Guide: How to Access Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Early Using the New Zealand Method

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
This method is not officially supported by Activision, Microsoft, or Sony. While no actions have historically been taken against players using this method, you proceed at your own risk.

Release Time Advantage:
Due to New Zealand’s timezone position, changing your region to NZ can let you play up to 16-18 hours earlier than your local release time. You also need the Random New Zealand Address for this trick.

Method for Xbox:

  1. Before October 25:
    • Go to Xbox Settings
    • Select System
    • Navigate to Language & Location
    • Change location to “New Zealand”
    • Your Xbox will restart
    • The game should unlock at 12:00 AM NZ time

Method for PlayStation 5:

  1. Create a New Zealand PSN Account:
    • Go to PlayStation Network website
    • Create new account selecting New Zealand as region
    • Use any NZ address for registration
    • Add this account to your PS5
  2. Purchase steps:
    • Either purchase game from your main account
    • OR purchase NZ PSN cards if buying from NZ store
  3. To Play:
    • Set NZ account as primary on your PS5
    • Launch game when it unlocks in NZ timezone

PC Players (Steam/Battle.net):

  • PC release is globally synchronized:
    • 9pm PT (October 24)
    • 12am ET (October 25)
    • 5am UK (October 25)
  • Region changing won’t provide early access

Reverting Settings:

  • After game launches in your region, you can safely change back to your local region
  • Your progress will carry over
  • All multiplayer features will work normally

Important Notes:

  1. Game must be pre-installed before attempting this method
  2. Digital purchases only – physical copies are locked to their region
  3. DLC and store purchases should be made in your actual region
  4. Multiplayer may have higher latency while using NZ region
  5. Microsoft Store PC version follows console unlock times

Expected Early Access Times:

If using NZ method, you can play at:

  • US West Coast: October 24, 4:00 AM PDT
  • US East Coast: October 24, 7:00 AM EDT
  • UK: October 24, 12:00 PM BST
  • Europe: October 24, 1:00 PM CEST

For further assistance or specific issues not covered in this guide, please refer to Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Beginner’s Guide — Everything You Need to Know.

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