In the vast and thrilling world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon. While it might seem unusual at first glance, those who master the Hunting Horn can truly amplify their impact on the battlefield. Here's a comprehensive guide to harnessing the full potential of 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 produce a variety of buffs for both yourself and your allies. Mastering the art of playing melodies at the right moments can give you a significant advantage in combat.
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
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
Beyond its melodic capabilities, the Hunting Horn is a formidable blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to integrate into your gameplay:
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 attack. Consistent use of this combo can stun monsters, so aim carefully and strike with force.
Performance Combo
After stacking your desired songs, initiate a performance by moving forward with the analog stick and pressing R2/RT. Follow up with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to enhance and prolong your Melody Effects, adding extra damage to your attacks.
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), then follow with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), and finish 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
Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist
To truly excel with the Hunting Horn, you must master the timing of your buffs and optimize your damage output, especially in cooperative play.
All About the Notes
Understanding the art of note composition is crucial. Each Hunting Horn has unique songs that require specific note combinations. Keep an eye on the top right corner of your screen to see which command corresponds to the needed note. Moves like Flourish and Overhead Smash allow you to add an extra note during the second attack, facilitating the creation of your desired songs. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play the necessary notes to form melodies.
Buff City
Once you're adept at note composition, focus on stacking them to create songs. You can play multiple songs in succession to benefit from various buffs. Ensure the buffs align with 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 favorable battlefield. Not only do they provide three additional note inputs, but they also amplify your subsequent attacks. The increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble enhance your survivability, making it essential to use before attacking, especially in High Rank hunts.
Self-Improvement is Key
The Self-Improvement skill, available on all Hunting Horns, should be boosted to at least level 2. This increases your attack power by 20%, allowing you to deal more damage and subdue monsters more quickly.
Always be Prepared With Special Performances
Keep a Special Performance ready at all times. For instance, the Offset Melody can be prepared and held without being overwritten. 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.
Mastering the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds* requires practice and strategic thinking. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.
*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*