Zero (Mega Man X era)

For the Zero Era of this characters, see here.

Zero
Series	Mega Man (series)
Age	>100 years old
Birthday	20XX
Sex	Male
Species	Pre-Reploid (Robot Master)
Height	5'9"/175 cm
Weight	174 lbs/79 kg
Alignment	Neutral Good

Zero is the deuteragonist of the Mega Man X series. He is the successor of Bass and considered to be one of the greatest creation of Dr Albert W. Wily.

Background

In the year 20XX Dr. Albert W. Wily was working on a machine that had the capabilities to take over the world and defeat Mega Man. Using the element found from Bass known as Bassnium, Dr. Wily almost had enough time to complete his creation which was cut short when he had died. About 100 years later Zero was found and went on a murderous rampage killing all in sight. He then met the Maverick Hunter: Sigma, they had a one on one fight where Sigma had barely succeeded. In the process of defeating Zero, Sigma had contracted the Maverick Virus inside Zero and then spread it amongst most of his colleagues. Now it was up to X and the reformed Zero to defeat the Mavericks any time they had showed up.

Powers & Abilities

• Titanium-Z Body Armour: Zero's armor is made out of Titanium-Z Alloy, which is said to be way stronger and lighter then Ceratanium. He can dash and double jump.
• Master Swordsmanship:
• Learning System: Similarly to X and his Variable Weapon System, Zero is able to gain access to new attacks by defeating foes in combat. Unlike X, Zero rarely copies the attacks of his opponents but instead creates new attacks based on his opponent's affinities. For example, defeating Web Spider allowed Zero to develop the Raijingeki, a powerful stab with the Z-Saber that's charged with electricity. Due to the fact that these tend to be sword techniques inherent to Zero rather than copied weapons, the majority of them do not require additional Weapon Energy and thus can be used as often as Zero likes.
  • Rising: The same as Xtreme's Rising. The more times the attack button is pressed, the higher Zero will reach. This is one of the only two techniques in this game that doesn't require weapon energy.
  • Fish Fang: Zero launches two fish-missiles from the Z-Saber when performing an air-slash.
  • Tri-Thunder: Zero punches the ground, generating multiple balls of lightning that randomly erupt from the ground.
  • Fire Wave: The same as X's Fire Wave.
  • Lightning: Generates random lightning strikes.
  • Earth Gaizer: Zero punches the ground, generating explosions in the ground which move from left to right.
  • Dash: Zero dashes forward with his saber drawn.
  • Drill Crush: Zero performs a thrust downward while falling, with the Z-Saber spinning like a drill. Can be interrupted. This is one of the only two techniques in this game that doesn't require weapon energy.
  • Zero Final: Zero performs Dash, then Rising.
  • Raijingeki ("Raijin Attack"): By pressing the Special Weapon button while standing, Zero will perform a forward thrust with the Z-Saber as a blade of blue lightning. Can cancel the attack delay by using Raijineki during a standing saber combo.
  • Kuuenbu ("Air Waltz"): The Kuuenbu technique allows Zero the ability to jump one more time after an initial jump. This is not actually an attack. Zero keeps this ability in most of the later games.
  • Kuuenzan ("Air Circling Slash"): The Kuuenzan technique allows Zero to perform a rolling slash attack with his Z-Saber whilst in the air. The slash will still go on as Zero changes directions. This attack appears inTatsunoko vs. Capcom and Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as Zero's aerial heavy attack. Both games can also have him perform a backwards version as a command normal.
  • Tenkuuha ("Aether Rule"): The Tenkuuha technique upgrades the Z-Saber, tinting it violet and allowing it to destroy energy shots.
  • Ryuenjin ("Dragon Flame Blade"): By pressing Up and Special Weapon button while standing, Zero will perform a leaping upward slash with the Z-Saber as a blade of red flames. This move has a fixed height. This attack appears in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as one of Zero's special moves. In the latter game, the midair version is replaced by another attack.
  • Hyouretsuzan ("Ice Fury Slash"): Zero will perform a falling downward thrust with the Z-Saber turning into a giant light blue icicle. Cannot be interrupted, but he can aim the icicle left or right to hit the target more effectively. This appears in Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, performed whenever a fully-charged Hyper Zero Blaster shot is released during Ryuenjin.
  • Hienkyaku ("Flying Swallow Legs"): The Hienkyaku technique allows Zero to perform a dash in mid-air. (This is not actually an attack.) This attack appears in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as one of Zero's special moves.
  • Shippuuga ("Hurricane Fang"): By pressing the Special Weapon button during a dash move, Zero will perform a large, twirling slash with a pink blade, hitting up to three times in a row. Take note that Zero can only do this while dashing on the ground, and not while performing Hienkyaku at the same time. This attack appears in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as one of Zero's command normals.
  • C-Sword ("Crescent Moon Slash"): Like Kuuenbu and Kuuenzan, Zero is able to air hike and perform an earth-element rolling slash surrounded by a crescent aura. Has a shorter cooldown time than Kuuenzan. The crescent aura is just a visual effect that can't damage enemies. Appears in Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite whenever Zero releases a fully-charged Hyper Zero Blaster during Raikousen.
  • F-Splasher ("Flying Water Soar"): Zero performs an ice-element version of Hienkyaku that surrounds his body in a sheet of ice. If the player presses up or down while performing this, Zero's direction will be slightly altered upwards or downwards. In Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, this move is used as a followup whenever a fully-charged Hyper Zero Blaster is released during a Sentsuizan.
  • E-Blade ("Electric Blade"): Zero performs a lightning-element rising slash which also sends lightning bolts downwards, damaging enemies below him. The more times the attack button is pressed during the move, the higher Zero will reach.
  • Dark Hold: Zero freezes time for every object and minor enemy on the screen (it is also effective on Spiral Pegasus). This technique slowly consumes Weapon Energy, but can be turned off when not needed. It is exactly the same as X's Dark Hold. This attack appears in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom as Zero's level 3 Hyper Combo, though with an added attacking portion.
  • W-Shredder ("Hurricane"): Zero performs a wind-element version of Shippuuga that causes him to halt during a dash and send out an after-image that will strike a target if it makes contact with one.
  • Quake Blazer ("Severing Earth Flame"): Zero performs a fire-element downward thrust that generates explosions when it connects. The explosions seem to be just a visual effect that can't damage enemies. Can be interrupted as well as adjustable aim.
  • Twin Dream ("Twin Phantasm"): Zero performs a variant of X's Soul Body. The image alone doesn't cause any damage, but when Zero attacks, it mimics his move and cause damage to enemies within its attack range. Disappears after a short period of time. This attack appears in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as one of Zero's level 1 Hyper Combos.
  • Yammar Option: Zero summons up to three robot dragonflies to shield him and fire straight ahead. Although this is the same as X's version of this weapon, it has some differences: in Zero's version, the robot dragonflies attack concurrently with Zero's other attacks and Z-Buster shots.
  • Sentsuizan ("Whirling Crash Slash"): Zero performs an airborne version of Shippuuga that shakes the screen when it makes contact with the ground. Unlike Shippuuga which goes forward, this technique lets Zero fly diagonally downwards instead. This attack appears in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as one of Zero's special moves, along with a fake-out version.
  • Shoenzan ("Soaring Flame Mountain"): Zero performs a ground version of Ryuenjin that also creates an upward wall of flames for extra upward reach.
  • Hyoroga ("Ice Wolf Fang"): Zero takes a mighty leap and clings to the ceiling. He can drop icicles or dash while on the ceiling. Shooting icicles will consume Weapon Energy, but Zero can still leap and air dash from the ceiling even without using any Weapon Energy. Note the ceiling needs to be within reach, as ones that are too high are impossible to attach to.
  • Ensuizan ("Circling Water Slash"): Zero performs a fast, water-element rolling slash. This version can also be performed while on the ground as well as in the air.
  • Rakukojin ("Falling Steel Blade"): Zero performs a metallic downward thrust that explodes and horizontally throws small bouncing anchors when it connects. This is one of the few techniques to use Weapon Energy. While it can be used without Weapon Energy, no anchor will appear unless Weapon Energy is available for consumption.
  • Guard Shell: Zero summons an energy shield that reflects energy shots. Like Yammar Option, Zero can also attack while doing this. It has some differences from X's version of this weapon: Zero cannot aim it above or below him, and energy is used on first activation and also when an attack hits the shield and shoots out a shot in retaliation.
  • Raijinshou ("Raijin Rise"): Zero performs an electric-element technique that causes him to spin horizontally and rise within an electric tornado. Appears as one of Zero's Hyper Combos in Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite.
  • Suiretsusen ("Water Fury Flash"): Zero performs a strong water-elemental forward thrust.
  • Zankourin ("Slashing Light Ring"): While walking, Zero sends out a light-element wheel that slices through anything in its path. When the wheel is still on the screen, Zero cannot perform other special techniques.
  • Hieijin ("Flying Shadow Blade"): After jumping into the air, Zero sends out a homing missile from his saber.
  • Souenbu ("Twin Swallow Dance"): Zero throws out one of the V Hangars that spins like a boomerang to hit enemies from a moderate distance before the blade returns to him.
  • Hadangeki ("Wave Sever Attack"): Zero performs a heavy overhead slash that sends out a wave of energy. This attack appears in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as one of Zero's special moves.
  • Gokumonken ("Prison Gate Sword"): Zero enters a defensive stance that blocks enemy shots and allows him to counterattack any enemy that touches his Z-Saber with a strong downward slash similar to Hadangeki.
  • Youdantotsu ("Leaf Severing Thrust"): Zero performs a Wood-Element dash-and-thrust technique that tints his weapon green and will break enemy barriers. This also appears as one of Zero's new command normals in Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite.
  • Rasetsusen ("Swirling Temple Whirl"): Zero performs an airborne Darkness-Element rolling slash that can be turned into either a falling or rising, spinning slash. Diagonally downward spinning is also possible. Unlike most of his rolling slash attacks, Zero does it in a backward somersaulting fashion instead.
  • Juuhazan ("Heavy Wave Slash"): Zero performs a Gravity-Element heavy overhead slash that can break enemy barriers. Zero will do a charge stance before launching the attack.
  • Rekkyoudan ("Violent Mirror Sever"): Zero's Z-Saber gets powered-up with Earth-Element powers to deflect enemy projectile attacks with his normal slash.
  • Raikousen ("Lightning Flash"): Zero performs a forward slash, briefly going invisible, and produces a horizontal bolt of Thunder-Element when he reappears. This move can be performed while air-dashing as well. This attack appears in Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite as one of Zero's special moves, and unlike before can only be done in midair.
  • Hyouryuushou ("Ice Dragon Rise"): An ice-powered version of Raijinshou where Zero performs an upward-spinning Ice-Element slash that can freeze air-borne enemies upon contact. Unlike Raijinshou, only contact from the weapon itself freezes the enemies.
  • Enkoujin ("Blaze Fall Blade"): Zero performs a Fire-Element straight downward plunging stab that tints his weapon red, burning enemies on contact (similar to Quake Blazer/Danchien in Mega Man X5). The difference being that this move cannot be aimed while performing as it hits straight downward.
  • Renyoudan ("Chained Leaf Sever"): Zero performs 6 rapid Youdantotsu thrusts with the D Glaive which tints it green. This can break enemy barriers as well as destroying them.
  • Zekkyoudan ("Absolute Mirror Severing"): Zero can reflect enemy projectiles back at the source enemies to damage them using their own fire.
  • Dairettsui ("Great Violent Hammer"): Zero slams the ground with the T Breaker, unleashing an earthquake that can break enemies' defenses. Unlike Juuhazan, there is no charge stance before the attack is launched, and it occurs much more quickly.
  • Ganzanha ("Rock Slashing Wave"): Zero punches the ground, discharging a spark of energy that will break enemies' guards. Unlike Juuhazan, there is no charge stance and the attack is almost immediate.
  • Senpuukyaku ("Whirlwind Leg"): Zero performs an airborne, dark-element pirouetting kick that can be turned into either a falling or rising, pirouetting kick. Diagonal-descending spinning kicks are also possible.
  • Raijinken ("Thunder Swift Fist"): Zero slides forward and performs a lightning-charged uppercut that ends with a powerful vertical lightning bolt that can allow Zero to grab objects (and Rare Metals) above and below him as well as break certain floors with this. Can be performed while air-dashing.
  • Enkoukyaku ("Blaze Fall Leg"): Zero performs a descending, fire-element diagonal kick that burns enemies upon contact.
  • Shouryuuken ("Rising Dragon Fist"): Zero performs an upward-spiraling, ice-element uppercut that freezes air-borne enemies upon contact.
  • Giga Attack:
    • Rakuhouha ("Falling Feng Crush"): As his Giga Attack, Zero punches the ground, sending out waves of energy in a fan-like pattern. This attack also appears in Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite whenever Zero releases a fully-charged Hyper Zero Blaster during Hadangeki.
    • C-Flasher ("Destroying Glint"): As his Giga Attack, Zero performs a violet-colored version of Rakuhouha. Unlike Rakuhouha, the projectiles are unstoppable but do less damage on their own, but compensate with multiple hits. Damage taken can convert into energy for this attack.
    • Rekkoha ("Rending Light Rule"): As his Giga Attack, Zero punches the ground and summons beams of light from above. Weapon Energy for this technique can be refilled by taking damage or weapon energy capsules. Zero's invincibility seems more apparent unlike other Giga Attacks, and seems to have more special effects. Also targets the whole screen, so it is more difficult to avoid compared to other Giga Attacks. This attack appears in fighting gameTatsunoko vs. Capcom, Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite as one of Zero's level 1 Hyper Combos.
    • Bakuenjin ("Bursting Flame Array"): As his Giga Attack, Zero punches the ground, causing a fiery explosion. The only technique in this game to use Weapon Energy, albeit a large amount.
    • Tenshouha ("Amaterasu/Heaven Shine Rule"): As his Giga Attack, Zero punches the ground, summoning a pillar of Light-Element laser that destroys enemies directly above him. The only technique in this game to use Weapon Energy. Equipping the Kaiser Knuckle will cause the laser to be slightly bigger in effect, although nothing much else changes. Equipping the Sigma Blade will cause the energy usage for performing this technique to be halved.

• Teleportation:
• Non-Physical Interaction:
• Mind Manipulation Resistance:
• Corruption Resistance:

Weapons & Equipment

• Z-Buster: Similar to the X-Buster, the Zero Buster (Z-Buster for short) is a chargeable cannon embedded in Zero's arm(s). It can fire regular shots as well as Charge attacks. Similar to the Buster Upgrade of X's armor from Mega Man X2, Zero's Z-Busters can be linked to each other to fire two Charge Shots one after the other; however, they do not combine. When Zero became a fully playable character in Mega Man X4, his Z-Buster was completely removed due to game balancing, but it was re-introduced in Mega Man X5; in this game, it was only available if the game was started with Zero. However, its usage was stripped down drastically. It could only be used on the ground, and Zero was unable to move while firing it because he had to "charge" the attack. When Zero was resurrected in Mega Man X6, his Buster received new abilities again. The fire frequency of the Buster was vastly increased (yet still bound to the ground) and its power was increased as well, making it rather useful against most enemies and bosses. After this game, the Z-Buster was never used again. The Z-Buster has undergone two design changes throughout the series. Furthermore, the Buster Shot gun was erroneously called "Z Buster" in the first Mega Man Zero game, possibly because it seemed as though Zero had obtained a gun from nowhere and the translators assumed it was a stylized Z-Buster.
• Z-Saber: Zero's favorite weapon and the one he is most skilled with, the Z-Saber is a lightsaber-like beam weapon which he first acquired in Mega Man X2 after being repaired by the X-Hunters (or Dr. Cain). It allows Zero to execute powerful close-range attacks. Zero uses his Learning System to learn new attack techniques for his Saber; this Learning System works in a similar fashion to X's Variable Weapons System. Up until Zero's death at the end of Mega Man X5, the Z-Saber had a rather fluid-formed blade, less like a saber in the actual sense. After his resurrection in Mega Man X6, it had a more solid blade. The fluid-shaped Saber is found by X after X5 and used in the following game, but what became of it in later games is unknown. Oddly, the same fluid blade was used by the Zero Nightmare, rather than the new one that Zero currently uses, though it is more likely that the Nightmare Zero's data was based on Zero in X5. The Z-Saber from Mega Man X6 onwards utilizes a straight solid beam rather than the fluid blade used in previous games. Contrary to popular belief, Zero actually uses the Z-Saber on his left hand rather than his right (the right hand is usually for activating his Z-Buster, similar to what X does. However he still keeps his left hand for Z-Saber combat even if the Z-Buster is no longer used from Mega Man X7 onwards) as shown in the video sequences involving Zero in Mega Man X3, X4 and X8. Why Zero still uses his right hand to hold the Z-Saber during gameplay is still open to question. Zero however may be ambidextrous, and the Z-Saber in canon is sheathed behind his left shoulder, barring any ambidextrous positions he has or artworks like his character select portrait in X4. The Z-Saber can be used on the ground and in mid-air and can perform combo attacks; however, the normal slashes (and the combos) force Zero to stand still. The techniques obtained from defeated bosses are usually assigned to different elements, such as fire, ice, and lightning, and those attacks are executed by fulfilling certain button combinations while in a certain situation (for example, while Zero's in mid-air). When not used, Zero stores the deactivated Z-Saber hilt in a special sheath-like element located on his back (via a hole on over his left shoulder in canon), although in Mega Man X7 and X8, he keeps it out and activated as long as it is equipped.
• Other Sabers: In Mega Man X: Command Mission, Zero can use several types of Sabers, all of which are Combat type weapons that hit a single target.
  • Flame, Ice and Thunder Sabers: These Sabers have pretty much the same level in terms of stats and hit with one Splitting Slash, but offer elemental strengths to the user, capable of causing additional damage to certain enemies. All of them have a stronger + version available. They have the same appearance, except that the color of each blade depends on the element.
  • Doubletooth: A double-bladed saber, which has a higher chance of a Critical Hit with a Splitting Slash. A stronger version, Doubletooth+, is also available.
  • Red Lotus Saber: Zero's fastest weapon, this blade drains all of Zero's power and channels it into a giant flame blade, and unleashes it in a fire elemental triple slash called the Bone Slicer. However, since the blade drains so much power, it almost completely annihilates Zero's defense stats, making him extremely vulnerable.
  • Soul Saber: The Soul Saber is not an energy blade; rather, it is a metal blade. The Soul Saber lets Zero perform a spin-attack, Slash at Death. Its power increases the lower Zero's Life Energy is.
  • Z Ichimonji: Another metal blade, the Z Ichimonji glows with a dark blue flame. It is weak, but breaks armors with the attack Knife Through Butter. Its superior version is the Rei Ichimonji (零影 Rei Kage, "Zero Shadow").
  • Z Rapier: This thin, red blade can perform a Triple Slash combo, compared to the Z Saber's double combo. Its high speed compensates for its low defense. A Z Rapier+ is available.
• D Glaive: Also known as the Durga Glaive, this is a pole weapon that allows for longer-ranged attacks. It appears in both Mega Man X7 and Mega Man X8. The method to obtain this weapon is different between the two games. The Mega Man X7 version of this weapon is obtained from Splash Warfly after he is defeated in addition to learning the Suiretsusen technique, which it can only be performed using this weapon. The Mega Man X8 version of this weapon is available as a Rare Metal that Zero can redeem in the R&D Laboratory for use with any technique unlike in the previous version. The Mega Man X7 version utilizes a triple-slash move, different from the usual 4-slash combo of Z-Saber and has weaker vertical reach. The Mega Man X8 version adds the overhead spinning move as its third slash to be able to strike enemies repeatedly with its blade part as well as to deflect enemy fire with the handle part of the weapon. The reach of this weapon is two-and-a-half times that of the Z-Saber.
• V Hanger: The V-Hanger is obtained from Wind Crowrang (along with Souenbu) after he is defeated. It is a set of two purple-bladed daggers. Besides allowing Zero to use Souenbu by creating beam boomerangs, the V-Hanger allows him to do up to a 5-slash combo. It appears in Mega Man X7. The attack reach of the daggers are half as long as the regular Z-Saber.
• B Fan: Also known as the Bashou Fan, this is a pair of fans offering high attack and defense capabilities. Zero can stand still with this weapon that creates an energy shield around him that can deflect low-damage projectile shots. It appears in Mega Man X8. Learning the Rekkyodan technique will power-up the fans, allowing them to reflect shots back at the enemies by hitting them with the weapon.
• T Breaker: Also known as the Titan Breaker, this is a super-powerful heavy hammer that can break through enemies' barriers. Using Juuhazan with this weapon can even destroy some obstacles & platforms. It appears in Mega Man X8. However, this weapon is capable of only one slow slamming attack. The reach of this weapon is the same as the Z-Saber.
• K Knuckle: Also known as the Kaiser Knuckle, this is a pair of brass knuckles that appear in Mega Man X8. Equipping them grants Zero access to the special techniques used by Ryu and Ken from the Street Fighter series. The weapon's range is almost non-existent as Zero has to come up close to attack enemies making it easier to get hit, however the attack power is the same as T Breaker. The main flaw of the K Knuckle is that it cannot break through enemy barriers due to it lacking the three hit combo ability for Zero to break through enemy barriers.
• Σ Blade: The Σ Blade is the weapon Sigma uses in Mega Man X8, and it can be obtained by either completing the game, or by entering a code on the title screen and then buying it in the R&D Shop. It is a giant sword with legendary attack power, and it can easily break enemies' barriers. In addition, equipping this weapon will reduce special weapon energy usage by half automatically. The reach of this weapon is two times that of the Z-Saber and is effective on any enemy or boss. One notable difference between Zero's and Sigma's blade is the color of its energy, as Zero's is light green (Yellow when Black Zero) while Sigma's is normal green.

Alternative Forms

Awakened Zero

When in a near death situation, the remaining traces of the Maverick virus activate. This awakens the true power of Zero, boosting his power, speed, and endurance to the point that if he were to stay in the form for more than two minutes, he would be able to resist almost all of X's attacks.

• Shingetsurin (True Moon Ring): Awakening Zero shoots two blue ring-like projectiles that home in on X and stay right in front of him, after a while they will home in on X once more and this time they will try to hit him. This technique is only used by Awakening Zero, and replaces the shots which are shot in a pair of two and the barrage of shots used by both Zero and Zero Nightmare: These shots are bigger than the Zero's normal Z-Buster shots when you use him. Zero and Zero Nightmare will shoot 2 shots if their health is high and replace the technique by the barrage of shots if their health is low.
• Shin Messenkou (True Destroying Glint): A stronger version of C-Flasher where Zero punches the ground and a series of projectiles shoot from the floor to the ceiling. This technique is used by both Zero, Awakening Zero, and Zero Nightmare.
• Denharei (Electric Blade Zero): Zero sends a small spinning crescent wave slash from his saber that homes on X. This technique is used by Zero, Awakening Zero and Zero Nightmare, usually after two shots or Shingetsurin.
• Ittouryoudan: Genmu Zero (Single Stroke Bisection: Phantasm Zero): If the battle against Awakening Zero continues for a long time (around 2 minutes), he will launch two giant crescent waves from his saber repeatedly, which cover the entire area in front of him and can kill X instantly. This technique is only used by Awakening Zero, and he is invulnerable during this attack. Ittouryoudan is the art of splitting someone in half in one stroke, thus proving the prowess of this deadly attack. Awakening Zero can use this if he is Level 20 or above. Zero will be constantly using this attack, so the battle is impossible from that point onward. This attack appears in Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as Zero's level 3 Hyper Combo and in Project × Zone.
• Genmu Zero Kai (Phantasm Zero: Revise): A weaker version of the above, where Zero Nightmare releases one giant crescent wave from his saber, with varying speed. Depending of his level, Zero Nightmare can release two or more waves during the attack, one at a time. This seems to be a weaker version that is "revised" for more consistent usage, and is easier to dodge compared to the original technique.

Black Zero

Black Zero is a hidden version of Zero appearing in Mega Man X4, X5 and X6, as well as Mega Man X8 and Mega Man X: Command Mission. It usually appears as a black colored version of Zero with grey to white hair and a recolored Z-Saber blade. While it is purely a recolor in X4, it features several abilities during its following appearances. In X5 and X6, it increases Zero's attack and defense capabilities. In X8, the Zero Armor appears once again; however it is more balanced than its previous incarnations. It still doubles Zero's attack strength but at the same time decreases his defense power by half. Finally, Black Zero is available to Zero right from the start in Command Mission as his Hyper Mode, boosting all of his stats. Other than in Command Mission, the Black Zero armor has to be unlocked by either a cheat code put in at the game's title screen or by clearing certain objectives (such as finding Dr. Light's secret capsule in X5 or obtaining all Rare Metals for Zero in X8).

Absolute Zero

Absolute Zero is an additional Hyper Mode for Zero obtainable in Mega Man X Command Mission. It can be gained by defeating the secret boss Duckbill Mole located in the Melda Ore Plant. Its design is often compared to that of Bass from the original Mega Man series when combined with Treble due to its color scheme, helmet design and devil-like wings. Aside from this, it boosts all of his stats vastly, even doubling his attack power, and has the ability to break through any defense. He does not usually use weapons in this form, since he can use his claws in powerful melee moves. His Main Weapon becomes the attack Crimson End (クリムゾンエンド), and his Sub Weapons the Water-attribute attacks Killer Left (ジェノサイドレフト "Genocide Left") and Brutal Right (ダムドライト "Damned Right"). His Action Trigger becomes Calamitous Arts, which makes an input screen come up, and commands must be entered in. Missing one will not perform that specific strike. The total time in which the Action Trigger lasts is determined by the amount of WE available. Absolute Zero also appeared as a playable character in Rockman X DiVE. His active skills are Crimson End and Calamitous Arts. Crimson End is a forward dash done while swinging both claws, damaging all targets along the path several times. Absolute Zero is immune to damage during the dash. Calamitous Arts unleashes quick short ranged attacks that leaves targets slow for a while.

Feats

Strength

• Able to rip through Titanium-X which is much more durable than Ceratanium.
• Once chopped off one of Sigma's arms.
• Can rip other robots in half with just his bare hands.
• Crippled the Repliforce general, who tanked lasers capable enough to destroy an entire planet while he was greatly weakened.
• Can pull large slabs of stones out of the ground.
• Should be physically stronger than the Classic era Mega Man, who is able to briefly support the weight of a collapsing tower of Dr. Wily's castle, (60,000 tons).
• One-shot Vile, who could previously withstand both Zero and his own armor exploding around him.
• Takes out one of those giant bee Mavericks with a single sword strike, when X’s shots barely did much of anything.
• Slices through X's Buster and then kicks him into a building.
• Superior to Duo and the Evil Robot, whose clash was powerful enough to disperse clouds on Saturn (11.42 ninatons of TNT)
• Comparable to X, who once channeled enough energy to annihilate Japan (Manga)
• Severely crippled the General, who used the remains of his broken body to block a laser capable of destroying the Earth.

Speed

• Dodged lasers from Optic Sunflower, which is said to manipulate light spectrum, and even see it frozen in mid-air.
• Can outrun a black hole.
• Outran a point-blank explosion.
• Can weave around gunfire and other projectile firing.
• Moves fast enough to deflect gunfire and missiles with his blade.
• Can run vertically on walls.
• On par with Mega Man X, who in turn is superior to classic Mega Man, who can counter Quick Man's speed.
• Slashes X's arm cannon before he can react.
• Should be far faster than Quick Man, who can move at faster than light speeds
• Stated to move at the speed of light
• Was built to be superior to the Classic era Mega Man:
  • Classic Mega Man is faster than Duo, who can travel from Saturn to Earth in seconds (133-190 times the speed of light)

Durability

• Survived the Eurasia explosion, which wiped out the entire life on Earth and rendered it uninhabitable. (Albert, it resulted in the non-canon outcome w/ Awakened Zero.)
• Manages to take slashes around his chest without showing any visible wounds.
• Endured attack from Lumine.
• Barely fazed when after getting his head smashing through a wall.
• Survived an explosion that destroyed an entire city.
• Tank multiple explosion and hits before going down.
• Runs on solar energy, and can run for a long time without wearing out thanks to this.
• Gets his head smashed through a ceiling and doesn't even care.
• Lasted over 300 years.
• Survived having his body torn in two and getting shot through the chest
• Has taken blows from fellow Maverick Hunter X, who should be just as powerful as him
• Took a beating from first form Sigma
• Superior to General, who blocked a planet destroying laser with his crippled body, which was damaged during his fight with Zero
• Comparable to Mega Man X, who survived the detonation of a missile that could level a country

Skill

• Z-Buster has enough power to destroy Vile’s Ride Armor.
• Saved X from Vile and inspired him to improve.
• Defeated Vile.
• Helped defeated Lumine.
• Is on par with X.
• Never held back from a fight before.
• Defeated the Colonel and Iris.
• Has fought Megaman X which resulted in a tie.
• Along with X, defeated Sigma on multiple occasions.
• Is one of the greatest inventions made by Dr.Wily and was made to surpass both Megaman and Bass.
• Has defeated various Mavericks and obtained new attacks based on their moves.
• Halted the Reploid Rebellion alongside X.
• Slaughtered plenty of Reploids before facing Sigma 1-on-1, and nearly emerged victorious
• Effortlessly destroyed Copy Zero, or if X failed to defeat the X-Hunters, fought a close match with Second Armor X
• Aided X in defeating Doctor Doppler’s forces, and managed to cripple the Sigma Virus for a short period
• Defeated General during the battles against Repliforce
• Fought Ultimate Armor X to a draw, before sacrificing his life to save X’s from Sigma
• Hid himself while he tried to repair himself and returned to help X defeat High Max, Gate, and Sigma once more
• Helped Axl, and later X, stop Red Alert
• Helped his follow Maverick Hunters defeat the New Generation Reploids and stop Lumine’s plan for a new world
• Helped defeat Redips during the incident in Giga City

Training/Experience

• S-Class Maverick Hunter and the best of the best
• Built to be more powerful than Mega Man and Bass, and was a total success
• Was active during nearly all the events during the Maverick Wars.

Faults

• Solar Energy dependents: Long time in darkness or underground will weaken Zero due to lowered energy reserved.
• Glass Cannon: Dr. Wily didn't plan for Zero's adventure's in the future, which has lead him to ets dismantled most of every game he's known to appear in.
• Could possibly go Maverick given the correct circumstances.
• While he isn’t reliant on weapon energy as much as X, Zero’s Giga Attacks and some of his best techniques still need them to use, and he can only carry a finite supply of it.
• While he isn’t careless to a fault, he doesn’t tend to think his actions through and can bite him in the end.
• Tends to perform sometimes fatal, sometimes not fatal heroic sacrifices.

Fun Facts

• Zero was originally the first design for Mega Man X, but Keiji Inafune wasn't sure people would like the design, so he instead gave X his current design, and used the other design for Zero.