Hugo Build Guide – Zenless Zone Zero’s Ice Burst Assassin

Image Credit: HoyoVerse

Hugo Vlad, the enigmatic leader of the Mockingbird faction, has quickly become a standout Ice-type Main DPS in Zenless Zone Zero. His unique Judgment mechanic delivers devastating burst damage when enemies enter the Daze state. To maximize his potential, let’s delve into the optimal build, including W-Engines, Drive Discs, team compositions, and more.

W-Engine: Myriad Eclipse

Hugo’s signature W-Engine, Myriad Eclipse, is tailored to enhance his burst capabilities. It significantly boosts CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG, and its passive ability, Absolute Zero Death Sentence, amplifies Ice damage for a few seconds after using EX Special Attacks, Chain Attacks, or Ultimates. This synergy makes it the top choice for Hugo’s playstyle.

Drive Discs: Optimizing for Ice Burst DPS

To make Hugo a true burst powerhouse, your Drive Disc choices are key. Here’s what’s working best right now:

4-piece Hormone Punk

This set is hands-down Hugo’s best-in-slot for a Main DPS role. The 4-piece bonus grants a powerful +20% ATK for 10 seconds whenever Hugo enters the field. It aligns perfectly with his role as a burst attacker who thrives on tag-in rotations, letting him make the most of his EX Special and Ultimate with amplified damage.

2-piece Hybrid Option (if not running full 4-piece):

If you’re struggling to get a strong 4-piece Hormone Punk set with good substats, here’s a solid alternative:

2-piece Hormone Punk (for base ATK)
2-piece Polar Metal – Boosts Ice DMG, synergizing with Hugo’s kit
or 2-piece Woodpecker Electro – CRIT Rate bonus to help hit his Judgment burst window harder

The main idea is to build towards high burst windows, quick Daze into Judgment, blow up enemies, and rotate out.

Team Composition: Synergy is Everything

Hugo really shines in Daze-based comps where teammates can reliably trigger his Judgment mechanic.

Core Team Structure for Hugo:

Stun Agent (Dazer):
- Lighter or Anby are excellent choices here.
- You need someone who can quickly fill the Daze bar, setting Hugo up for his Judgment attack.
Support / Buffer:
- Nicole (Electric): Provides solid AoE, shields, and zone control.
- Soukaku (Ice): Gives Hugo bonus Ice damage and energy regen.
- Koleda: For DEF shredding and tanky frontline if needed.
Hugo (Main DPS):
- Comes in when the Daze bar is nearly full.
- Drops EX Special > Judgment > Ultimate for massive damage, then rotates out.

Gameplay Loop:

Start with your Daze agent to build stun.
Rotate in Nicole or Soukaku for buffs.
Bring in Hugo to trigger Judgment and nuke enemies.
Repeat the cycle with energy-efficient rotations.

This setup allows Hugo to dominate high-pressure battles with precision timing and burst windows.

W-Engines: Ice Damage, Burst, and Judgment Synergy

Top Pick: Myriad Eclipse (5★) – Signature W-Engine

If you’re building Hugo seriously, Myriad Eclipse is your endgame goal.

CRIT Rate + CRIT DMG scaling: This W-Engine is perfectly tailored to Hugo’s Judgment mechanic, which heavily rewards critical burst windows.
Passive Effect – “Absolute Zero Death Sentence”: After triggering any big move, EX Special, Chain Attack, or Ultimate, Hugo gets a temporary Ice DMG boost. That timing is perfect because it lines up with how he enters the battlefield to deal massive damage post-Daze.
Why it works: Hugo is all about quick bursts and rotational nuke damage. Myriad Eclipse turns those moments into true melt-your-face-off bursts. There’s no wasted stat or passive here; it’s all gas, no brakes.

🧠 My tip: If you land this engine, build around CRIT DMG on your Discs and substats. This engine frees you up from chasing CRIT Rate in every slot.

Alternative 5★: Steel Cushion

Boosts ATK and Basic Attack damage.
This is an okay placeholder if you’re playing Hugo in a more sustained DPS role, but it doesn’t synergize with Judgment or Ice scaling.
More generalist than optimal—better used on other attack-reliant agents if you’re short on pulls.

Best 4★ Option: Deep Sea Visitor

Increases damage against Dazed enemies by a solid margin.
Doesn’t offer CRIT bonuses, but if you’re running Hugo in a Daze-heavy team (with Lighter or Anby), this weapon becomes highly viable.
Plus, it’s way easier to upgrade than a 5★ W-Engine, making it a very practical F2P choice.

F2P Friendly: Starlight Engine Replica

Flat ATK bonuses and decent scaling make it serviceable.
No Ice damage or CRIT synergy, but hey, it gets the job done while you’re grinding for better drops.

If this guide helped you build a better Hugo—or just made your pulls feel even more worth it—then drop a follow and subscribe to The Gamers Cut! I’ve got more breakdowns, team synergies, and theory-crafting hot off the Hollow just waiting for you. Don’t miss out.