In the vibrant world of Monster Hunter Wilds, the Hunting Horn stands out as a unique and powerful weapon. While initially unconventional, its ability to unleash a symphony of buffs for you and your allies makes it a formidable choice. Mastering the Hunting Horn requires understanding its melodies and timing your attacks strategically. This guide will help you unlock its full potential.
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The Hunting Horn is a blunt weapon that provides various buffs. Success hinges on remembering melodies and deploying them effectively.
All Moves
Command | Move | Description |
---|---|---|
Triangle/Y | Left Swing | A basic attack producing Note 1. Use with a directional input for a Forward Smash. |
Circle/B | Right Swing | A 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. Hits targets behind you and moves you 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 | A quick attack producing a note. The specific note depends on the button combination (Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B). |
R2/RT | Perform | Activates Melody Effects. Stocked melodies play in order, or a specific melody can be selected using R2/RT + Triangle/Y or Circle/B. A powerful Performance Beat can be unleashed by pressing R2/RT during multiple melodies. An Encore (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) boosts and extends Melody Effects. Timing these with Melody Effect activation increases their power. |
R2/RT + Cross/A | Echo Bubble | Creates an Echo Bubble, the type depending on the equipped Hunting Horn. Up to three notes can be added (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, it won't be overwritten. |
L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Reverb | A Performance attack effective against wounds. Up to five notes can be added (Triangle/Y, Circle/B, or Triangle/Y + Circle/B) during performance. Proper timing increases damage. |
Combos

Overhead Smash Combo
A fundamental combo: move forward and press Triangle/Y + Circle/B twice for the Overhead Smash and its follow-up. This can stun monsters.Performance Combo
After stacking melodies, initiate Perform (R2/RT), then follow with Triangle/Y + Circle/B for an Encore to enhance Melody Effects.Echo Bubble Combo
Ideal for incapacitated enemies: start with Echo Bubble (Cross/A + R2/RT), then use Triangle/Y, Circle/B, Circle/B for Echo Wave (Blunt), R2/RT for Perform, and finish with an Encore (Triangle/Y + Circle/B).Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild
Hunting Horn Tips

All About the Notes
Each Hunting Horn has unique songs requiring specific note combinations. The top-right corner shows the required commands. Flourish and Overhead Smash allow adding extra notes. Notes can also be played while riding your Seikret.Buff City
Stack notes to create songs and chain multiple songs for diverse buffs. Choose buffs based on the situation, considering the time required for performance.Echo Chamber
Utilize Echo Bubbles frequently. They provide three additional note inputs and amplify damage. Increased evasion and movement speed further enhance survivability, especially in High Rank hunts.Self-Improvement is Key
Maximize the Self-Improvement skill (at least level 2) for a 20% attack boost, increasing damage output.Always be Prepared With Special Performances
Keep a Special Performance (like Offset Melody) ready. Use it just as a monster attacks to knock it down (R2/RT + Triangle/Y + Circle/B).This guide covers the essentials of mastering the Hunting Horn in Monster Hunter Wilds. Check The Escapist for more game guides.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.