Play Black Ops 7 Early: New Zealand Trick for Early Access
The countdown is officially on. With Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 set for a massive global launch on November 14th, players around the world are preparing to dive into what promises to be a revolutionary experience, from its reality-bending co-op campaign to the 18 launch maps fueling its multiplayer. For the most dedicated fans, however, waiting for the official release time in their region can feel like an eternity. Fortunately, a tried-and-true method known as the "New Zealand trick" may allow you to gear up and get in on the action hours before your friends.
This popular technique has been a staple in the gaming community for years, particularly among Xbox players. If you're eager to get the earliest possible advantage and be among the first to experience Black Ops 7, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Exactly is the New Zealand Trick?
The "New Zealand trick" isn't a hack or a cheat. It's a simple workaround that takes advantage of how global game releases are scheduled. Most major titles, including the Call of Duty series, have a "rolling midnight" launch. This means the game becomes available as soon as the clock strikes midnight on the release date in each specific time zone.
Because New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world to greet the new day, its midnight launch happens many hours before it does in Europe or the Americas. For example, when it's midnight in Auckland, it's still early morning the previous day in Los Angeles. By digitally tricking your console into thinking it's located in New Zealand, you can unlock and play the game as soon as it goes live in that region.
Unlocking Black Ops 7: A Step-by-Step Guide for Xbox
For Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One players, performing this digital switch is remarkably straightforward and is the primary reason this method is so popular on the platform. The console's region settings are not permanently locked, allowing for easy changes.
Here is how to get set up to play Black Ops 7 early:
- Pre-load the Game: First and foremost, you must have a digital copy of Black Ops 7 purchased and pre-loaded onto your Xbox console. The trick will not work without the game files already installed.
- Navigate to Settings: Power on your Xbox and press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Navigate to the "Profile & system" tab and select "Settings."
- Access System Settings: In the Settings menu, go to the "System" tab on the left-hand side.
- Change Your Location: Select "Language & location." This is the key step. In the "Location" dropdown menu, scroll through the list of countries and select "New Zealand."
- Restart Your Console: After selecting the new location, the system will prompt you to restart your console for the changes to take effect. Select "Restart now."
Once your Xbox has rebooted, it will operate on New Zealand's time zone. When the clock strikes midnight on November 14th in New Zealand, your pre-loaded copy of Black Ops 7 should unlock, granting you full access to the game. You can then change your region back to your actual location at any time without affecting your game access.
Will the New Zealand Trick Work on PlayStation?
Unfortunately for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 owners, this method is significantly more complicated and generally not feasible. A user's access to the PlayStation Store is tied directly to the region of their PlayStation Network (PSN) account, which is set permanently during creation.
To play Black Ops 7 at the New Zealand launch time on a PlayStation console, you would need to:
- Create an entirely new PSN account with its region set to New Zealand.
- Purchase the game again through the New Zealand PSN store, which would require a valid payment method from that region (like regional gift cards).
For most players, the cost and hassle of maintaining a separate account and repurchasing the game make this an impractical solution. Therefore, the New Zealand trick is widely considered an Xbox-exclusive benefit.
A Note for PC Players on Steam and Battle.net
PC players also face a different set of rules. Game launches on platforms like Steam and Battle.net are typically handled in one of two ways: a simultaneous global launch or a rolling regional launch.
In the case of a simultaneous global launch, the game unlocks for everyone on the planet at the exact same moment, regardless of their time zone. This renders the New Zealand trick completely ineffective. If the launch is rolling, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to change your digital location to New Zealand might work, but this comes with risks. Using a VPN to circumvent regional restrictions can be against the terms of service for platforms like Steam and could potentially put your account at risk. For this reason, we do not recommend it.
Black Ops 7 Early Access FAQ
Q: Is using the New Zealand trick safe? Can I get banned?
A: Changing your console's region on Xbox is a standard feature and is generally considered safe. There have been no widespread reports of players being banned for using this method to unlock games early. It is not a violation of the terms of service.
Q: When does Black Ops 7 officially release in my time zone?
A: Black Ops 7 launches on November 14th. It will typically unlock at 12:00 AM local time in your region for console players. Check your platform's official store page for the precise unlock time.
Q: Do I need to buy a special version of the game?
A: No. This method works with any standard digital pre-order of Black Ops 7 on the Xbox store. It does not work with physical disc copies.
Q: Can I switch my region back after the game unlocks?
A: Yes. Once the game is unlocked and running, you are free to switch your console's region back to your original location. Your access to the game will not be revoked.