Guide to Hugo in Zenless Zone Zero: Builds, Team Comps, and Advanced Strategies
May 15, 2025
Hugo, the 5-star Ice-type "Strong Attack" agent introduced in Zenless Zone Zero Version 1.7, is a burst-oriented DPS specializing in capitalizing on enemy Stagger states to unleash devastating damage through his unique "Judgment" mechanic. This guide breaks down his optimal builds, team synergies, and strategies to maximize his nuclear-level burst potential.
1. Core Mechanics and Playstyle
Role Overview
Hugo excels as a burst-type off-field DPS, relying on teammates to trigger enemy Stagger (imbalance), after which he swaps in to deliver massive damage via his Enhanced Special Skill or Ultimate. His gameplay revolves around timing and synergy with Breaker-type allies.
Key Abilities
- Core Passive: Judgment
- When Hugo's Enhanced Special Skill or Ultimate hits a staggered enemy, it triggers Judgment, dealing damage scaled by the remaining Stagger duration:
- Base Multiplier: +1,000%
- Time Bonus: Up to +2,400% (5–15s remaining) + +1,400% (0–5s remaining), totaling 3,400% max.
- Post-Judgment, the enemy exits Stagger and regains partial Stagger value (5% per remaining second, max 25%).
- Dark Abyss Resonance
- Grants Hugo +12% CRIT Rate and +25% CRIT DMG after using Link Skill or triggering Stagger.
- Gains +900 ATK with two Breaker allies (vs. +300 with one).
- Enhanced Stagger Buildup
- Hugo’s Enhanced Special Skill gains +20% Stagger efficiency against non-staggered enemies, enabling self-sufficient Stagger triggers on weaker foes.
2. Optimal Builds
Driver Sets (Artifacts)
- Best-in-Slot:
- Hormone Punk (4pc): +25% ATK on entering battle, perfect for Hugo’s burst window.
- Substitutes:
- 2pc Woodpecker Electro (+8% CRIT Rate) + 2pc Polar Heavy Metal (+15% Ice DMG).
Weapons (Soundspheres)
- T0: Electric Lipstick
- +16% ATK and +25% DMG against debuffed enemies, synergizing with Breakers’ crowd control.
- T1: Chimera Compiler
- Boosts ATK by 24% and enhances Special Skill damage.
- F2P Option: Cannon Rotor (Battle Pass)
- Provides CRIT Rate and bonus ATK.
Stat Priorities
- Main Stats: CRIT DMG/CRIT Rate Circlet, Ice DMG Goblet, ATK% Sands.
- Substats: CRIT Rate ≥70%, CRIT DMG > ATK% > Energy Recharge.
3. Team Compositions
Double Breaker Core
- Hugo + Lycaon + Leto
- Lycaon: Extends Stagger duration by 3s, maximizing Judgment multipliers.
- Leto: Reduces Ice RES and provides Stagger efficiency.
- Synergy: Rapid Stagger triggers → Hugo’s burst windows.
Breaker + Support Flex
- Hugo + Leto + Yukina
- Yukina: Offers healing and energy regeneration for smoother rotations.
- Use Case: Balances survivability and burst potential.
Alternative Teams
- Hugo + Trigger + Yukina:
- Trigger provides DEF shred, boosting Hugo’s damage against tanky enemies.
4. Rotation and Playstyle
1. Setup Phase:
- Breakers (e.g., Lycaon/Leto) trigger Stagger.
2. Burst Window:
- Swap to Hugo → Use Link Skill → Activate Enhanced Special Skill or Ultimate to trigger Judgment.
3. Post-Judgment:
- Swap back to Breakers to rebuild Stagger.
- Key Tip: Prioritize Ultimate over Enhanced Special Skill if Leto’s Stagger extension is active.
5. Eidolon (Shadowplay) Analysis
- E0: Fully functional but requires precise timing.
- E2 (Game-Changer):
- Ultimate-triggered Judgment no longer ends Stagger, enabling back-to-back bursts.
- E6 (Luxury):
- Allows Judgment on non-staggered enemies (fixed +1,000% multiplier) and boosts CRIT stats.
6. Advanced Tips
1. Stagger Management:
- Use Leto to extend Stagger duration, ensuring Hugo’s Judgment hits the 0–5s bonus window.
2. Energy Economy:
- Hugo’s Enhanced Special Skill refunds 20 Energy when killing weak enemies, aiding Ult uptime.
3. Animation Canceling:
- Chain Link Skill → Enhanced Special Skill immediately to minimize downtime.
7. Weaknesses and Countermeasures
- Single-Target Focus: Struggles in AoE scenarios. Pair with AoE Breakers like Belobog.
- High Investment: Requires well-built Breakers and CRIT optimization.
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