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

Author: Nora Mar 21,2025

Get ready to hunt! *Monster Hunter Wilds* stomps onto the scene Friday, February 28th, but a staggered release means some players can get a head start. Here's how to use the New Zealand trick to play *Monster Hunter Wilds* early.

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 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, then Language & location.
  3. Change your Location to New Zealand.
  4. 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.

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

Playing Monster Hunter Wilds Early on PlayStation and PC

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

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

When Can I Play *Monster Hunter Wilds*? Regional Rollout Explained

Monster Hunter Wilds release date and times

The above image details the staggered release. 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 enjoy almost a full extra day of gameplay, starting Thursday, February 27th.

Happy hunting!