In the vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon. Far from being just a quirky choice, mastering the Hunting Horn can turn you into a formidable force on the battlefield, providing not only hard-hitting attacks but also a symphony of buffs for you and your team. Here’s how to unleash the full potential of the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Hunting Horn is not your typical weapon; it's a blunt force that doubles as a musical maestro, capable of producing various buffs that can turn the tide of battle. Mastering it involves understanding its melodies and knowing when to play them to maximize your advantage.
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
The Hunting Horn isn't just about melodies; it's also a formidable blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to integrate into your gameplay:
Overhead Smash Combo
A staple in your arsenal, the Overhead Smash Combo can be a game-changer. Simply move forward with the analog stick and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to perform the Overhead Smash and its follow-up attack. This combo can stun monsters if executed correctly, so aim carefully and strike hard.
Performance Combo
Once you've stacked your desired songs, it's time to perform. The Performance Combo not only plays your melodies but also adds significant damage. Move forward with the analog stick, press R2/RT to initiate Perform, and then follow up with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to boost and extend your Melody Effects.
Echo Bubble Combo
The Echo Bubble is a unique Hunting Horn mechanic that shines in combos, especially against incapacitated foes. Start with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), followed by Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), then R2/RT to Perform, and finish with an Encore using Triangle/Y + Circle/B.
Hunting Horn Tips
Mastering the Hunting Horn requires a deep understanding of its buffs and timing your damage output effectively, especially in team play.
All About the Notes
Each Hunting Horn has its own set of songs that require specific combinations of notes to be stocked. Keep an eye on the top right corner of the screen to see which command corresponds to the note you need. Moves like Flourish and Overhead Smash allow you to add more notes during their execution, making it easier to form the songs you need. You can also play notes while riding your Seikret to chase down monsters.
Buff City
Once you're adept at building songs, you can stack multiple buffs to suit the current battle scenario. Remember, playing these melodies takes time, so plan your performances wisely.
Echo Chamber
Utilize Echo Bubbles frequently to create an advantageous battlefield. Not only do they provide three additional note inputs, but they also amplify your damage and increase your Evasion and Movement Speed, enhancing your survivability, especially during High Rank hunts.
Self-Improvement is Key
Ensure you always have the Self-Improvement skill at least at level 2. This will boost your attacks by 20%, increasing your damage potential and helping you subdue monsters faster.
Always be Prepared With Special Performances
Keep a Special Performance ready at all times. For instance, the Offset Melody, once prepared, won't be overwritten until you choose to use it. 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 hits to knock it down.
That’s everything you need to know 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.*
