It has been only six short months since Mega Man X defeated Sigma, but Mavericks are still causing havoc around the world. Feeling guilt from the loss of Zero, X takes command of the Maverick Hunters and leads them in an effort to put an end to all of Sigma's remaining forces. For reasons no one seems to know, X has decided to downgrade his armor and weapons from his previous battles, perhaps because he thinks the remaining Mavericks are not a major threat or maybe it was a fear of his own power. <br /><br />Whatever the reason, X soon finds out a new wave of eight powerful Mavericks have emerged, and once again he must engage in battle, finding new powers and upgrades along the way. The first target is the forest, under the control of the bizarre Wire Sponge. X finds his first Heart Tank and Sub-Tank with ease, and then confronts the Maverick in a fierce duel. Next, a gigantic battle tank threatens to destroy the main city, and X heads off to face it's commander, the savage Wheel Gator. However, X is not equipped to obtain the upgrades found in this stage, so he will need to return at a later time if he can survive the battle...
