                           Mega Man X2 FAQ
                                 By X

Story: It has been months since the destruction of (Sigma) and little has 
changed. The Maverick revolt by Sigma is over, but Mega Man X and the new 
generation of Maverick Hunters have yet to destroy all of Sigma's followers. 
Lead by information gained by Dr. Cain Mega Man X and the rest of the Hunters 
have tracked the last of the Mavericks to an abandoned reploid factory. There 
they hope to wipe out the last of the resistance. Little do they suspect that 
real wart is about to begin...

Mega Man X's controls:

A  Dash (In this game you start with the Ground Dash, though your boots do 
not show it like the previous game did).
B  Jump (Longer you hold it down, the higher X will go).
      Wall Jump (Performed by touching a wall and then pressing the button, 
and you will climb the wall, able to be done multiple times by pressing the 
button again when you touch the wall again)

Dash Jump  Performed by hitting the Dash button and the Jump button at the 
same time. This will let you jump much farther than a regular jump.

Y  Shoot X-Buster shots. Hold down for more powerful (charged) blasts. 
Longer you hold it down, more powerful the shot will be.
L or R  Cycle through the weapons you have earned from the Mavericks 
(explained below).
Start  Opens the Status Screen. Here, the game is paused, and you will be 
able to select which weapon you wish to use (convenient if you don't have 
time to use L or R to cycle), absorb a Sub-Tank, or exit the level.

Basic Things for Beginners: (those that have played the original Mega Man X 
need not read this section)
- If no enemies are around, take the time to charge up your X-Buster. This 
will make it quite easier when enemies come, as charged shots keep going 
after destroying an enemy, whereas basic shots will not. Your X-Buster can 
reach three levels of power:
1)	No charging. Small yellow sphere fired forward.
2)	Charged to blue level. Larger, green rocket-shaped shot fired forward 
(does not stop unless multiple hits are required for enemy).
         3) Charged to yellow level. Even larger, blue and pink, circular 
shaped                                                       
shot fired forward (does not stop unless multiple hits are required for 
enemy, much more powerful than the previous two shots).

- Wall Jumping will be necessary to complete most levels. Be sure to get the 
hang of it, it's not that hard.
- Sliding down walls will also help. To slide down a wall, touch the wall and 
press the direction of the wall on the control pad. You can fire your X-
Buster while sliding down as well.
- You can select the Exit feature from the subscreen when you return to a 
level in which you have already defeated the Maverick there. Selecting Exit 
will cause you to teleport out of the level, and return you to the Maverick 
selection screen.
- There are five main different power ups you will see on the ground:
White and Yellow Capsules  These will refill X's energy meter. There are 
small and large ones. Obviously, large ones will refill more life than small 
ones.
Blue and Red Capsules  These will refill the Maverick weapon's meter. There 
are small and large ones. Again, the large ones will refill more.
Extra Lives  These look like X's head, and are glowing. They will give you 
an extra chance to play the game. You can have a maximum of nine.





Level 1: Abandoned Reploid Factory

Nothing much to say here, just continue through, blasting enemies and 
recharging as they come. Eventually, you will fall down a pit to a horizontal 
boss door.

BOSS: GIANT REPLOID

Despite its size, this boss is not hard whatsoever. Its attacks barely harm 
you, and it is incredibly weak against your X-Buster. Four charged hits will 
destroy it. If the robot knocks you off the top platforms, just use the 
ladders to get back up.

Once you claim victory, you teleport out and see additional story line. After 
that you go to a stage selection screen,. This game, I suggest Wheel Gator as 
the first boss.

XX XX

XX *X
            
(Note that the above X's and * refer to where the boss is located at on the 
selection screen.)

Wheel Gator inhabits the level named "Dinosaur Tank". The entire stage you 
will see the background shifting because of where you are. This may be 
confusing for a bit, but you'll soon get used to it. You will see a Heart 
Tank later in the stage, as well as a door that looks different that the 
normal boss ones. Ignore both of these for now. You will find a Robot Walker 
later as well, but this you can use. Keep in mind that these are different in 
this game than the last game. Now the hands of the Robot Walker are spiked. 
These Robot Walkers can levitate for a short time, by jumping then holding 
the button. Also, you can charge up the spiked hands, causing you to do a 
Dash Attack. Soon you will come to Wheel Gator's room. Outside however, is a 
large robot. Keep sliding down and jumping back up onto the left wall and hit 
it with charged shots. Don't jump up so that the robot is off screen, 
however, otherwise you have to reinflict damage already done.


BOSS: WHEEL GATOR

Enter this battle with a charged shot ready. As soon as you go in, you will 
notice Wheel Gator jump up on the right side of his room, from a pool of red 
liquid (blood?). Release your shot as soon as the battle begins, which will 
result in Gator sinking down into the red mess. At this point, climb the left 
wall, and stay at the top. Always stay on top of the walls during this 
battle. Also, constantly keep a charged shot, especially while on the walls. 
His attacks include:

-	Wheel Gator, while under the red liquid, will send a Spin Wheel up the 
wall you are on. Drop off, then resume climbing. A second, faster one may 
come after that, dodge it the same way. Either way, now Wheel Gator will jump 
out of the liquid. Drop down to right beside the Maverick, turn around, fire, 
then Dash to the other side and climb that wall.
-	Wheel Gator (while out of the liquid) will send two Spin Wheels toward 
you. Drop down, then climb the wall again. Sometimes he will send two more, 
dodge them the same way.
-	Wheel Gator will begin to flash, open his mouth, and then fire several 
plasma shots at you. Dodge these and return fire.
-	Later in the battle, Wheel Gator will jump up, then whirl constantly in 
the air, eventually striking the wall. Dodge this at all costs. Wherever he 
hits on the wall will become damaged. Now if you try to touch that section of 
wall, you will be hurt. Only use the other wall at this point.

Get in a shot whenever you can and eventually you should claim victory.
Make sure you are not close to the liquid when Gator comes back up, otherwise 
his mouth will grab you, immobilizing you and damaging you for a few seconds.

WEAPON: SPIN WHEEL

This weapon is the same thing that Wheel Gator used against you. A razor 
sharp wheel will drop at your feet and travel on the ground. Charged up (see 
later), this weapon will shoot spikes in eight directions around you.

The next Maverick to go after is Bubble Crab.

XX XX

X* XX

Bubble Crab is in the "Deep-Sea Base". As you go through this level, you will 
find a large fish going through the level to the right of you. Avoid the 
light, otherwise more trouble is headed your way. Shoot whatever part you can 
for the time being. Watch out for the spotlight, if it sees you, a laser will 
be sent in your direction. Eventually, it will destroy some ground beneath 
you and then descend. Do not descend with it, but instead Dash Jump over to 
the wall on the right. Climb up the wall and take the Energy Capsule there if 
needed. Go back to the wall, and slide down it just a little bit. Wall Jump 
as high as you can, so that you're still sliding, then Dash Jump left off the 
wall and try to hit some floating platforms. Climb the platforms to the right 
and you will find the first HEART TANK.

Heart Tank  There are eight of these in this game, just as the last. When 
you receive one, it will add two points of health to your energy meter for 
the rest of the game.

Keep on going through the level until you reach the boss door.

BOSS: BUBBLE CRAB

As soon as you enter the room you will see Bubble Crab come down and the room 
halfway fill up with water. Make sure you have the Spin Wheel ready. Bubble 
Crab will most likely start by surrounding himself with a protective bubble, 
but the Spin Wheel can cut through it. As soon as the battle starts, fire one 
off. His attacks:

-	Bubble Crab will jump up and try to land on you. Dash out of the 
way.
-	Bubble Crab will create three large bubbles in the air. Stay 
between them to avoid getting hit.
-	Bubble Crab will fire Bubble Splash at you. Climb up the wall and 
Dash Jump off to the other side to avoid it.

Watch out for these and fire a Spin Wheel whenever possible. Notice that the 
water level fluctuates throughout the battle, which will change your jumping 
ability. Notice that it takes a few seconds for the Wheel to actually move, 
so learn timing here. If at any time you see Bubble Crab slowly coming 
towards you, climb the wall and Dash Jump off to the other side, then turn 
around and fire.

WEAPON: BUBBLE SPLASH

This weapon will fire streams of bubbles, eventually curving upward. Charged 
up, the bubbles will instead encircle you, thus giving you a small shield. 
When the bubbles are around you, you can jump higher in water.

At this point in the game, you will see more story line and see the three X-
Hunters teleport down onto three different stages, most likely ones you 
haven't visited yet. You can tell which stage they are on by following the 
dot with their logos by highlighting a new Maverick. Check to see if they are 
on Flame Stag's level, "Volcanic Zone". If one of the X-Hunters are, go to 
that stage. If they aren't, then revisit either Wheel Gator's level or Bubble 
Crab's level, and Exit them right away. The X-Hunters will teleport to new 
stages. Repeat this process until one lands at the "Volcanic Zone".

XX *X

XX XX

Close to the beginning of this level, you will find a beetle shaped hovering 
robot trying to ram you. Jump onto the platform on its back, and it will 
carry you higher. Jump to the left and you will find the first SUB TANK.

Sub Tank  There are four of these in the game. If you are at full energy and 
you take an energy capsule, the energy will be used to fill a Sub Tank. You 
can absorb Sub Tanks at any time (if they contain energy) to give to your own 
energy meter. Unlike the last game, full Sub Tanks give almost your entire 
energy meter.

Continue through a short distance, and then you will hear a rumbling sound. 
QUICKLY climb up through tunnel above you. Lava is rising, (now you know why 
it's the "Volcanic Zone") which can quickly kill you. Halfway up, you will 
spot a Heart Tank. Quickly jump over to the ledge and Dash under the robot 
(or quickly kill it if it has already activated) and take your second HEART 
TANK. You will probably die getting it, but you can always get more lives. If 
you do die, just repeat this process, only this time your goal is to get out 
in time.
Keep going on, and you will find platforms that sink into lava when you touch 
them. Past there, Wall Jump up to find yet another hovering beetle robot. You 
will see some weaker areas of the ledges, lure the robot into smashing into 
them, thus destroying them. Here you will find a boss door that looks 
different. Enter there for the first X-Hunter Battle.

The boss here could be one of three possible X-Hunters:

SERGES:

Serges is a small robot that uses a hover platform constantly. When you 
enter, be sure you have a charged X-Buster shot ready. Shoot at Serges 
immediately and not at the platform he is on. Attacks include:

-	Serges will change form, jumping up and shooting spheres. Stay on 
the ground and you will not be hit. You can damage Serges while he has 
changed form, so use that to your advantage. You can also jump onto his 
platform, but watch out for when he comes back down.
-	Serges will float closer to you, dropping mines down. Do not land 
on the mines, as you will be damaged. Try to destroy them with charged X-
Buster shots if you can, but only if you necessarily need to. Wall Jump up 
and Dash off to escape from being hit by Serges.

Blast the X-Hunter whenever you can and eventually you can claim victory. Use 
the Sub Tank during the battle if you need to (providing you have some energy 
in there by now), you can always refill it. Eventually you should claim 
victory, though Serges will not die. After he teleports out, you get one of 
Zero's parts.

VIOLEN:

Despite his size, Violen is not incredibly hard. Enter with a fully powered 
X-Buster shot, and release it immediately. But then immediately switch to the 
Bubble Splash. Violen has few attacks:

-	Violen will jump up and try to land on you. Dash out of the way.
-	Violen will throw out a spiked ball chained to himself. If you 
are close enough, it should not hit you. Use this time to unload Bubble 
Splash onto him.

Violen shouldn't take too long. Like any X-Hunter, you will not be able to 
kill him, but your reward is one of Zero's parts.

AGILE:

Agile is anything but easy. This incredibly quick X-Hunter will put up a 
tough fight. Enter his room with a fully powered X-Buster shot, and release 
it immediately. While charging, climb the wall, and stay there until he 
attacks:

-	Agile will fling a huge beam at you, covering half the screen. 
Hopefully, you will be on the wall, so you can drop down to avoid it and fire 
at him. 
-	Agile will rush at you. Climb the wall and Dash Jump off to the 
other side, then immediately climb the wall.
-	Agile will jump up with his sword pointed at you. Either you'll 
get hit or you'll already be headed away from him.

You may have to use your only Sub Tank during this battle.

Note: You do not have to fight these three bosses. It is not necessary to 
complete the game, and if you have a hard time doing it, just skip them. 
However, it will change the end of the game slightly and leave you with less 
energy for the final boss.

Whoever you fight, keep going through the level and you will soon reach the 
next boss.

BOSS: FLAME STAG

This boss is not extremely hard. Enter the room with the Bubble Splash ready. 
When you start, immediately shoot the weapon (it is wise to usually press the 
fire button two or three times for a greater chance of a hit). Flame Stag's 
attacks include:

-	Flame Stag will throw various types of fire at you. Jump to the 
walls and climb up, then fall back down and return fire.
-	Flame Stag will turn into flame and start dashing towards you. 
Fire off a round of Bubble Splash to halt him.
-	Flame Stag will jump up and go off screen. Dash around until he 
returns, thus preventing him from hitting you. Fire the Bubble Splash when 
you stop Dashing.

A quick way to defeat him is to fire, then Wall Jump because projectiles are 
coming, then fall back down and fire again. Repeating this pattern will 
quickly finish him, though he will probably jump up and go off screen a 
couple times.

WEAPON: SPEED BURNER

This weapon allows you to shoot fire much like your X-Buster. Charged up, X 
becomes pure fire and Dashes forward (works in the air) like Flame Stag did 
during the battle.

This time, return to past stages until one of the X-Hunters ends up at the 
"Robot Junkyard", Morph Moth's stage.

X* XX

XX XX

After the robots that are hanging from chains disappear, you will see junk 
being sucked up, while you are not. Right after the orange pillar you can 
pass through, switch to the Spin Wheel and then release it. You will see it 
cut through the ground. You will need a second one, then fall through the pit 
you just created. Down there you will find the first enhancement capsule of 
the game.

GEAR CRUSH: In this game, the armor does not provide additional protection. 
Instead, it is a strong offense rather than defense. With the Gear Crush in 
your possession, any time you are hit by a projectile (laser, etc.) it will 
power up the Gear Crush. Once it is fully powered, activating it will send an 
explosion across the screen, damaging anything you see.

In this level before you reach the boss, you will find two mini-bosses. 
Remember that mini-bosses do not have an energy meter, so you will have to 
guess how close you are to defeating them. You will see a large robot rise 
out of the junk from the ground. Fire at the midsection with fully powered X-
Buster shots. Once it is destroyed, a small pink bug will come out. Destroy 
it as quickly as you can, because if you take too long another large robot 
will rise out. When the large robot tries to land on you quickly Dash out of 
the way.

After the first boss, you will come to a ladder leading down. Kill the robots 
on the bottom ledge, then Wall Jump up and kill the robot on that ledge (not 
an easy task, experiment with different methods). Proceed on and you will 
find the X-Hunter room. Defeat the second X-Hunter then continue on (scroll 
up to Flame Stag's level for the boss you are at). 

When you come to the large robot blocking your way to the next boss, this 
time use a Spin Wheel to kill it.

BOSS: MORPH MOTH

When you enter, have your Speed Burner ready. You will notice that Morph Moth 
is quite small for a Maverick, jump up and fire the Speed Burner, while 
avoiding his swinging. When Morph Moth returns to normal color, shoot him 
again. Eventually you will knock it down. You can't hit it while on the 
ground, so just jump around to avoid it. Soon it will resume hanging and 
begin sucking in junk. Shoot the Moth as fast as you can, since you can't 
avoid this. Once you knock it down again, this time it flies up and morphs 
into its final form. Morph Moth can now fly and spread pollen. Dash under it 

-	Morph Moth will at first just swing, spreading junk. Jump up and 
fire the Speed Burner at the Maverick. Don't shoot it again until it returns 
to its original color
-	After Morph Moth is shot enough, it will drop to the ground. You 
cannot harm it now, so just jump around to avoid it.
-	Morph Moth will suck in junk from around the room. You cannot 
avoid this, so shoot it as quickly as you can.
-	The next time you knock Morph Moth down, it will fly up and morph 
into its final form. In this form, it can spread pollen which and fire 
lasers. Dash under the pollen and hit it with a Speed Burner.
-	If you suddenly see Morph Moth pause, quickly Dash away because a 
laser is being aimed at you.

Also try to avoid being hit by the final form, as damage from him then is 
great.

WEAPON: SILK SHOT

This weapon will fire some junk forward which will shoot in four directions 
when it hits something. Charged up, a much large piece of junk is fired, and 
it can draw in energy capsules.

Now it is time to head over to the "Central Computer" to face Magna 
Centipede, so for the last time use the return to previous stages strategy 
until the last X-Hunter lands at that stage.

XX X*

XX XX

In this level, watch out for the spotlights. If they touch you, cannons come 
down from the ceiling and fire at you. Fortunately, you can destroy the 
cannons but you will probably take a few hits first. Also watch out for large 
falling blocks, as they can easily crush you. Only the purple ones can be 
destroyed. Soon you will meet a sword mini-boss. If you have the Gear Crush 
fully powered, use it for a one hit kill. If not, aim for the hilt with fully 
powered X-Buster shots. 

Soon you will come to a part where you have to go down. Avoid all the 
spotlights here for good reason. First slide down the right wall, then use 
the left wall. Once you hit the ground, Dash all the way to the end, to avoid 
the blocks and the data receivers. The more spotlights you hit on your way 
down, the more blocks that come. You will have to fight a mini-boss again, 
and if you are hit by any of the data receivers, the boss becomes harder. 
Once you reach the end, you will hit the last X-Hunter door. Go in for your 
final fight, and scroll up to the Flame Stag section for the last X-Hunter's 
strategies.

Leave the room after the fight and then Wall Jump up to the mini-boss I spoke 
of earlier. This strategy only applies if you did not get hit by any data 
receivers. The boss is relatively simply. Just use fully powered X-Buster 
shots on him and jump whenever he fires beams at you. Dash under him when he 
jumps up to avoid the rays he fires then. If you get hit enough, you can use 
the Gear Crush, which may or may not kill him, but will definitely inflict a 
high amount of damage.

In the next section, watch out for the falling floors and the cannons coming. 
Soon you should reach the boss door.

BOSS: Magna Centipede

This boss is not going to put up an easy fight, but with a little practice 
he's not so bad. Immediately when the battle begins, jump over a little and 
hit him with a Silk Shot. This will knock off his stinger, depriving him of 
his ability to inject you with poison. Attacks include:

-	Magna Centipede will teleport as soon as you hit him, so do not 
attempt to fire twice in a row. Then he will teleport back onto the 
battlefield. If he is on the ground, you can easily hit him again. If not, he 
will be on the ceiling.
-	Magna Centipede will throw three throwing stars at you from the 
ceiling. Dodge these, Wall Jump up, then Dash Jump over and throw a Silk Shot 
at him.

Get in a shot whenever possible and after a little while you should win.

WEAPON: MAGNET MINE

This weapon will fire a mine that attaches to walls then explodes. It will 
harm robots if it hits them however. Charged up, an energy ball will slowly 
cross the screen wherever you fired, able to inflict damage multiple times. 
You can aim this weapon.

If you have all three of Zero's parts now, you will see more story line. Now 
go to the next Maverick's level, "Energy Crystal" where Crystal Snail guards.

XX XX

XX X*

This level is not going to be easy. Eventually you should come to a mini-
boss, encased in crystal, and rockets above firing at you. Use the Gear Crush 
(it is probably powered by now) and also fire at the large robot encased in 
crystal. Eventually all will be destroyed.

After you beat the boss, slide down the large ramp, and then slide down the 
wall right there. You will land on a ledge with crystal enemies. Kill them 
and proceed left to find the second enhancement capsule.

I.TRACER  The helmet upgrade in this game is different. Instead of breaking 
blocks, it now will detect hidden passages by selecting it and then 
activating. It will be immediately used when you get it, and you will see it 
point to the ceiling above the capsule. You can jump up through the wall and 
to the left to get the extra life.
(If anyone knows what the I stands for please E-mail me)

Eventually you will come to the next boss door. If you are not at full 
energy, use the crystal robots attached to the walls outside to fill up your 
energy tank (and possibly your Sub Tank) for you will certainly need it.

BOSS: CRYSTAL SNAIL

This boss is one of the harder ones. Enter the battle with a Magnet Mine 
ready. Do not fire though, as Snail's shell will block it. Only try to strike 
this Maverick when he is out of his shell. Attacks:

-	Crystal Snail will pop out of his shell. Shoot him then. Then 
Snail will separate from his shell and rush at you. Shoot him again.
-	Crystal Snail will jump up and spin inside his shell. When he 
lands, time is slowed down for you. Try to hit him now. If you miss, he will 
Dash towards you twice with his shell. Avoid these.
-	Crystal Snail will jump up and spin in mid-air. Aim a magnet mine 
up and shoot him (even while in his shell).

Following these tips you should claim victory soon. Use your Sub Tank if you 
have to.

WEAPON: CRYSTAL HUNTER

This weapon will fire crystals forward at a downward angle, encasing enemies 
in crystal, allowing you to use them as stepladders. Charged up, this weapon 
will slow down time for both you and your enemies.

The next Maverick to face is Overdrive Ostrich, who resides in the "Desert 
Base".

XX XX

*X XX

You will find this an odd stage since you must ride bikes through it. 
Eventually you should see a Heart Tank among other power ups on spikes above 
you. Ignore these for now. Walk on the floor beneath the spikes, and then 
Dash Jump off the edge. Land on the ledge to the right with blocks that don't 
fit in with the rest of the walls. Use the Spin Wheel to destroy them and 
then go in to find your next enhancement.

AIR DASH  This enhancement allows you to dash in the air, like you do on the 
ground. You will definitely find this helpful after exiting the stage. Just 
like the Ground Dash was essential to getting almost everything in the 
original Mega Man X, the Air Dash is essential like that in this game. It's a 
shame that you get it this late however.

Continue through the level to find the next boss.

Overdrive Ostrich is another Maverick not easily finished off. Once you enter 
his door, you will have to launch and destroy a rocket to reach his battle 
area. Make sure you have the Crystal Hunter ready, since it can temporarily 
encase him in energy. Attacks include:

-	Overdrive Ostrich will run at you, knocking you back and damaging 
you severely. Try to jump over and Air Dash over him, then turn around and 
shoot.
-	After hitting the Maverick, Ostrich will jump up and fire Sonic 
Slicers at you. Try to avoid them, though it isn't easy. Fire again here.
-	If you stray too far from Ostrich, he will run out from the 
background and try to land on you. Dash out of his way and then fire at him.

A good strategy is to hit Ostrich, then Dash under him as he jumps up, avoid 
the Slicers (if you can) and then hit him again, repeating this process. Or 
you can hit him, then run to another part of the battlefield so that you can 
hit him when you lands again. However you do it, you should win quickly.

WEAPON: SONIC SLICER

This weapon will fire three boomerang shaped projectiles forward, which 
bounce off walls. Charged up, you will use them exactly as Overdrive Ostrich 
did during the battle.

You won't be fighting the last Maverick for awhile, because now that you have 
the Air Dash, you can collect many enhancements.

First return to the Dinosaur Tank stage. Go through the level until you come 
to the part with a wall on the right which you can easily Wall Jump up, and a 
pit, which is the way to keep going through the level. Wall Jump up and then 
Jump to the left, Air Dash to the small section of wall that is lower on the 
left. Wall Jump up through that narrow gap and find the last enhancement 
capsule.

X-BUSTER UPGRADE  This enhancement allows you to charge the Maverick weapons 
(the descriptions I have listed for every weapon) and will allow you to 
charge your X-Buster to a pink level. Once done, you can fire two fully 
charged blasts, instead of one, which are also more powerful.
Note: You must hold down the charge button a little longer after it reaches 
the pink level. If you don't the first blast will be the smaller green one. 
If you wait long enough, it will be a larger shot.

Keep going through the level, until you can see the Heart Tank above you. Go 
to the right on the small section of the floor that is higher. Select the 
Speed Burner and charge it up. Jump up, Air Dash, then use the Speed Burner. 
Hopefully you will have hit the very small section of wall that is not 
spiked. Wall Jump up and collect the third HEART TANK.

Exit the level, and now go to the Deep-Sea Base. Follow through the level 
until you get to the part where the large fish robot opens up more of the 
level. Keep following it until you can see an energy capsule encased in a 
wall. Stand a little to the right of the capsule, charge up the Bubble 
Splash, and then jump. You can see a Sub Tank above you. When you hit the 
surface of the water, rapidly tap the jump button to hit the wall and collect 
your second SUB TANK.

Exit the level, and now return to the Robot Junkyard. Go through a short 
distance until you come to the robot with a shield. Freeze it with a Crystal 
Hunter, jump on top of it, jump, and then Air Dash over to the wall. Wall 
Jump up, and collect your fourth HEART TANK.

Exit that level, and now go back to the Central Computer. Go through the 
level and do NOT get hit by any of the spotlights, otherwise this won't work. 
When you see the moving blocks to your right, look back and you can see one 
of the turrets still in the ceiling, provided you didn't get hit by any of 
the spotlights. Just like how you got the Heart Tank in Dinosaur Tank, get on 
the floor to the right that is higher, jump, Air Dash, and use a powered up 
Speed Burner to hit the turret, then Wall Jump up for your fifth HEART TANK. 
Keep going on this level, however. After five sets of blocks fall, you will 
see the floor dip a little. Stand on the floor before it that is higher. Just 
like the last two times, charge up the Speed Burner, jump, Air Dash, and then 
use the Speed Burner to hit the small section of wall above to the right. 
Wall Jump up and collect the third SUB TANK.

Exit this level, and now return to the Desert Base. Find the section with the 
Heart Tank above you on the floor of spikes. It was intended in this game for 
you to use the bike provided earlier to get this enhancement, but I find it 
too hard and time consuming, so instead (sorry to sound like a broken 
record), I get as close to the spikes as I can, power up the Speed Burner, 
jump, Air Dash, then use the Speed Burner to propel myself to the sixth HEART 
TANK. You'll die, but lives are easily acquired, Heart Tanks are not.

Finally, after all that, go to the final stage, "Weather Control" where 
you'll meet Wire Sponge.

*X XX

XX XX

Immediately in the beginning of this stage, Wall Jump up the left wall, where 
you will land in a hidden ledge, acquiring your seventh HEART TANK.

This level has several weather balls in small rooms. Every time hit them with 
the Crystal Hunter for an easier time through the level.

Once you come to the rocketing platforms over the spikes, get on the second 
one (hurry because it will start raining soon). Once it gets close to its 
maximum height, slide down the left side of the platform a little bit, then 
Dash Jump left and then turn right to hit the gray walls of the area above 
you. Climb up there, then go to the second set of gray area to acquire your 
fourth and final SUB TANK.

Continue through this level until you reach the last Maverick.

BOSS: WIRE SPONGE

This boss should not be too hard now that you are loaded with enhancements. 
Walk in with the X-Buster fully powered, and release both shots right away. 
Then switch to the Sonic Slicer. Attacks include:

-	Wire Sponge will pull himself to the ceiling with a stretching 
hand. Charge up the Sonic Slicer, then get near him and release to hit him. 
While up there, Wire Sponge will fire small projectiles at you, which are 
easily dodged.
-	Wire Sponge will drop to the ground, then fire his hand at you. 
Just shot him with the Sonic Slicer to avoid this.
-	Wire Sponge will get red with fury. Lightning will then strike 
three places in the room. Get to the other side of the room to avoid being 
hit.

Nothing else special happens, so just fire away and soon you'll win.

WEAPON: STRIKE CHAIN

The name describes the weapon. This weapon will fire a chain forwards, 
allowing you to grab onto walls. Charged up, the chain becomes bigger and 
extends longer.

After this fight you will see more story line and learn where the X-Hunters 
Base is. But don't go there yet. First return to the Energen Crystal. Once 
you find the Robot Walker, jump back up and fall down the hole to the left. 
You will land in a small area. Get as far to the left as you can on that area 
(the back of the Walker's foot should barely be touching), then Dash Jump to 
the left, jump out at the last second, and shoot the Strike Chain at the very 
small section of wall just before the pit, so you can be pulled to it, Wall 
Jump up and take the eighth and final HEART TANK. This is an extremely 
difficult task to complete, and will definitely take you many tries. I have 
heard rumors of ways to use the Strike Chain to grasp the platform that takes 
you back, if anyone can verify this please E-mail me.

Exit the level and now return to the Deep-Sea Base. Let the fish robot 
destroy the ground again, and this time slide down the left wall there. You 
will enter a secret location. Power up the Silk Shot, and energy capsules 
will continually be drawn towards you as long as you hold down the fire 
button. Take as many capsules as it takes to fill your Sub Tanks, then exit 
the level.

Finally, go to the X-Hunters Base at the North Pole.

XX XX

XX*XX

Not much to say here, just go through the level until you reach the boss 
door. 

BOSS: VIOLEN

Fortunately this time around you won't have to deal with the speech from this 
X-Hunter. Not much has changed, except that now blocks form in the stage, 
which can block both you and Violen. Attacks:

-	Violen will send out his spiked ball on a chain. Just avoid it 
and fire Bubble Splash at him.
-	Violen will hover in the air and shoot downward. Move away from 
him to avoid getting hit.

Basically what I do is Dash toward him, fire a spray of Bubble Splash, Dash 
back, then repeat. There are small chances of getting hit this way. If you 
need a Sub Tank, go ahead and use it.

Once you destroy Violen, you'll return to the stage selection screen. If you 
used a Sub Tank, return to the Deep-Sea Base and refill it with the same Silk 
Shot strategy. Then select the X-Hunter Base again to go to the second level 
of it.

Travel through this level (no enhancements this time either) until you reach 
the boss door. Again, use the Spin Wheel to kill the large robot on the 
outside.

BOSS: SERGES

This boss is a little hard, but not if you use special techniques. Walk in 
the room with the Gear Crush ready. Air Dash onto the platforms over the 
spikes right away. When the battle starts, release the Gear Crush to 
immediately destroy the cannons Serges has. Then, switch to the Speed Burner, 
and constantly hit his head with it, while staying on the rightmost platform. 
You will take many hits, but you can easily refill Sub Tanks (which you may 
need). Serges only main attack after destroying the cannons is firing a large 
green energy ball, which splits into four.

Again, once Serges is destroyed, you return to the stage selection screen. 
Refill your Sub Tanks at the Deep-Sea Base, then return to the X-Hunter Base.

There is one more enhancement in this game. You need all enhancements, all 
Mavericks defeated, all Sub Tanks, and all Heart Tanks for the capsule to 
appear. Go through this new level until you reach the part with two ladders, 
one going up and the other going down, with spikes on the right wall. If you 
don't have everything, just go through the level using the down ladder. 
Otherwise, lure a bat to the ladder, then freeze it with a Crystal Hunter. 
Use the frozen bat to reach the top ladder. Freeze another bat over the 
spikes, get on top, jump a very small amount, then Air Dash over and 
hopefully you will land on the non-spike ground. Kill the enemies there, then 
jump and immediately Air Dash over to get between the floor and ceiling of 
spikes. Wall Jump up to the small ledge which converts to spikes, where you 
can see spikes for ground and on the right wall. Here comes the hard part. 
These instructions must be followed precisely! Charge up the Strike Chain, 
fire it, and then jump JUST BEFORE it hits the wall of spikes. Once you get 
over there, turn around and Air Dash over to the ledge with the extra life on 
it. Use a Sub Tank if you need to (you must be at full energy). Slide down 
the left side of the wall until you reach a secret room. Inside, you will 
find Dr. Light's last capsule. 

DRAGON PUNCH  After hearing Dr. Light's strange speech (totally out of 
character for him), you will receive the Dragon Punch. This is the equivalent 
in this game of what the Hadoken Fireball was in the last game. Press 
Forward, Down, Down and Forward together, then Y to activate it. X's fist 
becomes flame and he shoots up. However, you must be at full energy to pull 
off the move. Also, X does not regain control until he hits the ground. If 
you shoot up over spikes, you're dead, so practice this and learn how to use 
it correctly (it'll pay off).

Continue through the level until you reach the next boss door.

BOSS: AGILE

Agile is different this time around, as he hovers in the room. His weakness 
is the Magnet Mine, which can easily be aimed. Simply stand at the left side 
of the room, hold up, and continually fire. Do not charge up, as it will do 
the same amount of damage. Attacks include:

-	Agile will drop spiked floors on you (not an instant kill). These 
will hit you. Just take the hit and then fire more Magnet Mines.
-	Agile will summon spikes from the sides of the room. If you're at 
the bottom, they won't hit you. Keep firing Magnet Mines.

The easiest way to beat Agile, though, is to get yourself at full energy (go 
ahead and use a Sub Tank, they're so easy to refill in this game) and then 
fire off a Dragon Punch for a one hit kill (I told you it would pay off).

Refill your Sub Tanks at the Deep-Sea Base, then go back to the X-Hunter 
Base.

In this level, you will have to refight all of the Mavericks you previously 
defeated. Enter the capsule on the right, and you will be teleported to the 
eight other capsules. Use all the same strategies as before, only this time 
you may want to charge up your weapons. I will list which ones this is 
beneficial on. 

Layout of the capsules:

Morph Moth                             Wheel Gator
Wire Sponge                            Overdrive Ostrich 
Bubble Crab                            Crystal Snail 
           Flame Stag   Magna Centipede 

After defeating one of the Mavericks, small energy capsules appear on the 
platforms above the capsules. Always collect these after defeating the 
Mavericks, they always come back.

Things to note:
-	Charging up the Speed Burner against Morph Moth helps in his 
third stage for increased damage and to avoid the pollen.
-	Charging up the Sonic Slicer helps against Wire Sponge for 
increased damage and more likely hits.
-	Bubble Crab is harder now because his ceiling is lined with 
spikes.
-	Use the Strike Chain against Wheel Gator this time. Charging up 
does more damage, but it is difficult while on the walls. Trying charging up 
then releasing when he damages walls.
-	I recommend charging up the Crystal Hunter for the fight against 
Overdrive Ostrich, as it helps you avoid his Sonic Slicers better.

Once you beat the last Maverick, you learn who the final boss will be. Refill 
any Sub Tanks, then go back to the X-Hunters Base for the last time.

You should recognize this as Magna Centipede's level. Travel through until 
you reach the part where you previously fought the sword mini-boss. Here is 
where the game will change depending on whether you got all of Zero's parts 
from the X-Hunters or not. If you did, then Sigma teleports down with his 
little speech, and a gray Zero. After he finishes, the real, fully 
reconstructed Zero comes and blasts away the fake Zero. If you did not 
receive all three parts, the real reconstructed Zero teleports down with 
Sigma, and you will have to fight him.

BOSS: ZERO

Zero can be easy if you use the right techniques, but otherwise he can be 
hard. Get the Speed Burner ready, but do not charge as it will do less damage 
that way. Attacks:

-	Zero will fire two blasts at you followed by his Beam Sabre. Wall 
Jump up and stay up there for a little bit.
-	Zero will dash after you with his Beam Sabre outstretched. Here, 
jump off the wall, Air Dash in mid-air, land, then turn around and fire.
-	Zero will slam the ground creating projectiles shooting into the 
air. Get off the wall and Air Dash to hit him.

Keep repeating this strategy and eventually you will knock the reprogramming 
out of Zero.

No matter which way this goes, Zero will destroy the middle of the ground, 
and you will be able to fall down for the next fight.

BOSS: SIGMA

Sigma can be sort of easy in this game. Pull out the Sonic Slicer and learn 
his attacks:

-	Sigma will start the battle by growing claws, then he will rush 
at you. If he connects, you will be flung across the room. Wall Jump up and 
avoid this.
-	Sigma will create five purple energy balls. Use the walls to 
avoid them and jump around. Fire while he is creating them.
-	Sigma will jump up and teleport out. Dash around the ground 
constantly. Soon he will teleport back down in an attempt to hit you. When he 
lands, fire.
-	Sigma will begin to glow yellow, making himself invincible. 
Immediately Wall Jump, for a weapon like a charged Electric Spark in the last 
game will come for you. After he fires, drop down and return fire.

For an easy way in the beginning, try to avoid getting hit for a bit, and 
when he disappears, use the Dragon Punch. He will teleport back in and be hit 
by it for half of his energy meter gone. Do not attempt it twice, switch to 
the Sonic Slicer.

Once Sigma's body is destroyed. His true form comes out, a computer virus.

BOSS: VIRUS SIGMA

This boss looks like a mini-boss, and unfortunately, you cannot see an energy 
meter for him. However, he will change colors as he is closer to defeat. The 
color red means the next few hits will destroy him. Get the Strike Chain 
ready (do not charge up) and watch out for attacks:

-	Sigma will move across the room, then begin shooting a large red 
laser to the ground. You cannot avoid this, so Dash to the other side and try 
to hit him as much as you can before you get hit.
-	Sigma will create small enemies. You can destroy them for energy.
-	Once Sigma turns red, stand still. He will reform outside of you, 
constantly damaging you. Fire the Strike Chain repeatedly, but not too fast. 
Wait until the sound of it hitting him disappears, then fire again. Soon he 
will die.

Use Sub Tanks if you have to (you will). I will note that three Dragon 
Punches will kill him, but it's more worthwhile to use the Strike Chain since 
it is difficult to hit him and you will probably waste all your Sub Tanks 
trying to accomplish this.

Once the Virus Sigma is destroyed, you win the game. Sigma will say some 
words about Zero while he is dying, but he doesn't finish and you never 
really know what he means. Watch the ending scene, and that's it.

This FAQ is by me, X. Have any comments, questions, found some typos, or 
specific parts you would like me to go more in-depth on? Or do you have an 
answer to my question stated earlier? (What does the I in I. Tracer stand 
for?) Credit will be given for whoever can give me the answer. I will be 
happy to answer all and anything you wish to know about the game (provided I 
know it of course, though I most likely and hopefully will). Simply E-mail me 
at typist1@iname.com  There are limitations to this however. I will not 
respond to E-mails that have excessive cussing, or people that are rude. Be 
polite, I'll be polite. Be rude, you'll get ignored. It's as simple as that.

If you wish to place this FAQ on your site, please send me an E-mail first. I 
will most likely give you permission, I just want to know where it's headed.

This FAQ is Copyright 2001 by X. Thank you to all those that took the time to 
read it.













