Mastering Hunting Horn Moves and Combos in Monster Hunter Wilds

Author : Emery Apr 11,2025

In the vast and thrilling world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique weapon that not only deals damage but also provides essential buffs to enhance your hunting experience. Mastering the Hunting Horn can be a game-changer, turning you into a supportive force on the battlefield. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you maximize the potential of the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

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The Hunting Horn is a versatile blunt weapon that doubles as a musical instrument, capable of producing a variety of buffs for both yourself and your allies. Understanding and utilizing its melodies effectively can give you a significant edge in combat.

All Moves

CommandMoveDescription
Triangle/YLeft SwingA basic attack that produces Note 1 on the musical staff. Use it with a direction to perform a Forward Smash.
Circle/BRight SwingA basic attack that produces Note 2 on the musical staff.
Analog Direction + Circle/BFlourishAn attack that produces Note 2 on the musical staff. Pressing Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during the attack allows you to produce another note.
Triangle/Y + Circle/BBackwards StrikeA 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/BOverhead SmashAn attack that produces Note 3 on the musical staff. Pressing Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during the attack allows you to produce another note.
Backwards Analog Direction + Triangle/Y or Circle/B or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during comboHilt StabA quick attack that produces a note on the musical staff. The attack can be used after various attacks, with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, and Triangle/Y + Circle/B producing their own note.
R2/RTPerformAn 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 timed with the activation of Melody Effects.
R2/RT + Cross/AEcho BubbleA 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 StockedSpecial PerformanceUnlike 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/RBFocus Strike: ReverbA 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

Hunting Horn in action
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

The Hunting Horn not only provides auditory support but also packs a punch as a blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to integrate into your strategy:

Overhead Smash Combo

A staple in your Hunting Horn arsenal, this combo involves moving forward with the analog stick and pressing Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to execute the Overhead Smash and its follow-up attack. Consistent use of this combo can stun monsters, so aim carefully and strike hard.

Performance Combo

Once you've stacked your desired songs, unleash them with this combo. 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

Leverage the unique Echo Bubble mechanic with this combo, ideal 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.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds

Hunting Horn Tips

Hunting Horn mastery
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

To truly excel with the Hunting Horn, mastering the timing of buffs and optimizing your damage output is crucial, especially in team settings.

All About the Notes

Understanding how to build songs with different notes is fundamental. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs requiring specific note combinations. Keep an eye on the top right corner of your screen to see which command corresponds to the needed note. Utilize attacks like Flourish and Overhead Smash to add additional notes during your second attack, making it easier to create desired songs. You can also play notes while riding your Seikret to form melodies on the go.

Buff City

Once you're familiar with the notes, focus on stacking them to create songs. You can play multiple songs consecutively to benefit from various buffs. Tailor your buffs to the current scenario, and remember that performing them takes time, so plan accordingly.

Echo Chamber

Always maximize the use of Echo Bubbles to gain an advantageous battlefield. Echo Bubbles not only provide three more note inputs but also amplify your damage output. Additionally, the increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble enhance your survivability, making them essential, especially in High Rank hunts.

Self-Improvement is Key

Ensure you activate the Self-Improvement skill to at least level 2, as it boosts your attacks by 20%. This enhancement significantly increases your damage potential, helping you subdue monsters more efficiently.

Always be Prepared With Special Performances

Keep a Special Performance ready at all times. For instance, the Offset Melody can be stocked without being overwritten, allowing you to use it at the perfect moment. When a monster attacks, execute 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 to master 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.*