Style Change

Style Change (スタイルチェンジ) is a technique from the Mega Man Battle Network series only available to NetNavis who have Chng.BAT installed. Style Changes allow NetNavis to temporarily change their element and weaponry. It replaces the generic elemental armors from the first Mega Man Battle Network game, and is replaced by the Double Soul in Mega Man Battle Network 4.

There are eight different styles: Guts, Custom, Shield, Team, Bug, Ground, Shadow, and Hub (in addition to the NormalStyle). Additionally, there are four different elements that any style can take: Aqua, Elec, Heat, and Wood. This allows for many different combinations for many battle situations.

In general, it is believed that MegaMan.EXE is the only Navi able to use Style Change, as Dr. Hikari had developed it especially for him, though it is suggested in the games that other Navi's use "styles". It may simply suggest the fighting style of individual Navis, not the style change system itself.

Chng.BAT
The Chng.BAT is an internal program grants MegaMan the ability of the Style Change throughout Mega Man Battle Network 2 and Mega Man Battle Network 3.

It is needed for Dr. Hikari to complete his research so that MegaMan can become stronger, but he does not know where to get it. It turns out that the Chng.Bat is the national treasure of YumLand and had to be retrieved (more like stolen) from the treasure vault in Yumland area. It was guarded by YumLand NetNavis that have to be defeated. After it was retrieved, Yuichiro Hikari installs it into MegaMan, granting him the Style change ability. Giving him Style Changes depending on how he fights while the element assigned is seemingly random.

It is thought to either have been destroyed or removed after MegaMan's deletion in Mega Man Battle Network 3, as the ability is not present in later titles.

List of elements and their attributes
Elements are randomly applied to a style when it is obtained. New style changes obtained will always have a different element from the previous one. Except for Normal and Hub Styles, all styles can use an element and change MegaMan to that color. Each Style Change has different properties based on its element.

Normal (Null)
This style element is only applied to Normal and Hub Style, though hacked game data shows that other styles can come in non-elemental variations. It has no weakness and no elemental advantage.


 * Mega Buster: The charge shot is normal and does ten times the damage of a normal buster shot. In the second game, it only deals five times the damage of a normal shot instead, due to the doubling of Buster damage from Hub Style.
 * Special Chips : In Battle Network 2, the Fighter Sword Chips (Fighter, Knight, and Hero) are only usable by Normal style. Hub Style, despite being non-elemental, cannot use these.

Heat

 * Flamethrower: MegaMan's charged shot is replaced by a powerful flamethrower that has a medium-long charge rate and stretches up to three panels ahead of him. Like Heat-element chips and enemy attacks, it destroys Grass panels and does double damage to anything on them at the time. The flamethrower also inflicts double damage to wood-type enemies and viruses.
 * Lava Immunity: Heat-element styles are immune to damage when stepping on lava panels.
 * Special Chips: Heat Style can use the Big Red Wave Chip in Battle Network 2, and Standout/Salamander in Battle Network 3.

Aqua

 * Bubble Shot: MegaMan's charged shot is replaced by a moderately-weak, but incredibly fast-charging bubble shot that hits the panel behind the target it strikes. It is changed in Battle Network 3, having a medium-length charge time with more damage. Bubble shot also inflicts double damage to fire-type Navis and viruses.
 * No Slip: Aqua element styles are immune to slipping on ice panels and are able to walk on them normally.
 * Special Chips: Aqua style can use the Freeze Bomb Chips in Battle Network 2, and the Waterline/Fountain Chips in Battle Network 3.

Elec

 * Zap Ring: MegaMan's charged shot is replaced by a zap ring which does minimal damage, but paralyzes enemies on contact. It is incredibly weak, with a medium charge rate that exceeds the paralysis time. Like Elec element chips and enemy attacks, it does double damage to enemies on Ice Panels and/or are water-type.
 * Magnetism Block: Elec element styles are immune to Magnet panels, staying in place rather than being drawn in the appropriate direction.
 * Special Chips: Elec style can use the Sparker Chip in Battle Network 2, and Lightning/Bolt Chips in Battle Network 3.

Wood

 * Tornado Buster: MegaMan's charged shot is replaced by a wood-element tornado attack that hits up to eight times. While effectively one of the more powerful charge attacks, it's range only hits 2 spaces ahead of MegaMan's panel, limiting it's range. In Battle Network 3, the attack does double damage to any enemy on a Sand Panel. Tornado also inflicts double damage to elec-style Navis and viruses.
 * Grass Regen: Wood element styles restore HP when standing on Grass panels. When used in conjunction with the 'Undershirt' Navi Customizer Program, Wood Style users can become nearly invincible.
 * Special Chips: Wood Style can use the Gaia Sword Chip in Battle Network 2, and the same chip with Gaia Blade as well in Battle Network 3.

Recurring styles
These styles appear in both Mega Man Battle Network 2 and 3.

Guts Style
Guts Style is obtained for using the Buster more than other styles of fighting. It is attributed to having a large fist attachment. In Battle Network 3, the Guts Style enables the use of red NaviCust Program parts.


 * Enhanced Power: MegaMan was able to stop BombMan with his right fist relatively easily when the Guts Style (in Heat element) debuted in the anime. In the games, this is reflected by doubling its Buster Power level, and the Buster also capable of being upgraded to pierce guards with the appropriate NaviCust parts in Battle Network 3.
 * Guts Machine Gun: In Battle Network 2, the Rapid power of the Buster is reduced to one, which is a disadvantage. However, in Battle Network 3, it is replaced by the Guts Machine Gun, which when the buster is rapidly used, a chain of buster shots will suddenly be activated, like a machine gun.
 * SuperArmor: Guts Style gives MegaMan an automatic SuperArmor, which causes the Navi to not flinch at all, or lose ranking due to being hit (unless it's a paralyzing attack). This innate ability is removed in Battle Network 3, instead coming as a NaviCust program for the style instead.
 * Break Attack: In Battle Network 3, Guts Style is awarded Break Buster and Break Charge NCP after leveling up. These NCPs can give Breaking attribute to Buster Shots and Charge Shots, respectively.

Custom Style
Custom style is obtained by selecting as many non-Navi chips as possible in a turn, focusing more on Battle Chip and Program Advance strategies. It is recognized by the large upgraded backpack. Custom Style is allowed to use Blue Customizer Blocks.


 * Custom Plus: In Battle Network 2, MegaMan can choose two extra chips in addition to the usual five, totaling seven chips in the Custom Screen. In Battle Network 3, MegaMan only starts off with one extra, while this number is increased further with Navi Customizer Programs.
 * Custom Ranking: In Battle Network 3, if MegaMan S ranks certain viruses without using his buster or Navi Chips, the player may get a different chip, such as Big Wave from Mettaurs, and Burning from Fishy2.

Shield Style
A Style that is is obtained by using recovery and defensive chips. This style is recognized by its shield on its right arm, and can use Blue Customizer blocks.


 * FirstBarrier: MegaMan starts every battle with a 10HP barrier.
 * Shield: MegaMan can use a shield by pressing B + ←. The abilities of the Shield can also change according to the NaviCust part installed - it may only halve the damage, negate damage can also reflect damage on guard. In Battle Network 3, if the guard is performed just as MegaMan is about to be hit, it can heal a generous amount of HP. This Style is useless against Breaking attacks.

Team/Brother Style
Is a style that is received by using Navi chips more than any other kind. It allows for more Mega/Navi chips to be placed in a folder at a time. Team is recognized by its larger helmet crest and stylized boots and gloves. It can use Green Customizer Blocks.
 * Mega Folder+: The player can insert more Navi or Mega class chips into their folder at one time. This can be further increased with Navi Cust Programs in the third game. In Battle Network 2, players can insert up to eight. In Battle Network 3, players can insert up to six without NCPs.
 * Team Ranking: In Battle Network 3, if MegaMan S Ranks a Navi in less than 20 seconds, the player will receive a V4 Chip rather than a V3.

Special styles
Certain Style Changes are exclusive to one game or version.

Shadow Style
Is a style that is received by using 'invisibility' chips over all others. It is only available in Blue version of Mega Man Battle Network 3. It is recognized by its ninja-like design; the elongated helmet (resembling a streamlined biker's), high collar, and two wing-like scarf attachments. It specializes in special upgrades that prevent status effects on special panels. It can use Red Customizer blocks.


 * Invis Shot: MegaMan's Buster becomes this regardless of Element, so long as he is not using any 'Weapon Level +1" NCPs. He fires a normal shot whose damage is figured like normal style, but MegaMan disappears upon using it.

Ground Style
Special style only available in the White Version of Mega Man Battle Network 3. Obtainable by using panel changing chips, like Sanctuary or Grass Stage. Notable by large 'boots'. Green NCPs are usable. This style specializes in NaviCust parts that involve changing the initial terrain in battles.


 * Break Shot: MegaMan's shot now cracks whatever panel it hits. In Aqua and Elec, it breaks the panel the target is on (Aqua also breaks the panel behind the target). In Wood and Heat, it breaks whatever panels the Tornado/Flamethrower passes over (Wood also completely destroys the panel the tornado is on).

Bug Style
This is a special style only available in Mega Man Battle Network 3. Bug Style can be attained by virus busting with any bug from improperly placed NCPs, and the bug must be present from the very first virus battle to the last. Players may change what bug is affecting MegaMan at any time, just as long as they have a bug for every single battle. This style is attributed to square "bug" lights. While in its own right, it is completely auxiliary, the Bug style gives random effects during battle, usually negative, though it can do things such as start MegaMan with a 100 HP barrier.

The benefit of this style is the NCP called "BugStop". With BugStop in the customizer, programs can be placed in anywhere without fear of negative bugging. However, programs like Undershirt or Press, still need to be placed on the command line, otherwise they do nothing. Bug stop will come in handy if players want to use the 'HubBatch' NCP. This style also is the only style to use the Dark License program, which allows for the use of certain Giga Chips which otherwise need a Dark Hole present.


 * First Barrier 100: A possible starting ability, like Shield Style (but much more resistant), this gives MegaMan a 100 HP barrier at the start of the battle.
 * Invincibility: An ability with which a battle can be started. MegaMan is, as stated, invincible, glowing green as if Fanfare is being used. Can be coupled with First Barrier 100.
 * Movement Glitch: An ability with which a battle can be started. MegaMan will, depending on the version of the glitch, will either be dragged up or down constantly.
 * HP Drain: An effect with which a battle can be started. MegaMan can get either variety: the Drain in Battle, or on the Custom Screen. The Drain usually ranges from 1 to 3 HP per second.
 * Custom Plus: An effect with which a battle can be started. MegaMan will have all ten Custom slots filled with chips, regardless of NCPs.
 * MAX Buster: MegaMan can start battle with MAX Buster stats, but may also receive low buster stats.

Hub Style/Saito Style
This style appeared in Mega Man Battle Network 2, Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge and Rockman EXE WS. Its appearance is of a lighter colored "normal" style (purple in Battle Chip Challenge). Players would need to get a S Rank for every boss battle except for Bass, in order to get this style. It takes all attribute from Guts, Custom, Shield, and Team Styles, maxing all stats, however, MegaMan's Max HP is halved. Effects of the style in Battle Network 2 are:


 * First Barrier
 * Shield
 * Navi Chip +3
 * Custom +5
 * Attack Power x2
 * Super Armor
 * Rapid Reduced to 1
 * HP Halved

While it doesn't exist in the third game onwards, there is a Customizer Program "HubBatch" that simulates most of the effects, including the HP halving. This can be remedied with the BugStop program. In the Falzar version of MegaMan Battle Network 6, there exists a Giga Chip "HubBatch" which also replicates the positive effects of the Hub Style when used.

In other Media
In the anime, the styles are worked differently than in the games. A style has a singular element assigned to it and some of the abilities differ from what is established in game canon.


 * Heat Guts: This is MegaMan's most basic style change in the anime. The main weapon is the HeatGuts Buster, but MegaMan is also able to use his fist for close-combat purposes, and even being able to use it to upgrade weapons like a sword on occasion. In the Battle Story Rockman.EXE manga, it first appears as HeatGuts, but changes to ElecGuts in battle against BubbleMan. It can be concluded that MegaMan is able to change the Style's attribute at will, to match with his opponent's weakness.


 * Aqua Custom: In the anime, this style is initially unlocked by inputting an ExtraCode. This is MegaMan's most powerful style in the anime, but if coupled with the ExtraCode, it drains all his energy. Aqua Custom allows MegaMan to utilize Program Advances quite fluently, and give them water properties (i.e. three Spreaders have become a HyperBurst; five have become an MegaBurst with water properties). In the Battle Story manga, it is capable of viewing multiple information at once and find an enemy's weak spot instantly.


 * Elec Team: A style change received later in the anime, Lan Hikari can download extension chips from allies to perform a fusion similar to a Double Soul/Soul Unison. This allows MegaMan to use a Navi's signature attack. In the Battle Story manga, this style lets MegaMan's friends (Roll, GutsMan, Glide, and later ProtoMan) to connect their attacks through MegaMan's Navi Symbols.


 * Wood Shield: A style change commonly used by Lan and MegaMan, second to Heat Guts. Wood Shield in the anime allows his shield to block, reflect, and lessen attacks, similar to the games. Interestingly, MegaMan's buster automatically becomes a Tornado shot in the anime, not a charge shot. It is also shown in the Battle Story manga; the only difference with the anime is the Mega Buster changes to a Tornado Shot after he finished charging it.


 * Bug Style: In the anime, this was triggered when MegaMan got a bug from being in contact with Bass, and said bug grew and took over MegaMan's systems. This form in the anime possesses a huge amount of strength, his power seemingly limitless. It also has another power - the ability to absorb data, as the Virus Beast could. However, this also ends up overloading MegaMan's systems and his absorption ability goes out of control, nearly devouring the entire Net.


 * Hub Style: Used only in the manga. This only occurs through Perfect Synchro. Like Aqua Custom in the anime, MegaMan gains immense strength, speed and power, but risks draining all his energy over extended periods within this form. Initially, he would enter a berserker mindset and sought to destroy everything in sight before ProtoMan reminded him that he gained this power for the sake of his friends. This allowed MegaMan to gain full control over the Hub Style.


 * Shadow Style: Used only in the Battle Story manga. Acquired after receiving ShadowMan's final message to defeat GS. Although he appears identical to Bass GS (with a darker color scheme); however, unlike the game incarnation, this is not the real Bass, but instead an alternate, evil version of Bass born from the corruption of Bass' inner program by a fragment of Alpha. This style possess ShadowMan's incredible speed, katana, kunais, and clone-duplication abilities. It possess Fire Element like the official art; shown by the color scheme and use of Salamander Battle Chips.


 * Ground Style: Used only in the Battle Story manga. Acquired after Lan is reuniting with MegaMan inside the "Field of Alpha". This style possess the ability to change the nearby cyber field floor areas within sight as long as MegaMan is standing on it. By emitting the style's energy from the leg parts, MegaMan is able to do energy outbursts and make ice pillars rise from the floor; despite from its appearance which shows the Elec Element of the canonical official art. MegaMan uses this ability to protect Lan from Alpha's attacks.

Trivia

 * It was never mentioned why MegaMan loses the ability to use style change in Mega Man Battle Network 4, however, it is assumed that due to MegaMan being destroyed and recovered with the data from Dr. Tadashi Hikari, his body is no longer compatible with the Chng.BAT program.
 * It is also possible that MegaMan had the only Change.BAT inside him, and was deleted in the final events of Mega Man Battle Network 3.


 * Other than the Hub.BAT, the Chng.BAT is the only program known to be running MegaMan's entire system (not including modification programs).


 * Shadow Style and Ground Style are the only styles which were never shown in anime. In the Battle Story Rockman.EXE manga by Keijima Jun and Miho Asada, both styles are shown in Volume 4.


 * Hub style is the only style that undergoes a frequent color change. In Mega Man Battle Network 2, it's originally a lighter shade of blue from MegaMan's normal style. In Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge, it's depicted as violet. In the manga and official art by Capcom, it is illustrated in a luminance green color with electricity surging off the yellow "fins" of MegaMan's helmet.


 * There are some "secret styles combination" that only can be accessed through Codebreaker. They're: HubGuts, HubCust, HubTeam, HubShield, HubGround, HubShadow, BugGuts, BugCust, BugTeam, BugShield and the last one is a glitch, "HubBug" Style.