Get ready for the *Monster Hunter Wilds* adventure! The game launches globally on Friday, February 28th, but a clever trick lets some players jump in early. Here's how to use the New Zealand time zone advantage.
Playing *Monster Hunter Wilds* Early: The Xbox Advantage
The easiest method to access Monster Hunter Wilds early is on Xbox Series X|S. Xbox's flexible region settings make this a simple process. Follow these steps to trick your console into thinking it's in New Zealand:
- Navigate to your Xbox settings.
- Go to the System tab, then Language & Location.
- Change your Location to New Zealand.
- Restart your Xbox.
That's it! You should now be able to play Monster Hunter Wilds at the same time as the earliest launch region.
Playing *Monster Hunter Wilds* Early on PlayStation and PC

While less straightforward than the Xbox method, playing early on PlayStation and PC is still possible, though it requires a separate account. Changing your region directly won't work on these platforms.
To play early, you'll need:
- A new PSN or Steam account with a New Zealand address.
- To purchase the game using NZD currency (this might be slightly more expensive than USD). You may need to use a third-party site to purchase New Zealand gift cards depending on your payment method.
*Monster Hunter Wilds* Regional Launch Times

The image above details the staggered global release. Auckland, New Zealand, gets the earliest access (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 gain almost an entire day of gameplay, starting on Thursday, February 27th.
So there you have it! Use the New Zealand trick to start your Monster Hunter Wilds adventure ahead of the official launch in your region.