In the vast and vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, one of the most distinctive experiences is the use of the Hunting Horn. While it might seem unconventional at first, those dedicated to the Hunting Horn will proudly herald its effectiveness. Here's how to maximize the potential of the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Hunting Horn is a unique blunt weapon that not only deals damage but also provides various buffs to yourself and your allies. It's all about mastering melodies and playing them at the right moments to gain a strategic advantage 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 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 is also a formidable blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to integrate into your gameplay:
Overhead Smash Combo
A fundamental combo that you should always include in your repertoire involves moving forward with the analog stick and pressing Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to execute the Overhead Smash and its Follow-up Attack. This can stun the monster if performed consistently, so aim accurately and strike powerfully.
Performance Combo
After stacking the desired songs, it's time to perform. This combo enhances your damage output while activating buffs. Move forward with the analog stick, press R2/RT to initiate Perform, and 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 particularly effective against incapacitated enemies. Begin with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), then follow up with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), then R2/RT to Perform, and finally, an Encore with Triangle/Y + Circle/B.
Hunting Horn Tips
To truly master the Hunting Horn, you need to control your buffs and time your attacks effectively, especially in a team setting.
All About the Notes
Mastering the Hunting Horn involves understanding and building melodies with different notes. 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 for additional note stacking during the second attack, facilitating the creation of desired songs. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play the necessary notes to form melodies.
Buff City
Once you're adept with the notes, focus on stacking them to create songs. You can play multiple songs consecutively to benefit from various buffs. Ensure the buffs align with your current situation, and remember that performing them takes time.
Echo Chamber
Utilize Echo Bubbles frequently to create a favorable battlefield. They not only allow for three additional note inputs but also amplify your damage for subsequent attacks. The increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble enhance your survivability, making it a must-use 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 for a 20% attack increase. This enhances your damage output, ensuring monsters succumb to your melodies more quickly.
Always be Prepared With Special Performances
Keep a Special Performance ready at all times. For instance, the Offset Melody can be prepared without the risk of being overwritten. When a monster attacks, use 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.
That’s everything you need to know about mastering the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
