Zero's Techniques
Each time you defeat a stage boss with Zero, Zero receives a new technique that can be used at any time during the game. Each technique will add to his skills and enable him to perform special moves as well as new attacks.
Some techniques will drain weapon energy, while others can be used an unlimited amount of times. Keep in mind that the first list of techniques are gained in Zero's mode, the second list can be used after X's mode or in Extreme mode.
 |
Z-Saber/Beam Saber | Gained from: N/A |
|---|---|---|
| Zero will has his trusty Beam Saber (aka Z-Saber) as his primary weapon. While standing still, Zero can perform a quick three-strike slash attack that can cause heavy damage to most enemies in the game. The only disadvantage is that you'll have to be very close to a target to hit it, but the Saber is deadly and destroys most non-boss enemies with a few strikes. As well as utilizing the Beam Saber, Zero will also be able to use effective special attacks gained from defeated bosses. |
 |
| Many of Zero's techniques will require special button combinations to be used, and will involve the use of the normal fire button for the Beam Saber (B), the jump button (A) and the directional-pad. Some techniques can be used an unlimited amount of times while others will drain weapon energy when used. |
| Zero Final technique | |
|---|---|
 |
Zero Final Select this from the sub-screen. (Uses weapon energy) You'll receive this special technique once you find the capsule upgrade for the X-Buster. This technique uses up a lot of weapon energy, so only use it if you absolutely have to. Once selected from the sub-screen, Zero will dash forward with his Beam Saber extended, then if he hits an enemy, he'll fly straight up the screen, performing an uppercut swipe. Any enemies caught in the fire will be destroyed. |
| Zero's mode techniques | |
|---|---|
 |
Earth Gaizer Select this from the sub-screen. (Uses weapon energy) The Earth Gaizer is gained once Blast Hornet is defeated. This technique causes Zero to punch the ground where he's standing, then a huge wave of minor explosions will sweep across the screen from left to right, destroying or heavily damaging any enemies caught in the blast on-screen. |
 |
Drill Crush After jumping up, press and hold down, then press fire (B) to perform the attack. (Does not use weapon energy) The Drill Crush is gained once you defeat Tunnel Rhino. This technique allows Zero to perform a downward drill-stab attack. You'll need to be very close to an enemy to hit them, so practice will be needed before mastering this technique. Usually causing heavy damage or destruction to a target, this is an effective attack. |
 |
Lightning Select this from the sub-screen. (Uses weapon energy) The Lightning technique is gained once Wire Sponge is defeated. This technique causes Zero to summon several electric bolts that streak down from the top of the screen and can destroy or heavily damage targets they strike. The positioning of the bolts seems to be random so it might be difficult to hit specific target, but they usually drop down near Zero. |
 |
Dash Select this from the sub-screen. (Uses weapon energy) The Dash technique is gained once you defeat Overdrive Ostrich. This technique causes Zero to dash straight out in front of his current position with his Beam Saber extended, allowing him to destroy any targets in the fire range. When you select it from the sub-screen, all the enemies on-screen will freeze while Zero performs the attack so any in range will be trapped. Once the attack finishes, Zero will return to the position he started from. |
| Extra techniques | |
|---|---|
| You'll only be able to use these following techniques if you've played through X's mode first and then through Zero's straight after, or if you beat X's bosses in Extreme mode with Zero. | |
 |
Rising Hold up while standing still then press attack (B). (Does not use weapon energy) The Rising technique is gained once you defeat Neon Tiger. This technique will allow Zero to perform an upward slice attack which can damage or destroy any targets above him. You'll need to get close to successfully hit the target, so try to avoid taking damage yourself. |
 |
Fish Fang Jump up, then while holding up, press attack (B). (Uses weapon energy) The Fish Fang is gained once Launch Octopus is defeated. This technique will allow Zero to fire out two small missile-type projectiles while jumping. The two missiles will fly down from Zero on a diagonal path, so it'll be good for striking enemies below Zero or ones in awkward positions. |
 |
Fire Wave While standing still, press and hold down while pressing attack (B). (Uses weapon energy) The Fire Wave is gained once Flame Mammoth is defeated. This technique allows Zero to fire out six large fire-balls which will burn any enemies in their path. You can also use this attack while in the air, if you do a small fireball will fly out and hit the ground, then the larger flames will appear. |
 |
Tri-Thunder Select this from the sub-screen. (Uses weapon energy) The Tri-Thunder is gained once you defeat Volt Catfish. This technique will cause Zero to punch the ground, then several large electric balls will fly out from that point into the air in different directions. Any enemies caught in the range of fire will be either destroyed or heavily damaged. |