Mega Man 2 Cheat Codes & Secrets
Complete collection of cheat codes, passwords, unlockables, and hidden secrets for Mega Man 2 (1988).
Mega Man 2 Cheat Codes & Passwords
Stage Select Passwords
Mega Man 2 uses a password system. Enter these at the title screen by pressing Start to get the password screen:
Start with all 8 Robot Masters defeated (pre-Wily stages):
- Normal: A5 B2 B4 C1 C3 C5 D4 D5 (approximate — vary by version)
Optimal Boss Order (Weapon Weaknesses)
Following this order lets you use each defeated boss’s weapon against the next:
- Metal Man → Start here, no weakness, use default Buster
- Air Man → Use Metal Blades (weak to Metal Blades)
- Bubble Man → Use Air Shooter
- Quick Man → Use Bubble Lead
- Crash Man → Use Quick Boomerang
- Flash Man → Use Crash Bombs
- Heat Man → Use Bubble Lead (also Item-1 for shortcuts)
- Wood Man → Use Atomic Fire (charged shot)
Weapon Weaknesses Summary
| Boss | Weakness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Man | Metal Blade | One hit kill |
| Air Man | Leaf Shield | Tricky to use |
| Bubble Man | Metal Blade | Very effective |
| Quick Man | Time Stopper | Freeze then attack |
| Crash Man | Air Shooter | Multiple hits |
| Flash Man | Metal Blade | Most efficient |
| Heat Man | Bubble Lead | Direct hits required |
| Wood Man | Atomic Fire | Fully charged shot |
Dr. Wily Stage Strategies
Wily Stage 1: The Dragon boss is weak to Crash Bombs. Place bombs on its head as it passes.
Wily Stage 2: The Boobeam Trap boss requires Crash Bombs placed on each of the five cannons. You need exactly 5 Crash Bombs, so manage ammunition carefully.
Wily Stage 3: Alien Wily is weak to Bubble Lead. However, this is actually a hologram.
Wily Stage 4: Wily Machine 2 is weak to Bubble Lead for its first form (UFO) and Crash Bombs for its second form.
True Final Boss: The Alien form (Wily’s final form) is also defeated with Bubble Lead.
Items (Item-1, Item-2, Item-3)
These items are obtained by defeating bosses and create platforms or rockets:
- Item-1 (Heat Man): Creates a hovering platform. Essential for certain Wily Castle passages
- Item-2 (Air Man): Creates a rocket you can ride
- Item-3 (Crash Man): Creates a series of steps
Metal Blade Trick
Metal Man’s own weapon — the Metal Blade — is the most versatile weapon in the game. It:
- Can be thrown in 8 directions
- Has excellent range
- Costs very little weapon energy
- Is effective against most bosses
- Can defeat Metal Man himself in one hit
Energy Management
Always conserve your Atomic Fire — the fully charged shot is essential for Wood Man but the weapon is energy-hungry. Use the uncharged version to conserve energy during stages.
Secret Items
Throughout the stages, there are hidden locations containing:
- E-Tanks: Energy tanks that fully restore health, carried as inventory
- 1-Up: Extra lives
Look for slight color variations in walls and floors — bombable or accessible areas are often visible if you know what to look for.