Unlock Monster Hunter Wilds Early: The New Zealand Time Zone Trick
Monster Hunter Wilds officially launches on Friday, February 28th, but a clever time zone trick lets players jump in early. This guide details how to access the game ahead of schedule on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Xbox Series X|S: The Easiest Method
The Xbox Series X|S offers the simplest route to early access. Xbox allows straightforward region changes, effectively shifting your console's time zone.
- Navigate to Settings: Access your Xbox settings menu.
- Adjust Language & Location: Find the "System" tab, then select "Language & location."
- Select New Zealand: Change your location setting to New Zealand.
- Restart Your Console: Restart your Xbox for the changes to take effect.
After restarting, you should be able to play Monster Hunter Wilds concurrently with the New Zealand launch.
PlayStation 5 & PC: A More Complex Approach
While region switching isn't as straightforward on PlayStation 5 and PC, it's still achievable, albeit with added steps. This method requires a separate account.
- Create a New Account: Set up a new PlayStation Network (PSN) or Steam account, using a New Zealand address.
- Purchase the Game: Buy Monster Hunter Wilds using this New Zealand account, paying in NZ$. Be aware that the NZ$ price might be slightly higher than the USD equivalent. You may need to acquire a New Zealand PSN or Steam gift card from a third-party vendor, depending on your payment method's international transaction capabilities.
Regional Launch Times: A Global Overview
The image above illustrates the staggered global release of Monster Hunter Wilds. Auckland, New Zealand, receives the earliest launch at 12 AM NZDT (6 AM the previous day in New York, 3 AM on the West Coast). By employing the New Zealand trick, US players can enjoy nearly a full extra day of gameplay, starting on Thursday, February 27th.
This concludes our guide on accessing Monster Hunter Wilds early. Choose the method best suited to your platform and enjoy the hunt!
