In the vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon. While initially unconventional, its ability to unleash a symphony of buffs for both you and your allies makes it a force to be reckoned with. Mastering the Hunting Horn requires understanding its melodies and deploying them strategically for maximum impact. Let's explore how to unlock its full potential.
Recommended Videos Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds
------------------------------------This blunt weapon is all about rhythm and timing. By skillfully playing melodies, you'll gain a significant advantage in battle.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Left Swing | A basic attack producing Note 1. Use with a directional input for a Forward Smash. |
| Circle/B | Right Swing | A basic attack producing Note 2. |
| Analog Direction + Circle/B | Flourish | Produces Note 2. Additional notes can be added during the attack using Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Backwards Strike | Produces Note 3. This allows you to strike targets behind you, moving you backward as you attack. |
| Analog Direction + Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Overhead Smash | Produces Note 3. Additional notes can be added during the attack using Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B. |
| Backwards Analog Direction + Triangle/Y or Circle/B or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during combo | Hilt Stab | A quick attack producing a note. The specific note depends on the button combination used (Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B). |
| R2/RT | Perform | Activates Melody Effects. Stocked melodies play in order, but you can select specific melodies using R2/RT + Triangle/Y or Circle/B. A powerful Performance Beat can be triggered during multiple melodies by pressing R2/RT, followed by an Encore (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) to boost and extend effects. Timing these with Melody Effect activation increases their power. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Echo Bubble | Creates an Echo Bubble, the type determined by your equipped Hunting Horn. Up to three notes can be added using Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B with Melody Stocked | Special Performance | Plays the unique Melody Effect of your equipped Hunting Horn. Once stocked, this melody isn't overwritten. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Reverb | A Performance attack effective against wounds. Up to five notes can be added using Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during performance. Precise timing increases damage. |
Combos
Overhead Smash Combo
A staple combo: Move forward and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice for the Overhead Smash and its follow-up. Consistent use can stun monsters.
Performance Combo
After stacking desired songs, initiate Perform (forward + R2/RT), followed by Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to boost and extend Melody Effects.
Echo Bubble Combo
Ideal against incapacitated enemies: Start with Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), then Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), R2/RT for Perform, and finish with an Encore (Triangle/Y + Circle/B).
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Hunting Horn Tips
Note Mastery
Familiarize yourself with note combinations for different songs. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs requiring specific note sequences. The top-right corner of the screen indicates the required command for each note. Flourish and Overhead Smash allow adding extra notes during the second attack. You can even play notes while riding your Seikret.
Buff Optimization
Stack songs to combine buffs. Choose buffs relevant to the situation, remembering that performances take time.
Echo Bubble Utilization
Maximize Echo Bubble use. It provides three additional note inputs and amplifies damage for subsequent attacks. Increased evasion and movement speed enhance survivability, especially in High Rank hunts.
Self-Improvement Skill
Always aim for at least level 2 Self-Improvement; this boosts attack power by 20%, increasing damage output.
Special Performance Readiness
Keep a Special Performance stocked and ready. For example, the Offset Melody can be prepared in advance and used to knock down attacking monsters by timing its release with their attack.
This guide covers the essentials of mastering the Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds. Check The Escapist for more game guides.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
