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

Author：Kristen Update：May 18,2025

In the expansive world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, one of the most intriguing sights is the sight of hunters wielding the Hunting Horn. While it may initially seem unusual, fans of the Hunting Horn will enthusiastically proclaim its effectiveness. Here's how to maximize the potential of the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Hunting Horn is a unique blunt weapon that not only deals damage but also produces a variety of buffs for you and your team. It's all about mastering melodies and strategically playing them to gain a significant advantage 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 in Monster Hunter Wilds Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Beyond its musical prowess, the Hunting Horn is a formidable blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to incorporate 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

Once you've stacked your desired songs, it's time to perform. This combo not only activates your melodies but also enhances your damage output. Move forward with the analog stick, press R2/RT to initiate Perform, and follow up with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to boost and extend your Melody Effects.

Echo Bubble Combo

The Hunting Horn's unique Echo Bubble mechanic can be particularly effective 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

Hunting Horn Tips in Monster Hunter Wilds Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Mastering the Hunting Horn requires precise control over buffs and timing your damage output, especially in cooperative play.

All About the Notes

Understanding the art of melody creation 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 note you need. Moves like Flourish and Overhead Smash allow you to add additional notes during the 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 management, it's time to stack them for 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 battlefield that enhances your performance. Echo Bubbles not only allow for three additional note inputs but also amplify your damage for subsequent attacks. The increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble also boost your survivability, making it essential for High Rank hunts.

Self-Improvement is Key

The Self-Improvement skill, available on all Hunting Horns, should be maintained at least at level 2. This boosts your attacks by 20%, increasing your 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 can be prepared and held without being overwritten until the perfect moment. 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 about mastering the Hunting Horn in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.

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