In the expansive world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon that not only deals significant damage but also provides essential buffs to you and your team. Mastering the Hunting Horn involves understanding its melodies and using them strategically to gain an advantage in battle. Here's how to harness the full potential of the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Hunting Horn is a versatile blunt weapon that doubles as a musical instrument, capable of producing various buffs through melodies. These buffs can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness and that of your allies, making the Hunting Horn a valuable asset in any hunting party.
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 allows 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 hit targets 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 allows 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 are 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 increases 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 depends on the equipped Hunting Horn. 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
Beyond its melodic capabilities, the Hunting Horn is a formidable blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to master:
Overhead Smash Combo
A staple combo that should be a regular part of your arsenal, simply move forward with the analog stick and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to perform the Overhead Smash and its follow-up attack. This combo can stun monsters if executed consistently, so aim accurately and hit hard.
Performance Combo
Once you've stacked the desired songs, unleash them with a performance combo that 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
Leverage the Hunting Horn's unique Echo Bubble mechanic in this combo, which works best against incapacitated enemies. Begin with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), followed by Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), then R2/RT to Perform, and finish with an Encore using Triangle/Y + Circle/B.
Hunting Horn Tips
To truly excel with the Hunting Horn, you must control your buffs and time your damage output effectively, especially in cooperative play.
All About the Notes
Mastering the Hunting Horn requires understanding how to build melodies with different notes. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs that require specific note combinations. Monitor 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 another note during the attack, simplifying the process of creating desired songs. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play the necessary notes to form melodies.
Buff City
Once familiar with the notes, stack them to create songs. You can play multiple songs in succession for different buffs. Ensure the buffs match your current scenario, as performing them takes time.
Echo Chamber
Utilize Echo Bubbles frequently to gain a battlefield advantage. They provide three additional note inputs and amplify subsequent attack damage. Echo Bubbles also boost Evasion and Movement Speed, enhancing survivability. Use them before attacking, especially 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 to use. For example, the Offset Melody, once prepared, won't be overwritten until you decide to use it. When a monster attacks, input the Special Performance command (R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B), hold the stance, and release just as the monster strikes to knock it down.
With these strategies, you're well on your way to mastering the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to explore The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
