Born with genetic mutations that give them abilities beyond those of normal humans, mutants are the next stage in evolution. As such they are feared and hated. But a group of mutants known as the X-Men fight for the safety of mutants and peaceful coexistence between mutant and humankind.

Their headquarters, the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, is more than just a base of operations. It is also a fully-staffed school capable of taking in young mutants and teaching them how to use their powers. The students at Xavier's have all the responsbilities of high school with the added pressure of training to use their powers. To prevent tragedy, the students have been broken into squads and will be trained to use their powers in combat situations.

The base of operations for the X-Men and home to the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, the Xavier Mansion is located at 1407 Graymalkin Lane, north of Salem Center, New York. Originally built in the 1700's by the Dutch ancestors of the Institute founder Professor Charles Xavier, the Mansion now houses state-of-the-art facilities for the education, training and protection of mutantkind under the instruction of Co-Headmasters Scott Summers and Emma Frost.

In addition to the campus grounds, the Xavier Institute also houses an array of restricted access Sub-Levels, which include the X-Men's training and staging facilities. Resources include the Cerebra mutant-locator chamber, War Room and various research and development labs. Voice-activated hallway icons provide an illuminated pathway with interactive directions throughout the grounds, however access is restricted to Sub-Level facilities. All new students and faculty must inquire with their squad leader or faculty advisor before being granted access.

To the untrained eye, it is a featureless room. To anyone who enters and engages it's systems, the Danger Room is the ultimate training and battle simulator. Employing highly advanced alien Shi'ar technology, the Danger Room pits it's opponents against an array of physical as well as holographic opponents that task the trainees' mastery over their mutant powers to their peak endurance.