In the vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique weapon that not only delivers powerful blunt attacks but also offers a symphony of buffs to enhance your team's performance. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to master the Hunting Horn and make the most out of its melodic capabilities.
Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Hunting Horn is more than just a weapon; it's a tool for orchestrating victory. By mastering the art of melody, you can provide yourself and your allies with a variety of buffs that 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. Combine it with a direction to execute 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. You can add another note by pressing Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during the attack. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Backwards Strike | A basic attack that produces Note 3 on the musical staff. It enables you to hit targets behind you while moving backward. |
| Analog Direction + Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Overhead Smash | An attack that produces Note 3 on the musical staff. You can add another note by pressing Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during the attack. |
| 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. It can be used after various attacks, with different buttons producing different notes. |
| R2/RT | Perform | An attack that activates Melody Effects. Stocked melodies are performed in order, but you can select a specific melody with R2/RT + Triangle/Y or Circle/B. During multiple melodies, press R2/RT for a powerful Performance Beat, then play an Encore (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) to boost and extend Melody Effects. Timing the Performance Beat and Encore with Melody Effects activation increases their power. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Echo Bubble | A special attack that produces an Echo Bubble, determined by the equipped Hunting Horn. You can produce up to three notes with 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 won't be overwritten by new melodies. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Reverb | A Performance attack effective against wounds. You can produce up to five notes with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B while performing. Playing the notes at the right time increases 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 weave into your performances:
Overhead Smash Combo
A fundamental combo to include in your repertoire, initiate by moving forward with the analog stick and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to execute the Overhead Smash and its follow-up. This can potentially stun the monster, so aim accurately and hit hard.
Performance Combo
Once your desired songs are stacked, unleash a performance combo for enhanced damage. Move forward with the analog stick and press R2/RT to start Perform, then follow with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to amplify and prolong your Melody Effects.
Echo Bubble Combo
Leverage the unique Echo Bubble mechanic in a 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 conclude 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 become a virtuoso of the Hunting Horn, you must master the timing of your buffs and maximize your damage output, particularly in cooperative play.
All About the Notes
Mastering the art of melody involves understanding and building songs 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. Attacks like Flourish and Overhead Smash allow for an additional note during the second attack, facilitating the creation of desired songs. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play notes to form melodies.
Buff City
Once you're familiar with the notes, stack them to create songs. You can play multiple songs consecutively to benefit from various buffs. Choose buffs that suit your current scenario, and remember that performing them takes time.
Echo Chamber
Make frequent use of Echo Bubbles to create advantageous battlefields. Not only do they provide three additional note inputs, but they also amplify subsequent attack damage. The increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble enhance survivability, making it essential, 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%, allowing you to deal more damage and subdue monsters more quickly.
Always be Prepared With Special Performances
Keep a Special Performance stocked and ready. For instance, with the Offset Melody prepared, you won't need to worry about overwriting it until the perfect moment arrives. When a monster attacks, input the Special Performance command (R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B), hold the stance, and release it 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 strategies, be sure to check out The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
