Unlock Monster Hunter Wilds Early: The New Zealand Time Zone Trick
Monster Hunter Wilds officially launches Friday, February 28th, but a clever time zone trick allows early access. This guide details how to play early, depending on your platform.
Xbox Series X|S: The Easiest Method
The Xbox Series X|S offers the simplest route to early access. Xbox's flexible region settings make this a breeze. Here's how:
- Access Xbox Settings: Navigate to your Xbox settings menu.
- Adjust Language & Location: Find the "System" tab, then "Language & location."
- Select New Zealand: Change your location 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 Involved Approach
While less straightforward, early access is still achievable on PlayStation 5 and PC, albeit with added steps:
- Create a New Account: You'll need a separate PSN (PlayStation Network) or Steam account.
- Use a New Zealand Address: Register this new account using a New Zealand address.
- Purchase with NZD: Purchase Monster Hunter Wilds using New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Note that the NZD price might be slightly higher than the USD equivalent. You may need to acquire NZD gift cards from a third-party retailer depending on your payment method's international transaction capabilities.
Global Release Times: A Regional Breakdown
The game's staggered release spans numerous regions. Auckland, New Zealand, boasts the earliest launch time (12 AM NZDT), translating to 6 AM the previous day in New York and 3 AM PST. The New Zealand trick provides US players with almost a full extra day of gameplay, starting Thursday, February 27th.
By employing the New Zealand time zone trick, you can significantly increase your Monster Hunter Wilds playtime. Choose the method best suited to your gaming platform and enjoy the hunt!