In the vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon. This instrument of war not only packs a punch but also offers a symphony of buffs to enhance your hunting party's performance. Here's how to master the Hunting Horn and become a maestro on the battlefield.
Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Hunting Horn is a versatile blunt weapon that doubles as a support tool, allowing you to produce various buffs for yourself and your allies. Mastering the art of playing melodies at the right moment can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
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, moving 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 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 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 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 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
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Beyond its melodic prowess, the Hunting Horn is a formidable blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to integrate into your hunting strategy:
Overhead Smash Combo
A fundamental combo to 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. Consistent execution might stun the monster, so aim carefully and strike with force.
Performance Combo
Once you've stacked your desired songs, unleash a performance with added 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
Leverage the Hunting Horn's unique Echo Bubble mechanic in this combo, especially effective 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
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
To truly excel with the Hunting Horn, you must master the timing of your buffs and optimize your damage output, especially in cooperative play.
All About the Notes
Understanding the art of building melodies with different notes is crucial. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs requiring specific note combinations. Keep an eye on the top right corner of the 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, facilitating the creation of your desired songs. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play notes to form melodies.
Buff City
Once you're adept at managing notes, stack them to play songs. You can perform multiple songs consecutively to benefit from various buffs. Ensure the buffs match the current scenario, and remember that performing them takes time, so plan accordingly.
Echo Chamber
Utilize Echo Bubbles frequently to create a favorable battlefield. They not only allow for three more note inputs but also amplify your subsequent attacks' damage. Additionally, Echo Bubbles increase Evasion and Movement Speed, boosting your survivability, especially 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. This boosts your attacks by 20%, enhancing your damage potential and ensuring quicker monster subdues.
Always be Prepared With Special Performances
Keep a Special Performance ready at all times. For instance, the Offset Melody can be prepared without worrying about it being overwritten until the perfect moment. When a monster attacks, input the Special Performance command (R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B), hold the stance, and release just as the monster hits to knock it down.
Mastering the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires practice and strategic timing. For more tips and guides, be sure to explore The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
