Get ready for the *Monster Hunter Wilds* adventure! The game launches globally on Friday, February 28th, but a clever trick lets you play early. Here's how to get a head start using the New Zealand time zone advantage.

Playing *Monster Hunter Wilds* Early: The Xbox Advantage

The easiest method to play early is on Xbox Series X|S. Xbox allows simple region changes, effectively shifting your console's time zone. To do this, navigate to your Xbox settings, go to the System tab, then Language & location. Change your location to New Zealand. Restart your Xbox, and you're ready to hunt! You'll access the game at the same time as New Zealand, gaining a significant time advantage.

Playing *Monster Hunter Wilds* Early on PlayStation and PC

While not as straightforward as on Xbox, playing early on PlayStation 5 and PC is still possible, though it requires more effort. Since directly changing your region won't work, you'll need a separate New Zealand-based account. Create a new PSN or Steam account using a New Zealand address. Purchase the game using this account with NZD currency (expect a slightly higher cost than the USD equivalent). You may need to purchase New Zealand PSN or Steam gift cards from a third-party retailer, depending on your payment method's international transaction capabilities.

*Monster Hunter Wilds*: Regional Launch Times Explained

The game's staggered release across numerous regions means Auckland, New Zealand, gets the earliest access at 12 AM NZDT. This 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 gain nearly a full day of gameplay, starting on Thursday, February 27th.

Happy hunting!