Playing Black Ops 6 Early: Utilize the New Zealand Trick

As the excitement builds for the upcoming release of Black Ops 6, which is just hours away, players are eager to get a jump on the action. If you’re interested in playing right at launch, there’s a clever method to gain early access, no matter where you are located. For gamers on Steam and Battle.net, the official release is set for 9 PM PT on October 24, 2024.

Other platforms, including Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Xbox Game Pass, will experience a staggered release, ranging from 4 AM to 9 PM PT, based on regional differences. Notably, players in New Zealand will be the first to dive in, as they can start playing at 4 AM PT.

If you’re ready to jump in ahead of time, you can do so by aligning your access with New Zealand’s schedule. Here’s how to get started.

Accessing Black Ops 6 Ahead of Launch

Changing your location to play games before their official release isn’t a novel concept. Previous titles in the Call of Duty series have allowed players to utilize similar techniques. Black Ops 6 presents an opportunity for both console and Xbox Game Pass users to take advantage of this method.

By switching your region to New Zealand, you can capitalize on the early access time. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for each platform:

For Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One Users

Sign in to your Activision account.
Head to the Profile section.
Access Basic Info.
In the Address section, input a fictitious address in New Zealand and hit Save.

Then, modify your Xbox region settings:

Open the Settings panel on your Xbox.
Select System.
Choose Language & Location.
Change the Region to New Zealand.
Restart your console.

For PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 Users

For those using PlayStation, there’s no need to alter the console’s region; just update your Activision account location.

Follow these steps to change your Activision account:

Log in to your Activision account.
Go to the Profile section.
Navigate to Basic Info.
Enter a random address from New Zealand in the Address field and select Save.

For PC Users on Microsoft Store (Game Pass)

If you’re gaming on PC with Xbox Game Pass, you’ll need to adjust both your Activision account and Windows region settings.

To update your Activision account:

Log in to your Activision account.
Access the Profile section.
Go to Basic Info.
Input a fictitious New Zealand address in the Address section and click Save.

To modify your Windows location settings: