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

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

Apr 19,25

In the vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon, blending brute force with melodic mastery. For those who choose to wield this instrument of war, understanding its intricacies can turn the tide of battle. Here's a comprehensive guide to maximizing the potential of the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Left Swing	A basic attack that generates Note 1 on the musical staff. Combine it with a directional input for a Forward Smash.
Circle/B	Right Swing	A basic attack that generates Note 2 on the musical staff.
Analog Direction + Circle/B	Flourish	An attack that generates Note 2 on the musical staff. During the attack, you can press Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B to produce another note.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Backwards Strike	A basic attack that generates Note 3 on the musical staff. It allows hunters to strike targets behind them while moving backwards.
Analog Direction + Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Overhead Smash	An attack that generates Note 3 on the musical staff. You can press Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during the attack 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 generates a note on the musical staff. It can be used after various attacks, with different buttons producing different notes.
R2/RT	Perform	An attack that activates Melody Effects. Stocked melodies are played in sequence, but you can select a specific melody using R2/RT + Triangle/Y or Circle/B. During multiple melody performances, press R2/RT for a powerful Performance Beat, then play an Encore (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) to boost and extend Melody Effects. Timing Performance Beats and Encores with Melody Effect activations increases their power.
R2/RT + Cross/A	Echo Bubble	A special attack that creates an Echo Bubble. The type depends on the equipped Hunting Horn. You can produce up to three notes with 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 a unique Melody Effect specific to the equipped Hunting Horn. Once stocked, this melody won't be overwritten by new melodies.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Reverb	A Performance attack effective against wounds. You can produce up to five notes with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B while performing. Playing notes at the right time increases damage.

Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Beyond its melodic prowess, the Hunting Horn is a formidable blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to master:

Overhead Smash Combo

A staple in your arsenal, the Overhead Smash Combo involves moving forward with the analog stick and pressing Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice. This combo can stun monsters, making it crucial for dealing significant damage.

Performance Combo

Once you've stacked your desired songs, initiate a Performance Combo by moving forward and pressing R2/RT, followed by Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore. This boosts and extends your Melody Effects, enhancing your team's performance.

Echo Bubble Combo

Leverage the Hunting Horn's unique Echo Bubble mechanic with this combo, ideal for incapacitated enemies. Begin with Cross/A + R2/RT to create an Echo Bubble, then follow with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for an Echo Wave (Blunt), R2/RT for Perform, and Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Hunting Horn Tips

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

To excel with the Hunting Horn, familiarize yourself with note combinations. Each Horn has unique songs requiring specific note sequences. Monitor the top right corner of the screen to identify required notes. Utilize moves like Flourish and Overhead Smash to add additional notes during attacks, and remember, you can also play notes while riding your Seikret.

Buff City

Once you understand notes, stack them to create songs. You can play multiple songs consecutively to benefit from various buffs. Choose buffs that suit your current situation, and remember, performing songs takes time, so plan accordingly.

Echo Chamber

Maximize the use of Echo Bubbles to create advantageous battlefields. Not only do they allow for three additional note inputs, but they also amplify subsequent attack damage. Echo Bubbles also enhance Evasion and Movement Speed, making them vital for survivability, especially in High Rank hunts.

Self-Improvement is Key

Ensure you always have the Self-Improvement skill at least at level 2. This boosts your attacks by 20%, increasing your damage potential and reducing the time needed to subdue 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 choose to use it. When a monster attacks, execute the Special Performance (R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B), hold the stance, and release just as the monster hits to knock it down.

With these insights, you're well-equipped to master the Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds. For more tips and strategies, continue exploring The Escapist.

Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

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