The Hunting Horn is a weapon introduced in the second generation of the Monster Hunter series. It is similar to the Hammer, only in that it does impact damage and can stun a monster when it connects with the head.
Initially, the Hunting Horns were far weaker than the Hammer, as per the damage formula, even on those attacks which the two appear to share, such as the Superpound (Triangle+Circle) on the Hunting Horn. What makes the Horn different from the hammer is the Recital ability which is triggered by pressing the "R" button.
As of Portable 3rd, the damage formulas have been changed and the Hunting Horn actually puts out more sustained damage than the hammer. The hammer still does more burst damage and more KO damage but the HH's sustained is far superior. Also in 3rd the forward stab (done by pressing Select) can actually cut a tail; as seen in this video.
Each Horn has a different set of three color specific notes.These notes can be combined in various ways to create various effects, which mimic items such as Demondrug and Psychoserum, among others.
All of the note combinations and note sets can be found in the bookshelf at the player's house by looking at the Info Magazine's article Hunting Horn Sheet Music. There are also online sources available displaying the combos; see here and here.
One important armor skill for HH users is Flute Expert. The Flute Expert skill adds one minute to the duration of every effect that the Hunting Horn creates with its music.
Though extremely unused, it is possible to attack using recital mode.
Unsheathed Stationary
= Right swing
After performing Right swing: = Left swing
= Jab
= Super pound / Slam
Unsheathed while moving
= Right swing
After a swing, R = Start your first note using the right note
of your horn.
Unsheathed while moving
= Right swing
Analog Left = Left swing
= Super pound / Slam
R = Enter recital mode. (First note Left note)
Any swing, R = Enter recital mode. (First note Right note)
Normally, whenever you enter recital mode, you'll always start with your left note (White or Purple). An undocumented move was discovered that when you swing your weapon, you have an opportunity to start recital mode with the right note as your starting note. Your character will raise his/her horn up to perform the note instead of the usual first note (White or Purple) on his/her right.
In MHP3 the notes are added to the "recital gauge" with each normal attack, in this way:
or +
add the 1st note
or
add the 2nd note
or +
add the 3rd note
therefore it is different to have a hunting horn with notes ♪♪♪ and ♪♪♪
Whether the combination of notes is valid, the "recital gauge" indicate that is able to use the recital (), else the character will execute the recital hit without activate any effects.
Sheathed
Description
PSP
Unsheathe Weapon
Forward Slam
(While moving) +
Side Swing Recital
(Hold) +
Unsheathed
Description
PSP
Roll
or (Any direction) +
Left Swing
Forward Slam
(Any direction) + or +
Right Swing
Forward Stab
or +
Backward Swing
Side & Forward Slam
(Any direction) +
Side Swing Recital
Basic Infinity Combos
Description
PSP
Left Swing+ Forward Slam + Left Swing+ Forward Slam ...
+ + + ...
Right Swing+ Forward Stab + Right Swing+ Forward Stab ...
+ + + ...
Backward Swing+ Side & Forward Slam + Backward Swing+ Side & Forward Slam ...
+ + + ...
Combination Combos
Description
PSP
Left Swing+ Right Swing+ Left Swing+ Right Swing...
+ + + ...
Forward Slam + Side & Forward Slam + Forward Slam + Side & Forward Slam ...
+ + + ...
Note: In short, the idea is to combine different attacks depending on the situation
Recital Moves
Side Slam Recital
Default Recital
(after any Side Swing)
+
+
Forward Push Recital
(after any Forward Slam)
+
+
Upper Swing Recital
(after any Upper Swing)
+
+ +
+
Note: perhaps needless to say but it is important to remember that when using any recital movement, the character will be playing for a while so it is advisable to use roll () to cancel the Recital quickly
Second Recital
Description
PSP
Backward Swing Second Recital
( Successful Recital ) +
Sider Swing Second Recital
( Successful Recital ) + ( Left or Right ) +
Note: The Double Recital is usefull to dodge and hit a monster at the same time, besides boost the previous recital effect
Notes are now played when attacking, as opposed to in recital mode. Pressing X, A, and X+A will play one of the three difference notes available to the weapon. Pressing the R button will now "cast" the melody and give the proper buff as usual. Doing so causes the character to swing the hunting horn and move it into a position to play it, during which the player is vulnerable for a short time. This makes the hunting horn a far more versatile weapon, as melodies can be chained and played as a part of attack combos.