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

by Sophia May 25,2025

In the vast and vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon, blending combat with musical prowess. While it might initially seem unusual, seasoned players know that the Hunting Horn can be a game-changer, offering a symphony of buffs and powerful strikes. Here’s how to maximize your effectiveness with the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

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 for 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 produce another note.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Backwards Strike	A basic attack that produces Note 3 on the musical staff. Allows hunters to hit targets behind them, moving the hunter backwards.
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 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 follow various moves, with different buttons producing their own note.
R2/RT	Perform	An attack that activates Melody Effect. Stocked melodies are performed in order, but specific melodies can be selected with R2/RT + Triangle/Y or Circle/B. During multiple melodies, press R2/RT for a powerful Performance Beat, then play an Encore (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) to boost and extend Melody Effects. Timing Performance Beats and Encores with Melody Effects increases their power.
R2/RT + Cross/A	Echo Bubble	A special attack that produces an Echo Bubble, determined by the equipped Hunting Horn. 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	Plays a unique Melody Effect associated with the equipped Hunting Horn. Once stocked, this melody won't be overwritten.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Reverb	A Performance attack effective against wounds, allowing up to five notes to be produced with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B. Playing notes at the right time increases damage.

Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Beyond its musical effects, the Hunting Horn is a formidable blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to enhance your gameplay:

Overhead Smash Combo

A staple combo, move forward with the analog stick and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice for the Overhead Smash and its follow-up. This can stun monsters, so aim well and strike hard.

Performance Combo

After stacking desired songs, initiate a performance by moving forward and pressing R2/RT. Follow up with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to boost and extend Melody Effects.

Echo Bubble Combo

Leverage the Echo Bubble against incapacitated enemies. Start with Cross/A + R2/RT, then Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), R2/RT for Perform, and Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Hunting Horn Tips

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering the Hunting Horn involves controlling buffs and optimizing damage, especially in cooperative play.

All About the Notes

Mastering the Hunting Horn requires understanding its unique note system. Each Hunting Horn has specific songs requiring different note combinations. Keep an eye on the top right corner of the screen to see which commands produce the needed notes. Moves like Flourish and Overhead Smash allow for additional notes, facilitating desired songs. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play the required notes to form melodies.

Buff City

Once familiar with the notes, stack them to create songs. Playing multiple songs consecutively offers varied buffs, so choose buffs suitable for your current situation. Remember, performing takes time, so plan accordingly.

Echo Chamber

Maximize the use of Echo Bubbles to create advantageous battlefields. Echo Bubbles provide three additional note inputs and amplify damage for subsequent attacks. The increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the bubble enhance survivability, especially in High Rank hunts.

Self-Improvement is Key

Ensure the Self-Improvement skill reaches at least level 2 on all Hunting Horns. This boosts attacks by 20%, increasing damage potential and reducing the time needed to affect monsters.

Always be Prepared With Special Performances

Keep a Special Performance ready at all times. For instance, the Offset Melody remains prepared until you need it. When a monster attacks, use the Special Performance command (R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B), hold the stance, and release it to knock the monster down as it connects.

That’s all you need to know about mastering the Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds. Be sure to search The Escapist for more help with the game.

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

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