
This slow process can make the battle drag on for a while. The order is reversed for Zero: hit him with a Special Technique ( Shoenzan works well) before dealing damage with the Z-Saber. With X, they must first hit him with a Charge Shot to stun him before striking with any Special Weapon ( Magma Blade, Yammar Option, and Metal Anchor work well). Using a Special Weapon, the player can damage High Max in a rematch within the Nightmare Investigator's stages. X fails to defeat High Max in their confrontation in the Opening Stage, and must survive until he deems X no threat. He remains airborne, launching blue energy attacks, and cannot be damaged by normal weaponry.

High Max is one of Gate's finest creations, a supposedly invincible Reploid, and his grueling boss battles reflect that. He employs a slightly different strategy in this battle, but is defeated and destroyed for good. High Max reappears as the boss of the first half of Secret Lab Stage 2, attempting to stop the Hunters once and for all. If X or Zero defeats High Max, Isoc will retrieve him and Gate will personally invite the Maverick Hunters to his Secret Lab, opening the final stages of the game early. In these boss fights, High Max can be defeated strategically using the Nightmare Investigators' Special Weapons, though he still poses a major challenge. He again orders the Maverick Hunters to stay out of the Nightmare investigation, but when they refuse, he attacks. High Max can then be encountered in any of the secret Another Routes, found via blue portals hidden throughout the game's eight stages. He easily overpowers X, but lets him off with a warning to stay out of the investigation before departing. This affirms his idea that Zero is behind the Nightmare, and when X challenges him on this, he asserts that X may be connected to Zero as well and attacks. High Max first appears in the Opening Stage, having witnessed the Zero Nightmare land the finishing blow on the D-1000. Given Gate's true plans, it's unlikely High Max had any intention of protecting volunteers from the Nightmare. He was positioned as the head of the Nightmare Investigators, his immense strength ensuring the safety of any volunteers who would join them. High Max was created by Gate using the data gained from studying Zero's DNA with Isoc. He retains a stoic demeanor at all times, only showing quiet frustration and surprise when he is defeated by the Maverick Hunters. It also makes him a bully, as he was quick to humiliate X and call him pathetic in their first encounter. This makes him a natural leader and symbol to rally around for the Nightmare Investigators. He is aware of his technological superiority over most other Reploids and confident in his combat abilities.

High Max is incredibly arrogant, and not without good reason.
HAX VS MANGAO FALCON SKIN
He has pale skin and blank eyes, and his helmet possesses two horn-like structures and Gate's signature rhombus gem. Like his creators, he possesses a white shape on his chest with a red gem, reminiscent of a formal shirt and tie under a suit jacket. He has black and white armor with yellow highlights. High Max is a giant Reploid who towers over X, Zero, and even Isoc.
