A fresh Zenless Zone Zero leak has stirred up excitement among fans, revealing that Hugo Vlad will take on the role of an enemy boss in Version 1.6. While players have encountered the character in previous updates, his mysterious presence has left many wondering if and when he’ll become playable.
The leak, shared by reliable Zenless Zone Zero insider Donut, suggests that Hugo Vlad will be a formidable opponent in the upcoming update. According to reports, players will face two versions of him: his standard form and a powerful shadow boss variant within the Shiyu Defense. Interestingly, his weapon of choice—a massive scythe—has fueled speculation that he could eventually join the roster as a playable agent.
Hugo Vlad first appeared in Zenless Zone Zero during Lycaon’s Agent Story, hinting at a shared past between the two. He later showed up in Version 1.5’s Bangboo competition event under the alias “Blonde Man,” though his role remained ambiguous. Despite his limited presence in the game so far, he has already built a strong following, with many eager to see how his character unfolds in future updates.
If history is any indication, Hugo Vlad’s promotion from enemy to playable character wouldn’t be surprising. Zenless Zone Zero has previously taken this approach, notably with Jane Doe, who was first introduced as a boss before becoming an S-Rank agent. Likewise, Pulchra, who was an antagonist in Version 1.2, is set to join the playable roster in Version 1.6.
Beyond Hugo Vlad, Version 1.6 is expected to introduce new characters, including Silver Soldier Anby and Trigger, both of whom are rumored to be S-Rank units. There’s also speculation that a free character will be available in the next update, though official details remain scarce.
As Zenless Zone Zero continues to expand its roster and deepen its lore, Hugo Vlad’s role in the story could have major implications. Whether he remains a foe or eventually joins the fight as an ally, his upcoming appearance is sure to keep players on edge.