The long-awaited *Monster Hunter Wilds* is set to launch on Friday, February 28th, with a rolling release that will see different regions getting the game at various times. For eager fans looking to dive into the action early, there's a clever trick involving New Zealand that can help you start playing sooner.
How to Play Monster Hunter Wilds Early with the New Zealand Trick on Xbox Series X|S
For Xbox Series X|S users, playing *Monster Hunter Wilds* early is straightforward thanks to the console's easy region-changing feature. This method tricks your system into thinking it's in a different time zone, allowing you to play the game as soon as it launches in New Zealand.
To get started, navigate to your Xbox settings, go to the System tab, and select Language and Location. Change your Location to New Zealand, then restart your Xbox. Once your console reboots, you'll be set to play *Monster Hunter Wilds* at the same time as the earliest region, Auckland, New Zealand.
How to Play Monster Hunter Wilds Early on PlayStation and PC
For PlayStation 5 and PC players, using the New Zealand trick is a bit more complicated. Since changing your region directly isn't an option, you'll need to create a new account with a New Zealand address on PSN or Steam.
To do this, set up a new PSN or Steam account with a New Zealand address and purchase *Monster Hunter Wilds* using New Zealand dollars (NZ$). Be aware that the cost may be higher due to exchange rates; for instance, the base edition, which is around $70 USD, could be about $77 USD in NZ$. You might need to buy New Zealand-specific gift cards from third-party sites if your payment method doesn't support international transactions smoothly.
When Can I Play Monster Hunter Wilds? Regional Rollout, Explained
*Monster Hunter Wilds* will have a staggered release across over a dozen regions. The earliest launch will be in Auckland, New Zealand, at 12 AM NZDT, which translates to 6 AM the previous day in New York and 3 AM on the West Coast. By using the New Zealand trick, players in the United States can enjoy nearly an entire extra day of gameplay, starting on Thursday, February 27th.
And that's how you can play *Monster Hunter Wilds* early using the New Zealand trick. Get ready to embark on your adventure ahead of the global launch!
