Home/Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ)/Hugo Vlad
Hugo Vlad banner

Hugo Vlad Guide and Best Builds for Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ)

Last updated on Jun 03, 2025 at 20:24 by Jaymo
T1 Rating
Ice Ice
Attack
Mockingbird
??? EN Voice Actor
Fukuyama Jun JP Voice Actor
1.

Introduction - Hugo Vlad

Hugo Vlad is an Ice Attack Agent in Zenless Zone Zero. He is part of the mysterious Mockingbird Faction alongside Vivian. Hugo is also known to be strongly linked to Von Lycaon, appearing multiple times during his agent story.

My dear friend, I'll be back, like an avalanche.

This world isn't fair. That's precisely why we must take certain necessary measures...

Haha, I was just joking around. A gentleman as powerless as myself would naturally never do anything improper... wouldn't you agree?

Please forgive me for borrowing your light in the dim night.

Hugo Vlad Character Demo - "Leading Man of the Apocalypse"

2.

Hugo Vlad is not currently available on any Banners. Hugo Vlad was last available to be pulled in Version 1.7.

Current Banners Exclusive Channel W-Engine Channel Stable Channel
3.

Hugo Vlad Build Guide Infographic

Zenless Zone Zero - Hugo Vlad Guide and Best Builds Infographic
4.

Hugo Vlad Strengths and Weaknesses

V Strengths
  • +Powerful Ice DPS who can buff himself.
  • +Does not need much investment to be great.
  • +Hugo deals a lot of Daze for the fact he is an Attack Agent.
  • +Has a large range of attack as a result of his Scythe.
X Weaknesses
  • -Requires 2 other Stun Agents to get his maximum buff, which can limit his team possibilities.
  • -Rotation can be tricky to understand.
  • -Buffs require specific situations to be triggered which can be complicated.
  • -Does not really go on-field outside of brief Stun Window.
5.

Hugo Vlad's Skills, Mindscape, and Promotions

6.

Hugo Vlad's Skills, Mindscapes, and Promotions

Skills Mindscapes Promotions

Basic Dodge Assist Special Chain Core
Skill Description
Basic Attack: Dark Abyss Quartet

Press to activate:

Perform up to four attacks forward, dealing Physical DMG and Ice DMG. The fourth attack is a shot.

During this attack, hold to charge and perform a charged shot.

Anti-Interrupt level is increased during the fourth attack, and received damage reduced by 40%.
Basic Attack: Dark Abyss Concerto

After the 4th hit of Basic Attack: Dark Abyss Quartet, the shot of Dodge Counter: Phantasm - Slash, or the shot of Quick Assist: Elegy, press or hold to activate:

Throw the scythe forward to perform a slash, followed by a shot, dealing Ice DMG.

During the shot, hold to charge and perform a charged shot.

Anti-Interrupt level is increased while using this skill, and received damage reduced by 40%.
Skill Description
Dodge: Phantasm

Press to activate:

A quick dash dodge. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
Dash Attack: Phantasm - Shatter

Press during a Dodge to activate: Launch a dashing attack at enemies in front, dealing Physical DMG.

Dodge Counter: Phantasm - Slash

Press during a Perfect Dodge to activate:

Performs a series of attacks on enemies in front, dealing Ice DMG.

During the skill, hold to launch a shot. During the shot, hold to charge and perform a charged shot. The shot is considered a Basic Attack, with its DMG treated as Basic Attack DMG.

After the skill is used, it can be directly followed up with the 4th hit of Basic Attack: Dark Abyss Quartet. During the skill's ranged phase, Anti-Interrupt Level is increased, and received damage is reduced by 40%. Invulnerable during the slashes and ranged retreat of the skill.
Skill Description
Quick Assist: Elegy

When the active character is launched, press to activate:

Performs a series of attacks on enemies in front, dealing Ice DMG.

During the skill, hold to launch a shot. During the shot, hold to charge and perform a charged shot. The shot is considered a Basic Attack, with its DMG treated as Basic Attack DMG.

After the skill is used, it can be directly followed up with the 4th hit of Basic Attack: Dark Abyss Quartet. During the skill's ranged phase, Anti-Interrupt Level is increased, and received damage is reduced by 40%. Invulnerable during the slashes and ranged retreat of the skill.
Defensive Assist: The End Has Not Come

When the on field character is about to be attacked, press to activate:

Parries the enemy's attack, dealing massive Daze.

Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
Assist Follow-Up: Ace Reversal

Press after a Defensive Assist to activate:

Dash forward and perform two slashes, dealing Ice DMG.

After the skill is used, it can be directly followed up with the 4th hit of Basic Attack: Dark Abyss Quartet. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
Skill Description
Special Attack: Soul Hunter - Judgment

Press to activate:

Spins the scythe and then unleashes a forward slash, dealing Ice DMG.

Anti-Interrupt level is increased while using this skill.
EX Special Attack: Soul Hunter - Punishment

With enough energy, press to activate:

Spins the scythe to attack and then executes a powerful Finishing Move, dealing massive Ice DMG. This skill is not counted as a heavy attack.

After the skill is used, it can be directly followed up with the 4th hit of Basic Attack: Dark Abyss Quartet. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
Skill Description
Chain Attack: Trick of Fate

When a Chain Attack is triggered, select the character to Activate:

Dash forward to perform a slash across a large area, then launch a shot, dealing massive Ice DMG.

The shot activated by this skill is considered a charged shot. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
Ultimate: Blaspheme

When Decibel Rating is at Maximum, press to activate:

Throws the scythe in a powerful spinning attack, then launches a Finishing Move, dealing massive Ice DMG. This skill is not counted as a heavy attack.

After the skill is used, it can be directly followed up with the 4th hit of Basic Attack: Dark Abyss Quartet. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
Skill Description
Core Passive: Terminating Verdict

When Chain Attack: Trick of Fate hits an enemy or Hugo's attacks Stun an enemy, Hugo gains the Dark Abyss Reverb state for 6s, and repeated triggers reset the duration. During this state, Hugo's CRIT Rate increases by 12% and CRIT DMG increases by 25%.

When there are 1/2 Stun characters in your squad, Hugo's ATK increases by 25/75.

When the Finishing Move of EX Special Attack: Soul Hunter - Punishment or Ultimate: Blaspheme hits an enemy while they are Stunned, it triggers the Totalize effect, increasing the DMG Multiplier of the skill's Finishing Move by 500%. Additionally, the Totalize effect further increases the skill's DMG multiplier based on the remaining Stun time of the enemy when triggered: for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion that is less than or equal to 5s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 140%; for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion between 5 and 15s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 50%. The total increase can raise the skill's DMG multiplier by a maximum of 1,700%.

After Hugo triggers the Totalize effect, the enemy's Stunned state will immediately end. Based on the remaining Stun time at the moment Totalize is triggered, a certain amount of Daze will be accumulated. For every second of Stun time remaining, 5% Daze is accumulated, up to a maximum Daze equivalent to 25% of the enemy's maximum Daze.

When EX Special Attack: Soul Hunter - Punishment hits an enemy, if the enemy is not Stunned, the Daze accumulated by the skill increases by 20%.
Additional Ability: Prelude to Finality

When another character in your squad is a Stun character or shares the same attribute:

Chain Attack: Trick of Fate's DMG increases by 15%, with a further increase of 35% against normal enemies. When Totalize is triggered, the DMG dealt by the skill increases by 40%. EX Special Attack: Soul Hunter - Punishment generates an additional 20 Energy when triggering Totalize on normal enemies. The Energy generation effect can trigger once every 30s.
6.1.

Hugo Vlad's Best Mindscapes

Hugo's Mindscapes are really good. His M1 and M2 give him a massive DMG boost by increasing his Crit Rate and Crit DMG, and his M2 ignores 15% of the enemy's DEf. The rest is a bonus if really you want to invest in Hugo, but are not required.

# Mindscape Description
M1 Child of Hatred When triggering the Totalize effect in the Dark Abyss Reverb state, the skill's CRIT Rate is increased by an additional 12%, and CRIT DMG by 30%.
M2 The Child Within When Ultimate: Blaspheme triggers Totalize, it will not end the enemy's Stunned state. Additionally, when Totalize is triggered, the skill will ignore 15% of the enemy's DEF.
M3 Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Basic Attack, Dodge, Assist, Special Attack, and Chain Attack Lv. +2.
M4 Dramatic Theory After a Charged Shot hits an enemy, Hugo's attacks against that target will ignore 12% of that target's Ice RES for 15s, repeated triggers reset the duration.
M5 Nirvana Basic Attack, Dodge, Assist, Special Attack, and Chain Attack Lv. +2.
M6 Crown of Thorns All shooting attacks that hit enemies trigger the Dark Abyss Reverb state, lasting up to 6s, and repeated triggers reset the duration. Additionally, whenever any skill triggers the Totalize effect, that DMG is further increased by 60%. The Finishing Move of EX Special Attack: Soul Hunter - Punishment also triggers the Totalize effect when hitting an enemy that isn't Stunned, boosting the DMG multiplier of the Finishing Move by a fixed 1,000 %.
6.2.

Hugo Vlad's Promotions

Skill Description
Core Skill Enhancement A
  • CRIT Rate increases by 4.8%
  • Core Passive: "Terminating Verdict" Skill Lv.+1
  • When there are 1/2 Stun characters in your squad, Hugo's ATK increases by 50/150.
  • increasing the DMG Multiplier of the skill's Finishing Move by 583%.
  • for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion that is less than or equal to 5s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 163%
  • for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion between 5 and 15s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 58%
  • The total increase can raise the skill's DMG multiplier by a maximum of 1,978%.
Core Skill Enhancement B
  • Base ATK increases by 25
  • Core Passive: "Terminating Verdict" Skill Lv.+1
  • When there are 1/2 Stun characters in your squad, Hugo's ATK increases by 80/240.
  • increasing the DMG Multiplier of the skill's Finishing Move by 667%.
  • for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion that is less than or equal to 5s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 187%
  • for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion between 5 and 15s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 67%
  • The total increase can raise the skill's DMG multiplier by a maximum of 2,272%.
Core Skill Enhancement C
  • CRIT Rate increases by 4.8%
  • Core Passive: "Terminating Verdict" Skill Lv.+1
  • When there are 1/2 Stun characters in your squad, Hugo's ATK increases by 120/360.
  • increasing the DMG Multiplier of the skill's Finishing Move by 750%.
  • for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion that is less than or equal to 5s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 210%
  • for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion between 5 and 15s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 75%
  • The total increase can raise the skill's DMG multiplier by a maximum of 2,550%.
Core Skill Enhancement D
  • Base ATK increases by 25
  • Core Passive: "Terminating Verdict" Skill Lv.+1
  • When there are 1/2 Stun characters in your squad, Hugo's ATK increases by 180/540.
  • increasing the DMG Multiplier of the skill's Finishing Move by 833%.
  • for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion that is less than or equal to 5s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 233%
  • for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion between 5 and 15s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 83%
  • The total increase can raise the skill's DMG multiplier by a maximum of 2,828%.
Core Skill Enhancement E
  • CRIT Rate increases by 4.8%
  • Core Passive: "Terminating Verdict" Skill Lv.+1
  • When there are 1/2 Stun characters in your squad, Hugo's ATK increases by 270/810.
  • increasing the DMG Multiplier of the skill's Finishing Move by 917%.
  • for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion that is less than or equal to 5s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 257%
  • for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion between 5 and 15s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 92%
  • The total increase can raise the skill's DMG multiplier by a maximum of 3,122%.
Core Skill Enhancement F
  • Base ATK increases by 25
  • Core Passive: "Terminating Verdict" Skill Lv.+1
  • When there are 1/2 Stun characters in your squad, Hugo's ATK increases by 300/900.
  • increasing the DMG Multiplier of the skill's Finishing Move by 1000%.
  • for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion that is less than or equal to 5s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 280%
  • for each remaining second of Stun time from the portion between 5 and 15s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 100%
  • The total increase can raise the skill's DMG multiplier by a maximum of 3,400%.
7.

How to Play Hugo Vlad

Hugo Vlad is a main DPS, and an insanely strong one on top of it. He functions mainly through stun mechanics and his burst DMG window. When you use 2 Stun Agents in your squad, Hugo's ATK increases massively. When your finishing move of your Ex Special Attack hits an enemy, Hugo enters the Totalize effect, which increases the DMG multiplier of the Finishing Move. On top of that, the Totalize effect further increases the skill's DMG multiplier based on the remaining Stun time you had on the enemy when Totalize was triggered.

Hugo requires you to keep enemies stunned as much as possible. In order to do that, you may want to use two Stun Agents in your squad. Doing so will also increase his ATK massively, so it is only beneficial.

When your enemy is stunned, use your Ex Special attack as soon as available and make sure you don't miss your target. If the skill hits the Stunned enemy, Hugo enters the Totalize effect.

When Hugo enters Totalize, it immediately stops the Stun state of the enemy. However, instead, it will accumulate a certain amount of Daze on the enemy, based on the remaining Stun when Totalize was triggered. Every second of Stun remaining equals 5% Daze accumulated.

When Hugo is under the Totalize effect, the following buffs will apply:

  • Entering Totalize increases the DMG multiplier of the Ex Special's Finishing move by 1000%. This allows you Ex Special to deal massive damage.
  • The skill's DMG multiplier will be further increased based on the remaining Stun time of the enemy when Totalize was triggered:
    • For each remaining second of Stun time from the portion that is less than or equal to 5s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 280%
    • For each remaining second of Stun time from the portion between 5 and 15s, the skill's DMG multiplier increases by 100%
    • Totalize uses the remaining Stun time, so switch to your Stun Agents to stun the enemy again
    • The total increase can raise the skill's DMG multiplier by a maximum of 3,400%

Hugo's rotation should go as follows:

  • Main Basic Attack combo with 4 hits.
  • Hold the Basic Attack right after the 4th hit.
  • When you dash, perfect dodge, quick assist, or assist follow-up, hold the Basic attack as well.
  • When your Ex Special attack is ready use it to activate Totalize. Hold the Basic Attack right after.
  • Totalize uses the remaining Stun time, so switch to your Stun Agents to stun the enemy again.
  • When your Ultimate is ready, use it. Follow up with another Basic Attack hold.
8.

Hugo Vlad Build

BiS W-Engine Myriad Eclipse
Alternative W-Engines
  1. Deep Sea Visitor
  2. Heartstring Nocturne
  3. Zanshin Herb Case
  4. Severed Innocence
  5. The Brimstone
  6. Cannon Rotor
  7. Marcato Desire
  8. Gilded Blossom
  9. Starlight Engine
Best Drive Discs

4 Piece:

  1. Woodpecker Electro
  2. Hormone Punk

2 Piece:

  1. Branch and Blade Song
  2. Polar Metal
  3. Astral Voice
Main Stats
  • Disc 4: CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG %
  • Disc 5: Ice DMG
  • Disc 6: ATK %
Substat Priority
  1. CRIT Rate %
  2. CRIT DMG %
  3. ATK %
  4. PEN / ATK
Skill Priority
  1. Core Skill
  2. EX Special Attack
  3. Ultimate
  4. Basic Attack
  5. Assist
  6. Dodge

When building Hugo, his best W-Engine is Myriad Eclipse, his signature. It is the Best-in-Slot build option for Hugo Vlad as it will give a 45% CRIT DMG increase, while also allowing Hugo to ignore 25% of the enemy's DEF. Ellen Joe's signature W-Engine Deep Sea Visitor is the second best option as it provides increased Ice DMG and CRIT Rate.

Starlight Engine is your best F2P option when building Hugo, as it provides a solid ATK buff. If you managed to grab Marcato Desire from the event, this will be your best A-Rank option as it comes with CRIT Rate.

Regarding Drive Discs, Hugo does not have a dedicated drive disc set like some other characters. Woodpecker Electro is your best pick as it provides Hugo with a massive CRIT Rate boost, while also increasing his ATK. If you have enough CRIT Rate, Hormone Punk is the second best 4-piece option with the increased ATK %.

Branch & Blade Song is Hugo's best 2-piece option for this build, as it gives CRIT DMG, but Polar Metal or Astral Voice are both viable options.

8.1.

Bangboo Information

The best Bangboo option for Hugo Vlad's build is RobinRobin. Robin only requires one Mockingbird member to trigger his additional ability, which allows him to buff the squad with either increased DMG, Daze, or Anomaly Buildup.

9.

Team Comps and Synergy

Hugo Vlad is a powerful main DPS. He may be currently the only direct competition to Hoshimi Miyabi. In order to maximize his damage and get the full amount of personal buffs he can get, you want to play him with Two Stun agents.

9.1.

Hugo Vlad's Best Team

DPS Stun Stun Bangboo
Hugo Vlad Lighter Von Lycaon Robin

Hugo basically only has one perfect team currently, and it uses the two stun agents: Lighter and Von Lycaon. They are both Hugo's best teammates since they they will further boost his Ice DMG, and help decrease the enemy's RES, while also increasing the damage on stunned enemies. Lighter is also a very good unit that stuns rather easily enemies, so with Hugo's ability to accumulate a lot of Daze, it will be even easier for Lighter to stun.

9.2.

Hugo Vald's Alternative Team Options

DPS Stun Stun Bangboo
Hugo Vlad Anby Demara Nicole Demara Robin
Hugo Vlad Trigger Pulchra Robin
Hugo Vlad Qingyi Nicole Demara Robin

If you don't have Lighter or Von Lycaon you can use other Stun Agents. Anby Demara and Nicole Demara are very good Free options. Trigger and Pulchra are good off-field stunner options with their Aftershock DMG if you want to be able to keep Hugo constantly on field.

You can of course mix and match those Agents.

DPS Stun Support Bangboo
Hugo Vlad Lighter Caesar King Robin
Hugo Vlad Lighter Astra Yao Robin

While you slightly loose on Hugo's ATK buff if you only bring one stun agent, using support units such as Caesar King or Astra Yao are viable options as they can make up for it with the own buffs they provide.

9.3.

Changelog

  • 03 Jun. 2025: Updated for 2.0.
  • 14 May 2025: Guide updated.
  • 29 Apr. 2025: Guide and build updated.
  • 08 Mar. 2025: Guide added.
Show more
Show less

In The Same Category

Von Lycaon Best Builds Guide
Soukaku Best Builds Guide
Ellen Joe Best Builds Guide
Tsukishiro Yanagi Best Builds Guide