In the vast and vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, one of the most intriguing sights is hunters wielding the Hunting Horn. At first glance, it may seem odd, but those dedicated to the Hunting Horn will proudly trumpet its effectiveness. Here's how to maximize your potential with 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 powerful tool that can produce a variety of buffs for both you and your allies. Mastering the Hunting Horn involves remembering melodies and playing them at the right moments to gain a strategic advantage.
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 moves hunters backward 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 various 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 timed 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 play the unique Melody Effect associated with the equipped Hunting Horn. 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
Apart from its musical prowess, the Hunting Horn packs a punch as a blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to incorporate between your performances:
Overhead Smash Combo
A staple in your Hunting Horn arsenal, the Overhead Smash Combo is a must-have. Simply move forward with the analog stick and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to execute the Overhead Smash and its follow-up attack. Consistently using this combo can stun monsters, so aim well and strike hard.
Performance Combo
Once you've stacked your desired songs, unleash them with the Performance Combo, which also boosts your damage output. Move forward with the analog stick and press R2/RT to initiate Perform, then follow up with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to enhance and prolong your Melody Effects.
Echo Bubble Combo
The Hunting Horn's unique Echo Bubble mechanic can be a game-changer, especially against incapacitated enemies. Begin with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), then follow with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for the Echo Wave (Blunt), and then R2/RT for Perform, finishing with an Encore using Triangle/Y + Circle/B.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Hunting Horn Tips
Mastering the Hunting Horn requires precise control over buffs and timing your damage output, especially in a team setting.
All About the Notes
Each Hunting Horn comes with unique songs that require specific combinations of notes to be stocked. 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 for an additional note during the second attack, making it easier to craft the melodies you want. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play the necessary notes to form melodies.
Buff City
Once you're familiar with the notes, focus on stacking them for songs. You can play multiple songs in succession to benefit from various buffs. Ensure these buffs align with your current scenario, as performing them takes time.
Echo Chamber
Always leverage Echo Bubbles to create a battlefield that works in your favor. Not only do you get three additional note inputs, but Echo Bubbles also amplify your subsequent attacks. The added benefits of increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble enhance your survivability, making it essential in High Rank hunts.
Self-Improvement is Key
The Self-Improvement skill, present in all Hunting Horns, should be boosted to at least level 2. This increases your attack by 20%, enhancing your damage potential 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, once prepared, won't be overwritten until you're ready to use it. When a monster attacks, execute 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 tricks, be sure to check out The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
