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

by Alexis Apr 09,2025

In the vast and vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon, captivating players with its dual role as both a combat tool and a source of buffs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to mastering the Hunting Horn and making the most of its melodic might.

Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Hunting Horn is a blunt weapon that not only delivers heavy hits but also plays melodies to buff yourself and your allies. Mastering the Hunting Horn involves understanding its moveset and timing your melodies to gain the upper hand in battles.

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

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 repertoire:

Overhead Smash Combo

A staple in any Hunting Horn player's arsenal, this combo is initiated by moving forward with the analog stick and pressing Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice. This sequence delivers an Overhead Smash followed by an Overhead Smash Follow-up Attack, potentially stunning your target if executed with precision.

Performance Combo

After stacking your desired melodies, unleash them with this combo. Move forward with the analog stick, press R2/RT to start Performing, and 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 sequence Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), followed by R2/RT for Perform, and finish with an Encore using Triangle/Y + Circle/B.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Hunting Horn Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

To truly excel with the Hunting Horn, you must master the art of timing your buffs and maximizing your damage output, particularly in cooperative play.

All About the Notes

Understanding and utilizing the different notes is crucial for creating effective melodies. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs that require specific note combinations. Keep an eye on the top right corner of your screen to see 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 adept at managing notes, focus on stacking them to play multiple songs in succession, thereby benefiting from various buffs. Choose buffs that align with your current situation, and remember that performing them takes time, so plan accordingly.

Echo Chamber

Make the most of Echo Bubbles to create a favorable battlefield. Not only do they allow for 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 a must-use, especially in High Rank hunts.

Self-Improvement is Key

The Self-Improvement skill, available on all Hunting Horns, should be prioritized to at least 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 can be prepared and held without 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 it just as the monster strikes to knock it down.

Mastering the Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds requires practice and strategic thinking. By following these tips and mastering the combos, you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable force on the battlefield. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.

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

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