Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: Release Date, Time & Early Access with the New Zealand Trick

June 18, 2024

Elden Ring fans impatient to conquer the new Shadow of the Erdtree expansion can unlock it early using the tried-and-true New Zealand trick. But before we dive in, here’s a quick reminder of the official release date and time:

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Release Date and Time

  • Release Date: Friday, June 21st, 2024
  • Release Time (by region):
    • AEST – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 8 AM
    • AST – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 1 AM
    • BRT – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: June 20, 7 PM
    • BST – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: June 20, 11 PM
    • CDT – Console: June 20, 11 PM, PC: 5 PM
    • CEST – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 12 AM
    • COT – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: June 20, 5 PM
    • EDT – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: June 20, 11 PM
    • EEST – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 1 AM
    • GST – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 2 AM
    • JST – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 7 AM
    • KST – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 7 AM
    • MSK – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 1 AM
    • NZST – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 10 AM
    • PDT – Console: June 20, 9 PM, PC: 3 PM
    • SAST – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 12 AM
    • SGT – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 6 AM
    • UTC+7 – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 5 AM
    • UTC+8 – Console: June 21, 12 AM, PC: 6 AM

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree New Zealand Trick

This trick exploits the time zone difference between New Zealand and other regions. By changing your console’s location to New Zealand, you can potentially access the DLC earlier since it releases based on the set region.

Xbox

  1. Go to your Xbox system settings.
  2. Navigate to System > Language & Location.
  3. Change your location to New Zealand.
  4. Restart your console.

Shadow of the Erdtree New Zealand Trick
PlayStation

This method requires you to purchase Elden Ring (base game) through the New Zealand PlayStation Store. If you already own the game on your main account, this trick won’t work without buying it again.

If you’re okay with buying Elden Ring again (or it’s your first time), here’s how to proceed:

  1. Create a new PSN account and set the region to New Zealand.
  2. Purchase Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree on the New Zealand store.
  3. Change your console’s time zone to UTC Wellington (Settings > System > Date and Time).

Important Note: Unfortunately, the New Zealand trick doesn’t work for PC players due to Steam’s global release timings.

Beware the Everlasting Shadow of Spoilers

While you exploit time zones, be mindful of the ever-present threat of spoilers. Videos claiming to showcase Shadow of the Erdtree’s final boss are circulating online, particularly on Reddit and Twitter.

Adding fuel to the spoiler fire, FromSoftware implored fans on their Elden Ring Twitter to be “mindful of spoilers.” Some interpret this as confirmation of the leaks’ legitimacy. However, FromSoftware issued similar warnings before Elden Ring’s launch, so it might be standard procedure rather than a reaction to a specific leak.

While the legitimacy of the leaks remains unconfirmed, it’s wise to stay vigilant and avoid social media until you’ve experienced Shadow of the Erdtree firsthand. Happy (and spoiler-free) exploring, Tarnished!

Related: