As a dedicated Hugo main since Zenless Zone Zero's launch, I've spent countless hours testing every W-Engine combination to maximize his explosive DPS potential. Hugo truly shines when built around his signature Crit-focused playstyle, but choosing the right weapon can make or break your combat effectiveness. While his EX Special Attacks and Chain Attacks already hit like a truck, pairing him with optimized W-Engines transforms him into an absolute monster that melts enemies in seconds. Want to see that satisfying 50K Crit pop up on your screen? Then weapon selection isn't just important—it's essential. 🎯

Gilded Blossom: Budget Beast

When starting out, I immediately noticed how Gilded Blossom's EX Special Attack boost perfectly complements Hugo's rotation rhythm. As an easily obtainable F2P option, it delivers surprising value with its straightforward damage amplification. While farming for endgame gear, this carried me through early Chaos stages surprisingly well! But here's the catch: can a free weapon really compete with premium options? Honestly, no—it's a temporary solution until you get these upgrades:

• 15% EX Special Attack DMG boost

• Balanced ATK/Crit substats

• Zero conditional requirements

Marcato Desire: High-Risk, High-Reward

My testing revealed Marcato Desire's frustrating duality: that juicy ATK% buff feels incredible... when you can activate it. The weapon demands Attribute Anomaly setups that Hugo's teams rarely provide naturally. I'd only recommend this if you're running niche comps with anomaly specialists. Otherwise, you're basically using half a weapon! ⚖️

Stat Type	Base Bonus	Conditional Bonus
ATK%	12%	+12% (with Anomaly)
CRIT DMG	18%	None

Cannon Rotor: Battle Pass Bargain

For low-spenders, Cannon Rotor became my unexpected MVP. That 20% Crit Rate instantly fixes Hugo's stat balance—letting you stack insane Crit DMG on Drive Discs. The extra damage on Crits feels like constant bonus candy during combat rotations. Sure, it's not S-Rank level, but for a Battle Pass weapon? I'd call this the smartest mid-game investment. Just pair it with:

• Ice DMG% Drive Discs

• Crit DMG amplifiers

• Energy regeneration sets

Stat Stick Specialists

When experimenting with stat-stick W-Engines like Heartstring Nocturne, Severed Innocence, and Riot Suppressor Mark VI, I discovered their hidden strength: brute-force Crit value. They turn Hugo into a walking Crit machine! Though Heartstring's fire passives go wasted, the raw numbers still outperform many specialized options. 💥

Deep Sea Visitor: Ice Specialist

Borrowing Deep Sea Visitor from other Ice attackers felt like cheating. The dual Ice DMG/Crit Rate bonuses synergize so perfectly with Hugo's kit that I often forget it's not his signature weapon! It essentially solves two build problems simultaneously. If you've already invested in Ice units, this is your most resource-efficient upgrade path.

Myriad Eclipse: The Ultimate Choice

After months of testing, I can definitively say Myriad Eclipse isn't just Hugo's best-in-slot—it's game-changing. That 25% DEF ignore during EX/Chain/Ultimate attacks? It shreds endgame bosses like paper. Combined with monstrous Crit stats and zero activation conditions, this transforms Hugo from great to god-tier. Why settle for less when this exists?

• 30% Crit DMG baseline

• 15% Crit Rate unconditional

• DEF ignore stacks multiplicatively

People Also Ask

Q: Can Hugo function without Crit-focused W-Engines?

A: Technically yes, but you're neutering his core identity. His multipliers scream for Crit investment!

Q: Is the Battle Pass worth it just for Cannon Rotor?

A: Absolutely—especially if you're F2P transitioning to mid-game. It bridges the gap to S-Rank weapons.

Q: How much Crit Rate should I aim for?

A: My sweet spot is 60-70% after W-Engine bonuses. Beyond that, stack Crit DMG like crazy!

Ready to unleash Hugo's full potential? Stop theorycrafting and start equipping—your perfect W-Engine is waiting! Which of these game-changers will you try first? 🔥