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：Kristen Update：May 14,2025

In the vibrant world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon that combines combat with musical buffs. For those eager to master this instrument of war, here's how to maximize its potential and become a true maestro of the hunt.

Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Hunting Horn is a versatile blunt weapon that not only delivers powerful strikes but also plays melodies that provide beneficial buffs to you and your allies. Mastering the art of timing and melody selection is key to dominating the battlefield.

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 melodic prowess, the Hunting Horn packs a punch as a formidable blunt weapon. Here are some essential combos to weave into your performances for maximum impact.

Overhead Smash Combo

A staple in your Hunting Horn arsenal, the Overhead Smash Combo is a must-have. Simply move forward with the analog stick and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice to unleash the Overhead Smash followed by its Follow-up Attack. This combo not only deals significant damage but may also stun the monster, giving you the upper hand in battle.

Performance Combo

Once you've stacked your desired melodies, execute the Performance Combo for a powerful display. Move forward with the analog stick and initiate Perform with R2/RT, then follow up with an Encore (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) to amplify and extend your Melody Effects, enhancing your team's capabilities.

Echo Bubble Combo

Leverage the unique Echo Bubble mechanic with this combo, ideal for incapacitated foes. Start by generating an Echo Bubble with Cross/A + R2/RT, then follow with Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for the Echo Wave (Blunt). Finish with Perform (R2/RT) and an Encore (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) to maximize your damage output within the Echo Bubble's area.

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

Becoming a Hunting Horn virtuoso requires understanding how to manage buffs and time your attacks effectively, especially in cooperative play.

All About the Notes

Mastering the Hunting Horn involves learning to create melodies with different notes. Each Horn has unique songs requiring specific note combinations. Keep an eye on the top right corner of your screen to see which commands produce the needed notes. Moves like Flourish and Overhead Smash allow you to add an extra note during the attack, facilitating your melody creation. Even while riding your Seikret, you can play notes to form melodies on the go.

Buff City

Once you're adept at note management, focus on stacking them to play multiple songs consecutively, providing a range of buffs suited to your current situation. Remember, performing songs takes time, so plan your buffs strategically.

Echo Chamber

Utilize Echo Bubbles frequently to create a favorable battlefield. They not only allow for three additional note inputs but also amplify subsequent attacks. The increased Evasion and Movement Speed within the Echo Bubble enhance your survivability, making it crucial for high-rank hunts.

Self-Improvement is Key

The Self-Improvement skill is a constant across all Hunting Horns. Aim to boost it to at least level 2 for a 20% attack increase, which significantly enhances your damage potential and speeds up your hunts.

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, execute the Special Performance (R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B), and time your release to knock down the monster, turning the tide of battle in your favor.

By following these tips and mastering the Hunting Horn's moves and combos, you'll transform into a formidable force in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more guidance, be sure to visit The Escapist for additional strategies and insights.

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

$Switch 2 Rumors Suggest a \$