Get ready for the hunt! *Monster Hunter Wilds* launches globally on Friday, February 28th, but some regions get a head start. Here's how to use the New Zealand trick to play early.
Playing *Monster Hunter Wilds* Early on Xbox Series X|S
The easiest way to jump into Monster Hunter Wilds early is on Xbox Series X|S. Xbox makes it simple to change your console's region, effectively shifting your time zone and allowing early access. Here's how:
- Navigate to your Xbox settings.
- Go to the System tab, then Language & Location.
- Change your Location to New Zealand.
- 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, though it requires a bit more effort. Since directly changing your region won't work, you'll need a separate account:
- Create a new PSN or Steam account using a New Zealand address.
- Purchase Monster Hunter Wilds on this account using New Zealand dollars (NZ$). Note that the price might be slightly higher than the USD equivalent. You may need to acquire NZ$ PSN or Steam gift cards from a third-party retailer, depending on your payment method's international transaction capabilities.
*Monster Hunter Wilds* Regional Launch Times

The image above details the staggered release times across various regions. Auckland, New Zealand, gets the earliest launch 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, US players can gain nearly an entire day of gameplay, starting on Thursday, February 27th.
And there you have it – your guide to playing *Monster Hunter Wilds* early using the New Zealand trick!