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:
- 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.
How To Play *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:
- Create a new PSN (PlayStation) or Steam account using a New Zealand address.
- 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

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!