In the vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique weapon that not only deals damage but also amplifies your team's capabilities through its musical melodies. Here’s a comprehensive guide to mastering the Hunting Horn and making the most out of its symphony of buffs.
Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Hunting Horn is a versatile blunt weapon that doubles as a powerful tool for enhancing your team's performance. By mastering the art of playing different melodies, you can provide essential buffs to yourself and your allies, turning 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, 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
Overhead Smash Combo
A fundamental combo for every Hunting Horn user, the Overhead Smash Combo can be executed by moving forward with the analog stick and pressing Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice. This sequence delivers the Overhead Smash and its follow-up attack, potentially stunning the monster if executed correctly.
Performance Combo
After stacking your desired songs, unleash them with the Performance Combo. Move forward with the analog stick and press R2/RT to initiate Perform, followed by Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore, which will boost and extend your Melody Effects, enhancing your team's performance.
Echo Bubble Combo
Utilize the unique Echo Bubble mechanic to your advantage, especially against incapacitated enemies. 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 to maximize your damage output within the Echo Bubble's radius.
Hunting Horn Tips
All About the Notes
Each Hunting Horn has its own set of songs, requiring specific combinations of notes. Keep an eye on the top right corner of your screen to see which command corresponds to the needed note. Use attacks like Flourish and Overhead Smash to add extra notes to your stack, facilitating your melody creation. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play the required notes to form melodies.
Buff City
Stacking notes to form songs is crucial, and you can play multiple songs in succession to benefit from various buffs. Ensure the buffs you choose are suitable for your current situation, and remember that performing them takes time, so plan accordingly.
Echo Chamber
Maximize the use of Echo Bubbles to create an advantageous battlefield. Not only do they allow for three additional note inputs, but they also amplify your damage output. The increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble enhance your survivability, making it a vital tool, especially in High Rank hunts.
Self-Improvement is Key
The Self-Improvement skill, present in all Hunting Horns, should be prioritized to at least level 2. This buff boosts your attacks by 20%, increasing your damage potential and reducing the time needed to affect monsters with your melodies.
Always be Prepared With Special Performances
Keep a Special Performance ready to deploy. For example, the Offset Melody, once prepared, won't be overwritten until you decide to use it. When a monster attacks, execute the Special Performance command (R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B), hold the stance, and release it just as the monster hits to knock it down.
Mastering the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires a deep understanding of its mechanics and strategic use of its unique features. 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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