Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to be released worldwide on November 14, 2025, but lots of players are already figuring out how to play the game early. One of the most well-known and longest methods to earlier access the game is referred to as “The New Zealand Trick”. This method allows elect to play the game earlier than anyone else by using the time zone of New Zealand, and it can be done without a VPN. Let’s go over the concept, how to set it up, and what to be aware of.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7: What Is The New Zealand Trick?
The “New Zealand Trick” takes advantage of the time difference between New Zealand and the rest of the world. Since New Zealand is among the first places in the world to have midnight first, digital downloads are unlocked earlier in New Zealand than if they were downloaded anywhere else in the world. By setting your console, PC, or account to New Zealand, the system assumes you are in New Zealand, thus allowing the game to unlock earlier.
Image via Activision
This trick has worked with many Call of Duty titles before and is still popular among Xbox and PlayStation users. But how well it works depends on how Activision sets up the global release timing for Black Ops 7.
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How to Use the New Zealand Trick (Platform Guide)
For Xbox (One / Series X|S)
- Navigate to Settings → System → Language & Location.
- Change your Location to New Zealand.
- After that, restart your console.
- Once rebooted, launch your library or store, and you should now see Black Ops 7 with the New Zealand unlock time.
Typically, this means you can start playing a few hours earlier than areas such as North America or Europe.
For PlayStation (PS4 / PS5)
- Go to activision.com, and log into your account.
- Go to Profile → Basic Info.
- Edit your address to a real NZ one (like “123 Queen Street, Auckland”).
- Save changes, log out, then sign back in to your PlayStation account.
- Preload Black Ops 7 and wait for the NZ timer to finish.
- Some users also make a new New Zealand PSN account, but most say it’s not needed.
For PC
Results can vary based on the launcher:
Xbox App (Game Pass / Microsoft Store):
- Change your Activision address to New Zealand. Then go to Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region and switch your Region to New Zealand. Restart your PC and open the Xbox App.
Steam / Battle.net:
- These launchers usually have global release times, so region changes won’t work. Some players use remote access from friends in NZ to play early, but that’s risky and not stable.
Will It Work for Black Ops 7?
Image via Activision
According to reports, it seems that the New Zealand Trick works for Black Ops 7, principally on Xbox and PlayStation. However, as GamesRadar stated, if Activision decides to do a global release, the trick will be pointless.
You can try the trick, but you may be disappointed if it does still lock until the official release time. For the eager fans that want to start playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 as soon as it is available, the New Zealand Trick is still the easiest way to try to play early with little risk. Just follow the steps, preload the game and be prepared to start at midnight as it hits New Zealand.
