What Is the New Zealand Trick?

The New Zealand trick works by changing your console or PC region to New Zealand before launch. Since FH6 unlocks at local midnight in each region, your system believes you are located in New Zealand and grants access early.

This does not require a VPN, extra software, or a second account. You only change your device region temporarily.

For FH6, this method mainly benefits:

• Premium Edition owners during Early Access
• Game Pass players waiting for standard launch
• Xbox Series X|S users
• PC players using the Xbox App or Microsoft Store version

Essential Requirements Before You Start

Before changing anything, make sure you meet these requirements.

Supported Platforms

The trick only works on:

• Xbox Series X
• Xbox Series S
• Windows PC using the Xbox App or Microsoft Store version

It does not work on Steam because Steam uses a simultaneous global unlock instead of regional midnight releases.

You Must Own the Correct Version

You need one of the following:

• Premium Edition
• Premium Upgrade Bundle
• Standard Edition
• Xbox Game Pass version

Premium owners gain access during the Early Access launch window, while Standard/Game Pass players can use the same trick during the full release launch.

Pre-Load the Game First

This is extremely important.

The full FH6 game files must already be installed before you switch regions. If the game is not pre-loaded, you may lose your early access advantage while waiting for the download.

Make sure the install is 100% complete before changing settings.

How to Perform the New Zealand Trick on Xbox

This is the fastest and most reliable method.

Step 1 – Open Xbox Settings

Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the side guide.

Go to:

Profile & system → Settings

Step 2 – Open Language & Location

Inside Settings:

System → Language & location

Step 3 – Change Your Location

Find the Location drop-down menu.

Select:

New Zealand

Do not change your language unless you actually want the system UI to change.

Step 4 – Restart the Console

Select:

Restart now

Your Xbox must reboot for the new region to apply correctly.

Step 5 – Launch FH6

After rebooting:

• Open your dashboard
• Launch Forza Horizon 6
• The game should unlock immediately if New Zealand has already reached launch time

If the game still says “You’re too early,” wait a few minutes and try again.

Sometimes Xbox servers take a little time to refresh after launch.

How to Perform the New Zealand Trick on PC (Xbox App)

PC players using the Xbox App can also use this method.

Step 1 – Fully Close the Xbox App

Exit the Xbox App completely.

Also close it from the system tray if needed.

Step 2 – Open Windows Settings

Press:

Win + I

This opens Windows Settings instantly.

Step 3 – Change Your Region

Navigate to:

Time & Language → Language & region

Find:

Country or region

Change it to:

New Zealand

Step 4 – Relaunch the Xbox App

Open the Xbox App again and launch FH6 from your library.

If the unlock works correctly, the Play button should become available immediately.

How Much Earlier Can You Play?

The exact time advantage depends on your real-world location.

Typical early access windows look like this:

Players in North America usually benefit the most from the trick.

Common Problems and Fixes

“You’re Too Early” Message

If this happens:

• Confirm New Zealand has officially reached launch time
• Restart your Xbox again
• Verify you own the correct edition
• Make sure the game is fully installed

Sometimes Microsoft servers refresh slowly during huge launches.

DLC Content Is Missing

This is completely normal.

Some premium content may remain temporarily locked, including:

• Car Pass
• VIP bonuses
• Welcome Pack cars
• Certain downloadable vehicles

The base game itself usually works perfectly.

Most DLC unlocks automatically once your real-world region reaches launch time.

Is the New Zealand Trick Safe?

Microsoft officially discourages exploiting regional launch timing, but the FH community has used this method for years without widespread reports of bans.

Reddit discussions and community forums have shown players successfully using the same trick across:

• FH4
• FH5
• Motorsport launches
• Other Xbox exclusives

As always, use common sense and understand there is technically some risk whenever changing platform settings.

That said, this method has become extremely common during major Xbox launches.

How to Switch Back to Your Normal Region

Once FH6 officially launches in your country, you can safely revert your settings.

Simply repeat the same steps and change your location back to your real region.

Your:

• save data
• credits
• cars
• progression
• online profile

will all carry over normally.

Nothing gets deleted when switching back.

Final Tips Before Launch

Here are a few quick tips to avoid launch-night headaches:

• Pre-load the game several hours early
• Restart your console before midnight NZ time
• Make sure your Xbox account owns the correct edition
• Avoid changing language settings unless necessary
• Expect temporary server congestion during launch

If everything is set up correctly, you can start exploring Japan in FH6 long before most players in your region even unlock the game.