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 discover its incredible potential. Here's how to maximize your effectiveness with the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Hunting Horn is a versatile blunt weapon that not only deals significant damage but also provides a variety of buffs to you and your allies. Mastering the art of playing melodies at the right moments can give you a significant 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
Beyond its musical prowess, the Hunting Horn is a formidable blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to incorporate into your gameplay:
Overhead Smash Combo
A fundamental combo to master, simply move forward with the analog stick and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to execute the Overhead Smash and its follow-up attack. This can potentially stun the monster, so aim carefully and strike with force.
Performance Combo
Once you've stacked your desired songs, it's time to perform. This combo not only activates your melodies but also adds extra damage. 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 foes. Start with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), then follow with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), and finish with R2/RT for Perform, followed by an Encore with Triangle/Y + Circle/B.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Hunting Horn Tips
Mastering the Hunting Horn involves controlling your buffs and timing your attacks to maximize your impact, especially in team settings.
All About the Notes
Understanding the notes is crucial for creating effective songs. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs that require specific note combinations. Keep an eye on the top right corner of your screen to see which command corresponds to the note you need. Moves like Flourish and Overhead Smash allow you to add additional notes during the attack, making it easier to build your desired melodies. You can also play notes while riding your Seikret to chase down monsters.
Buff City
Once you're familiar with the notes, focus on stacking them to create songs. You can play multiple songs in succession to benefit from various buffs. Choose buffs that suit your current situation, and remember that performing them takes time, so plan accordingly.
Echo Chamber
Utilize Echo Bubbles as often as possible to create a favorable battlefield. Echo Bubbles not only allow you to input three more notes but also amplify your damage for 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 power by 20%, allowing you to deal more damage and subdue monsters more quickly.
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) 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 strategies, be sure to check out The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
