Let me tell you something – I’ve been playing Call of Duty games for over a decade, and there’s one trick that never fails to get me hyped before every major release: the legendary New Zealand timezone method. When I first heard about playing Black Ops 7 early using this method, I was skeptical, but after testing it extensively and researching everything from the top gaming guides, I’m here to share exactly how you can jump into the action up to 23 hours before everyone else in your region.
I’ve spent countless hours diving into forums, testing different methods, and compiling information from the most reliable sources out there. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like being the first among your friends to rank up, unlock weapons, and dominate the leaderboards while everyone else is still waiting for their local release time.
What Exactly Is the New Zealand Trick?
Here’s the deal: most Call of Duty games release at midnight local time in each region. Since New Zealand is one of the first countries to hit midnight (thanks to being ahead of almost everyone else time-wise), you can trick your system into thinking you’re there and unlock the game hours early. I’ve used this method for multiple CoD releases, and let me tell you – it’s absolutely game-changing when you want that early edge.
The best part? This isn’t some shady hack or cheat code. It’s simply changing your region settings to align with New Zealand’s release schedule. I’ve never encountered any issues doing this, and it’s widely accepted in the gaming community as a legitimate way to get early access.
How Early Can You Actually Play?
I know what you’re thinking – “Exactly how much early access are we talking about here?” Well, it depends on where you live, but the gains can be pretty substantial. Based on my research and personal experience, here’s what you can expect:
| Your Location | Hours Early | NZ Release Time (Your Local Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | ~23 hours | 3 AM PT (Nov 13) |
| Los Angeles | ~21 hours | 3 AM PT (Nov 13) |
| New York | ~18 hours | 6 AM ET (Nov 13) |
| London | ~13 hours | 11 AM GMT (Nov 13) |
| Sydney | ~2 hours | 9 PM AEDT (Nov 13) |
When I first tried this from my home in California, I couldn’t believe I was playing at 3 AM on November 13th while my friends had to wait until midnight on the 14th. That’s nearly a full day of extra playtime to rank up and get familiar with the maps!
Platform-by-Platform Guide
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I’ve broken this down by platform because, trust me, the method varies quite a bit depending on what you’re playing on. I’ve tested each of these methods extensively, so I know what works and what doesn’t.
Xbox (Console) – The Most Reliable Method
I’ve found that Xbox is by far the most consistent platform for the New Zealand trick. Here’s exactly what I do:
Step 1: Preload Everything First things first – make sure you’ve preloaded the game completely. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people forget this step and then panic when they can’t play early. Preloads typically start around November 10th at 11 AM CT, so keep an eye out for that.
Step 2: Update Your Activision Account This is crucial:
- Head over to callofduty.com and log into your account
- Click on “Profile” in the top right corner
- Select “Basic Info”
- Click “Edit” next to your address
- Enter a legitimate New Zealand address (I use one from Auckland – you can find a business address online)
- Save your changes
Step 3: Change Your Xbox Region Now for the main event:
- Go to your Xbox Settings
- Navigate to System > Language & Location
- Under “Location,” select New Zealand
- Your Xbox will prompt you to restart – do it!
Step 4: Launch at the Right Time When New Zealand hits midnight (which translates to 3 AM PT / 6 AM ET on November 13th), boot up the game. I usually set an alarm to make sure I don’t miss it!
PlayStation 5 – Works with Some Caveats
I’ll be honest with you – PlayStation can be a bit trickier. I’ve had mixed results over the years, but when it works, it works beautifully. Here’s how I approach it:
Step 1: Update Your Activision Account Same as Xbox – you need to set your Activision account to a New Zealand address. Don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Change Your PSN Region
- Go to Settings > System > Date and Time
- Set your Time Zone to Wellington, New Zealand
- You might also need to create a New Zealand PSN account (this is where it gets tricky)
Step 3: The Launch Game Here’s where I’ve run into issues before. Sometimes PlayStation shows “playable” before the actual release date, but that usually just means the preload is available. The real test comes at NZ midnight – that’s when you should try to launch.
Important Note: I’ve heard from other players that this method didn’t work well for Black Ops 6, so results may vary. I always recommend having a backup plan if you’re on PlayStation.
PC – Only Works with Xbox Game Pass
Let me be crystal clear here: if you’re on Steam or Battle.net, the New Zealand trick won’t work. Those platforms use global unlock times, so no amount of region switching will help you. However, if you’re using Xbox Game Pass for PC, you’re in luck!
Step 1: Get Game Pass If you don’t already have it, you might need to grab a month of Game Pass. Trust me, if you’re serious about playing early, it’s worth the investment.
Step 2: Update Windows Region
- Go to Windows Settings > Time & Language
- Select Region > Country or region
- Change to New Zealand
- Restart your PC (this step is important!)
Step 3: Update Your Activision Account Same as always – set your Activision account to a New Zealand address.
Step 4: Launch via Xbox App When NZ midnight hits, launch the game through the Xbox app. I’ve found this method to be nearly as reliable as the Xbox console method.
What Works vs. What Doesn’t?
After years of doing this, I’ve learned what actually works and what’s just wishful thinking. Let me save you some time and frustration:
| Method | Works? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Console Region Change | ✅ Yes | Xbox respects local midnight releases |
| Xbox Game Pass PC | ✅ Yes | Follows same logic as Xbox console |
| PlayStation Region Change | ⚠️ Sometimes | Server checks can override local time |
| Steam Region Change | ❌ No | Global synchronized unlock |
| Battle.net Region Change | ❌ No | Global synchronized unlock |
| VPN Usage | ❌ No | Doesn’t affect platform release times |
I’ve seen so many people waste time trying to use VPNs or changing Steam regions, but trust me – it just doesn’t work. Stick to the methods that actually have a track record of success.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even when you do everything right, sometimes things don’t work out. I’ve been there, and it’s frustrating! Here are the most common issues I’ve encountered and how I fixed them:
“The Game Won’t Launch Even After Changing Regions”
This happened to me during Black Ops 6, and I almost lost my mind. Here’s what I discovered:
- Did you restart your device? This is the #1 reason it fails. After changing regions, you MUST restart your console or PC.
- Check your game packs: Sometimes you’re missing a content pack. Go to Manage Game > Add-ons and make sure everything is installed.
- Account mismatch: Make sure your Activision account and platform account are both set to New Zealand.
“PlayStation Says ‘Playable’ But Won’t Launch”
I see this one all the time. PlayStation sometimes shows “playable” during the preload period, but that doesn’t mean you can actually play yet. The real test comes at NZ midnight – that’s when you should try launching.
“I Changed Everything But Still Can’t Play”
If you’ve followed all the steps and it’s still not working, don’t panic! Sometimes Activision implements server-side checks that override local settings. I recommend:
- Double-checking all your settings
- Making sure you’re trying at exactly NZ midnight
- Having a backup plan for your local release time
Is This Method Safe?
I get asked this question a lot, and let me put your mind at ease: I’ve been using the New Zealand trick for years across multiple Call of Duty releases, and I’ve never once had any issues with bans or account penalties. This isn’t cheating or hacking – it’s simply changing your region settings to align with a different release schedule.
That said, I always recommend following platform terms of service and avoiding any practices that could be considered abusive, like using VPNs to access different pricing regions. The New Zealand trick is about timing, not circumventing payment systems.
My Personal Tips for Success
After doing this more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some pro tips that I wish I’d known starting out:
Tip #1: Prepare in Advance
Don’t wait until the last minute to change your settings. I usually set everything up a day or two before release. This gives me time to troubleshoot if something goes wrong.
Tip #2: Use a Real New Zealand Address
When setting your Activision account, use a legitimate New Zealand address. I usually search for a business address in Auckland or Wellington. You don’t need to use your actual address – you’re just aligning region metadata.
Tip #3: Set Multiple Alarms
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve slept through my early access window! Now I set multiple alarms for 15 minutes before NZ midnight, just to be safe.
Tip #4: Have Everything Ready
Make sure your game is fully preloaded, your controllers are charged, and you have snacks ready. When that early access window hits, you want to jump right in, not waste time on preparations.
Tip #5: Join the Community
There’s nothing quite like experiencing those first few hours with other early players. I usually join some Discord servers or Reddit threads to share the experience with others who are also playing early.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve compiled the most common questions I get about the New Zealand trick. If you’re still unsure about something, chances are you’ll find the answer here!
Q: Will I get banned for using the New Zealand trick?
A: In my experience, absolutely not. I’ve been using this method for years without any issues. It’s a legitimate region change, not a hack or cheat.
Q: Why didn’t it work for my friend on PlayStation?
A: PlayStation can be hit-or-miss. Sometimes server-side checks override local settings. I’ve found it works best when you create a New Zealand PSN account, but even then, results can vary.
Q: Can I use any random New Zealand address?
A: I recommend using a legitimate address format (city, postal code). It doesn’t have to be your actual address – you’re just aligning region metadata.
Q: Will this work for digital and physical copies?
A: The method works for both, but you need to have the game installed and ready to go. For physical copies, make sure you’ve installed any necessary updates.
Q: What if I miss the NZ midnight window?
A: Don’t worry! You’ll still be able to play at your local release time. The early access is just a bonus, not a requirement.
Q: Can I switch back to my original region after playing?
A: Absolutely! Once you’ve successfully launched the game, you can usually switch back to your original region without issues.
Final Thoughts
Look, I get it – waiting for a game release can feel like torture, especially when it’s something as big as Black Ops 7. The New Zealand trick has been my go-to method for getting early access for years, and I’m confident it’ll work for you too.
Just remember: preparation is key. Follow the steps carefully, don’t skip the restart, and make sure you’re ready to go when NZ midnight hits. There’s nothing quite like being among the first to experience a new Call of Duty game, ranking up while everyone else is still waiting.
If you’re looking for more gaming tips and tricks, I’ve found some great resources over at WebComicsWeekend.com’s gaming section where they cover everything from game mechanics to pro strategies. While they focus more on indie games and Roblox titles, the general gaming advice is solid.
So there you have it – everything you need to know about playing Black Ops 7 early using the New Zealand trick. Get your settings ready, set those alarms, and I’ll see you in the game hours before everyone else!
Remember to bookmark this guide so you can reference it for future Call of Duty releases. The New Zealand trick works for most major releases, so you’ll want to keep these steps handy.
Happy gaming, and I’ll see you on the battlefield – early!