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Mastering Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds: Moves and Combos Guide

by Scarlett May 07,2025

In the vast and immersive world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, one of the most distinctive experiences is the use of the Hunting Horn. While it might seem unusual at first glance, dedicated users of the Hunting Horn will loudly proclaim its effectiveness. Here's how you can maximize the potential of the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Hunting Horn is a unique blunt weapon that not only deals damage but also provides various buffs to you and your teammates. It's all about mastering the melodies and knowing when to play them to gain a strategic advantage in battles.

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 to perform 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 produce another note.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Backwards Strike	A basic attack that generates Note 3 on the musical staff. It enables hunters to hit targets behind them, moving backwards 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 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. This attack can be used after various other attacks, with different buttons producing their own note.
R2/RT	Perform	An attack that activates Melody Effect. Stocked melodies are performed in order, but a specific melody can be selected using R2/RT + Triangle/Y or Circle/B. During multiple melody performances, 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 increases if timed with Melody Effect activation.
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 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 of 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 produce up to five notes with 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 Combo Image Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

The Hunting Horn isn't just about the melodies; it's a formidable blunt weapon too. Here are some essential combos to incorporate into your playstyle:

Overhead Smash Combo

A staple in your 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. This can potentially stun the monster, so aim accurately and strike hard.

Performance Combo

After stacking your desired songs, initiate a performance with R2/RT, then follow up with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to enhance and prolong your Melody Effects.

Echo Bubble Combo

The Hunting Horn's Echo Bubble mechanic is particularly effective against incapacitated enemies. Start with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), then follow with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for the Echo Wave (Blunt), then R2/RT for Perform, and finally, an Encore with Triangle/Y + Circle/B.

Hunting Horn Tips

Hunting Horn Tips Image Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering the Hunting Horn involves controlling your buffs and timing your attacks to maximize your impact, especially in team play.

All About the Notes

Understanding the notes is crucial as each Hunting Horn requires different note combinations to play its songs. 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 an extra note during the second attack, making it easier to build your desired melodies. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play the necessary notes to form melodies.

Buff City

Once familiar with the notes, stack them to create songs. You can play multiple songs consecutively to benefit from various buffs. Ensure the buffs match your current situation, as performing them takes time.

Echo Chamber

Always utilize Echo Bubbles to enhance your battlefield advantage. They not only provide three additional note inputs but also amplify damage for subsequent attacks. The increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble also boost your survivability, making it crucial 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%, ensuring you deal more damage and defeat monsters more quickly.

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 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 guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.

*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*

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