"Just hearing the words "space rocket" is so nostalgic. How romantic... Oh... Sorry. Anyway, don't worry. I'll navigate properly."

―Layer, Mega Man X8

Layer (レイヤー, Reiyā) is one of the three Navigator Reploids in Mega Man X8. She is assigned to help the Maverick Hunters quell the Jakob riots, and serves as Zero's playable counterpart.

Appearance

Layer is a dark-skinned, female Reploid with a beauty mark on her left cheekbone. Her long violet hair is in a traditional Japanese princess hairstyle, which covers her green eyes most of the time. Her armor has a white and blue color scheme with light purple accents, as well as yellow jewels. Her arms and legs flare out like a bell design. She wears a red transceiver headset. Her chest is mostly covered by a white armored plate, and her bodysuit has brown and black colors. In the field, she wields a metal rapier.

Personality

Layer is a reserved and intelligent Navigator. She specializes in Reploid and Mechaniloid analysis and development. Her high processing power allows her to quickly analyze scan data sent back by Hunters in the field and determine a target's strengths and weaknesses. Despite her professional demeanor, she is a romantic at heart who is easily distracted by fantasies. She especially gets flustered when working with Zero, showing concern for him and even blushing. Pallette's comment that she "waited the whole time for Zero" suggests Layer has a crush on him.

History

Mega Man X8

When the new generation Reploids begin rioting, Layer and Pallette are assigned to work with Alia to navigate for X, Zero, and Axl. She introduces herself as a specialist in enemy analysis, and can be chosen to assist the Hunters with info in the field.

After the Maverick Hunters defeat two Mavericks, Layer and Pallette casually introduce themselves to Zero. Layer awkwardly tries to speak with him about the mission while Pallette teases her. After defeating six Mavericks, Layer asks X about Zero's emotional status, and he tells her of Zero's history with the Maverick Virus.

Once the Hunters defeat Vile at the Jakob Elevator, Layer confronts Zero about his past. He appreciates her concern and asks her to be his Navigator, which makes her smile. However, once the Hunters enter the Sigma Palace, communications are jammed so Layer and the others can no longer support the Hunters.

Unlocking Layer

Layer can be unlocked as a playable character. She become available after completing the game, having selected Layer as Navigator at least two times more than Alia or Pallette. Alternatively, the player can enter a secret code at the title screen in the PS2 version or the Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2 version; a Layer voice clip is heard upon activation. Afterwards, her Layer Rapier can be purchased from the R&D Lab.

• , , , , (PS2/PS4)
• Y, Y, →, B, R (Switch)
• X, X, →, A, RB (Xbox One/Steam)

Layer takes after Zero, utilizing the Layer Rapier and the same weapons and Techniques that Zero can. She also shares Chips with him. However, she has no pre-boss battle dialogue with Mavericks and can't access the Black Zero upgrade.

Other appearances

• Layer appeared as a Unit Card in TEPPEN.
• Layer was planned to appear in the cancelled game Rockman Online.

Mega Man X DiVE

Layer is an A rank Hunter Program. Her Active Skills are Renyoudan and Tenshouha.

Layer several S rank Hunter Program variants as well. Swimsuit Layer has F-Splasher and Water Melon Slice as Active Skills, with two alternate colors available as skins. Bridal Layer has Ring of Solemn Vow and Cut the Cake as Active Skills.

Dialogue

Quotes

First Introduction

• Nice to meet you, Hunters. My name is Layer. My specialty is analyzing enemy abilities. I hope I can be of use.

Troia Base: Optic Sunflower

• This place was originally a training facility for Hunters. It's programmed so that you must clear each area in order to progress to the next.
• The management program of the training area is named "Helios," after the sun. I've detected the energy used by "Helios" in the target. Apparently, the target can alter its surroundings. It'll try to use the environment to its advantage. Be careful!

Pitch Black: Dark Mantis

• If your detected by the security system, patrol droids will be dispatched. Be very careful and try not to get caught in there.
• It looks like the security droids follow orders from a leader droid. The one in charge orders them to capture intruders. As long as that leader exists, the droids won't stop. There must be some way to stop it.
• There are security droids on patrol of the area. They have a search function, so they're likely to spot you. Maybe if you find some way to fool them, you won't be discovered...
• The target can move freely in dark areas. He'll move quickly in the dark and toy with you before moving in for an attack. He can also heal himself. Please be careful! You're in for a tough fight.

Primrose: Gravity Antonion

• This facility has a gravity control system installed. If you change the direction of the gravitational pull, items in the area may be affected.
• I've detected an enemy with copyable DNA. You can copy the ability to walk on inhospitable surfaces.
• Here's what I know about the upcoming target: The room contains no gravity switches, but the target has the ability to change the direction of gravitational pull at will. Just like the other areas you've come to, background objects may be affected. Now's your chance to use any weapons you may have that aren't affected by gravity.

Metal Valley: Earthrock Trilobyte

• This is a mine that produces ore used in space development. We think one of the large Mechaniloids working here has gone Maverick.
• My readings indicate that giant Mechaniloid is going berserk. It might explode. Chase it down and stop it! Please hurry!
• That Mechaniloid has made it to the warehouse ahead. It's hiding, but still dangerous.
• The target is equipped with a special armor that's super strong and deflects shots. Even if you manage to break the armor, he'll just put it back on. Taking care of that armor will be the only way to defeat this guy. Good luck.

Dynasty: Gigabolt Man-O-War

• The target is on the move. Chase it down, and stop it. Watch out for the human aircars and signs. Drive safely!
• The target seems to be absorbing Megalopolis' energy into itself... If you don't do something, we're in for a meltdown! Hurry and shoot him down!

Central White: Avalanche Yeti

• The environment is in great danger. The research center's system is down. Don't fall down any crevasses on the way there.
• You are now approaching a flying object... It looks like a giant sea creature. The soldiers it's dispatching will continue coming unless you destroy the craft.
• It looks like this target suffers no loss of ability when fighting on snow. Expect to be bombarded by freeze attacks. If you get frozen, you won't be able to move for a while, so use the Tag Assist.

Inferno: Burn Rooster

• This is a waste disposal facility that uses the heat of the volcano for incineration. At its center is a core of molten magma. Please be careful.
• The enemy troops in this area are equipped with freeze weapons to control the heat. If you're hit, you'll be temporarily frozen and unable to move. Be careful.
• This target is resistant to heat and uses fire weapons. It seems to possess the ability to power up its own abilities at will. Use barrier breaking attacks to cancel the enemy's power up techniques. Good luck.

Booster Forest: Bamboo Pandamonium

• Just hearing the words "space rocket" is so nostalgic. How romantic... Oh... Sorry. Anyway, don't worry. I'll navigate properly.
• It looks like the enemies are riding antique Ride Armor used when this place was a factory. They may be old, but their Power Charge packs a punch. Watch out when they charge.
• I've detected an enemy with copyable DNA. Apparently, it's high mobility can be copied.
• It has the ability to attack targets from a great distance, though it seems that its greatest asset is its powerful close range attacks. Its defensive power is too strong. If only we had some sort of powerful weapon... We could attack it head-on from the front and break through its powerful defenses.

Jakob Elevator

• Orbital Elevator control system... all green. You're cleared to move in.
• You're approaching the top of the Jakob elevator. I hope you're ready. ...Oh no! Sensors indicate someone waiting up there to ambush you! Who could it be?

Gateway

• There's definitely something evil in here. It must be Sigma. Everybody be careful.
• Emergency! Get out of there! Please make it back OK...

Sigma Palace

• This...Layer... Everyone...Can you...... Signal... being... blocked...... ...Sigma...

Gallery

Main article: Layer/Gallery

Trivia

• Excluding spin-offs, Layer, Alia, and Pallette are the first female playable characters in a main series Mega Man game.
• Layer's eyes can be seen under her bangs while her model is translucent before a PvP battle in Rockman X DiVE.[1]
• In Rockman X DiVE, Layer is the only Navigator whose Swimsuit costume is different from the swimsuit worn in her X Challenge reward artwork.
• One of the Guardian operators from Mega Man ZX, Tulip, appears to be based on Layer.
  • A nurse Guardian, Rose, also appears to be based on Layer, due to her shy personality and violet bangs covering her eyes.