How To Play Monster Hunter Wilds Early With the New Zealand Trick

Get ready for the ultimate hunt! Monster Hunter Wilds launches globally on Friday, February 28th, but you can jump into the action early using the New Zealand trick. The rollout is staggered, meaning some regions get access before others. This guide breaks down how to play early on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.

Playing Monster Hunter Wilds Early on Xbox Series X|S

The easiest method for early access is on Xbox Series X|S. Xbox's flexible region settings make it simple to trick your console into thinking it's in New Zealand, granting you early playtime. Here's how:

1. Navigate to your Xbox settings.
2. Go to the "System" tab.
3. Select "Language & location."
4. Change your "Location" to New Zealand.
5. Restart your Xbox for the changes to take effect.

That's it! You should now be able to play Monster Hunter Wilds alongside the earliest launch region.

Playing Monster Hunter Wilds Early on PlayStation and PC

While not as straightforward as on Xbox, the New Zealand trick is still possible on PlayStation and PC, albeit with a few extra steps. Since changing your console region directly won't work, you'll need a separate account.

1. Create a new PlayStation Network (PSN) or Steam account using a New Zealand address.
2. Purchase Monster Hunter Wilds on this account using New Zealand dollars (NZ$). Note that the price might be slightly higher than the USD equivalent.
3. You may need to purchase New Zealand PSN or Steam gift cards from a third-party retailer, depending on your payment method's international transaction capabilities.

Monster Hunter Wilds Regional Rollout

The game launches earliest in Auckland, New Zealand (12 AM NZDT). This translates to 6 AM the previous day in New York and 3 AM on the West Coast. By using the New Zealand trick, US players can enjoy nearly a full extra day of gameplay starting Thursday, February 27th.

Happy hunting!