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

Author：Kristen Update：May 16,2025

In the vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique weapon that combines brute force with melodic buffs. If you're keen on mastering this instrument of war, here’s a comprehensive guide on maximizing its potential.

Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Hunting Horn is not just a blunt weapon; it's a versatile tool that can enhance your abilities and those of your allies through musical melodies. Mastering the right tunes in the right moments can give you a significant edge in battle.

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

Hunting Horn Combo Image Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Beyond its melodic capabilities, the Hunting Horn packs a punch as a blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to integrate into your gameplay for maximum impact:

Overhead Smash Combo

A staple in your Hunting Horn repertoire, the Overhead Smash Combo is vital for consistent damage. Simply move forward with the analog stick and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to execute the Overhead Smash and its follow-up attack. This combo can stun monsters if executed correctly, so aim carefully.

Performance Combo

After stacking your desired songs, unleash them with the Performance Combo. 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 amplify and prolong your Melody Effects.

Echo Bubble Combo

Leverage the Hunting Horn's unique Echo Bubble mechanic with this combo, especially effective against incapacitated foes. Start with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), then follow with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), and conclude with R2/RT for Perform, followed by an Encore with Triangle/Y + Circle/B.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Hunting Horn Tips

Hunting Horn Tips Image Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

To truly excel with the Hunting Horn, you must master the art of buff management and timing your attacks for optimal effect, especially in cooperative play.

All About the Notes

Understanding the note system is crucial as each Hunting Horn has unique songs requiring specific note combinations. Keep an eye on the top right corner of your screen to track which commands correspond to the notes you need. Utilize moves like Flourish and Overhead Smash to add extra notes to your stack, making it easier to compose your desired melodies. Even while mounted on your Seikret, you can play the necessary notes to form songs.

Buff City

Once you're familiar with the notes, focus on stacking them to create beneficial songs. You can play multiple songs in sequence to enjoy various buffs. Ensure the buffs you choose are suitable for your current battle scenario, and remember that performing them takes time, so plan accordingly.

Echo Chamber

Make the most of Echo Bubbles in combat. Not only do they provide three additional note inputs, but they also boost your damage output for subsequent attacks. The increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble also enhance your survivability, making it a must-use in High Rank hunts.

Self-Improvement is Key

Always aim to activate the Self-Improvement skill to at least level 2 on your Hunting Horn. This skill increases your attack power by 20%, significantly enhancing your damage potential and helping you subdue monsters more swiftly.

Always be Prepared With Special Performances

Keep a Special Performance ready to deploy at critical moments. For instance, the Offset Melody can be a game-changer. Once prepared, it won't be overwritten until you decide 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 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 strategies, be sure to check out The Escapist.

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