In the vast and thrilling world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, few weapons capture the imagination quite like the Hunting Horn. This unique instrument of destruction not only delivers powerful blunt attacks but also enhances your team's abilities with its melodic buffs. 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 weapon that combines brute force with the ability to produce buffs for yourself and your allies. Mastering its melodies and knowing when to play them can give you a significant advantage on the battlefield.
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 packs a punch as a blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to integrate into your gameplay:
Overhead Smash Combo
A fundamental combo that you should always keep in your arsenal, 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 hit hard.
Performance Combo
After stacking your desired songs, initiate a performance with this combo that also boosts your damage. Move forward with the analog stick and press R2/RT to start Perform, then follow up with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to enhance and prolong your Melody Effects.
Echo Bubble Combo
Utilize the Hunting Horn’s unique Echo Bubble mechanic in this combo, which is particularly effective against incapacitated enemies. Begin with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), then follow with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), then R2/RT for Perform, and finally an Encore with Triangle/Y + Circle/B.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Hunting Horn Tips
To become a true master of the Hunting Horn, you must learn to control your buffs and time your attacks effectively, especially in cooperative play.
All About the Notes
Understanding the notes is crucial for creating songs. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs that require different note combinations. Monitor the top right corner of the screen to identify which command corresponds to the note you need. Moves like Flourish and Overhead Smash allow you to add additional notes during the attack, facilitating the creation of your desired songs. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play the necessary notes to form melodies.
Buff City
Once you’re familiar with the notes, stack them to form songs. You can play multiple songs in succession to benefit from various buffs. Choose buffs that align with your current situation, and remember that performing them takes time.
Echo Chamber
Utilize Echo Bubbles as often as possible to create a battlefield that enhances your advantages. Echo Bubbles not only provide three more note inputs but also amplify your damage for subsequent attacks. Additionally, they increase your Evasion and Movement Speed, boosting your survivability, particularly in High Rank hunts.
Self-Improvement is Key
The Self-Improvement skill, available on all Hunting Horns, should be maintained at least at level 2 to boost your attacks by 20%. This increases your damage output and helps you subdue monsters more quickly.
Always be Prepared With Special Performances
Keep a Special Performance ready to use at any time. For instance, with the Offset Melody prepared, you won’t have to worry about it being overwritten. When a monster attacks, you can trigger the Special Performance (R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B), hold the stance, and release it 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 The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
