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

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

Author : Adam Update : May 07,2025

In the vast and immersive world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique weapon that not only delivers powerful blunt attacks but also provides a symphony of buffs to enhance your hunting party's performance. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to maximize the potential of the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Hunting Horn is a versatile weapon that excels in both dealing damage and supporting your team through various buffs. Mastering the melodies and knowing when to play them can give you a significant advantage in battles.

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 allows 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 moves 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 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. 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

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

The Hunting Horn is not just about melodies; it's a formidable blunt weapon that can stun monsters with the right combos. Here are some essential combos to integrate into your strategy:

Overhead Smash Combo

This reliable combo should be a staple in your arsenal. Simply move forward with the analog stick and press 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 precisely and hit hard.

Performance Combo

Once you've stacked the desired songs, it's time to unleash a performance that packs a punch. Move forward with the analog stick and press R2/RT to initiate Perform, then follow up with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to boost and extend your Melody Effects.

Echo Bubble Combo

The Hunting Horn's Echo Bubble mechanic can be a game-changer, especially against incapacitated enemies. Begin with the Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), then follow up with 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 Wild

Hunting Horn Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering the Hunting Horn requires understanding how to control your buffs and time your attacks for maximum impact, particularly when playing with a team.

All About the Notes

To wield the Hunting Horn effectively, you must become adept at building songs with different notes. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs that require 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 can add additional notes during their second attack, making it easier to stack the songs you want. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play the necessary 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 to enjoy various buffs. Tailor these buffs to suit your current situation, and remember that performing them takes time, so plan accordingly.

Echo Chamber

Utilize Echo Bubbles as often as possible to create a battlefield that favors you. Echo Bubbles not only allow three more note inputs but also amplify the damage of subsequent attacks. They also enhance your Evasion and Movement Speed, which can be crucial for survival, especially in High Rank hunts.

Self-Improvement is Key

The Self-Improvement skill is a constant across all Hunting Horns, and it's crucial to boost it to at least level 2. This will increase your attack power by 20%, enabling you to deal more damage and subdue monsters more quickly.

Always be Prepared With Special Performances

Keep a Special Performance ready to use at all times. For instance, the Offset Melody can be prepared and won't be overwritten until you decide to use it. When a monster attacks, you can execute 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 all you need to know about mastering the Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds. For more tips and tricks on the game, be sure to check out The Escapist.

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