Heart Tank - an item that increases X's or Zero's maximum health by 2 units onto the life bar, depending on whichever character obtains them.

Life Sub Tank - an item similar to the E Tank in the Classic Series, but instead of being used once, it remains with the player and can be refilled after usage, usually by picking up more life energy when the player's life energy bar is already full. Using a Sub Tank will restore health to the player until his or her health is back at full or the Sub Tank is empty.

Weapon/Energy Sub Tank - a special kind of Sub Tank (not to be confused with the W Tank from the original series) introduced in Mega Man X4. They act very much the same as normal Sub Tanks, except they fill and restore weapon energy instead of life energy.

EX Tank - allows the player to start a stage with 4 lives instead of the usual 2.

Chimera Armor Module - Similar to the standard Ride Armors from the previous two games. It can walk, jump, dash, and punch. This Ride Armor is the template the other three Modules are based on, and needs to be unlocked first before using the others.

Hawk Armor Module - Designed for flight. If the jump button is held while jumping, the armor will hover, gaining altitude slowly. The hover boost only lasts for a few seconds. The armor can fire missiles in groups of two, which fly forward at a fast rate.

Kangaroo Armor Module - A Ride Armor designed for ground combat. It has powerful spikes on its fists, similar to the Rabbit Ride Armor in Mega Man X2. Its charged attack differs, however: The Kangaroo Ride Armor's fist, spikes spinning, will lash forward on a chain, causing massive damage to all enemies in its range. To make the fist spin, simply hold the shoot button. While it spins, it is possible to dash forward, but impossible to walk or jump.

Frog Armor Module - Designed only for underwater combat, it will be confusing and awkward to try and move it on dry ground. ← and → make short hops in that direction, and dashing will result in a long jump. Both functions work well underwater. It can fire homing torpedoes underwater, but the homing function does not work well on land: the torpedoes will just go straight for approx. half the width of the screen then fall down in a sharp curve. By tapping the dash button repeatedly (When you start, the feet have to be on the ground, and do not hold the left or right buttons. Then, you have to keep tapping the buttons rapidly to continue. Once the propeller stops, it will fall down and will not ascend before reaching the ground.), it can perform a 'sextuple jump' while in water, with the help of the propeller.

Capsule/Dr. Light Capsule - Dr. Light created several capsules and hid them in different locations, all of them containing a hologram of Dr. Light, which gives a message for X, or Zero in later games, and a power-up, usually parts of an armor, although in some games he also gives a full armor, chips that enhance the power of the current armor, or a secret technique.

If you want to go through the game with the minimal amount of backtracking, this is the best order:

*Stages in bold indicate that you're visiting the stage for the first time
*Stages in italics indicate that you're replaying the level

Heart Tanks:


After the Ride Armor section, use the tall pillar as a boost for a dash-jump to reach the top of the cave. Destroy one of the "igloos" there with the Fire Wave to reveal the tank. Alternatively, you can go through the cave and then jump up on top from the right side by dash jumping across the small gap.


When you get to the very top of the moving platforms in the beginning, dash jump to the left from the moving platform you're currently on; if you jump far enough, you should land on a roof where a Heart Tank lies.


After beating Chill Penguin, follow the level until you run into the pick axe throwers. From there, run across the ice covered floor to the very bottom right. The Heart Tank lies in the corner.


Clearly visible in the outside of the tower. Use Boomerang Cutter or ride a charged Shotgun Ice and dash-jump in time to reach it.

Thanks to Agarillobob, you can actually get the Heart Tank with just the Leg Upgrade. It is, however, really tricky to pull off.
You can see how to do it in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAoRh0CRr4I



After killing the first Mega Tortoise, but before heading down the ladder, climb up the wall and you'll see a Heart Tank sitting there. You'll need to have the Leg Upgrade to get it Simply perform a wall dash while you're scaling the wall, then quickly jump on the ledge with the heart tank on it. Climb up and collect your prize. Alternately, you can use Boomerang Cutter instead.


Destroy the second Mole Borer (Storm Tornado or Fire Wave is recommended) before it digs through a huge part of the mine shaft. The tank is sitting on a small ledge in that shaft that can only be reached if the Borer didn't destroy the rocks that can be used for a wall-jump.


After the second Anglerge, proceed forwards and you'll notice two large funnels. Jump into the second one, and when you get to the top, jump onto the green ship that's on the surface. Destroy the blue orb that's on the ship until it finally goes down. The Storm Tornado can destroy blue orb immediately. The ship will then create a passage to an underground area: go in and prepare to fight the third sub-boss, a large snake robot. His only weakspots are his head and tail, so aim for those. He's very easy to dodge, but hits very hard, so try your best to avoid him. To easily dispatch him, use a Storm Tornado, charged or otherwise, and he'll be gone in no time. Once he's dead, go to the right, grab the Heart Tank, and then scale the wall next to the destroyed ship to make it back to the ocean floor. Note: The snake's body segments do not do any damage, so it is possible to stand on him while he's moving.


Just outside the cave entrance, go down into the pit. Use the Leg upgrade to smash the small rocks; the tank will be on the other side. Defeating Launch Octopus will fill the pit up with water, allowing easier access to the tank.

NOTE: Best place to refill Sub Tanks is in Armored Armadillo's Stage. Kill bats at the beginning with Charged Rolling Shield. You can also farm lives off the Bubble Bat(MM2 Reference).

Sub Tanks:


After your initial climb at the beginning of the stage, you'll find a turret sitting on a small platform. Destroy the turret and step on the platform. It will raise you up to a higher platform with a large glass window. Shoot the glass to gain access, then walk to the right and destroy the enemy you find there to shatter the rest of the glass. The Sub Tank is behind the enemy on the right. Note that you can also gain access to this building from the right side, thereby dodging the enemy in the center.


In the large area with many platforms and lava on the ground (the lava will be frozen if you've beaten Chill Penguin's stage) climb up to the top platform and make your way to the left to find a 1-Up. If you dash jump from there to the left you can wall jump up the wall to see the Sub Tank behind two columns of breakable bricks. Break the bricks with your leg upgrade by wall jumping against them and the Sub Tank is yours.


Proceed right from the start of the stage, using ladders to stay on the bottom level whenever possible. When you get to a dead end on the bottom level you will see the Sub Tank behind the wall. Use the Boomerang Cutter to grab it and the weapon will bring it back to you through the wall.



Near the start of the level you'll be required to slide down a wall and will soon be followed by a reploid swinging a spiked bar behind you. Scroll far enough down the screen to activate the reploid who will begin breaking through the wall. Wall jump back up to safety, then drop down behind it and move left into the cave to find the Sub Tank.

Dr. Light Capsules:


About halfway though Chill Penguin's stage you'll see the upgrade capsule right in front of you. Unless you use a password, you cannot avoid getting this upgrade.

The boots will allow X to perform a dash to enable him to move faster or jump over longer distances.


After the rising/falling platforms you'll come to a tall, skinny wall (it looks like a metal mesh) that you must climb to proceed. If you fall down on the right side of the wall (instead of jumping to the next platform at the top of the wall) you will fall into a small area with a ledge that you need to dash jump to get to. Once on the ledge you will see several flammable containers in the wall; shoot these with any weapon until they explode and walk into the small room to find the upgrade capsule.

The helmet upgrade will allow X to break some blocks above him with a head-butt.


Near the beginning of Flame Mammoth's level, the stage will force you to go down to continue, followed by a large area with lava on the floor and platforms that the lava will break through (note: the lava will be frozen and can be walked on if Chill Penguin's stage has been cleared). Just before the first platform, breakable blocks can be seen near the ceiling. Dash jump to the blocks and use the helmet and leg upgrades to break them and climb up the wall. The upgrade capsule is in a small room at the top of the wall if you didn't already receive the upgrade in Sigma Stage 1. In Sigma Stage 1, defeat Vile and Zero will give you the upgrade if you didn't already get it in Flame Mammoth's stage.

The special thing about this upgrade is that not only do you gain a third charge level for the Mega Buster, but you can also charge up your other weapons and unleash various abilities.


Near the start of the stage, you will come to a pit that you can enter below you to get a Heart Tank or you can jump the pit to enter what looks to be a cave (the ceiling and floor look much rockier). Instead, climb the wall on the right and proceed ABOVE the cave and you'll come to a small area that will soon be closed off by falling rocks. You have to fight a mini boss (shoot it in the eye to cause damage, Boomerang Cutter works best) to get the upgrade capsule.

The Armor upgrade will allow X to become much more protected against attacks, as damage inflicted to him will reduce by half.


You can access it in Armored Armadillo's stage after collecting all 4 armor upgrades, all 8 Heart Tanks, and all 4 Sub Tanks (note that you don't have to fill the Sub Tanks). Before you make your way to the end of the level, farm extra lives at the start of the stage by killing the Bubble Bat (Mega Man 2 reference) repeatedly. Make sure your lives counter is 6 or more (more if you're prone to dying while trying to reach the end of the stage).



Near the end of the stage, you'll come across the final platform that you can ride through the mine. Ride the platform until it flies off the track and out of the mine; dash jump off and die by falling in the pit below. Repeat this four times and on the fifth attempt an upgrade capsule will appear to the right of the Energy Capsule on a ledge on the top right (note: you do not need full health, full weapon energy, nor full sub-tank energy each time you reach this location; also, you can leave the stage, play another, and come back to finish up the other attempts).

Dr. Light will be dressed as Ryu from Street Fighter II. He will give you the Hadoken, which can kill any enemy, including bosses, in one hit, save for the final form of the final boss. Note that you must have full health to use the Hadouken and that there is about half a second "charge" time where you will be temporarily vulnerable. Hadoken activation input: ↓ ↘ → + ATTACK while X's health gauge is full and he is on the ground to unleash a powerful energy ball.

If successful, the blast can destroy anything in one shot, including all the bosses in the entire game! (Except Vile when he's in his armored carrier).

If you want to go through the game with the minimal amount of backtracking, this is the best order:

*Stages in bold indicate that you're visiting the stage for the first time
*Stages in italics indicate that you're replaying the level



NOTE: The above order assumes you're not going after X-Hunters. If you are, then:


With this order, you'll have an easy time defeating all of the X-Hunters...most likely:
Violen: Bubble Splash
Serges: Sonic Silcer
Agile: X Buster(Magnet Mine is his weakness, but he can be easily defeated with X Buster)

NOTE 2: X-Hunters appear randomly throught the game, so it's not 100% guarantee this order will work efficently

This order is for those, who cannot get a Buster Upgrade in Wheel Gator's Stage, but still want to minimalize backtracking:

Heart Tanks:



At the beginning of the stage, climb up the left wall. It is obscured, but don't let it fool you.



As you scale the erupting volcano with rising lava, quickly destroy the wall enemy to the left to get the Heart Tank. If you have it, the Spin Wheel can destroy the wall faster.



Method One
Get the Speed Burner, Leg Upgrade, and Arm Upgrade. Stand on the higher ledge, charge up the Speed Burner to the left, do the air dash, kick off the wall just above the spikes and get the Heart Tank.

Method Two
Simply dash jump and use the charged Speed Burner to kick off the wall above the spikes.


Method Three
Bait the robot to the right of the Heart Tank to attack, and get hit at the end of the bullet animation. You can use the invincibility frames to wall jump up the spikes. Try to get hit so you fall down to the level next to the spike wall.

Method Four
Get hit by the enemy ride armor at the top of the ladder proceeding the Heart Tank, and use the invincibility frames to wall jump up the spikes. This method is generally only useful for speedruns since method three is easier.

Method Five
Get the Strike Chain, then use it to obtain the arm upgrade in Wheel Gator's stage. Go to the right and hop on the 1st platform. Charge up the weapon, then dash at the wall and in the middle of the dash, release the charge. Jump at the edge of the platform toward the wall. If you're lucky, it will hit the wall behind the container with no risk, more likely, however, it will hit in front of it and you will have to jump up the wall to avoid the spikes. Be careful, if the chain hits the spikes you must immediately cancel it, so you do not die. This is the hardest of the 5.



At the beginning of the stage, get in the Ride Armor, head left back up the ramp, and fall left down the fake bottomless pit to a platform. Do a dash jump to the left, and tap the jump button mid-air to extend the armor's flight time/hover in the air. Jump out the Ride Armor just as it is about to fall into the abyss, and finally land on the platform to claim the Heart Tank. You can also get the Heart Tank more safely by using the Strike Chain to grasp the wall at the end of the jump; you won't have to do this, if you executed the ride armor jump correctly, however, it is a nice insurance to have You can also utilize the extra air the Giga Crush attack gives you, at the end of the jump, to safely jump to the wall.

Thanks to Raionhato for pointing out the mistake in this section!


Method One
Get the Speed Burner, the Leg Upgrade and the Arm Upgrade. Near the end of the stage, you see a Heart Tank sitting on spikes, stand just before where the spikes are, charge up the Speed Burner, and then do the air dash, and finally release the Speed Burner to get the Heart Tank. You will die after getting it. Death can however be avoided if Ostrich is already defeated; pause the game just before landing on the spikes after getting the Heart Tank, and use the exit module.

Method Two
Ride the motorbike over the entire desert section of the stage. When you get to the end, making sure you are holding the dash button down the entire time, shoot down the last ramp and you should go flying to the upper section; there is one more ramp to shoot down. If the bike breaks, you can backtrack and find another one halfway through the desert section. Try not to shoot too much; it causes lag which lessens the chance of making the jump. Just keep trying and remember to hold the dash button and that pressing the jump button is not necessary at all. Once you get inside ride over the spike section and retrieve the heart tank. If you time the turn properly, you will succeed in retrieving the heart tank without dying.


Get Crystal Hunter. At the beginning of the level just before going indoors, freeze the disk-throwing enemy, use him as a platform, dash jump, climb up the wall, and get the Heart Tank.


Get the Speed Burner and the Buster Upgrade. Avoid touching the yellow lights. Stand on the higher ground between the turret, and the giant 'crusher' blocks, facing left, charge up the Speed Burner, jump, do an air dash, release the Speed Burner and climb up the ceiling gap to get the Heart Tank. Again, if you got caught by the lights earlier, go ahead to the right a bit and go back to respawn the turret.


A little after you see the fish-looking submarine for the first time, scale the wall to the right of the large trapdoor the sub opens. Climb to near the top, and then dash jump off the wall leftwards to reach an orange rocket platform. This may take a few tries. Scale the wall it goes up to and get the Heart Tank. Getting the Speed Burner or Bubble Splash and the Arm Upgrade can make it much more easier. Charge up the Speed Burner to make some extra horizontal distance or charge up the Bubble Splash to jump higher off the wall

NOTE: Best place to refill Sub Tanks is in Bubble Crab's Stage. When you get to the point, where the trapdoor opens, there's a secret entrance in the wall to the left. Use Charged Silk Shot to collect health items.

Sub Tanks:


When you come to a series of thin, vertical, flying platforms floating above a spike pit, jump onto the top of the first one. Then dash jump to the left, back to the wooden tree tunnel you just came through. Climb the wall to the first landing, and then dash jump off of it to the right, hit the steel wall, and climb up to the top of it. Once there, walk to the right and jump the gap; you'll run right into the Sub Tank.



At the beginning of the level find the first flying beetle. Jump on it's back and it will rise upwards. Let it rise as far as it will go. When you reach as far as it will go, you'll see a ledge on your left. Simply jump to it and find the Sub Tank.

If you accidentally destroy the flying beetle, it is possible to make it to the ledge with the Sub Tank by utilizing the charged Strike Chain or Speed Burner from the opposite ledge. This will obviously require the Buster Upgrade.



Right before the first mini-boss room (Chop Register), there is a gap in the ceiling. If you are unsure of exactly where this is, utilize the Helmet Upgrade. Prior to reaching the gap, make sure when the six 'crusher' blocks fall to quickly pass over it when two have fallen by dash jumping. Immediately after a singular block will fall, ride it and quickly dash jump to the right and grip the wall to get the Sub Tank. Make sure the block is at its maximum horizontal distance right to make the jump, but do not wait to long; the block will fall down the pit. You only have one shot at it this way. Death or stage exit will be necessary if you fail.

Alternately, if you have the Arm Upgrade and the Speed Burner, you can just dash jump across the pit that precedes the gap in the ceiling, and at the height of your jump release a fully charged Speed Burner to dash into the wall that leads to the gap. This may take a few attempts; the Leg Upgrade's air dash prior to releasing the Speed Burner may help too.



In the open water area, after the fish opens the big red door in the ground, there is a flat surface that stretches out for longer than most. The fish bot will glide very close to the ground here. Charge up Bubble Splash so you can jump super high. When you jump you'll see it on the left. When at the surface tap the jump key again to jump on the surface of the water and then jump to the left to collect the Sub Tank.

Alternatively, since X can jump higher when running down slopes, jump up while running down the small slope to the left of the flat surface to grip the lower wall to the left up in the air. This may take a few tries. Remember from the 'No Speed Burner' Centipede Heart Tank strategy that X can kick off really high walls more easily if you are not holding the directional buttons/analog stick in the direction of the wall you want to climb. Therefore, get close to the wall, stop your horizontal movement, then tap the jump button again to kick off the wall. Then wall jump up, spam the jump button to stay on the surface of the water under the alcove, move to the right to get out from under the alcove, and finally jump to your prize. This method cuts out having to revisit the stage. The jump can be made potentially easier by exploiting the 'Neon Jump' trick (jump, air dash, then jump and release a second charge shot at the exact same time; the same frame), but this will require the Leg and Arm Upgrades.

Dr. Light Capsules:


Towards the beginning of the stage after you go down the two ladders, and before you jump down the hole to the rocket platform, climb up the wall on the right. There will be a small overhang to the left and another longer overhang a short distance to the left of the smaller one, in the middle is a vertical opening. Make X grab a hold of the smaller over hang using an air dash. Then let X slide off the small overhang and as soon as he lets go do another air dash to grab the longer overhang. You can also do this without the Leg Upgrade's air dash by doing a precise dash jump off the right wall, meaning you won't have to revisit here, but it is very challenging to do. The precise dash jump can, arguably, be made easier with the Strike Chain to help grip the wall. Climb to the top of the vertical opening and the capsule containing the Arm Upgrade should be on the right side of the room. One more way to do this is if you air dash after jumping off the right wall at the right time and then use the Giga Crush right after you pass under the smaller overhang. But you will need to be precise because the extra air from the Giga Crush won't lift you much.

This upgrade will allow X to fire off two stronger shots and will also allow him to charge up the special weapons.


Towards the middle of the level, after you defeat the mini-boss and slide down the slippery crystal slope, there is a big chasm. Slide down the left wall of the chasm and there will be a path with some stationary enemies. Destroy them and keep going left until you find the capsule with the Helmet Upgrade.

This device once activated will send out a large cross-hair which will target secret openings not normally seen where hidden items can be found.


This upgrade is at the end of the stage before you enter the door to the rocket. Before you drop down to the door do a dash jump across the gap to a ledge that is blocked by 8 blocks. Use the Spin Wheel to destroy the blocks in the way, inside is a small room with the capsule. Enter the capsule to gain the Leg Upgrade.

This upgrade will allow X to perform a dash in mid-air


In the beginning of the level, after reaching the giant ceiling magnets, throw a few Spin Wheels onto the ground after the second orange column. There's no crack or anything, so be sure to throw it after the second orange column; it's to the right of a large pile of decorative junk in the foreground. If you still have trouble finding it, use the Helmet Upgrade to help out. The Spin Wheel will break the floor revealing a secret passage leading to the capsule. If you have the Arm Upgrade, the charged Spin Wheel will break through the floor faster.

This body upgrade enables the "Giga Crush" technique; as X takes damage, a gauge fills. When this gauge is completely full, X can use the aforementioned attack, which damages all enemies on screen. All energy is used after the attack, and unlike X's normal weapons, it doesn't refill after completing a stage. Additionally, X receives only 50% of the damage normally taken.


In order to receive the Shoryuken capsule, X must own every other item in the game. The Shoryuken capsule can be found in Agile's station of the X-Hunters' fortress. After navigating the vertical passage with the jet platforms, let the bats follow him. Shoot one with the Crystal Hunter to reach the ladder. Ascend it to reach a spike-riddled challenge. It consists of a large sea of spikes, a safe area, and a shaped passage of spikes. Either:
1)Allow a bat to follow X. When X runs into it, use his invincibility to quickly cross the sea of spikes, and allow another bat to follow X and air-dash to cross the second part, or...
2)Use an air-dash for one part of it and a charged-up Speed Burner for the other. Afterwards, have X slide down the left wall. X will drop into a corridor with the Shoryuken capsule inside, after getting an amusing message from Dr. Light: "Wow! You're so cool! I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!"

In Mega Man X2 the Shoryuken can also be reached from the lower path by using the Crystal Hunter with nearby dragonflies. Shoryuken Execution: It is executed with → ↓ ↘ + ATTACK while X is at full health and on the ground.

If you want to go through the game with the minimal amount of backtracking, this is the best order:

*Stages in bold indicate that you're visiting the stage for the first time
*Stages in italics indicate that you're replaying the level

You can swap places between Toxic Seahorse and Crush Crawfish



With this order, you'll have weaknesses of Bit(Frost Shield or Triad Thunder), Byte(Ray Splasher or Tornado Fang) and Vile(Ray Splasher or Spinning Blade) ready.

Heart Tanks:


Early in the stage, go through a gap in the right wall to an area where a boulder is suspended over the spikes. Charge up the Triad Thunder, release it, wait for the boulder to crash down onto the spikes, use the boulder as a platform, and get the Heart Tank.



Method One:
Get on the Ride Armor platform near the start of the stage, choose one of the Ride Armors (except Frog), go to the breakable ice blocks near the platform, and smash all the ice blocks to get to the Heart Tank.

Method Two:
Use Tornado Fang to break the ice instead. It can be broken more efficiently with Tornado Fang if you shoot them from the ladder through the wall.


At the end of the stage, before you can go through the boss gate, backtrack until you see the last dragonfly platform, get on the top of it, wait until the platform goes near the wall, dash jump off the platform, climb up the wall to get the Heart Tank. You can also perform a vertical dash to reach the wall and climb up to the Heart Tank, or even dash jump off the lower wall just above the boss gate to the wall leading to it.


Get the Leg Upgrade. Before you go through the door to the Bit/Byte room, air dash vertically to climb the wall to reach to the Heart Tank. The Heart Tank can also be reached without the Leg Upgrade by jumping up out of the Ride Armor you potentially unlocked a little earlier in the stage and onto the wall. You can also reach the wall by dash jumping off the lower wall, but this is extremely difficult.


This Heart Tank cannot be obtained before defeating Blast Hornet. Crates will block the way if Blast Hornet is not defeated.

After you defeat Blast Hornet, go to the first indoor area, climb onto the higher platforms and go left. The Heart Tank should be right there. A horizontal air dash can reach the platform with the Heart Tank from the lower platform, avoiding dealing with the pesky Head Gunners on the upper platforms, however this is not absolutely necessary, just a useful shortcut.


Get the Leg Upgrade. Ride on the second elevator platform, make sure it reaches to the ceiling all the way, go right, cling on the wall, but don't hit the spikes, air dash to get the Heart Tank without touching the spikes, and air dash back to the left wall. You can also obtain the Heart Tank by dash jumping off the wall to it, and it is doable to get back without dying, however it is tricky.


Unlock Ride Armors. Get on the Ride Armor platform directly below the very beginning of the stage, select a Ride Armor (except Frog), get to the vertical tunnel, fall down to the right. On the second ledge down, there is a cracked wall. Destroy it, and go through to get the Heart Tank


At the top of the first vertical climb of the stage, just before the Bit/Byte room, climb up the open ceiling to get the Heart Tank.

NOTE: Best way to refill Sub Tanks is to get the Golden Armor, stand where ever you like and wait a few mins for it to auto refill. Perfect for, if you waste all your sub tanks against a boss and refill right outside their door. The Helmet Chip also allows you to do this, but you won't be able to get the Golden Armor, if you take any of the four chips. Another way to fill up Sub Tanks is in Blizzard Buffalo's Stage. Use Frost Shield on enemies and collect health items dropped from them.

Sub Tanks:


The Sub Tank is almost in plain sight. As you proceed the tunnel area, climb up the open ceiling on the right wall a little before the Bit/Byte room to get the Sub Tank.


It's in plain sight on an overhang as you emerge from the underground segment of the stage. Get the Leg Upgrade later in the stage. Backtrack all the way back to the last ladder you climbed, get on the platform to the right of the overhang, jump to the left, perform a vertical air dash, and stick to the left to get the Sub Tank. It is possible to reach the platform by simply dash jumping off the wall beneath the overhang, however it is extremely difficult.


The Sub Tank is almost in plain sight, at the top right corner of the large open area near the start of the stage. Use the dragonfly platform or vertical dash to get it.


Unlock Ride Armors. At the last area of the stage, just after the Bit/Byte room, climb up the far right wall. Get on the Ride Armor Platform, select it, go back down to crash through the floor, proceed to the left, and get the Sub Tank. Note that to make it there with the Frog Ride Armor, you will have to dash jump to get a high enough jump over a platform, although there is no real reason to use Frog over Chimera.

Ride Armor Modules:

Overview of the Armor Modules is in the "Overview" section


Note: This armor must be obtained in order to use any Ride Armor platforms.

When you come to the area outside, destroy the large crates up on top of the buildings and fall down below. Destroy the wall on the left with the Tornado Fang and go down the hole you find to find the armor. Destroy the machine holding it to reach it.


In the area where you come outside, you will notice the item on a small platform attached to the wall on the left. Use the upward mid-air dash to reach the item.


This one is found near the start of the stage. At the bottom of the large area you will see a small platform above what looks like a shaft leading down. Destroy the platform by standing on it and using the charge-up Triad Thunder. Below is the Hawk armor.


Before going down the small path in the underwater section, stand on the high platform in front of the path, switch to Frost Shield weapon, charge it up and it'll create a big ice block. Quickly jump on the block, then jump fast to the left side, where the module is sitting, as soon as the ice block floats on the water surface.

Alternatively, destroy the large spinning blades with the Frog carrier and jump up the wall. To find the item, jump onto the water to the left and as X just falls in the water jump again and he should jump out of the water.

Dr. Light Capsules(Upgrades):


Get Triad Thunder and X-Buster Upgrade. After the Bit/Byte room, reach to the place with the giant boulder blocking the path on the left. Charge up the Triad Thunder, release it, and proceed left to the capsule.

The helmet upgrade will allow X to view a large map of each stage whenever you enter one in which the Maverick boss has been defeated. It will also tell you what items can be found in each level on the map screen and will show you their locations on the map of the stage.


Near the end of the stage, stand at the end of the last bridge, and do a dash jump. Make sure you are touching the edge and get in to reach the capsule.

This upgrade will allow X to execute mid-air dashes left and right, and he will also be able to dash straight up as well.


Get Tornado Fang and Leg Upgrade. When you see a dark gray cracked wall, use the Tornado Fang to burst through the wall, get in the secret room, and use the Leg Upgrade to reach the capsule. Technically, it is possible reach the capsule without the Leg Upgrade, by dash jumping off of the wall underneath the overhang and reaching the platform leading to the capsule, however this is extremely difficult.

The X-Buster upgrade will allow X to fire a wave-type beam and then fire a second shot after releasing the first. He can also charge up to a red glow and release the wave beam, and if you release the second beam quick enough it will cross-lap with the other one and create a huge blast that covers a larger range. The special weapons will also be able to be charged up with this upgrade.


Get Gravity Well and Buster Upgrade. Ride the elevator just before the outdoor catwalk all the way up to reach to the large green-colored platform surrounded by spike walls, and get on it. Charge up and release the Gravity Well to make the platform go up, and go right to the capsule. The upgrade can also be reached with a double vertical dash by utilizing the Leg Chip.

The Armor upgrade will cut damage to X's systems by 50% and create an energy field around him to reduce the damage inflicted.


Dr. Light Capsules(Chips):

Note that you can only have one enhancement chip at the time. Therefore, choose it wisely.


Get on the Ride Armor platform, select any of them (except Frog), progress to the first 'pit' of the stage, just after the vertical drop, but it's actually a secret area. Drop down, and burst through the cracked wall on the left, jump out of the Armor and proceed to reach the capsule.

This chip will give X a new weapon in which he can fire off continuous charged shots without having to charge up his weapon, but it will cost weapon energy.


Get on the Ride Armor platform, select any of them (except Frog), progress to the first 'pit' of the stage, just after the vertical drop, but it's actually a secret area. Drop down, and burst through the cracked wall on the left, jump out of the Armor and proceed to reach the capsule.

This chip will further enhance X's defensive capabilities, reducing damage he receives greater than before by creating a stronger energy field around him.


Get on the Ride Armor platform, select the Frog Armor, go underwater, destroy the fans on the right wall, get off the Ride Armor, and go right to the capsule. Alternatively, charge up the Frost Shield before reaching the part of the water where the fans push you back. Release it to create a large ice block and jump on it to float to the surface of the water. Then, simply jump/air dash to the right across the surface of the water to reach the area with the capsule.

This chip will allow X to dash twice in the air instead of only once.


Reach the Ride Armor platform, in the ceiling just after the elevator, early in the stage. Select the Hawk Armor. Progress momentarily until you reach a gap. Dash jump, then hold the jump button for the Hawk Armor to fly over the gap and over the spike wall on the other side. The capsule is just over another wall. It is also possible to make it with just the Chimera or Kangaroo Armors by dash jumping off the ledge then jumping out of the armor to fly over the spike wall. But, be warned, you only have one shot at this since you can't go back to the Ride Armor platform afterwards.

The Energy chip will allow X to slowly regain his health if he stands still for a while.

Acquire every available item in the game (Heart Tanks, Sub Tanks, Ride Armor Modules, Armor Upgrades) and forego obtaining any chip enhancements (don't use any pink Dr. Light capsules) before heading to the first Dr. Doppler stage. In the first Dr. Doppler stage, kill the mini boss and proceed. Make sure you have full health before sliding down the left side of the first pit you find (where spiked wrecking balls fall) until you reach a portion of the wall that you can walk through(left side). There will be a pink upgrade capsule that will give you the Hyper chip enhancement.

This chip is the package deal: it gives you all four armor upgrades, and X becomes so powerful, his Third Armor turns a striking gold color. This is your reward for holding off on the individual chip enhancements, and it should make the final stages a breeze.


On the second Doppler stage, play as X until you reach the first instance of shutter doors in the stage. You can switch to Zero this once, whereas if a mini boss was on the other side of the doors, X would usually intervene. You'll find a mini boss has indeed appeared in this room, Mosquitus. Defeat it it using Zero, and the mini boss will make a final effort to take Zero with it. Zero will be pinched in a death grip as Mosquitus explodes. X immediately transports himself to Zero's location, concerned about his partner's injures. Zero affirms that his power generator is crippled, and he has to return to Dr. Cain's lab for repairs. However, Zero passes on his Z-Saber to X before he goes.

From here out, X's charge shot will reach a fourth stage past the dual Charge Shot that you can overlay. Without the Arm Parts, X will simply swing the saber, much like Zero. If the Arm Parts are received, X's final charge level (Red) is replaced with a green one, much like Zero. After firing the two shots, X can swing the saber, this time creating a shockwave that can hit enemies at a distance. Both the standalone saber and the shockwave do a very severe amount of damage; so much so that bosses, including Sigma and Kaiser Sigma, can be defeated with 2 slashes.

Unfortunately, Zero will be unable to assist X for the rest of the game, which will make some of the enemies of the rest of the stages harder(excluding bosses), and will also result in a change to the game's ending.

If you want to go through the game with the minimal amount of backtracking, this is the best order:

*Stages in bold indicate that you're visiting the stage for the first time
*Stages in italics indicate that you're replaying the level

X:


Zero:

Heart Tanks:

Weapon Requirements: X/Zero


In Area 2 where there are a lot of the electronic spider webs around, find the second brown block that looks like a tree trunk. Burn it to reveal the heart.





The Heart Tank sits out in the open, above the beginning of the main path of the level section just after the giant staircase in Area 2. Run forward a little, and the level will start to collapse where you were standing. Wait for the platform to fall a little, then wall jump up on top of the platform. Stand to the left of the crusher enemy and wait for it to fall. Once it has fallen, quickly jump up and wall jump up to the Heart Tank. If you are playing as X and fail this, you can shoot Lightning Web from the ground level and dash jump off the web up to it. If you are playing as Zero and fail it, you can use the Kuuenbu's double jump, but this will require revisiting the stage, it may be more practical to suicide down the pit and try again; there is a checkpoint right at the Heart Tank's location.


When playing as X, complete the first speed section to an 'S' ranking to find the Heart Tank sitting in front of you in the next room. When playing as Zero, you have to complete the second speed section to an 'S' ranking; the first will only yield a life. Remember that Soul Body/Kuuenbu + Kuuenzan can eliminate the pesky yellow electric balls which try to slow you down


In Area 1, a little beyond where you fine the stage's Ride Armor, the Heart Tank sits out in the open on the platform. However, if you don't pick it up fast enough, a giant laser from above will destroy the platform and cause the Heart Tank to fall into the pit. It may be easier to get the Heart Tank in time if you abandon the Ride Armor before getting there. The only ways to bring it back are suicide or a stage revisit.


The Heart Tank sits right out in the open a little after your first encounter with the stage's Ride Armor. It's not even hidden or requires any sort of item or special movement to get to.





The Heart Tank is located on a ledge back to the left as you encounter the first enemy in a Ride Armor in Area 2 of the stage. With a precise dash jump off the wall below the ledge, it is possible to grab the ledge and obtain the Heart Tank without any items. This may take a few attempts however. If you are playing as X, you can alternatively use the Lightning Web from the opposite ledge for an easier time making it there. The double jump learnt from Zero's Kuuenbu move may also make it much easier getting to the Heart Tank.


From the beginning of Area 1, take the lower route until the first instance of reappearing, disappearing platforms. Pass the first platform, but before passing the second platform, jump up, and you should see the Heart Tank sitting on an ice platform above your head. Use Rising Fire if playing as X, or Ryuenjin if playing as Zero, to break the ice and claim your reward.


In Area 1, don't jump when you come to the third gap. You will fall down to the lower platform and run straight into the Heart Tank. Remember to jump after getting it though, otherwise you will plummet to your doom in the next gap.

NOTE: Best place to refill Sub Tanks is in Frost Walrus's Stage. Take the upper route at the beginning with Kuuenbu(Zero) or Leg Upgrade/Lightning Web(X). Run through and collect all health items. Exit the stage and rinse and repeat.

Sub Tanks:


Similar to the heart, you'll need to gain an "S" rank in certain areas. For X, you need to get an "S" in the second area and for Zero you'll need to get it in the third section. Remember that the Soul Body or Kuuenbu + Kuuenzan will destroy the yellow orbs.




In Area 2, just before the end of the area, keep jumping and then using the dash attack on the bike and eventually you'll fly over a platform with boxes. If you are using the dash attack or firing the bike's gun you'll destroy the boxes and grab the exposed energy tank.




This is hidden within one of the ice blocks about halfway through Area 2. To pinpoint its location, just destroy all the ice blocks you see until you find the one that conceals the tank.




When you reach the area with the sloping ice sheets above the spike beds, dash to the right until you reach the cliff. Jump up the wall and use either the Lightning Web with X or the Kuuenbu to jump twice with Zero to reach the tank which is waiting on a ledge.

Dr. Light Capsules:


The Leg upgrade is found in Web Spider's stage. Just after falling down the waterfall area near the start of Area 1, jump into an opening in the right wall and continue on to find the capsule.

The leg upgrade will allow X to hover in the air for a short amount of time. It will also allow him to execute a mid-air dash while jumping.




The Helmet upgrade is found in Cyber Peacock's stage. You will need to gain an "S" rank in the third area to find it. Use the Soul Body to destroy the yellow orbs to quickly finish the area.

The Helmet upgrade will allow X to use all his special weapons without losing any weapon energy. This gives the weapons an unlimited use and the energy will only drain if a charged shot is used.




The X-Buster upgrades are found in Storm Owl's stage. You'll need the Lightning Web to reach them. Near the start of Area 2, just before the first purple door, you'll see an opening in the ceiling which is lined with spikes. Use the Lightning Web to shoot a web as high as possible and from the right position to make it land in front of the spikes on the left.

Jump on the web and jump up to grab onto the ledge to find the capsules. There are two possible weapon upgrades, but neither is permanent, they are interchangeable. The capsule on the right will allow X to charge up four normal charged shots and fire them off rapidly.

The second capsule on the left will give him the ability to charge up a more powerful shot which will rip through anything and if it strikes an enemy it will leave behind a plasma ball that will continue to damage the target. Both upgrades will allow you to charge up X's special weapons.


The Armor upgrade is found in Magma Dragoon's stage. You will need one of the X-Buster upgrades to find this. In Area 2, dash jump to the right off the cliff just before the Raiden Armor. Try to use a mid-air dash or the Lightning Web to reach the ledge on the right, but once you do, use a charged shot of the Twin Slasher to destroy the rocks blocking the way and you'll find the capsule.

The Armor upgrade will give you the Nova Strike Giga Attack, which causes X to jump up and fly forward while executing a devastating attack to destroy any enemies he hits. The energy must be full for the attack to work, and it can recharge its energy when X is hit or if he picks up a weapon capsule.

Secret/Special Armors:

Note: I assume you're playing on Xbox/PS Controllers and not on Keyboard

Ultimate Armor(X):
Playstation: Highlight X, then press O twice, press Left Six times/move Analog Stick Six times, Hold L1 and R2 and press Start. Hold L1 and R2 until the game starts. X's body should be darker almost a purple. Fina any Dr. Light Capsule, step inside and you will receive the Ultimate Armor.

Xbox: Highlight X, then press B twice, press Left Six times/move Analog Stick Six times, Hold LB and RT and press Start. Hold LB and RT until the game starts. X's body should be darker almost a purple. Find any Dr. Light Capsule, step inside and you will receive the Ultimate Armor.

PC: Highlight X, then press A twice, press Left Arrow Six times/move Analog Stick Six times, Hold D and V and press Space. Hold D and V until the game starts. X's body should be darker almost a purple. Find any Dr. Light Capsule, step inside and you will receive the Ultimate Armor.

Switch: Highlight X, then press B twice, press Left Six times/move Analog Stick Six times, Hold L and ZR and press Start. Hold L and ZR until the game starts. X's body should be darker almost a purple. Find any Dr. Light Capsule, step inside and you will receive the Ultimate Armor.

If you have done this correctly, you'll notice that the light blue joints of X's armor are now purple. Once you enter one of the hidden Dr Light capsules, you'll receive the full Ultimate Armor which has all the Fourth Armor upgrades as well as the unlimited Nova Strike.


Black Armor(Zero):
Playstation: Highlight Zero, then hold the R1 button and press Right 6 times. Release the R1 button, hold the O Button, till the game starts and press Start.

Xbox: Highlight Zero, then hold the RB button and move the analog stick to the Right 6 times. Release the RB button, hold the B Button, till the game starts and press Start.

PC: Highlight Zero, then hold the C button and press the Right Arrow 6 times. Release the C button, hold the A Button, till the game starts and press Space.

Switch: Highlight Zero, then hold the R button and move the analog stick to the Right 6 times. Release the R button, hold the A Button, till the game starts and press Start.

You will notice that this secret will turn Zero's armor to a black color. This apparently is the only thing it does, the armor doesn't make the game easier or give Zero new abilities.


If you're playing the Japanese Versions of X4, all codes will be almost the same, just change the following buttons:
Playstation: Change O button to X button
Xbox: Change B button to A button
PC: Change A button to Z button
Switch: Change A button to B button