| This list only covers the original Mega Man series. For Special Weapons in the Mega Man X series, see X's weaponry. For Special Weapons in the Mega Man Legends series, see MegaMan Volnutt's equipment. |
List of Special Weapons and similar items in the original Mega Man series.
Main list[]
Default sorting is by serial bosses.
Sort the table by trajectory or by effect to see at a glance weapons with similar characteristics.
Others[]
- See also: Transport items
This section is about other weapons and items available in the Weapon Select Screen like special weapons that are not associated with any boss. Some of them have no attack function, and a few do not even need energy.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The colors are only reflected in artworks.
- ↑ The colors are only displayed on the screen when obtaining weapon.
- ↑ Rush Coil and Rush Jet will not change appearance in Mega Man 7 and Mega Man 11.
Trajectory keywords[]
Along floor[]
The projectile follows surfaces and goes down along vertical steps: Bubble Lead (MM2), Water Wave (MM5), Wind Storm (MM6), and Ice Wave (MM8).
- Search Snake (MM3) and Wheel Cutter (MM10) can also climb up walls.
- Napalm Bomb (MM5) travels a short distance, then explodes.
- Scorch Wheel (MM7) can be held on Mega Man by holding the "shoot" button.
- Wild Coil (MM7) shoots two coils that jump along the floor.
- Plug Ball (MM9) can travel along walls and ceilings as well.
- Ice Wall (MM&B) must be pushed forward.
- Scramble Thunder (MM11) is similar to Plug Ball except that it can be shot upwards.
Arc[]
The projectile follows an arc, going up at first, then coming down: Screw Crusher (MMw3 & MM10) Water Balloon (MM8), and Mine Sweeper (SFxMM).
- Hyper Bomb (MM1) is harmless until it explodes.
- Super Arm (MM1) throws a boulder that splits into four large chunks when it touches anything.
- Nuclear Detonator (DOS) explodes after 2 seconds. It can also be detonated early.
- Water Shooter (DOS3) shoots 3 balls of water that arc downward at different angles.
- Flame Blast (MM6) creates a flame pillar when it touches the floor or a wall.
- Salt Water (MMw5) splits into smaller drops that travel in a second arc.
- Tropical Hazard (SFxMM) works like a balloon, that can be pushed around, then kicked straight or in an arc.
- Chill Spike (MM10) leaves ice spikes on the floor or wall, when the projectile touches them.
- Blazing Torch (MM11) launches a ball of fire diagonally into the air, which then shoots diagonally down.
- Acid Barrier (MM11) allows Mega Man to shoot acid projectiles that travel in an arc, as long as the barrier is up.
Barrier[]
A circular barrier rotates around Mega Man until it damages an enemy or absorbs a projectile: Skull Barrier (MM4), and Plant Barrier (MM6).
- Fire Storm (MM1): The barrier lasts as long as the Fire Storm projectile is on screen.
- Leaf Shield (MM2): The barrier lasts as long as Mega Man doesn't move, then it's shot in any direction.
- Force Field (DOS): The barrier can absorb any amount of projectiles, and it can be activated and deactivated by pressing the "shoot" button. If Mega Man makes contact with an enemy that isn't defeated in a single hit, the barrier deactivates.
- Star Crash (MM5): The barrier can be shot forward by pressing "shoot" again.
- Junk Shield (MM7): The barrier can absorb several hits, and it can also be shot away by presing "shoot" again.
- Flame Mixer (R&FWS): The barrier lasts as long as the "shoot" button is held. Once released it is shot upwards.
- Jewel Satellite (MM9): The barrier lasts as long as it absorbs less damage than it can by max, or player switches to menu.
- Water Shield (MM10): The barrier has eight bubbles, which each present 1 absorbed hit. Bubbles can be shot by pressing "shoot" again.
- Soul Satellite (SFxMM): Allows to shoot while the barrier is active.
- Acid Barrier (MM11): Unlike the previous Barrier weapons, Mega Man is covered in an acid bubble that shrinks for a few seconds. The barrier also absorbs projectiles and redirects them back towards enemies.
See also: #Shield.
Body contact[]
Mega Man deals damage to the enemies upon touching them, instead of getting damaged.
- Top Spin (MM3): Press "shoot" in mid-air.
- Sakugarne (MMw2): Jump on top of enemies to damage them.
- Charge Kick (MM5): Press down and "shoot" to slide, or perform a regular slide with the aforementioned weapon chosen.
- Break Dash (MMw5) and Doppel Crash (R&FWS): Press and hold "shoot", then release to dash forward.
- Doppler Attack (R&FWS): Lets you fly around the stage, dealing damage upon touching enemies.
- Tengu Blade (MM&B): Replaces the regular slide.
- Pile Driver (MM11): Performs an air dash (can also be used on the ground).
Boomerang[]
The projectile travels a limited distance, then comes back. This limit is always compensated by an extra feature.
- Rolling Cutter (MM1) has a wide trajectory.
- Quick Boomerang (MM2) has the added effect of rapid fire.
- Shadow Blade (MM3) can be fired in multiple directions.
- Shark Boomerang (DOS3) can pierce through shields.
- Mega Arm (MMw5) can be upgraded.
- Knight Crusher (MM6) has a wide trajectory and can be fired in multiple directions.
- Ring Boomerang (MMw4), Thunder Claw (MM8), and Magic Card (MM&B) have the added effect of grabbing items.
- Super Adapter (MM7) homes in on enemies.
Delay[]
- Hyper Bomb (MM1): The projectile is harmless, but after a while it explodes.
- Crash Bomber (MM2): When the projectile is attached to a wall, it explodes after a couple of seconds. It explodes immediately if it hits an enemy it has no effect on.
- Photon Missile (MMw5), Hard Knuckle (MM3), and Super Arrow (MM5): The projectile stays in place for a while, then shoots straightforward.
- Chain Blast (MM11): After it attaches to an enemy, it explodes after 3 seconds.
Front & back[]
Mega Man shoots two projectiles, one forward and the other one backwards: Wild Coil (MM7) and Bounce Ball (enhanced by Power Gear) (MM11).
Full screen[]
- The attack hits all enemies on screen: Rain Flush (MM4), Gravity Hold (MM5), Centaur Flash (MM6), Black Hole (MMw5), Astro Crush (MM8), Lightning Bolt (MM&B), Tornado Blow (MM9), and Tundra Storm (enhanced by Power Gear) (MM11).
- The attack paralyzes or slows down all enemies, but it deals no damage: Time Stopper (MM2), Flash Stopper (MM4), Time Switch / Time Bomb (R&FWS), and Time Slow (MM1P).
Homing[]
The projectile automatically goes after the nearest enemy: Dive Missile (MM4), Spark Chaser (MMw5), Homing Sniper (MM8), Forte Vulcan (R&FWS), and Hornet Chaser (MM9).
- Magnet Missile (MM3) is shot straightforward, and it turns vertically once when aligned to an enemy.
- Super Adapter (MM7) requires Hyper Rocket Buster upgrade to receive homing capability.
- Beat (MM5 & MM6) goes after nearby enemies by itself once called down.
Multi-direction[]
By pressing the directional pad, the projectile is shot in a different direction.
- Thunder Beam (MM1) shoots automatically in 3 directions at once (forward, up and down), without need to press the direction button.
- Metal Blade (MM2) can be shot in 5 directions: forward, up, down, fwd-up, fwd-down.
- Leaf Shield (MM2) can be shot in 3 directions: forward, up, down.
- Shadow Blade (MM3) can be shot in 3 directions (forward, up, fwd-up), but it has limited range.
- Pharaoh Shot (MM4) can be shot in 3 directions (forward, fwd-up, fwd-down), but it can also be charged up above Mega Man's head.
- Ballade Cracker (MMw4) can be shot in 4 directions: forward, up, fwd-up, fwd-down.
- Knight Crusher (MM6) can be shot in 3 directions: forward, fwd-up, fwd-down.
- Danger Wrap (MM7) can be shot in 4 directions: forward (parabolic), up, down, fwd-up (parabolic).
- Freeze Cracker (MM7) can be shot in 3 directions: forward, fwd-up, fwd-down.
- Rebound Striker (MM10) can be shot in 3 directions: forward, fwd up, fwd-down
- Bass Buster (MM&B, MM10) can be shot in 4 directions: forward, up, fwd-up, fwd-down.
- Forte Vulcan (R&FWS) can be shot in 4 directions (forward, up, fwd-up, fwd-down), after which it homes in on the nearest enemy.
- Magic Card (MM&B) can be shot in 2 directions: forward, up.
- Yoga Inferno (SFxMM) can be shot in 3 directions (forward, up, down) and allows for rapid fire, but it has limited range.
- Bounce Ball (MM11) can be shot in 3 directions: forward, fwd-up, fwd-down.
Parabolic[]
The projectile travels in an arc upwards: Air Shooter (MM2), Silver Tomahawk (MM6), Danger Wrap (MM7), Rock'n Vulcan (R&FWS), and Thunder Wool (MM10).
Rebound[]
The projectile bounces against walls, and can hit enemies in different locations.
- Gemini Laser (MM3), Sonic Wave (DOS), and Mega Ball (MM8) bounce at 45 degrees against walls, floors and ceilings.
- Crystal Eye (MM5) splits into three shards that bounce against walls, floors and ceilings.
- Noise Crush (MM7) bounces horizontally back towards Mega Man.
- Rebound Striker (MM10) can bounce off walls a total of five times before it disappears, and each bounce increases the projectile's power.
- Tengu Blade (MM&B) bounces against walls and goes upwards in an arc.
- Bounce Ball (MM11) can be aimed upwards or downwards and increases in quantity if enhanced by Power Gear.
Remote controlled[]
Shoot, then press up and/or down to modify the trajectory of the projectile: Hard Knuckle (MM3), Remote Mine (MM&B), and Black Hole Bomb (MM9).
- Gyro Attack (MM5): You can press up or down just once to modify the trajectory.
- Commando Bomb (MM10) can be controlled to any direction.
Shield[]
Creates a barrier in front of Mega Man that is especially useful against projectiles.
- Mirror Buster (MMw1) reflects projectiles back.
- Proto Shield (MM7) protects from projectiles only.
- Barrier Wind (R&FWS) protects from projectiles, on top of being one.
- Aegis Reflector (SFxMM) reflects projectiles back. It stays in place, instead of following Mega Man.
Short ranged[]
The short range is compensated by a greater amount of damage dealt: Slash Claw (MM7) and Lightning Kick (SFxMM).
- Electric Shock (MMw5) and Flame Shower (R&FWS) have the added effect of rapid fire.
- Flame Sword (MM8) can break walls.
- Wave Burner (MM&B) can break walls and allows for rapid fire.
- Yoga Inferno (SFxMM) can be fired in multiple directions and allows for rapid fire.
- Pile Driver (MM11): Gains a special Dash ability. Its range is slightly shorter when used in mid-air.
Spiral[]
The projectiles spiral away from Mega Man: Power Stone (MM5), Black Hole (MMw5), and Water Shield (MM10).
Split[]
The projectile splits up upon contact with an enemy or a wall. The trajectory of the split shards are different for each weapon.
- Super Arm (MM1): when it touches anything, it splits into four large chunks that travel forward.
- Dust Crusher (MM4): when it hits an enemy, it splits into four shards that travel diagonally in four directions.
- Crystal Eye (MM5): when it touches a wall, it splits into three shards that bounce against walls, ceiling and floor.
- Salt Water (MMw5): when it touches the floor, it splits into three drops that travel in an arc.
- Deep Digger (MMw5): when it touches a wall, it splits into several chunks that travel at different angles.
- Freeze Cracker (MM7): when it touches a wall, it splits into several shards.
- Thunder Bolt (MM7): when it hits an enemy, it splits into two shards that travel vertically.
- Junk Shield (MM7): if you press "shoot" again, the barrier will split in three random directions.
- Flash Bomb (MM8): when it touches a wall, it creates a very large blast that stays in place for a while.
- Commando Bomb (MM10): when it touches a wall, it splits into two short-ranged blast waves.
- Solar Blaze (MM10): after a few seconds, or when it touches an enemy, it splits into two solar waves, traveling front and back.
- Scramble Thunder (MM11): when it touches a floor or ceiling, it splits into two shards that travel along the surface.
Tail[]
Instead of shooting, Mega Man leaves a tail of bombs when sliding: Mine Sweeper (SFxMM).
Turret[]
Mega Man creates a copy of himself that stays in place and shoots continuously: Copy Vision (MM&B).
Vertical[]
- Wire (MM4) shoots vertically up, sticks into a ceiling and can lift Mega Man up.
- Bubble Bomb (MMw5) travels vertically up, then follows the ceiling.
- Tornado Hold (MM8) drops a propeller that shoots vertically up.
- Flame Shower and Flame Mixer (R&FWS) travel vertically up upon the "shoot" button being released.
- Thunder Wool (MM10) generates an electric beam that shoots vertically down.
- Block Dropper (MM11) generate heavy stone blocks that drop down vertically.
- Tundra Storm (MM11) generates a vertical column of ice and wind.
Wide[]
The projectile is wide, and can hit enemies that would pass under normal Mega Buster shots: Blizzard Attack (MM6).
- Rolling Cutter (MM1) shoots projectiles along a wide ellipse.
- Blade Launcher (DOS3) shoots 3 projectiles that go upwards in a spreading pattern.
- Star Crash (MM5) is shot pressing "shoot" twice.
- Spread Drill (MM&B) gets wider by pressing "shoot" two more times.
- Rock'n Vulcan (R&FWS) shoots 3 projectiles, 2 of which travel in upward and downward arcs.
- Magma Bazooka (MM9) shoots 3 projectiles in a wide arc.
- Triple Blade (MM10) shoots 3 blades in a 45 degree arc upward when on ground or 45 degree arc downward while in the air.
- Chain Blast (MM11) can be linked with multiple bombs, becoming wider with every bomb attached to each other.
Effect keywords[]
Charge up[]
Press and hold "shoot" to charge up, release to shot a stronger projectile: Atomic Fire (MM2), Mega Buster (MM4 onwards, except in MM9 & 10), Pharaoh Shot (MM4), Wild Coil and Super Adapter (MM7), Magma Bazooka (MM9), and Hadoken (SFxMM).
- Noise Crush (MM7) is charged up if Mega Man is hit by its own projectile rebound back.
- Homing Sniper (MM8) when charged up, it will enabling it to lock on and fire at several enemies in one shot.
Detonate[]
Press "shoot" a second time to blast the projectile into a large explosion: Nuclear Detonator (DOS), Drill Bomb (MM4), and Remote Mine (MM&B).
- Black Hole Bomb (MM9) functions the same way, but instead of exploding, it creates a gravity well that drags nearby enemies to it, destroying them in the process.
- Chain Blast (MM11) needs an input of down + shoot to detonate.
Flight[]
- Doppler Attack (R&FWS): Lets Bass fly through the level until the "shoot" button is released.
Grab[]
The projectile grabs items and brings them back to Mega Man: Ring Boomerang (MMw4 only), Mega Arm (MMw5, if the MH item is purchased), Thunder Claw (MM8), Hornet Chaser (MM9), and Magic Card (MM&B).
- Grab Buster (MMw5) turns into flying energy capsules when it hits an enemy.
Harmless[]
These weapons cannot damage any enemy, except for very few bosses who take them as weaknesses: Time Stopper (MM2), Spark Shock (MM3), Flash Stopper (MM4).
- Ice Slasher (MM1 only) causes bosses to act as if they have taken damage, but does no damage to bosses not weak to it.
Interaction[]
These weapons allow Mega Man to interact with the stage environments in particular ways.
- Rain Flush (MMw4 only) stops quicksand.
- Freeze Cracker (MM7) can freeze the lava in Junk Man's stage.
- Freeze Cracker (MM7) can be used on the second Tel Tel in Cloud Man's stage to cause snowfall.
- Thunder Bolt (MM7) turns on elevators and electromagnets.
- Scorch Wheel (MM7) burns trees, melts ice, lights up candles.
- Thunder Bolt (MM7), Scorch Wheel (MM7), and Flash Bomb (MM8) light up dark areas.
- Thunder Claw (MM8) allows Mega Man to swing from poles.
- Concrete Shot (MM9) can be stuck onto a wall and used as platforms, and can immobilize the Magma Beam Generators.
- Tornado Blow (MM9) can blow some platforms up in the Wily Castle 1 stage.
Invulnerability[]
While the full-screen attack is being performed, Mega Man is immune to any damage and he stops any jump or fall in mid-air: Astro Crush (MM8), Lightning Bolt (MM&B), and Time Switch / Time Bomb (R&FWS).
Jump upgrade[]
These weapons allow Mega Man to jump higher: Mega Ball (MM8), Tornado Hold (MM8), Ice Wall (MM&B), Tornado Blow (MM9), Tropical Hazard and Seiei Enbu (SFxMM).
Lift[]
The weapon lifts enemies away instead of destroying them: Gravity Hold (MM5), Wind Storm (MM6), and Tornado Blow (MM9).
Lure[]
- Copy Vision (MM&B): enemies will target the copy instead of Mega Man.
Immobilizer[]
Enemies get paralyzed instead of getting damaged. Mega Man can switch to another weapon and/or attack: Ice Slasher (MM1), Spark Shock (MMw3 only), Flash Stopper (MM4), Ice Wave (MM8), Chill Spike (MM10)
- Mega Man cannot switch to another weapon: Time Stopper (MM2), Spark Shock (MM3)
- Concrete Shot (MM9) can also immobilize some environmental things.
Piercer[]
The projectiles are not stopped by enemy shields: Shark Boomerang (DOS3, Yamato Spear (MM6), Laser Trident (MM9), Blazing Torch (MM11), Scramble Thunder (MM11), Optic Laser (SFxMM).
Platform[]
These weapons can create new fixed platforms.
- Item-1 (MM2) and Balloon (MM4) create platforms that rise upwards for a limited time.
- Item-3 (MM2) creates a platform, that can climb along walls.
- Super Arrow (MM5) sticks into walls, creating a platform for Mega Man to jump on.
- Ice Wall (MM&B) can be jumped on.
- Concrete Shot (MM9) creates a small platform, when it hits a solid surface.
Rapid fire[]
Press and hold "shoot" to keep shooting: Quick Boomerang (MM2), Needle Cannon (MM3), Electric Shock (MMw5), Bass Buster (MM&B, MM10), Wave Burner (MM&B), Yoga Inferno (SFxMM).
Reflect[]
The weapon reflects back projectiles: Mirror Buster (MMw1), Aegis Reflector (SFxMM).
- Water Wave (MM5) just erases the projectiles it touches.
- Jewel Satellite (MM9) does either of the above, depending on the projectile it touches.
Ride[]
Mega Man can get on top of the projectile and ride it along the floor: Ice Wall (MM&B) and Oil Slider (MM1P).
- Super Arrow (MM5) can be ridden in midair.
Slow down[]
Enemies and objects in general move slower. Mega Man can switch to another weapon and/or attack: Time Slow (MM1P).
Unlimited[]
These weapons do not need to consume energy and can be used without restriction.
Wall breaker[]
These weapons destroy blocks and open up new passages in stages: Super Arm (MM1), Thunder Beam (MM1), Crash Bomber (MM2), Hard Knuckle (MM3), Sonic Wave (DOS), Drill Bomb (MM4), Charge Kick (MMw4 only), Ballade Cracker (MMw4), Break Dash (MMw5), Wind Barrier / Forte Cyclone (R&FWS), Laser Trident (MM9), and Commando Bomb (MM10).
- Rain Flush (MMw4 only) and Freeze Cracker (MM7) can destroy flaming barriers.
- Flame Blast (MM6) and Wave Burner (MM&B) can melt ice walls.
- Flame Sword (MM8) can burn wooden barriers.
- Deep Digger (MMw5) affects blocks under Mega Man only.
Wrap up[]
- The Danger Wrap (MM7) can encase small enemies in a bubble, that can be pushed against other enemies.