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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 utilize the New Zealand time zone advantage across different platforms.
Xbox Series X|S: The Easiest Method
The Xbox Series X|S offers the simplest method. By changing your console's region to New Zealand, you effectively shift your system's time zone, allowing early access.
- Access Xbox Settings: Navigate to your Xbox settings menu.
- System > Language & Location: Locate the "Language & location" section within the System settings.
- Change Location: Select "New Zealand" as your location.
- Restart: Restart your Xbox for the changes to take effect.
Once restarted, you should be able to play Monster Hunter Wilds concurrently with its earliest regional release.
PlayStation 5 & PC: A More Involved 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.
- New Account Creation: Create a new PlayStation Network (PSN) or Steam 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 third-party retailers depending on your payment method's international transaction capabilities.
Regional Release Times: Understanding the Time Difference
The game's earliest launch is in Auckland, New Zealand, at 12:00 AM NZDT. This translates to 6:00 AM the previous day in New York and 3:00 AM on the West Coast. The New Zealand trick provides US players with nearly a full extra day of gameplay, starting on Thursday, February 27th.
By following these steps, you can leverage the New Zealand time zone to begin your Monster Hunter Wilds adventure ahead of the official release in your region.
