In the vast and thrilling world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon. While it might seem unusual at first, those who master the Hunting Horn will quickly appreciate its ability to not only deal damage but also provide crucial buffs to themselves and their allies. Here's how to maximize the potential of the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Left Swing | A basic attack that produces Note 1 on the musical staff. Use it with a direction to perform a Forward Smash. |
| Circle/B | Right Swing | A basic attack that produces Note 2 on the musical staff. |
| Analog Direction + Circle/B | Flourish | An attack that produces Note 2 on the musical staff. Pressing Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during the attack will allow you to produce another note. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Backwards Strike | A basic attack that produces Note 3 on the musical staff. It allows hunters to easily hit a target behind them, and will move hunters backwards as they attack. |
| Analog Direction + Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Overhead Smash | An attack that produces Note 3 on the musical staff. Pressing Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during the attack will allow you to produce another note. |
| Backwards Analog Direction + Triangle/Y or Circle/B or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during combo | Hilt Stab | A quick attack that produces a note on the musical staff. The attack can be used after a number of different attacks, with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, and Triangle/Y + Circle/B producing their own note. |
| R2/RT | Perform | An attack that activates Melody Effect. Stocked melodies will be performed in order, but a specific melody can be selected using R2/RT + Triangle/Y or Circle/B. While performing multiple melodies, press R2/RT for a powerful Performance Beat. Then play an Encore (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) to boost and extend Melody Effects. The power of a Performance Beat and Encore will increase if you time them with the activation of Melody Effects. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Echo Bubble | A special attack that produces an Echo Bubble. The type of Echo Bubble created is determined by the Hunting Horn equipped. When creating an Echo Bubble, players can produce up to three notes with either Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B with Melody Stocked | Special Performance | Unlike normal performances, Special Performances will play the unique Melody Effect associated with the Hunting Horn equipped. Once stocked, this melody will not be overwritten by new melodies. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Reverb | A Performance attack effective against wounds. Players can produce up to five notes with either Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B while performing. Playing the notes at the right time will deal additional damage. |
Combos
Beyond its melodic capabilities, the Hunting Horn is a formidable blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to integrate into your gameplay:
Overhead Smash Combo
A staple in your arsenal, this combo involves moving forward with the analog stick and pressing Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to execute the Overhead Smash and its follow-up attack. Mastering this can stun monsters, so aim carefully and strike with force.
Performance Combo
Once you've stacked your desired songs, unleash a performance combo for enhanced damage. Move forward with the analog stick, press R2/RT to initiate Perform, and follow up with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to amplify and prolong your Melody Effects.
Echo Bubble Combo
Leverage the Hunting Horn's unique Echo Bubble mechanic in this combo, ideal against incapacitated foes. Begin with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), then follow with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), R2/RT for Perform, and an Encore with Triangle/Y + Circle/B.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Hunting Horn Tips
To truly excel with the Hunting Horn, you must master the art of buff management and timing your attacks for maximum impact, especially in cooperative play.
All About the Notes
Understanding the notes is crucial for crafting effective songs. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs requiring specific note combinations. Keep an eye on the top right corner of your screen to see which command corresponds to the needed note. Moves like Flourish and Overhead Smash allow you to add an extra note during the second attack, facilitating song creation. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play the necessary notes to form melodies.
Buff City
Once you're adept with notes, stack them to create songs. You can play multiple songs consecutively for various buffs. Choose buffs that suit your current situation, and remember that performing them takes time, so plan accordingly.
Echo Chamber
Utilize Echo Bubbles frequently to gain a strategic advantage. They not only allow for three additional note inputs but also amplify your subsequent attacks. The increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble enhance your survivability, making it essential for High Rank hunts.
Self-Improvement is Key
The Self-Improvement skill, available on all Hunting Horns, should be boosted to at least level 2. This increases your attack by 20%, enhancing your damage output and reducing the time needed to affect monsters.
Always be Prepared With Special Performances
Keep a Special Performance ready at all times. For instance, the Offset Melody can be prepared and held without being overwritten. When a monster attacks, input the Special Performance command (R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B), hold the stance, and release it just as the monster hits to knock it down.
That's everything you need to know to master the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
