Mega Man X (character)

"That's right... It's begun again... How long must this war go on?"

- Mega Man X

"I'll finish this. Right here. Right now. I WILL DEFEAT YOU, SIGMA!"

- Mega Man X

Mega Man X, named Rockman X (ロックマンエックス) in Japan, commonly called X (エックス), was the eponymous protagonist of the Mega Man X series. X also served as a guide during the Mega Man Zero series and appeared as Model X in the Mega Man ZX series. He was the successor of the original Mega Man and is Dr. Thomas Light's greatest creation. X is a Maverick Hunter who fought alongside his partners Zero and Axl in order to maintain peace and stability in the world and protect humans and Reploids alike from Maverick Reploids, though X would like nothing better than the opportunity to stop fighting. Because of his aversion to violence, X is initially ranked a B-Class Hunter, but he was eventually promoted to S-Class.

X was the first robot to possess sophisticated technology and behavioral adaptation, based on the last design of Dr. Light. Dr. Cain, the scientist who found him, was never able to fully analyze X's internal systems and system code. Despite this, Cain was able to replicate X's general architecture, making X the precursor to each and every Reploid brought into production. This made him the proverbial 'father' of the current Reploids.

Appearance
As a much more mature and advanced successor of the original Mega Man, X's design is a bit more detailed. Physically, he appears to be much older and taller, appearing to be in his late teens or early twenties, whereas the younger Mega Man was about 10. His upper torso is covered by a sectioned segmented chest plate, light-colored sharp ridges on the helmet and the inclusion of a red crystal where Mega Man's square-like protrusions were. X has green eyes as opposed to Mega Man's blue eyes.

In Command Mission, X receives a major overhaul in his armor design. While it has a similar frame, it now introduces gold and orange accents to his frame and a black body instead of the familiar cyan. His armor appears less bulky and features these accents along with large red jewels on the arms and legs. Whenever running or in battle, his back generates a red energy construct that flares out to resemble a flowing tattered scarf.

In the Zero series, X had taken on the form of a Cyber-Elf to live on and continue aiding Zero. He had assumed a more ethereal appearance, transparent and distorting from time to time, like a monitor. He also wore clothing in the form of a light blue robe. On top of his head was a physical construct of data shaped in the form of a ring above his head, resembling a halo. Concept art from the Official Art Works shows his original form no different from his appearance in X, albeit with an altered trim on his helmet and colored white.

Personality
X was designed and created by Dr. Light to be a robot who could think and make his own decisions without programming limitations. Unique among all of Dr. Light's creations, X possessed incredible physical and reasoning capabilities. However, Light feared that, since X didn't have any moral programming to dictate his morality or actions, he could become a grave threat to the world. Therefore, he sealed X away into a special capsule that would test his systems in a myriad of scenarios designed to ensure that X would be able to discern right from wrong and be always willing to do the right thing. Apparently, this process would take more than 30 years, and Light was very old and would not live to see X leave the capsule and enter the world. He left a warning on the computer in the lab he placed the capsule in and ordered anyone that may find the capsule to not release the robot within until his testing was complete.

Maverick Hunter X, the 2006 remake of the original Mega Man X, shows a slightly different series of events. The Day of Σ, an unlockable prologue OVA included on the UMD, shows Dr. Light speaking with X several times during his creation, while in the SNES game Light sealed X away without activating him once. Furthermore, Light's intention of sealing X was different in Maverick Hunter X. Instead of fearing that X would become a threat because of his immaturity, Light feared that it would be the humans who were immature and not ready to live together with a robot as similar to a human as X would be by the time he finished his work. Instead, Light wanted him to fight for the people of the future and guide them to peace and happiness.

X is a hot-blooded, committed, and strong-willed robot who has little tolerance for injustice. Though X fights with all his might against Sigma and his Mavericks, he is a pacifist at heart, something he might have inherited from the original Mega Man or Dr. Light. X would like nothing more than the fighting to be over, and for humans and Reploids to coexist peacefully next to each other, like his creator had always wished. He cares deeply for the victims of the war and for his friends who've fought so long with him, especially Zero, whom he regards as his best friend. X is easily frustrated when things go awry and rarely seems to understand the true motives of Sigma and other Mavericks.

Although he's constantly conflicted with the battles he must fight, he eventually begins to come to terms with it and understands that he must indeed fight for the peace he desires to be a reality. This change is best seen during the Zero series in where the relationship between the two is reversed as it is X the one who actually supports Zero and encourages him to fight when either confused or doubtful in his actions.

Creation & Awakening
X's creation by the hands of Thomas Light began at some point during the later days of the original Mega Man series, specifically, sometime after Mega Man 10, but no exact dates were given. Unlike most robots of his time, X was created with a unique system akin to that of a conscience, that allowed him to think, feel and act completely on his own, and highly advanced mechanics that far surpassed anything of the current day. The purpose of X's construction and birth was in the sake of Light's dream, of one day giving robots the ability and freedom grow in the exact fashion of all living beings.

However, Light was not without foresight and fears for his ultimate project. Though X was now akin to that of a living, sentient being with their own free will, but with a physique that of a strong and powerful machine, Light feared he could grow instead to be a potential threat to the world. In addition to X's immaturity stemming from his inexperience that could lead to misunderstanding or even catastrophe amongst a world unknown and new to his existence, Light was nearing the end of his life with no successor to continue his work, concerned with how the people of the future would ever properly receive X, and that X faced an unknown future filled with such possible dangers and hardships that Light would not be able to console and guide him through.

To test the reliability of his learning and morality, Light prepared a stasis capsule that would perform system tests on X's circuits and AI to prove his maturity, that would take approximately 30 years to complete. With nothing but his love and compassion long put into his work throughout his life, left to be carried on by future generations, Light addressed his final words, of his hopes, wishes, fears, and dreams, for X to bring peace and to fight for the people of the future. On September 18 20XX, readying all last preparations, Mega Man X was sealed away.

The sleeping robot eventually passed all tests the capsule had prepared for him and he was found in the year 21XX (possibly in the year 2114 or later, according to the log of Cain's PC in the opening of Mega Man X, 100 years after X was sealed by Dr. Light) by scientist Dr. Cain. Cain, not being an expert in robotics, was baffled by the design specifications Light had included on the computer as even a century later they were ahead of anything the world had ever seen. From these specifications and with the help of X, Cain began developing his own version of next-generation robots, which came to be known as Reploids. However, the Reploids never received the same ethical testing as X. Apparently because of this oversight, over time more and more Reploids began to act strange and, eventually, become violent against humans and even other Reploids. These Reploids were deemed "Maverick" (Irregular in Japan) and, as incidents of Reploids going Maverick increased, the human government decided to found a department which was supposed to deal with the Mavericks, the Maverick Hunters.

Feeling responsible for this situation, X joined the Maverick Hunters and became part of Sigma's 17th Elite Unit. While other operatives such as Sigma and Zero were elevated to the higher classes, X remained at B-class. This was most likely due to a tendency in X to hesitate in battle instead of fully committing. This tendency caused other Maverick Hunters, such as Vile, to look down on X as weak. It has been noted, however, that X has "limitless potential" should he choose to access it (according to Cyber Peacock in Mega Man X4), and that Sigma, Zero, and Dr. Cain have all seen his potential from the beginning.

The Day of Σ
While X was a member of Sigma's Elite Hunter Unit 17, he befriended many other members of this unit, particularly the S-A class hunter Zero. The Hunters were busy though, as giant Mechaniloids (robots less intelligent than Reploids) began attacking Abel City. The Maverick Hunters were baffled as to who was behind the attacks. During one of the battles against the berserk Mechaniloids it became apparent to Sigma that X would refuse to use his weapons if an ally was in danger. After speaking to Dr. Cain, Sigma discovered that his worrying is what makes him so advanced. It was then that Sigma became obsessed with X.

X and Zero began investigating these events to discover the hacker causing Mechaniloid outbreaks throughout Abel City. The two hunters traced the signal being sent to the Maverick Mechailoids, where they discovered that the hacker responsible for the rampaging Mavericks was none other than Sigma. X and Zero fought Sigma, but were damaged in the encounter, allowing Sigma to escape, although not before X, with some of his limitless potential awakened, burned Sigma's characteristic scars onto his eyes. Sigma eventually turned his lieutenants Maverick, and launched an attack against Abel City, leading into Mega Man X.

Mega Man X / Maverick Hunter X
Maverick Hunter X is a re-telling of the original Mega Man X story, and while the former seems to deviate on a few topics, it is generally true to the idea of the latter.

It starts with X who is dealing with Maverick activity along the Central Highway, part of Abel City where the characters live. As he goes about fighting off hordes of Mechaniloids, he meets Vile, who has apparently gone Maverick, and confronts X in his special Ride Armor.

X battles Vile, but ultimately is defeated, and taken captive. X is saved by Zero, who blasts the Ride Armor's arm off with a single charged shot. After Vile retreats, X laments at his inability to defeat the war Reploid. Zero consoles X, telling him that he still has much potential to be unlocked.

X then faces the eight 'leaders' of Sigma's Maverick armies. One by one, he battles them, defeats them, and obtains their special weapons.

Once the eight bosses are destroyed, X is informed that Zero has finally discovered the whereabouts of Sigma's fortress.* They discuss their method of assault. Zero tells X he will barge in the front to draw the enemy's attention, and suggests X find another, safer way in. During his journey throughout Sigma's Fortress, X confronts the eight bosses yet again And, as before, he defeats them to move onward.
 * In the original game, X actually meets up with Zero outside said fortress. In MHX, however, X simply receives a communications from Zero, who is already working his way inside.

In the third section of the fortress, X reaches a small hallway where he sees that Vile has successfully defeated Zero, and must battle the war-machine once more to rescue him. At first, he is once again overwhelmed by Vile's powerful Ride Armor,* but it is at this point where Zero gets his second wind, leaps on the machine from behind, and destroys the ride armor in a desperate attack.* This utterly destroys the Ride Armor, although leaving Vile unharmed. Still, X can now battle on more equal ground with Vile, and defeats him after a tenuous battle. He then rushes to Zero, who is in such critical condition that he urges X to leave him behind, and fight Sigma in his stead. With much regret, X marches onward to fight Sigma.
 * In the original game, X had to fight another losing battle to Vile's Ride Armor. In MHX, this battle is skipped, as Vile captures him by surprise. Zero destroys it while he is distracted with X.
 * There seems to be confusion as to how Zero destroyed the Armor. Some believe a charged-shot at point blank, while others still argue a self-destruct or overload of the Buster in question. The latter seems more likely, considering the damage he suffered as a result, which would not have happened with a simple charged shot. However, both will support the storyline depending on whether X has obtained the Buster Upgrade from the Dr. Light Capsule in Flame Mammoth's Stage: The theory of Z-Buster overload applies when X has obtained his own Buster Upgrade prior to the Vile battle; while the Z-Buster charged shot theory applies when X did not obtain the Buster Part, allowing Zero to give his own Z-Buster to X as a Part Upgrade with the same Charged Shot as what Zero has himself with the ability to charge Special Weapons.

X finally reaches the boss chamber where Sigma resides. They have a brief exchange, and Sigma congratulates him for "making it this far", but then comments that he will put X to a little test before engaging the hunter himself. X is then forced to fight Sigma's dog, Velguarder. After destroying the guard dog, Sigma throws off his cloak and fights X head-on with his beam saber. X eventually defeats Sigma, but as his body exploded, Sigma's head is snatched up by a cable from somewhere in the background, which pulls it into a much larger body, which lights up and reveals a menacing wolf-body that attacks X, nearly taking up the entire room. X fights Sigma and defeats him again, causing the fortress to collapse. X manages to get out in time and watches the fortress collapse as he contemplated his actions, and his future.

Mega Man X2
Picking up where Mega Man X left off, the Hunters have tracked down the remaining Mavericks. The X-Hunters (Counter Hunters in japan), a group of remaining followers of Sigma who wish to defeat the Maverick Hunters by also rebuilding Zero as a Maverick, further using him as bait to lure X to his destruction. X destroys the X-Hunters and gathers Zero's parts, eventually discovering that Sigma was reborn and behind the plot all along. If the player gathers Zero's parts before assaulting Sigma's HQ (at the North Pole), Dr. Cain says he still has Zero's microchip and can rebuild him, but it will take some time. Before reaching Sigma's lair, X is confronted by a Zero clone. The real Zero arrives in time and destroys the fake with a powerful combination attack. X then proceeds and defeats Sigma while Zero destroys the Central Computer base.

If the player fails in retrieving Zero's parts, a non-canon scenario is triggered. Zero is rebuilt as a Maverick seeking desctruction, which according to Sigma's displays his grudge against X for not rescuing him from the hands of Sigma's lackeys. After being defeated, an injuried Zero appologies to X for the trouble and uses his remaining forces to destroy the Central Computer base, while X faces Sigma's new body. It is interesting to note that X's personality in this dialogue is a lot more concerned in the Japanese version than in the western one. In the Japanese Version, X seems to be against Zero going alone as he is prone to die from his terrible injuries, though Zero insists he will be fine and asks X to take care of Sigma. In the English version, however, X says he has no time to help Zero as he must hurry to defeat Sigma.

Mega Man Xtreme
Set between X2 and X3, a hacker named Techno has invaded the Hunters' Mother Computer and is using the data of previous Mavericks against the organization. With the help of Middy, X goes into cyberspace, where he discovers that Sigma had "influenced" Techno. X accidentally destroys Techno, then learns that Middy is Techno's twin brother, and that destroying Techno destroyed Middy as well. X, crushed, challenges Sigma once again and defeats him, extracting a measure of vengeance.

Mega Man X3
There has been a period of peace after a Reploid scientist named Dr. Doppler created a supposed cure for the Maverick Virus. This cure turns out to be an ineffectual placebo, however, and the Maverick Hunters find themselves overwhelmed with a massive Maverick uprising. X and Zero enter the fray and discover that the virus and Sigma are one and the same, explaining why Sigma keeps coming back. X and Zero destroy Sigma's new battle body (built by Doppler, who had been infected with the virus). It is revealed, but unbeknown to X, that his ultimate fate to save the human race would be to destroy Zero. This is a mildly misleading translation from the Japanese version, which merely says that X knows in his heart that he is destined to fight Zero.

Mega Man Xtreme 2
Set sometime after X3 and before X4, X and Zero head to Laguz Island, where they battle the Soul Erasers, Berkana and Gareth. X defeats Berkana and Zero defeats Gareth, and the two team up to defeat Sigma.

Mega Man X4
The Repliforce, an organization that acts as an ally to the Maverick Hunters, were branded Mavericks after they were accused of the incident where the floating city Sky Lagoon is destroyed and falls to the ground, starting the Repliforce War. X, though, was led away from the real targets by a spy of Sigma named Double, and it was Zero this time who hunted down the Repliforce commanders, killing his good friends Colonel and Iris in the process. X, realizing that he was tricked and discovering that Sigma had set up the entire plan, became very frustrated and swiftly disposed of Double. After beating Sigma, however, he was beginning to doubt his ability to remain sane. He told Zero that if he ever were to go Maverick, that Zero would have to destroy him.

Mega Man X5
With peace restored, the Hunters hire several new officers, including Alia. Unfortunately, X gets into a confrontation with the Sigma Virus, accidentally spreading it all over Earth. This turns out to be yet another of Sigma's evil schemes. In addition, Sigma attempts to send the space colony Eurasia into the Earth, thus spreading the virus further, in order to awaken Zero's true self.

A large energy readout of the Eurasia colony returned a signature that it was infected with the Sigma Virus, so the Maverick Hunters saw no other solution except to alter the colony's path by striking it with a blast from the Enigma laser cannon. The Enigma laser cannon fails to destroy Eurasia, so Signas comes up with another plan, to launch a Space Shuttle directly at the colony to destroy it. Zero pilots the shuttle and crashes it into Eurasia, which successfully destroys it (there is another story possibility; however, Eurasia being destroyed is canon).

However, a new virus appears, called the Zero Virus, and X and Zero have to find the source.

X faces off with Zero after he ignored orders to report back to Base for a full physical check on his virus readings, and the two are knocked out during the battle. Sigma appears and Zero saves X from him. The two then go on to confront Sigma. This is the canon storyline.

In the other story possibility, the overwhelming amount of the virus becomes a catalyst that exposes Zero's true self.

Sigma reveals to X that Zero's true form is the one that emerges when he is powered up with the Maverick Virus (this mechanic is also reflected during gameplay). As it turns out, Zero was the one who had spread the virus to Sigma during their first confrontation, as shown in a cutscene during Mega Man X4. Sigma also speaks of a mysterious new ally who built a body for him. He also says that this person is interested in Zero "as if he was his own father" and claims that he and X know each other well, because they were enemies in the past (obviously referring to the character Dr. Wily from the Mega Man series).

Once beaten, Sigma claims he will take Zero down with him. As X and Zero both lay damaged from Sigma's massive explosion, X stands over Zero's battered body, hoping for signs of life. Sigma's remains then fire a blast straight through X and Zero. Zero revives for just a moment, destroying Sigma's remains with a blast from his Z-Buster and then passing away. X was badly injured, but a hologram of Dr. Light appeared and miraculously repaired him. The next scene shows X holding Zero's Z-Saber and going off on another mission, stating that with Zero's blade, he can fight any enemy.

Mega Man X6
During the Nightmare Outbreak, X is still coping with the loss of his friend, unaware that Zero is still alive. The Zero Nightmare - a clone of Zero created by an infected Reploid researcher named Gate (Alia's former colleague) - smears Zero's name and is promptly defeated by X. Upon doing this, Zero reveals himself again to an elated X. Together, they swear to eliminate the evil source of the Nightmares, and do so with Alia's help. After some time, she reveals Gate's intentions - with Gate himself later detailing the fact that he was able to create the Nightmare virus via Zero's DNA.

"I'll stop such an ambition. I won't accept no more sacrifice of Reploids! He must know the current situation. Mankind, Reploid and the Earth are in danger."

With Zero's help, X infiltrates Gate's lab and defeats the Nightmare Mother and High Max. After this, X confronts Gate and defeats him. Although defeated, Gate unleashed his trump card, a revived but incomplete Sigma; however, Sigma betrays him and leaves Gate for dead. X goes after the revived Sigma, fights him and defeats him. After the battle he saves the remains of Gate for Alia to repair, because he knew what it was like to lose a colleague and didn't want to see any more innocent Reploids die. Alia thanks him for this, and they swear to try to rebuild the Earth.

Alternatively, if X doesn't find Zero through the game, Zero observes X and Alia without revealing himself. He comments on the events on the game, before he goes after the yet undefeated Zero Nightmare.

Mega Man X7
Months later, the Maverick Hunters were severely crippled as X retired from active duty to pursue more peaceful means to end the constant fighting. In his absence, a new Maverick-hunting faction known as "Red Alert" began hunting Mavericks, often with questionable tactics. Zero was summoned to the scene of a rampage in the city and found a young Reploid named Axl trying to flee Red Alert. He rescued Axl, and what ensued resulted in a harsh custody battle between the Hunters and Red Alert. When the fighting became too intense, X eventually returned to the Hunters and fought alongside Axl and Zero. Eventually it was revealed that Sigma infected the Red Alert members, manipulating the whole fiasco from behind the scenes. He was hoping that Axl would use his special copy ability to copy X and Zero, and bring the data back to him. The trio confronted the maniacal Reploid and defeated him once more. X eventually begrudgingly allowed Axl to officially join the Maverick Hunters, although he expressed doubts of sending him onto a new mission, as he didn't completely trust him yet. In addition, X (or rather, a similar individual) also briefly appeared in Zero's nightmare where Zero ended up terminated by X, having become overzealous in hunting Mavericks.

Mega Man X8
Some time after the Red Alert incident, construction has begun on the Jakob Project, an orbital elevator that can take equipment and handwork to the moon where they seek to expand their horizons to space. One of the personnel transport carts explodes off the spiral track of the elevator and crashes down near the elevator site. X, who was tracking around the area, is the first to arrive. After requesting a rescue squad, a rising figure from the debris draws his attention. As many large bodies come into view, X's face changes into one of deep shock and fear at what he sees: an army of Sigmas climbing out of the wreckage.

A Reploid who was being protected by the Sigmas is revealed, as he explains the situation. The Sigmas within the transport are really some of the New Generation Reploids, able to use DNA data to change their shapes. They are the perfect workers because they can change their shape according to a task. The Reploid claims that their new systems make them immune to all viruses and going Maverick. X relaxes as he asks the identity of the young Reploid. He introduces himself as Lumine, the director in charge of the orbital elevator, and the Jakob Project itself.

A few hours after the crash, a Maverick riot near the elevator site in the Galapagos calls for X, Axl, and Zero in order to stop a unique crab-like Mechaniloid. They manage to defeat it, but are then interrupted by a hail of missiles from Vile, who has abducted Lumine for unknown reasons.

It is revealed Sigma is back again and is manipulating the New Generation Reploids to take over the world. After taking out eight Mavericks, X, Zero and Axl ascend the orbital elevator, defeat the New Generation Reploids and confront Sigma in his palace, defeating him. However, it is revealed that Lumine was behind the entire plot and says Sigma is now dead for good. After a fierce battle, Lumine is defeated, but not before knocking out Axl and leaving him comatose.

As the trio ride back down the elevator, X, with Axl in his arms, ponders on Lumine's words that all Reploids are destined to and will all go Maverick someday. Zero reassures him that they can fight their destiny.

Mega Man X: Command Mission
Some time after the discovery of Force Metal, Epsilon created a Reploid army in Giga City (a city built for Force Metal excavation). Epsilon fought for Reploid rights, but the Federation Government decided he was too dangerous. The Federation government sent the Maverick Hunters X, Zero, and a new character named Shadow to Giga City to defeat Epsilon and his "Rebellion Army". The three Hunters reach Epsilon, but Shadow betrays X and Zero and reveals that he is working for Epsilon. After an all out attack by the four Rebellion Army leaders, or "Cadres", X and Zero are separated.

X spends the rest of the game teaming up with the Resistance inside Giga City, and defeating the Rebellion Army Mavericks. He gains many new allies and also reunites with both Zero and Axl, who arrived in the city looking for some info on his copy powers (as Axl's Copy ability supposedly was developed there). After many intense battles, one which cost X's ally Spider his life, X engages Epsilon in battle. After his defeat, Colonel Redips, the Federation officer who commanded the Maverick Hunters in this mission appears before X and takes the "Supra-Force Metal" (which had the power to cause Maverick symptoms all over the world).

As X bids his new allies goodbye, Colonel Redips' gunship attack X and his friends, killing Chief R. Angered, X and his crew chase after Redips and engage him in battle where he reveals that he was Spider all along. Now equipped with two Supra-Force Metals, X and the others are no match for Great Redips. Thanks to Ferham, however, they manage to defeat him. After the battle Epsilon is cleared of his Maverick status and Colonel Redips is stated as the true Maverick mastermind in all official records.

The Elf Wars
Several years later after the events of the X series, X had ended the Maverick Wars with the help of the "Sigma Antibody Program", Mother Elf, a Cyber-elf created after Zero's body was analyzed and an Anti-Sigma virus vaccine was reverse engineered from it. Some time after this, Project Elpizo was proposed by a scientist called Dr. Weil to create a perfect ruler to control all Reploids without having to risk them going Maverick. X disagreed with the nature of the project, believing that Reploids and humans are fully capable of co-existing with each other peacefully. As a result, Dr. Weil altered the Mother Elf, turning her into the Dark Elf, and stole Zero's original body to create Omega, starting the "Elf Wars". Zero's "mind and soul" were placed into a new body, and he fought alongside X to defeat Omega. For the damages Omega and Weil had caused, Weil was modified into a cyborg and banished into the wasteland and Omega was sentenced to perpetual exile in Earth's orbit. After this war, Zero sealed himself again, and X founded Neo Arcadia.

Neo Arcadia era
X became the leader of Neo Arcadia, overseeing the welfare of both humans and reploids for an undisclosed long period of time. Weary of his long life of countless battles without an ending in sight, as well as fearing that he will eventually lose himself and become worse than the enemies he faced (a hint of when in the ending of X4, he asked Zero that if he ever went Maverick, Zero had to take care of him), X retired from his duties as leader of Neo Arcadia.

Afterwards, seeing how all the attempts to seal the Dark Elf away was not working due to its immense powers, X decided to use his own body as a seal for the Dark Elf within Yggdrasil so that it could never escape and wreak havoc on the world. However, the burden of becoming the seal caused his mind to be removed from his body as a cyber elf. Despite this, the power X had from his "limitless" potential caused him to split four other parts of himself along with his DNA, which had formed the Four Guardians, whom had also chosen to protect X's body. From then on, X continued to exist to watch over Neo Arcadia as a cyber elf, unknown to everyone. It is unknown how, but X was in possession of Zero's Z-Saber, in spite of being a cyber elf. It could be assumed that X might have taken Zero's weapon with him as a memento of his old friend.

Due to his disappearance, a young genius named Ciel created a copy version of him to fulfill the role of the leader of Neo Arcadia. While Copy X had at first completed his duty as leader rather well, much to X's horror Copy X started using extreme measures against Reploids to ensure peace for humans. Copy X's rule was the exact opposite of what X himself would have done due to how it went against his nature or dream of Reploids and humans co-existing peacefully together.

When Ciel created a Resistance to oppose Neo Arcadia and Copy X, X believes that they could not win, what with the Four Guardians now serving Copy X. It is then assumed that X sent Ciel the necessary information that would help her find the only one who he knew would step in to help save them: Zero.

Mega Man Zero
X first appears as a mysterious image in a computer during a resurrected Zero's battle against a Golem, and gives the Z-Saber to him which destroyed the Golem in one hit. Zero then heads to the Resistance Base with Ciel.

After Zero completed missions for the Resistance, X appears at the Resistance Base after surviving its second siege. He reveals that he disabled the protection programs to Neo Arcadia's inner sanctums, stating that it was difficult to break through and took time. He then left, but not before giving a cryptic clue to his true identity, something that both Zero and Ciel picked up on. It was here that X also displayed a sign of ruthlessness and disappointment in his copy's tyrannical actions and cruelty, demanding Zero to "terminate the copy of me with extreme prejudice."

Zero later learns that the X that rules over the world is a fake, built by Ciel because the real X went missing. This Copy X however believes he is far superior in every way than the original ever was. He then proceeds to fight Zero. After the first round of their battle, Zero tells Copy X, "I may have lost my memory, but my body seems to remember... that the original X was mightier than you..."

Angered due to the firm belief that he was superior to both X and Zero as a hero, Copy X transforms into his final form to battle Zero once more.



After Zero ultimately defeats him, Copy X questions once more on how he could be defeated, Zero then remembers something from his memories of the real X: "I've just remembered something... He was not as naive as you are. That's what made him a hero." This angered Copy X even more, causing him to try and take Zero with him by self-destructing. As Zero attempted to escape, the Cyber Elf of X followed, and likely protected Zero from being destroyed from the explosion.

Lying in the desert after narrowly escaping Copy X's suicide attack, Zero sees the Cyber-elf X, who now reveals himself in his ethereal form. He tells Zero of what had happened after Zero had disappeared and how X began to slowly lose himself from all the battles fought from there. X then tells his friend that he is tired of fighting and wants to rest for a while. He requests Zero to take his place as the defender of both humans and Reploids and leaves the world in Zero's care for now, to which Zero says that he'd be happy to take up his old friend's request, saying that that's what makes them the best of partners.

Mega Man Zero 2
X first appears after Zero defeats Hyleg Ourobockle. He tells Zero that the "Baby Elves" will do anything to reunite with their mother, the Dark Elf. "Stir the humans' minds and bring chaos... It's all to meet their mother, the Dark Elf.... The Dark Elf that I sealed..." Upon saying this X disappears.

Later in the game Elpizo succeeds in stealing the Baby Elves. Elpizo then heads to break the seal of the Dark Elf. X appears before Zero yet again and tells him that the Dark Elf is responding to her children. Fearing the worst he tells Zero to finish off Elpizo quickly, leaving Zero to wonder exactly what the Dark Elf is and why the name sounds so familiar.



While Zero was fighting many battles in Neo Arcadia, X was holding Elpizo back from the Dark Elf. After these battles, Zero arrives at the tower where X's body rests. Zero arrives before Elpizo can break the seal but Elpizo uses his power to trap Zero in an energy field. He then forces Zero to watch as he stabs X's body with his beam rapier, destroying X's body and awakening the Dark Elf.

The two Baby Elves fly to their mother and all three enter Elpizo's body. After an intense fight Zero emerges victorious. The Dark Elf, her curse fading only for a moment, showers the dying Elpizo with her power, turning him into a Cyber-elf and saving his life. As soon as she flees, X appears one more time and says, "She wasn't always called the 'Dark Elf'... When she was born, she had a mission to save the world, and she had another name. However, when her ability became a threat, they began to call her the 'Dark Elf'... Since someone called Dr. Weil placed a curse on her..." The game ends with Zero declaring that he knows her, and somewhere miles away a mysterious man talking about "Omega's Awakening".

Mega Man Zero 3
Even though his body was destroyed in the previous game, X still appears to give Zero and the Resistance help. When Zero battles the rebuilt Copy X, the real X appears and reveals that Dr. Weil is only using Copy X so he can gain power. Dr. Weil placed a trap on Copy X that would destroy him if he transformed into his ultimate battle form. As X tried to tell Copy X this, Copy X wouldn't listen, his hatred and anger kept increasing. After losing to Zero, Copy X eventually did transform into his final form which resulted in his death. Weil then spoke to the Neo Arcadian nation and told the people that Copy X was killed by the Resistance. It was then that Weil assumed command of Neo Arcadia and promised to wipe the Resistance out. X considered telling Zero about Omega's connection to him, but decided not to, as the time wasn't right. However, he nonetheless cryptically remarks that its "the heart that counts, not the body".

Once the Resistance discovers the rest of info about the Elf Wars, Dr. Weil uses the Dark Elf's powers to control every Reploid on the earth including all Resistance members. As the resistance soldiers move in on both Ciel and Zero, X appears. Using his powers to disable the power of the Dark Elf, X manages to break the mass mind control, but only in the Resistance base. The rest of the world is still under Weil's control. Zero heads to Weil's base to put a stop to his plans.

Eventually Zero battles against Omega and discovers that Omega is his true, original body and he is just a copy. However X appears one last time and reveals that while Omega is the real Zero's body, Zero's heart, soul, and memories are in the copy body he has been using. Essentially meaning Zero is still the real Zero, just in a different body. X also reveals that he and Zero fought against and defeated Omega a century ago. Zero eventually defeats Omega, but X's last words reveal he spent most of his energy and does not have much time left. Before he leaves he tells Zero "I want to leave this world in your care. The threat Weil represents has not left this world. I want you... to protect humans and Reploids." After he tells this to Zero, he says, "You can do it, Zero..." and passes away.

He also leaves with him the memories of what happened in the closing events of the Elf Wars, according to the Drama Track Retrospect I, The Elf Wars.

Mega Man Zero 4 and Vile's Incident
X does not appear in Mega Man Zero 4. It is assumed that his life force faded away based on his comments in Zero 3, thus returning to cyberspace. However, he is referred to by Zero after defeating Craft a second time.

A picture released with Vile's Incident showed X along with the Four Guardians watching the destruction of Ragnarok at the end of Mega Man Zero 4. However this was revealed to be non-canon in an interview with series artist Toru Nakayama in the Mega Man Zero Official Complete Works artbook.

Mega Man ZX
X reappears in the form of Biometal Model X, which contains the "soul" of X. Model X is the first biometal that can be used by protagonists Vent/Aile, which they use to Megamerge to form Mega Man Model X. Possibly because of its origins, the other Biometals seem to know and show loyalty to it. Later on, Model X is used as a template to combine with a second Biometal, which allows the protagonists to Double Megamerge with other Biometals.

Mega Man ZX Advent
Model X, alongside Model Z, reappear in this game and are still in Vent/Aile possession. Years after the events of Mega Man ZX, they are searching and destroying Model Ws to end the Game of Destiny. The group then finds Grey/Ashe along with Model A while finding a Model W on a Quarry and end up fighting due to a misunderstanding for the intentions with the Model W, both parts thinking that they where there trying to retrieve it rather than destroy it. After Ouroborous starts falling apart, Model X stays behind while Model Z decides to take down the enemy Mega Men by himself, and helps Aile/Vent rescue Grey/Ashe, who fainted after the battle against Master Albert.

Specifications
X's specifications.

Height: 160 cm (5 ft. 3 in.) (165 cm [5 ft. 5 in.] in Mega Man X: Command Mission)

Weight: 57 kg (125.7 lbs)

A.I. age: 14–15 years old (To Note: Only at the time of his awakening. X matures as time passes, like all reploids.)

Armor part: Head part: Body part: Arms part: Legs part:
 * Interior Skeleton: Reactive Super-flexible Armoured Skeleton which reduces 93 percent of damage.
 * Body Skin: Lightweight "Titanium-X" alloy.
 * Broad-range Eye Camera: X can see at a far higher "framerate" than that of the human eye.
 * Ultra-sensitive Voice Recognition System: Can hear a far broader spectrum of sounds than the normal human ear can.
 * Voice Generation Device: Made by HAYATOM Inc. (MOKUOO Inc. in Japanese version) X's voice is synthesized from this system.
 * Accumulative Energy Generation Device: Stores solar energy. This primary power supply generates both the necessary energy to fuel all of X's systems, and enough for a secondary supply that can be used in areas where collecting solar energy becomes impossible.
 * Ultra-Compact Fuel Tank: A large quantity of (Micro-Fusion) fuel is stored in an ultra-compact tank, in order for X to be active when in dark places- such as underground or underwater. This becomes his power source if his accumulated solar energy runs out.
 * Central Control System: X's second "brain", which controls the exact movements of his whole body.
 * X-Buster (Mega Buster Mark 17): X's most powerful weapon. Converts solar energy into a high powered beam. When not in use, the X-buster forms a hand.
 * Energy Amplification Device: Amplifies stored energy to release a more powerful charge shot.
 * Variable Weapon System: Can use weapons or systems copied from other robots or Reploids through some unknown process. In some media, this is shown to be X either copying a Reploid's DNA data or taking a chip from their remains.
 * Can be detached at will, as demonstrated by X in the Day of Sigma OAV late into the film.
 * Full Auto Balancer (Gyroscopic Stabilization System): Can land cleanly in any area, from any kind of state.
 * Emergency Acceleration System: Accelerate in a blink of an eye, can run (dash) at enormous speed. Originally an upgrade available through an armour piece, X seems to have internalized this upgrade to be used at any time.

Power and Abilities
Being a robot, X possesses strength, speed, endurance and other abilities well above the normal human capacity, although his physical limits are never revealed in the games. He can performs various specially defaulted actions like Dash, Wall Kick and Air Dash. He also has upgrades in which completed set are armors. The true scope of X's abilities are constantly under speculation by many of the characters in the series. X seems to constantly change and evolve. In many instances he seems to draw on some unknown power within himself. Both Dr. Cain who examined X as well as Sigma who is obsessed with X and Zero's capabilities don't understand a large portion of how both Hunter's internal systems work. What is known is that these hidden abilities make X immune to the Maverick Virus and let him match any opponent. It is also likely that the armor that Dr. Light left him may be tools that allow X to slightly tap into his "limitless potential". It can then be assumed that X's true power is capable of release only on his standard frame. However, this only happened during X's fight with Sigma in the last chapter of "The Day of Σ", and only for a moment due to the damage received from Sigma.


 * Plasma Shot: The X-Buster, focuses solar energy from X's fusion reactor into a plasma bullet that causes physical damage upon impact.


 * Variable Weapon System: Like the original Mega Man before him, X has the ability to adapt the weapons systems of powerful Reploids that he has defeated into weapons he can use. These weapons come in many varieties, often providing additional mobility as well as offense. Of course, the Mega Man series convention of janken applies, and each boss character is weak to a different boss character's copied weapon.


 * Upgrades: X can take on various upgrades like X's armors, chips to complete an armor set, significantly increase his power at an instance, with none or little drawbacks. Complete armors can perform powerful Giga Attacks.


 * Giga Attack: Since Mega Man X2, every game except X3 has a Giga Attack for most of X's armors. Most Giga Attacks starts at full gauge when entering any stage and the only way to refill its energy is by taking enemy hits and/or attacks. Also, Giga attacks usually freeze all action as X attacks all enemies that are on-screen.

Comparison with classic Mega Man
Mega Man X incorporates some abilities that in the classic series had to be acquired as separate parts.
 * Energy Balancer (originally introduced in Mega Man 6)
 * Exit Unit (originally introduced in Mega Man 7)
 * Auto Charge (from Mega Man X5 onwards) (originally introduced in Mega Man 8)
 * Rapid Shot (from Mega Man X5 onwards) (originally introduced in Mega Man 8)

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
X appears in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as a collectible ability card in the free DLC mode, Heroes and Heralds; his primary ability is to grant players a fixed amount of Hyper Combo Gauge when knocking out an opponent (based on his growth ability) and his secondary effect grants players an air dash (based on recurring leg part upgrades). Zero also briefly alludes to X in one of his win quotes, snidely comparing Hawkeye to X both in cunning and in the fact that he lost to Zero. He also appears in DLC as a replacement for Zero (though Zero's moves and animations all still apply) and as a costume for Frank West.

Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite
X is set to appear as himself in Marvel Vs Capcom Infinite as a playable character.

The demo takes place in a merged world of X's and Asgard called XGard - Bifrost Bridge. While everyone else is fulfilling their mission to retrieve a special person who knows about the Infinity Stones (Thanos), X and Thor are fighting against Ultron Sigma's army of XGardians and Drones. Both men lamented on the damage Ultron Sigma has done overall. When Ultron Sigma finally appears, the team try to take him on, but to no successful avail. Captain America tried to boost X up for a direct attack on Sigma, but Sigma easily blocked it and knocked X down. Ultron Sigma was about to slice a downed X, but Iron Man blasts Ultron Sigma on time, only for Iron Man to get knocked down. With the team assembled, Doctor Strange creates a portal to escape.

The team regroups at the Avengers' Tower to discuss their plan of attack. With Thanos in their captivity, they use his information to track down the four other Infinity Stones, spread across various parts of the merged universes. X is assigned to locate the Power Stone, which is powering the core of Knowmoon. With Rocket Raccoon, the two advance to retrieve the stone while Strider Hiryu and Gamora serve as a distraction, but before they can go any further, they are confronted by a reprogrammed Zero. They manage to defeat him, undoing the rewriting altogether, though they stay behind to tend to his battle damage while the others go to confront the one ruling Knowmoon, Grandmaster Meio. X, Rocket and Zero soon arrive after his defeat. After taking a look at the monitor, X discovers that the core contains the Sigma Virus itself, doubling as a possible weapon. Though X is ordered to take the Power Stone, he hesitates, but Rocket takes it immediately without a second thought. Unfortunately, this causes the core to dislodge from the moon and on a collision course for New Metro City where the rest of the heroes are fighting. Despite the combined efforts of X, Nova and Captain Marvel, they are unable to damage it or slow its descent and are forced to retreat to Avengers' Tower. Thanos hatches a plan to kill two birds with one stone. He teaches Iron Man, X and Zero how to harness the Mind, Time and Power Stones acquired to destroy both the Moon and the symbiote monster plaguing the city. Though they succeed, the destruction of the moon releases the Sigma Virus with the heroes at the epicenter of it, infecting everyone. They consult Dr. Light, but he is unable to deduce a way to slow or halt the process, the only possible solution being the destruction of Ultron Sigma himself. Reunited, X and Zero gear up together for the fight ahead while Iron Man and Thanos get to work on building a weapon that could deal a decisive blow to the robot tyrant.

Taking the fight to XGard once more, X, Zero and the others manage to finally break into the stronghold to confront Ultron Sigma in his lair, but not before they have to deal with a Sigma Virus-infected Thor.

Project X Zone
X appears in the Capcom, Sega and Namco Bandai crossover game as a playable character alongside Zero. He, along with Zero and Vile, makes his debut in the game in Chapter 20 on the Cyberspace battle map. Tron Bonne mistakes him for Mega Man Volnutt at first.

X uses Nova Strike alongside Zero's Rakuhouha while donning the Ultimate Armor for his unit's finisher attack, and uses Hadouken alongside Zero's Genmurei for his multiple assault attack, which is learned by the pair at some point during Chapter 29. X also uses the final level charge shots from X3 and X4, respectively.

Other moves X uses in the game include Tornado Fang, Rising Fire, Storm Tornado, Frost Tower, Twin Slasher, Triad Thunder, Spin Wheel, Double Cyclone and Nova Strike. All of X's charge moves and special abilities (i.e. hovering) which previously had weapon energy limits and/or were armor exclusive are used in his base form.

Project X Zone 2
X returns for the sequel, along with Zero. Again the party meets them in Cyberspace, and the Maverick Hunters apparently know Captain Commando and his unit's efforts in maintaining peace across the galaxy.

Other appearances

 * In Rockman Tennis, X is a secret playable character.
 * X appears in Zero's ending along with Axl and Alia in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All Stars.
 * X appears in the background of the Running Battle mode from Pocket Fighter.
 * X appears in Rockman Xover as the first hero that OVER-1 must rescue.
 * X appears in all games from the SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters series.
 * In the Capcom survival-horror game, Dead Rising, X appears, though only as a costume unlockable by meeting certain conditions in the game. The main character, Frank West, also dons this costume for his "Real Mega Buster" attack in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars and in other games. The same costume is unlockable in the PS3 release of Capcom's third-person shooter Lost Planet: Extreme Condition.
 * In Dead Rising 3, players can unlock Mega Man X's First Armor after clearing the game once. Unlike the costume from the first game, this armor features devastating Charge Shots that explode on contact. The non-charged shots themselves are capable of destroying vehicles in only two shots.
 * X appears in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U as part of Mega Man's Final Smash, alongside MegaMan.EXE, Mega Man Volnutt, and Mega Man from the Star Force series. He also appears as a collectible trophy.
 * X also appeared in Street Fighter × All Capcom.

Appearances in other media
X appears in the Mega Man cartoon, in the last issue of the Mega Man comic book by Dreamwave Productions, in the Rockman X manga, Irregular Hunter Rockman X, the Novas Aventuras de Megaman comic book, and the Rockman X Carddass series, including Rockman X Mega Mission. X also had several action figures, most of them being part of the Mega Armor series released by Bandai.

Though he doesn't appear in person, X's creation is vaguely mentioned in the Mega Man Megamix manga during the "Holiday of Soldiers" chapter when Dr. Light stays behind to work on a "legacy for the future". Similarly, X's future creation is referred to in issue #5 of the Mega Man comic book by Archie Comics when Dr. Light and Mega Man discuss free will, during which Dr. Light comments on one day capturing the "x-factor" and creating a robot with true free will.

Mega Man
In the Mega Man cartoon series by Ruby-Spears, X appears in the episode "Mega X", and is voiced by Michael Donovan. In this cartoon, X came from the future to stop Vile and Spark Mandrill from stealing rods of Lightanium for Sigma, which is worth billions in his time. His appearance was evidently different from the games; the trim on his helm is white, his neck is exposed, he is extremely tall, his armor is relatively less detailed, his forehead gem is larger, his eyes are smaller, and his voice is deeper.

In this incarnation he is portrayed very differently from his game's counterpart; he is shown to destroy anything to get rid of Mavericks, no matter what the cost, and could easily be considered quite the opposite of a pacifist in combat. He is also obscenely powerful, easily eclipsing Dr. Wily's robots and Mega Man himself, though Vile and Spark Mandrill are able to fight him on more equal terms due to also coming from the future. The scene in which X is introduced is more or less a showcase of his abilities: he is shown destroying entire sections of landscape with a single X Buster shot, moving so fast he can't be seen, leaping dozens of meters through the air, and shrugging off hits that would have destroyed other robots.

However, he is shown to eventually revert to a more peace-loving attitude; asking out loud if the fighting would ever end, with Mega Man taking the part of Zero encouraging him, and using the less destructive Search Snake instead of his own weapon to destroy Dr. Wily's Super Blaster.

Music


Trivia

 * The original Mega Man and Mega Man X aren't the same robot.
 * In Mega Man X4, X has attained the rank of Commander in the Maverick Hunters.
 * However, in X5, X has been demoted to Captain.
 * In the original concept for Mega Man Zero, the main villain was the real Mega Man X instead of Copy X.
 * This was foreshadowed in X's ending of Mega Man X4, where he asks Zero to "take care of him if he ever went Maverick".
 * This is also foreshadowed in Zero's ending of Mega Man X7, where Zero dreams of seeing X, face hidden in shadow, aiming his X-Buster at him atop a pile of dead Reploids, babbling "Eliminate the Mavericks!" and firing just as Zero wakes up. Zero comments that he HOPES it was a dream.
 * Throughout the Rockman X manga, X never appeared without his helmet, although he proved he was at least able to remove it, doing so offscreen when equipping his new helmet. In the compilation of the Rockman X4 manga, X is shown without his helmet, although his head is obscurred by lighting effects.
 * In the Rockman X manga, X is the only Reploid physically capable of producing tears when saddened. X is often seen crying when forced to resort to destroying a maverick or unable to save those close to him.
 * X has blue eyes in the first four games, although they are green in the concept art. His eyes are green on the other games.
 * However, X's eyes appeared as blue in the Zero series.
 * In Mega Man's ending from Mega Man: The Power Battle, Dr. Light says that like humans, robots have to determine what is right and wrong by themselves, and need to research more on A.I. program. The research mentioned could be the result of X's creation.
 * In the original Mega Man X game, Zero and X have a student/mentor relationship with Zero helping and encouraging X throughout the game. While the two become equals and good friends in the following games, the Zero series reverses this relationship and has X become the mentor to an amnesiac Zero.
 * Although X and Zero aren't technically Reploids (as the term was possibly coined several years after their creation), they are known as such because the term Reploid is used as a blanket-term all robots with human-like artificial intelligence. For instance, in some crossover games Zero calls Roll a "housekeeping Reploid" and the Servbots "Reploid-wannabe servants".
 * X is considered the 'father' of all Reploids, as he was one of the first robots with a "human-like" A.I. created, and Dr. Cain used him as basis for his first Reploid.
 * X is also considered the "biological father" of the Four Guardians, as they were born from X's DNA.
 * One of Zero's alternate colors in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds resembles X. However, in the games updated version, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds, it was revealed that X himself was the DLC costume for Zero. Because of this, the X alternate color was removed, in favor of his First Armor color scheme instead.
 * In Mega Man X4, X had the same English voice actress as the original Mega Man from Mega Man 8, Ruth Shiraishi.
 * The only explanation could be that they thought Mega Man and Mega Man X where the same character, only grown up.
 * In the comic series "FoxTrot", Marcus Jones once dressed up as Mega Man X for a Halloween party that ended up having all of the food eaten (presumably by Jason Fox, who was wearing a Jabba outfit).
 * X has a cameo appearance in the Brazilian comic Avaturma.
 * In Mega Man Zero 2, when the original body of X is destroyed, one who watches carefully will see that X's arms break off before the seal breaks and the explosion follows.
 * The Hadoken and Shoryuken are one hit KO abilities if used on bosses (shown in Mega Man X & its remake Mega Man Maverick Hunter X, as well as in Mega Man X2). X's Hadouken is Ryu's Hadouken due to its single hitting nature and capability of knocking down opponents upon contact, and his Shoryuken is Ken Master's fierce Shoryuken due to its multi-hitting property and burning fist aesthetic present in the animation. The Shoryuken however leaves X completely helpless if he goes over the platform, and lands on a bed of spikes or a bottomless pit.
 * X appears to hold feelings for the Medic-turned-Pirate Queen Marty in the Rockman X manga. Marty appears to share these feelings, but seems much more reluctant to express them.
 * Statistically, his buster is three times stronger than the original Mega Man's. However, in the cartoon series, it was shown to be about five times stronger.
 * X makes a cameo appearance in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U where he was summoned alongside Mega Man Volnutt, MegaMan.EXE and Mega Man Star Force as part of the classic Mega Man's Final Smash.
 * Just like his predecessor, X has a few doppelgangers: iX, X-Kai and Copy X.