Mastering Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds: Moves and Combos Guide

In the vast world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out with its unique blend of combat and support capabilities. This instrument of war is not just about dealing damage; it's about orchestrating victory through powerful buffs and strategic melodies. Here’s how to maximize the potential of the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Hunting Horn is a versatile blunt weapon that doubles as a support tool, enabling hunters to produce various buffs for themselves and their allies. Mastering the art of playing melodies in the right moments can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Left Swing	Basic attack that produces Note 1 on the musical staff. Use it with a direction to perform a Forward Smash.
Circle/B	Right Swing	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	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

Hunting Horn Combo Image — Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Beyond its melodic prowess, 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 Hunting Horn arsenal, the Overhead Smash Combo involves moving forward with the analog stick and pressing Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice. This combo can stun monsters if executed correctly, making it a crucial part of your strategy.

Performance Combo

After stacking your desired songs, initiate a Performance Combo by moving forward with the analog stick and pressing R2/RT. Follow up with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore, enhancing and prolonging your Melody Effects.

Echo Bubble Combo

Leverage the Hunting Horn's unique Echo Bubble mechanic in this combo, ideal against incapacitated foes. Begin with Cross/A + R2/RT to create an Echo Bubble, then follow with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for an Echo Wave (Blunt), R2/RT for Perform, and Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds

Hunting Horn Tips

To truly master the Hunting Horn, you must control your buffs and time your attacks to maximize both support and damage. Here are some key tips:

All About the Notes

Understanding and mastering note combinations is crucial. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs that require specific note sequences. Monitor the top right corner of your screen to see which commands produce the notes you need. Use moves like Flourish and Overhead Smash to stack additional notes, and even play notes while riding your Seikret to form melodies on the go.

Buff City

Once you're adept at stacking notes, focus on playing multiple songs in succession to benefit from various buffs. Choose buffs that suit your current battle scenario, 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 damage and enhance evasion and movement speed within the bubble. This is especially useful in High Rank hunts.

Self-Improvement is Key

Ensure you activate the Self-Improvement skill to at least level 2 on all your Hunting Horns. This skill boosts your attack by 20%, significantly increasing your damage potential and reducing the time needed to take down 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 until the perfect moment. When a monster attacks, use the Special Performance command (R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B), hold the stance, and release just as the monster strikes to knock it down.

With these strategies and tips, you're well on your way to mastering the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more guidance on the game, be sure to check out resources on The Escapist.

*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*