ablaze. The “Telekinesis” ability also works great, allowing you to lift the cultist and slam it into the ground.

3. The “Ivy” Product

A story-based mini-boss first encountered at VDNKh. It is an experimental polymer creature with a dog’s brain. An extremely aggressive, agile, and unpleasant opponent, it can safely be ranked second in terms of interest.

  • Features: Resistant to firearms and energy weapons. Often captures Major Nechaev in a 4-stage QTE (you can’t fail a single one!).
  • Weaknesses: Fire, explosions, and melee weapons.
  • Tactics: Equip a fire-type magazine on the “Star,” shotgun, or “Kalash.” Ivy literally melts from fire. Use Telekinesis to slam the boss into the ground—this interrupts his attacks and gives you time to heal. Later in the game, the ultimate solution will be the “Star” with spinning blades and the “Krepysh” rocket launcher.
  • The secret of symbiosis: If there is a green flying “Escape” in the area, do not kill it. If it attaches itself to Ivy’s head, the boss will stop grabbing, stand on all fours, and start spitting acid, becoming much less dangerous.

4. MA-9 “Belyash” Robot

A welder boss you’ll have to face on the surface. His head is equipped with a powerful laser rangefinder and a welding machine.

  • Features: Resistant to fire, freezing, firearms, and energy weapons. In the first phase, it jumps and throws rocks; in the second, it begins to set the arena ablaze. Caution: bug—sometimes, due to the engine’s physics, Belyash can fly outside the arena!
  • Weaknesses: Explosive damage (rockets).
  • Tactics: At long range, shoot him with the “Strongman.” At close range, the “Star” special attack (spinning homing saws) is the ideal solution. You can simply hold down the button and keep the saws spinning until the boss falls apart.