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

Get ready! Monster Hunter Wilds launches globally on Friday, February 28th, but a clever trick lets you jump in early. Due to staggered regional releases, the "New Zealand trick" allows players in other regions to access the game ahead of schedule.

How to Play Monster Hunter Wilds Early with the New Zealand Trick on Xbox Series X|S

The easiest method for early access is on Xbox Series X|S. Xbox's flexible region settings make this a simple process. Here's how:

1. Navigate to your Xbox settings.
2. Go to the System tab, then Language & location.
3. Change your Location to New Zealand.
4. Restart your Xbox.

That's it! You should now be able to play Monster Hunter Wilds at the same time as New Zealand.

How to Play 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 added 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 new account using New Zealand dollars (NZ$). Note that the cost might be slightly higher due to currency conversion. You may need to purchase NZ$ gift cards from a third-party retailer depending on your payment method.

Monster Hunter Wilds Regional Rollout

The game launches earliest in Auckland, New Zealand (12 AM NZDT), which translates to much earlier times in other regions (e.g., 6 AM the previous day in New York). Using the New Zealand trick, players in regions like the US can gain nearly a full day of head start.

So there you have it—your guide to playing Monster Hunter Wilds early!