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Play Monster Hunter Wilds Early: Use New Zealand Trick

By VictoriaJun 11,2025

At long last, *Monster Hunter Wilds* officially launches on Friday, February 28th. However, the rollout is staggered, meaning some regions will gain access to the game before others. If you're eager to jump into the wilds a bit earlier than most, there's a clever workaround known as the New Zealand trick that could give you an edge.

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

The Xbox Series X|S offers one of the simplest methods for playing *Monster Hunter Wilds* ahead of its official release in your region. By adjusting your console’s regional settings, you can effectively trick the system into thinking you're located in an earlier time zone—specifically, New Zealand. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Navigate to your Xbox settings.
  2. Select the System tab.
  3. Click on Language & Region.
  4. Change your console’s location setting to New Zealand.
  5. Restart your Xbox to apply the changes.

Once completed, your system should now reflect the New Zealand region, allowing you to access *Monster Hunter Wilds* as early as Thursday, February 27th, depending on server availability.

How to Play *Monster Hunter Wilds* Early on PlayStation and PC

Monster Hunter Wilds gameplay

Unfortunately, the process isn't quite as straightforward on PlayStation or PC. Unlike the Xbox method, simply changing your region won’t grant early access. Instead, you’ll need to create a new digital account tied to the New Zealand region:

  • Create a new PSN or Steam account linked to a New Zealand address.
  • Purchase the game using this account with NZD (New Zealand Dollars).
  • You may also need to acquire a New Zealand-specific gift card from a third-party provider if your payment method doesn't support international transactions.

Please note that due to exchange rates, the cost of the game may be slightly higher—typically around $77 USD compared to the standard $70 USD price tag. While it adds a bit more complexity, the trade-off might be worth it if you're eager to dive into the game early.

When Can You Play *Monster Hunter Wilds*? Regional Release Schedule Explained

Monster Hunter Wilds release date schedule

As shown in the image above, *Monster Hunter Wilds* features a multi-region launch schedule. The earliest access begins in Auckland, New Zealand at 12:00 AM NZDT (which translates to 6:00 AM EST on February 27th). This means players utilizing the New Zealand trick could potentially start their adventure nearly a full day before the official global release.

Whether you’re looking to get a head start on the latest monster hunts or simply want to avoid spoilers, the New Zealand trick remains a popular and effective way to play *Monster Hunter Wilds* early. With the right setup and a little planning, you can join the action just a bit sooner than the rest of your region.

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