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

Author : Carter

Apr 06,2025

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 appreciate its versatility and strength. Here's a comprehensive guide on 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 tool for creating buffs that can significantly enhance your performance and that of your allies. Mastering the art of playing melodies at the right time can give you a crucial edge 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

Hunting Horn Combo Image

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Beyond its musical 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 arsenal, this combo involves moving forward with the analog stick and pressing Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to execute the Overhead Smash and its follow-up attack. Consistent use of this combo can stun monsters, so aim carefully and strike with force.

Performance Combo

After stacking your desired songs, initiate a performance with this combo for added damage. Move forward with the analog stick, press R2/RT to start Perform, and follow up with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to enhance and prolong your Melody Effects.

Echo Bubble Combo

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

Hunting Horn Tips

Hunting Horn Tips Image

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering the Hunting Horn involves controlling buffs and timing your damage output effectively, especially in team settings.

All About the Notes

Understanding the art of note composition is crucial. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs requiring specific note combinations. 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 you to add an extra note during the second attack, facilitating song creation. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play the necessary notes to form melodies.

Buff City

Once you're adept at note management, focus on stacking them for songs. You can play multiple songs consecutively to benefit from various buffs. Ensure the buffs align with your current situation, and remember that performing them takes time.

Echo Chamber

Utilize Echo Bubbles frequently to create a favorable battlefield. Not only do they provide three additional note inputs, but they also amplify your 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 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 can be prepared and held without being overwritten. 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 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.*