In the vast world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, one of the most intriguing sights is the sight and sound of hunters wielding the Hunting Horn. While it might seem odd at first glance, those who master this instrument know its true power. 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 not just a blunt weapon; it's a source of powerful buffs that can enhance your abilities and those of your allies. The key is to memorize melodies and play them at the right moments to gain a strategic advantage in battle.
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
Overhead Smash Combo
This is a staple combo that should be part of your arsenal. Simply move forward with the analog stick and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to perform the Overhead Smash and its follow-up attack. Consistently executing this can even stun the monster, so aim accurately and strike hard.
Performance Combo
Once you've stacked the desired songs, it's time to perform. This combo not only plays your melodies but also adds extra 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 boost and extend your Melody Effects.
Echo Bubble Combo
The Hunting Horn's unique Echo Bubble mechanic can be leveraged in a combo that's particularly effective against incapacitated enemies. Start with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), then follow up with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), then R2/RT for Perform, and finish with an Encore using Triangle/Y + Circle/B.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Hunting Horn Tips
All About the Notes
Mastering the Hunting Horn involves understanding how to create melodies with different notes. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs that require specific note combinations to be stocked. Keep an eye on the top right corner of the screen to see which command corresponds to the note you need. Attacks like Flourish and Overhead Smash allow you to add another note during the second attack, making it easier to compose the songs you want. Even while riding your Seikret in pursuit of a monster, you can play the necessary notes to form melodies.
Buff City
Once familiar with the notes, stack them to create songs. You can play multiple songs consecutively to benefit from various buffs. Ensure the buffs are suitable for your current situation, and remember that performing them takes time, so plan accordingly.
Echo Chamber
Hunters should always utilize Echo Bubbles to create a battlefield that offers multiple advantages. Not only do they provide three additional note inputs, but they also amplify damage for subsequent attacks. The increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble enhance survivability, so use it before attacking, especially in 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 power by 20%, allowing for quicker takedowns and more effective gameplay.
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, 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 all you need to know about mastering 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.*
