If you want to jump into Forza Horizon 6 before your local release time, the New Zealand trick is the easiest method available on Xbox platforms. This old-school Xbox launch trick works because the game unlocks based on regional midnight release times instead of a single global launch.



By switching your system region to New Zealand, you can usually access the game around 14 to 16 hours earlier than players in North America and many other regions.



As someone who has used this trick for multiple Xbox launches over the years, I can tell you it is simple, safe, and usually takes less than five minutes to set up.



What Is the New Zealand Trick?



The New Zealand trick works by changing your device’s system region to New Zealand, which reaches midnight earlier than most other countries.



When the game checks your system region during launch, it sees New Zealand time and unlocks the game early.



This method has become extremely popular for major Xbox releases because Microsoft often uses rolling regional launch windows.



Does the New Zealand Trick Work in Forza Horizon 6?



Yes, the trick works for:



Xbox Series X

Xbox Series S

Windows PC through the Xbox App



It does not work on Steam because Steam uses a synchronized worldwide release schedule instead of regional midnight unlocks.



What You Need Before Trying It



Before changing your region, make sure you have everything ready.



Required Game Versions



You need one of the following:



Premium Edition

Premium Add-ons Bundle

Game Pass + Premium Add-ons Bundle



Players with only the Standard Edition usually cannot access early access launch periods.



Important Things to Know Before You Start

No VPN Needed



You do not need a VPN.



The unlock is tied to your system region setting, not your internet connection.



Your Save Data Is Safe



Changing regions will not:



Delete your save

Reset achievements

Remove progression

Affect your garage



Once your local launch time arrives, you can safely switch back to your normal region.



This Only Changes Unlock Timing



The trick does not give extra content, bonuses, or advantages. It simply lets you start playing earlier.



How to Do the New Zealand Trick on Xbox Series X|S



This is the easiest method.



Step 1: Open Xbox Settings



Press the Xbox button on your controller.



Go to:



Profile & system → Settings



Step 2: Open System Settings



Inside Settings, choose:



System → Language & location



Step 3: Change Your Location



Find the Location dropdown menu.



Change it to:



New Zealand



Do not worry about changing your language. You can leave that alone.



Step 4: Restart the Console



After changing the location, Xbox will ask you to restart.



Choose:



Restart now



This reboot is required.



Step 5: Launch Forza Horizon 6



Once your console restarts:



Open the game

Sign in normally

Start playing early



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