Mastering Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds: Moves and Combos Guide
In the vast and vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon that blends brute force with musical mastery. Enthusiasts of this instrument know that it's not just about the noise; it's about harnessing its potential to buff allies and deal devastating blows to monsters. Here's your guide to unleashing the full power of the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
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The Hunting Horn is a blunt weapon that doubles as a conductor's baton on the battlefield. It's all about timing your melodies to produce buffs that can turn the tide of any hunt. Mastering the Hunting Horn means understanding its moves and how to string them into effective combos.
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 moves 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
Beyond its musical prowess, the Hunting Horn packs a punch as a blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to enhance your gameplay:
Overhead Smash Combo
A staple in any Hunting Horn player's arsenal, the Overhead Smash Combo is crucial. Simply move forward with the analog stick and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to execute the Overhead Smash and its follow-up attack. Mastering this combo can stun monsters, so aim precisely and hit with force.
Performance Combo
Once you've stacked your desired songs, unleash a Performance Combo for enhanced 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 boost and extend your Melody Effects.
Echo Bubble Combo
The Hunting Horn's unique Echo Bubble mechanic can be a game-changer, especially against incapacitated enemies. Start with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), then follow with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), and finish with R2/RT for Perform, followed by an Encore with Triangle/Y + Circle/B.
Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Hunting Horn Tips
To truly excel with the Hunting Horn, you must control your buffs and time your attacks effectively, especially in a team setting.
All About the Notes
Mastering the Hunting Horn involves understanding the art of note-building. 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 note you need. 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 notes to form melodies.
Buff City
Once you're familiar with notes, stack them to create songs. You can play multiple songs back-to-back to benefit from various buffs. Tailor your buffs to your current situation, and remember that performing them takes time.
Echo Chamber
Utilize Echo Bubbles whenever possible to gain an edge in battle. They not only provide three additional note inputs but also amplify your damage. Plus, the increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble boost your survivability, making them essential in High Rank hunts.
Self-Improvement is Key
Ensure your Self-Improvement skill is at least level 2, as it boosts your attacks by 20%. This enhancement increases your damage potential, helping you take down monsters more quickly.
Always be Prepared With Special Performances
Keep a Special Performance stocked and ready. For instance, the Offset Melody can be prepared and held until the perfect moment. When a monster attacks, input the Special Performance command (R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B) and release it as the monster hits to knock it down.
That's all you need to master the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and tricks, be sure to check out The Escapist.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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