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How to use Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds: All Moves and Combos

Author : Emma

Mar 14,2025

In the vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon. While its unconventional nature might initially seem daunting, mastering this instrument unlocks incredible offensive and supportive capabilities. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to become a Hunting Horn virtuoso.

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The Hunting Horn is a blunt weapon with the unique ability to produce melodies that provide buffs for both you and your allies. Strategic melody selection and execution are key to maximizing its potential.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Left Swing	Basic attack producing Note 1. Use with a directional input for a Forward Smash.
Circle/B	Right Swing	Basic attack producing Note 2.
Analog Direction + Circle/B	Flourish	Produces Note 2. Additional notes can be added by pressing Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during the attack.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Backwards Strike	Produces Note 3. Allows for rear attacks and moves the hunter backward.
Analog Direction + Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Overhead Smash	Produces Note 3. Additional notes can be added by pressing Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during the attack.
Backwards Analog Direction + Triangle/Y or Circle/B or Triangle/Y + Circle/B during combo	Hilt Stab	Quick attack producing a note. The specific note depends on the button combination used (Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B).
R2/RT	Perform	Activates Melody Effect. Stocked melodies play in order, or a specific melody can be selected using R2/RT + Triangle/Y or Circle/B. Press R2/RT during multiple melodies for a powerful Performance Beat, followed by an Encore (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) to boost and extend effects. Timing these with Melody Effects increases their power.
R2/RT + Cross/A	Echo Bubble	Produces an Echo Bubble, type determined by the equipped Hunting Horn. Up to three notes can be added using Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B with Melody Stocked	Special Performance	Plays the unique Melody Effect of the equipped Hunting Horn. Once stocked, this melody isn't overwritten.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Reverb	A Performance attack effective against wounds. Up to five notes can be added using Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B. Proper timing increases damage.

Combos

Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Beyond its musical abilities, the Hunting Horn delivers powerful blunt force trauma. Here are some effective combos:

Overhead Smash Combo

A fundamental combo: Move forward and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to perform the Overhead Smash and its follow-up. Consistent use can stun monsters.

Performance Combo

After stacking desired melodies, initiate Perform (R2/RT) followed by Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to boost and extend Melody Effects.

Echo Bubble Combo

Ideal against incapacitated enemies: Start with Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), followed by Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), then R2/RT for Perform and an Encore (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 skillful buff management and precise damage timing, especially in cooperative hunts.

Note Mastery

Each Hunting Horn has unique songs requiring specific note combinations. The top-right corner of the screen shows the required command for each note. Flourish and Overhead Smash allow for adding extra notes during the second attack. Notes can also be played while riding your Seikret.

Buff Optimization

Stack melodies strategically to combine beneficial buffs. Consider the current situation when selecting your songs, and account for the performance time.

Echo Bubble Utilization

Maximize Echo Bubble usage. In addition to three extra note inputs, it amplifies damage for subsequent attacks and provides increased evasion and movement speed, improving survivability, especially in High Rank hunts.

Self-Improvement Skill

Prioritize upgrading the Self-Improvement skill to at least level 2 for a 20% attack boost, significantly increasing damage output.

Special Performance Readiness

Always have a Special Performance ready, such as the Offset Melody. This prevents overwriting and allows for a timely counter-attack by activating the Special Performance just as a monster's attack connects, knocking it down.

This comprehensive guide provides the foundation for mastering the Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds. Check The Escapist for more helpful guides.

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