In the vast and thrilling world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, one of the most intriguing elements is the Hunting Horn. While it might initially strike you as an unusual choice, dedicated Hunting Horn users will enthusiastically vouch for its effectiveness. Here's how to maximize your potential with the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Hunting Horn is not just a blunt weapon; it's a versatile tool that can generate a variety of buffs for both you and your teammates. Mastering this instrument involves memorizing melodies and playing them at the right moments to gain a significant advantage in battle.
All Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Left Swing | A basic attack that generates Note 1 on the musical staff. Use it with a direction for a Forward Smash. |
| Circle/B | Right Swing | A basic attack that generates Note 2 on the musical staff. |
| Analog Direction + Circle/B | Flourish | An attack that generates Note 2 on the musical staff. Pressing Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during the attack allows you to generate another note. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Backwards Strike | A basic attack that generates Note 3 on the musical staff. This move allows hunters to hit targets behind them and moves the hunter backward during the attack. |
| Analog Direction + Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Overhead Smash | An attack that generates Note 3 on the musical staff. Pressing Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during the attack allows you to generate another note. |
| Backwards Analog Direction + Triangle/Y or Circle/B or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during combo | Hilt Stab | A quick attack that generates a note on the musical staff. This attack can follow various other attacks, with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, and Triangle/Y + Circle/B each producing their own note. |
| R2/RT | Perform | An attack that activates the Melody Effect. Stocked melodies are performed in order, but you can select a specific melody using R2/RT + Triangle/Y or Circle/B. During multiple melody performances, press R2/RT for a powerful Performance Beat, followed by an Encore (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) to boost and extend Melody Effects. Timing the Performance Beat and Encore with Melody Effect activation increases their power. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Echo Bubble | A special attack that generates an Echo Bubble. The type of Echo Bubble depends on the equipped Hunting Horn. When creating an Echo Bubble, players can generate 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 will not be overwritten by new melodies. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Reverb | A Performance attack effective against wounds. Players can generate up to five notes with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B while performing. Playing the notes at the right time deals additional damage. |
Combos
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Beyond its sonic assaults, the Hunting Horn also delivers powerful blunt force. Here are some essential combos to integrate into your strategy:
Overhead Smash Combo
A staple in your arsenal, this combo is achieved by moving forward with the analog stick and pressing Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice. This sequence unleashes the Overhead Smash and its follow-up attack, potentially stunning the monster with consistent hits.
Performance Combo
Once you've stacked your desired songs, initiate a performance by moving forward and pressing R2/RT, followed by Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore. This combo not only activates but also boosts and extends your Melody Effects, enhancing your combat effectiveness.
Echo Bubble Combo
Leverage the Hunting Horn's unique Echo Bubble mechanic, particularly effective against incapacitated enemies. Start with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), followed by Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), then R2/RT for Perform, and finish with an Encore using Triangle/Y + Circle/B.
Hunting Horn Tips
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
To become a master of the Hunting Horn, you need to control your buffs and time your damage output effectively, especially in cooperative play.
All About the Notes
Understanding and mastering the different notes is crucial, as each Hunting Horn has unique songs requiring specific note combinations. Keep an eye on the top right corner of the screen to identify which command corresponds to the needed note. Moves like Flourish and Overhead Smash allow you to add another note during the second attack, facilitating your song creation. Even while mounted on your Seikret, you can play the required notes to form melodies.
Buff City
Once you're comfortable with the notes, focus on stacking them to create songs. You can play multiple songs in succession for varied buffs. Choose buffs that match your current situation, and remember that performing takes time, so plan accordingly.
Echo Chamber
Utilize Echo Bubbles frequently to your advantage. They not only provide three additional note inputs but also amplify your damage output. Echo Bubbles also enhance evasion and movement speed within their area, improving your survivability, especially in High Rank hunts.
Self-Improvement is Key
Ensure you always activate the Self-Improvement skill to at least level 2. This boosts your attacks by 20%, increasing your damage potential and reducing the time needed to affect monsters.
Always be Prepared With Special Performances
Keep a Special Performance ready at all times. For instance, the Offset Melody can be prepared and 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) and release it as the monster hits to knock it down.
That's all you need to know to master the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to visit The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
