Zero's weaponry (Mega Man Zero series)

This article requires cleanup. You can help MMKB by improving it.

This article is about the weapons used by Zero in the Mega Man Zero series he appears in, as well as EX Skills he can acquire.

Weapons

Z-Saber

In this series, Zero's Z-Saber has been redesigned and reconfigured along with Zero himself. The Z-Saber now no longer possesses a lightsaber-like appearance, but a deltoid-shaped blade. Furthermore, the Z-Saber received a few upgrades. Unlike in the Mega Man X series, the Zero series Z-Saber can be used while running and dashing (however, no combos can be performed while in motion). Additionally, it was created using the same technology as the X-Buster, giving it the ability to be charged and vary its effects and shape. The Z-Saber can be equipped with different chips for element-based charge attacks. In the first two games, Zero has to "relearn" his skill with the Z-Saber, upgrading its attack power and moveset by frequently using it, thus leveling it up. The weapon's most interesting characteristic is the sheer amount of force it can dole out to enemies; it can easily slice through 300 mm of reinforced steel in a single stroke. The Z-Saber can be recharged by drawing energy from Zero himself, who has an internal solar core.

Zero can put the Z-Saber into the Buster Shot, allowing it to use vastly more powerful shots and charge shots. Cerveau studies the Z-Saber and reverse-engineers it, allowing it to change into the Shield Boomerang and the three Rods (Triple, Chain, and Recoil). According to concept arts, the Z-Saber is stored within the holster or holsters located on Zero's legs.

Buster Shot

The Buster Shot (バスターショット, Basutā Shotto) is Zero's long-range weapon; alongside the Z-saber, it appears in all Mega Man Zero games. It was originally an old model of a handheld gun used by the late Milan. When Zero awoke, he grabbed Milan's weapon in order to defend Ciel and himself against the attacking Neo Arcadian troops. Once acquired, the Buster Shot's bullets directly changed from regular ammunition to energy shots (or at least appears to in-game), and once the Z-Saber is obtained, the gun can be charged with its help (early concept art and the illustration to the left show that the Z-Saber can be loaded into the buster as a power cell, granting the weapon the ability to be charged this way). Like the Zero series version of the Z-Saber, the Buster Shot can be equipped with element chips, and it had to be upgraded in the first two games. According to concept art, the Buster Shot is mounted onto Zero's back when not used.

Shield Boomerang

The Shield Boomerang (シールドブーメラン, Shield Boomerang) is a weapon used by Zero in the first three games, constructed by Cerveau. It is an energy shield created by spinning the Z-Saber (mounted onto his forearm) around, as shown in its artwork. It can reflect most enemy shot attacks, however, it provides no protection from melee attacks, nor is it capable of deflecting exceptionally powerful moves (like those used by bosses). Like most weapons of the series, the Shield Boomerang can be charged and equipped with element chips. When charged, the shield can be thrown like a razor blade, flying in an ellipsis path and cutting through several enemies before returning to Zero. The Shield Boomerang has to be leveled up in the first two games. In the first Mega Man Zero game, Cerveau only gives the weapon to Zero after he gets the Triple Rod and completes or fails in a mission. But obtaining the weapon is optional, it not being necessary to complete the game. In the second and third game, Zero must talk to Cerveau and get the Shield Boomerang (and Chain Rod or Recoil Rod) to progress the game.

Triple Rod

The Triple Rod (トリプルロッド, Triple Rod) is a lance-like weapon appears in the first Mega Man Zero game and SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos. It was constructed by Cerveau from gathered data about Zero (talking to engineer after completing the "Retrieve Data" mission - Maha Ganeshariff's mission). It is a modified Z-Saber hilt which can be extended three times for additional range and has a spear-like energy tip at the top; however, the extension can only be executed if standing still on the ground. It can also be used to attack in eight directions (left, right, up, down, upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right). It can be charged and equipped with element chips. When fully charged, Zero will swing the rod around himself like a battle staff, with an energy tip on both ends; when in mid-air, Zero spins the Triple Rod in front of him. Obtaining the Triple Rod is entirely optional, it can be skipped to complete the game. The Triple Rod is destroyed in the second game, and the Chain Rod is constructed from its broken remains.

Chain Rod

The Chain Rod (チェーンロッド, Chain Rod) is manufactured from the remains of the Triple Rod by Cerveau in Mega Man Zero 2. It is an energy chain with a sharp point that can be used to hook onto various surfaces and enemies. It can hold some enemies in place by stunning them, pull them closer to Zero for further attacks, or to simply impale them from mid-distance. It can also be used to pull distant items or to hook Zero to a ceiling, swinging on it, similar to a grappling hook, which is occasionally utilized in certain platforming segments. It can be equipped with element chips as well and has to be leveled up to enable its charge attack, which is the same as that of the Triple Rod.

Recoil Rod

Yet another Z-Saber variation made by Cerveau in Mega Man Zero 3, the Recoil Rod consists of a pair of energy tonfas used for rapid attacks (which can only be used when on the ground). Similar to the Triple Rod, this weapon can be used to attack in eight directions. The Recoil Rod is also used for some in-game puzzles. By charging the rod, it can be used to push away enemies (if not already destroying them) or moving blocks. Furthermore, when charged and released while holding down, the Recoil Rod allows Zero to make a mighty jump vertically to reach areas normally not possible.

Zero Knuckle

The Zero Knuckle replaces both the Shield Boomerang and the rod weapons in Mega Man Zero 4, but unlike them, is available from the very beginning. The Knuckle consists of a Z-shaped chip implanted into Zero's palms. It allows him to rip off certain types of weapons (such as blasters, rocket launchers or axes) from enemy Mechaniloids or weak Reploids (such as Weil's Variants) to use them for his own. A successful theft of such a part normally results in the destruction of the enemy. If a stolen weapon is out of ammo or simply of no use any longer, it can be thrown away which can hurt an enemy as well. It cannot be equipped with element chips (although this is due to the game lacking element chips), but can be charged, though the charged version of the Zero Knuckle is only a stronger punch. It is unknown whether this weapon was created by Cerveau or had been part of Zero all along, but artwork of Omega Zero from Mega Man ZX shows him having a Knuckle of his own, but with an Ω symbol instead of a Z.

EX Skills

Zero can learn EX Skills similar to Techniques by defeating the bosses after activating their EX Skill. In Mega Man Zero 2 and Mega Man Zero 3, they can be activated by having an A or S rank before taking the mission. In Mega Man Zero 4, they are activated by taking the mission while the weather is favorable to the Einherjar Eight Warriors, but other bosses still only utilize their special techniques at A or S rank.

Buster Shot's EX Skills can't coexist, because their input is conflicting, while other weapons are no such restrictions. In Zero 2 and Zero 3, EX Skills can have an element by equipping specific Element Chip, otherwise they are all no element by default. In Zero 4, it has an element by default.

Mega Man Zero 2

Image	EX Skill	Boss	Weapon and Input	Element Chip	Description
	Laser Shot	Hyleg Ourobockle	Buster Shot Charged Attack	No Element Chip necessary	Shoot a laser that is capable of going right through enemies.
	Triple Shot	Poler Kamrous		Ice Chip necessary	Splits in three directions upon impact. Requires the Ice Chip.
	Spark Shot	Panter Flauclaws		Thunder Chip necessary	Attack that splits vertically when it hits the enemy. Requires the Thunder Chip.
	Blast Shot	Fighting Fefnir		Flame Chip necessary	Engulfs surrounding enemies in an explosion. Requires the Flame Chip.
	Tenshouzan (『天昇斬』, Heaven Rising/Ascension Slash)	Phoenix Magnion	Z-Saber ↑ + Attack	Flame Chip	A rising upward slash. With the Flame Chip equipped, it is a fire element attack like Ryuenjin.
	Sengatotsu (『旋牙突』, Whirling Fang Thrust)	Kuwagust Anchus	Z-Saber Dash + Attack	Thunder Chip	The dashing slice becomes a thrust. With the Thunder Chip equipped, it is an electric attack like Raikousen.
	Sharp Edge/Rakuretsuzan (『落烈斬』, Falling Fury Slash)	Fairy Leviathan	Z-Saber Air ↓ + Attack	Ice Chip	Stab downwards while jumping. With the Ice Chip equipped, it is an ice element attack like Hyouretsuzan, and can be steered slightly left and right.
	Kougenjin (『光幻刃』, Light Illusion Blade)	Sage Harpuia	Z-Saber ↓ + Attack	Not applicable	Launches a non-elemental shockwave. Can penetrate enemy shields.
	Energy Chain	Burble Hekelot	Chain Rod Hold Attack	Not applicable	Absorb life energy from enemies with the Chain Rod.
	Filter Shield	Rainbow Devil MK-II	Shield Boomerang Short click Attack	Not applicable	Changes enemy projectiles into E-Crystals by drawing the shield right as the projectile hits it.

Mega Man Zero 3

Image	EX Skill	Boss	Weapon and Input	Element Chip	Description
	Burst Shot	Blazin' Flizard	Buster Shot Charged Attack	Flame Chip necessary	Engulfs surrounding enemies in an explosion. Requires the Flame Chip.
	Blizzard Arrow	Blizzack Staggroff R		Ice Chip necessary	Shoot three icicle blasts from a blue orb. Requires the Ice Chip.
	Reflect Laser	Copy X MK. II		No Element Chip necessary	Shoot a laser that penetrates enemies and reflects off walls. When the laser hits a wall, hold Up or Down to alter the direction of the rebound.
	V-Shot	Volteel Biblio		Thunder Chip necessary	A forward diagonal shot that splits into a horizontal V shape. Requires the Thunder Chip.
	Throw Blade/Zaneidan (『斬鋭弾』, Slashing Sharp Bullet)	Childre Inarabitta	Z-Saber ↓ + Attack	Ice Chip	Launches a shockwave in a pointed fold. With the Ice Chip equipped, the shockwave is larger and travels further.
	Saber Smash/Rakusaiga (『落砕牙』, "Falling Smash Fang")	Devilbat Schilt	Z-Saber Air ↓ + Attack	Thunder Chip	The typical downward thrust. If the Thunder Chip is equipped, it becomes an electric attack that creates two sparks in contact.
	Split Heavens/Tenretsujin (『天裂刃』, "Heaven Rending Blade")	Hanumachine R	Z-Saber ↑ + Attack	Flame Chip	A non-elemental rising upward strike that becomes a flaming attack with the Flame Chip equipped.
	Gale Attack/Reppuugeki (『烈風撃』)	Tretista Kelverian	Z-Saber Dash + Attack	Not applicable	When Zero dashes and then swing his saber, he gets a > shaped attack instead of a swing. Multiple hits inflicted from a single stab makes this one of the most damaging attacks in the game, unlike the alternate versions from Zero 2 and 4.
	1000 Slash	Deathtanz Mantisk	Recoil Rod Continuous Attack	Not applicable	A rapid-combo Recoil Rod attack.
	Soul Launcher	Cubit Foxtar	Recoil Rod ↑ + Charged Attack	Flame Chip	When the rod is fired upwards, it fires an energy projectile that splits into four pieces and comes crashing down to cause damage. With the Flame Chip equipped, the pieces burn on the ground for a short while.
	Shield Sweep (『クロールシールド』 Crawl Shield)	Anubis Necromancess V	Shield Boomerang Charged Attack	All Element Chips	Charged Shield Boomerang shots will roll along the ground, before going back to Zero. Leaves trail of sparks if the Thunder Chip is equipped.
	Orbit Shield (『サーキュラシールド』 Circular Shield)	Glacier le Cactank	Shield Boomerang ↓ + Charged Attack	All Element Chips	Charged Shield Boomerang shots will orbit Zero for a short time before veering off and then returning to him like normal. Makes 4 revolutions by default, 6 if the Ice Chip is equipped.

Mega Man Zero 4

Image	EX Skill	Boss	Weapon and Input	Element	Description
	Tractor Shot	Mino Magnus	Buster Shot Charged Attack	Thunder	A lightning-elemental shot that absorbs certain energy missiles to increase the shot's attack power when holding it. Can damage on contact with the charging shot, without using it up. It can paralyze some enemies.
	Ice Javelin	Tech Kraken		Ice	Fires a long spear of ice from the buster that can freeze some enemies. On contact with a wall, its parts molder before the spear disappears. Because of its length, it deals multiple hits.
	Burning Shot	Sol Titanion		Flame	A flame-elemental shot that causes an explosion on contact with a wall or enemy. The blast can burn some enemies.
	Time Stopper	Popla Cocapetri		None	Mid-range non-elemental shot that damages/freezes in time some enemies, preventing them from attacking and moving. It also negates bosses' i-frames AFTERWARDS for 1 sec while the reticle is still "open". However all additional attacks seem to be reduced to 1 damage per hit, while using this window of opportunity.
	Thunder Stab/Buraitotsu (『武雷突』, Martial Thunder Thrust)	Pegasolta Eclair	Z-Saber Dash + Attack	Thunder	A lightning-elemental melee attack, it thrusts the Saber forward while dashing, stabbing an enemy. If the Saber touches a wall, two thunder balls will start crawling. Both the Saber and the balls can paralyze some enemies.
	Ice Blade/Hyougetsujin (『氷月刃』, Ice Moon Blade)	Fenri Lunaedge	Z-Saber ↓ + Attack	Ice	Launches an ice-elemental projectile along the ground. It can freeze some enemies and slash through several of them.
	Flame Fang/Shouenga (『昇焔牙』, Rising Blaze Fang)	Heat Genblem	Z-Saber ↑ + Attack	Flame	Another rising, flaming, upward slash. It can burn some enemies.
	Sky Chaser/Tsuibangeki (『墜磐撃』, Crashing Crag Attack)	Noble Mandrago	Z-Saber Air ↓ + Attack	None	A powerful aerial attack where Zero comes crashing down and send rocks flying on impact with the ground.

Trivia

• Zero's four weapons in the Mega Man Zero correspond to the weapons of the Four Guardians: Z-Saber for Sage Harpuia, Buster Shot for Fighting Fefnir, Triple Rod for Fairy Leviathan, Shield Boomerang for Hidden Phantom.
• Like techniques in the Mega Man X series, the EX Skills are given Japanese names, but only limited to Z-Saber.
• The only weapons Zero has that don't have an EX Skill are the Triple Rod and the Zero Knuckle. The former is due to EX Skills not being present in the first game, and the latter is due to just being a chip in Zero's hand that grants him a strength boost and that EX Skills have been reduced for just the Buster and Saber only.
• None of the EX Skills are a rolling slash or thump the ground, although they are often used as techniques in the Mega Man X series.
  • However, Zero can still learn to use rolling slash: destroying enemies using the Z-Saber jumping move (Zero), Active Form (Zero 2), Malthas Cyber-elf (Zero 3), Rolling Body Chip (Zero 4).
• The EX Skills that have Zero doing a downward thrust appears to slow down his descent and can help the player react faster to enemies or traps that Zero can't avoid almost immediately. However, they cannot be canceled mid-thrust.

See also

• Zero's weaponry
• Zero's Forms
• Chips (Mega Man Zero series)
• X's weaponry
• Axl's weaponry
• Vile's weaponry