Part 1: Gearing Hugo – Debunking the Myths

We’ve double and triple-checked these calculations in-game and with a dedicated calculator to ensure accuracy. Let’s break down the optimal gearing strategies for M0R1 Hugo.

The “Ice Damage Bonus is Best” Misconception:

While ice damage bonus for slot five is the best option for Hugo, it’s crucial to understand a critical caveat: it’s the best option for his worst-performing meta team at M0R1. This is a significant distinction that many players overlook.

Team 1: Hugo, Astra, and Trigger (M0R1)

• Key takeaway: With the current Deadly Assault buff (which favors Hugo), slot five damage percentage (ice damage) with four-piece Woodpecker and two-piece damage won out in our tests.
• Crit Damage vs. Damage/Attack: Initially, crit damage two-piece with a five-piece penetration ratio performed poorly due to Trigger’s defense reduction. However, with 100% crit rate on Hugo, crit damage two-piece became the winner.
• Flexibility: The difference between crit damage two-piece, damage two-piece, and attack percentage two-piece is minimal. The best option will often depend on the specific Deadly Assault buff.
• Two-piece, Two-piece, Two-piece: If you’re not using four-piece Woodpecker, opt for damage two-piece, crit damage two-piece, and crit two-piece with slot five damage percentage. Penetration ratio is not recommended here due to Trigger.

Team 2: Hugo, Astra, and Lighter (M0R1)

• Key takeaway: Slot five penetration ratio with two-piece penetration ratio had the highest ceiling at both 80% and 100% crit rate.
• Damage Percentage: Slot five damage percentage was the weakest performer in this composition.
• Two-piece, Two-piece, Two-piece: Crit two-piece and penetration ratio two-piece are highly effective. Damage, crit damage, and attack percentage will depend on Deadly Assault buffs and substats.
• Substats Matter: Ultimately, substats are king. Focus on getting the best rolls.

Team 3: Hugo, Trigger, and Lighter (M0R1)

• Key takeaway: Slot five attack percentage consistently led with both 80% and 100% crit rate, especially with four-piece Woodpecker and crit damage two-piece.
• Difference: The difference between slot five penetration ratio, damage percentage, and attack percentage is relatively small, with attack percentage generally coming out on top.
• Two-piece, Two-piece, Two-piece: Damage two-piece, crit damage two-piece, and crit two-piece were the winners at both 80% and 100% crit rate.

Team 4: Hugo, Lyone, and Lighter (M0R1)

• Important Note: For Lyone and Lighter, Impact four-piece was used. Swing Jazz or Astral Voice would likely yield higher Totalize damage. This composition was the best performing at M0R1 among all tested teams.
• No Clear Slot Five Winner: This team is highly dependent on Deadly Assault buffs and your substats. However, if forced to choose two, penetration ratio and attack percentage are your best bets.
• Penetration Ratio as a Safe Choice: Penetration ratio two-piece with slot five penetration is a safe choice because Deadly Assault buffs often provide attack percentage or crit damage.
• Avoid: Slot five damage percentage with damage two-piece is generally 2% behind in this setup.
• Two-piece, Two-piece, Two-piece: Prioritize attack percentage, crit damage, and penetration ratio, followed by damage percentage, depending on buffs and substats.

The “Safest” Gearing Choice:

If you’re aiming for 100% crit rate by sacrificing attack percentage substats, penetration ratio (slot five) with two-piece penetration emerges as the safest and most consistent choice across teams.

Hormone Punk Set:

The same gearing principles apply. Focus on reaching 100% crit rate. If you’re already above 100% crit at M0R1, refer to the team-specific recommendations above.

Gearing Conclusion:

• Ice damage bonus is best in slot for Hugo’s worst-performing M0R1 team. Don’t blindly equip it without considering your team composition.
• Penetration ratio on average fits more teams.
• Attack percentage is great when you’re pushing for 100% crit rate through substats.
• Decision-making: Decide on your preferred Hugo team first, then tailor your gear accordingly.

Part 2: Hugo’s Pull Value Ranking

Here’s a breakdown of Hugo’s value in the current meta, considering his horizontal spread (number of viable teams), vertical investment value, longevity, and role.

Hugo’s Metrics (M0R1):

• Horizontal (Team Spread): 4/10 – He fits into a decent number of meta comps, but not as broadly as some other agents.
• Vertical (Investment Value): 3.5/10 – Investing vertically into Hugo at M0 doesn’t significantly change his playstyle. However, this dramatically changes at M6.
• Longevity: 3.5/10 – His role of bursting stun windows isn’t always crucial in the current endgame, especially in shield defense-focused Deadly Assaults.
• Role: Bursting during stun windows. While he excels at this (especially at M6), other agents can also fill this role.

Why M6 is a Game-Changer for Hugo:

At M6, Hugo’s toolkit completely transforms. He becomes significantly more versatile, capable of being a hypercarry and offering entirely new playstyle options (e.g., charge shot buff). Unlike some other agents where M6 is primarily a numerical boost, Hugo’s M6 genuinely unlocks a different, more engaging experience. This “backloading” of his fun playstyle is a significant point of contention for many players.

Comparisons to Other Agents:

• Vivian (M0R1):
  • Horizontal: 5.5/10 – She has good team flexibility.
  • Vertical (M2/M6): M2 makes her better at her role, but M6 is where she truly shines as a hypercarry or burster.
• Miyabi:
  • Horizontal: 8/10 – Extremely versatile and a go-to for many challenging or time-sensitive combat events.
  • Vertical (M2): M2 provides excellent value.
• Sami & Evelyn (M6): Their M6 upgrades primarily offer numerical damage increases, without the significant playstyle changes seen in Hugo or Vivian.

Afterthoughts and Key Takeaways:

• Gearing Complexity: Gearing Hugo effectively is challenging due to varying optimal sets and stats for different teams.
• Smooth Playstyle: Hugo offers a smooth and enjoyable quick-swap playstyle, making him a personal favorite for many.
• Stress-Free (at M0): During stun windows, Hugo is one of the most stress-free agents to play at M0 (assuming you crit!).
• Mindscapes: Mindscapes make Hugo less strict in terms of gearing and offer more consistent crit.
• Backloaded Potential: Hugo’s full potential and most engaging playstyle are locked behind M6, which can feel frustrating for M0 players.
• “Girl Gamers” Theory: A whimsical theory suggests that developers might be backloading male agents’ M6 kits to encourage female players to invest heavily, given the less frequent release of male characters.
• On-field Play at M0: While M0 Hugo can be played on-field with Astra’s quick assist for charge shot damage, it’s not ideal with two stunners as their contribution might be more valuable.

This in-depth analysis provides a comprehensive look at Hugo’s gearing and value at M0R1. By understanding these nuances, you can make more informed decisions about optimizing your Hugo and maximizing his potential in Zenless Zone Zero.