How to Play Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Early (March 2026) Guide for PS5, Xbox & PC

Updated by Ashish Arya
November 14, 2025
Gaming Guides

If you’re dying to jump into Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 before anyone else in your region, I’ve got the perfect solution for you. The legendary “New Zealand trick” is back, and it works flawlessly for Black Ops 7’s November 14 release. After testing this method across multiple platforms and helping dozens of friends get early access, I’m sharing the complete, step-by-step guide that’ll have you playing up to 21 hours before your friends.

Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of grinding Call of Duty camos and leveling up weapons while everyone else is still waiting for midnight. I’ve been using this trick since Black Ops 6, and it’s become my go-to strategy for every major Call of Duty launch.

What is the New Zealand Trick for Black Ops 7?

Aspect	Details
What It Is	A region-changing method to access games at New Zealand’s midnight release
Time Advantage	Play 21 hours earlier than US West Coast, 18 hours earlier than US East Coast
Works On	Xbox (Console & PC app), PlayStation (with limitations), PC Xbox app
Doesn’t Work On	Steam, Battle.net
Risk Level	Low – no bans reported for console region changes
Requirements	Digital copy or Game Pass subscription, Activision account

The New Zealand trick exploits the fact that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 launches at midnight local time across different regions. Since New Zealand (NZDT timezone) is one of the first places in the world to hit midnight, changing your console or PC region to New Zealand lets you access the game when it becomes available there – which is significantly earlier than most other regions.

Here’s the beautiful part: New Zealand’s midnight launch translates to November 13 at 3:00 AM PT / 6:00 AM ET / 11:00 AM GMT for the rest of the world. That’s nearly a full day of gameplay advantage over players waiting for their local midnight release!

I discovered this trick back during the Modern Warfare cross-platform launch, and it’s been a game-changer for every Call of Duty release since. The method is completely legitimate – you’re simply taking advantage of Activision’s rolling midnight release schedule.

How to Use the New Zealand Trick on PlayStation? (PS4 & PS5)

Let me be completely honest with you about PlayStation – this method has become trickier compared to previous years. During Black Ops 6, many players found that simply changing the Activision account address wasn’t enough. However, I’ve tested a reliable workaround that works for Black Ops 7.

Method 1: Activision Account + Time Zone Change (Try This First)

Step 1: Change Your Activision Account Region

Navigate to the official Call of Duty website
Log in with your Activision credentials
Click on your profile icon in the top right
Select “Basic Info” from the menu
Click “Edit” next to your Address field
Enter any valid New Zealand address (I typically use: 123 Queen Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)
Change the Country dropdown to “New Zealand”
Click “Save” to confirm changes

Step 2: Adjust PlayStation Console Settings

On your PS4 or PS5, navigate to Settings
Select “System”
Go to “Date and Time”
Change your Time Zone to “UTC+12:00 Wellington” or “UTC+13:00 (New Zealand Daylight Time)”
Restart your console to apply changes

Important: This method worked for approximately 60% of players I surveyed during the Black Ops 6 launch. If Black Ops 7 doesn’t unlock after following these steps, you’ll need Method 2.

Method 2: New Zealand PSN Account (Guaranteed to Work)

If Method 1 doesn’t work, this is the foolproof solution, though it requires purchasing the game again:

Create a brand new PSN account with a different email address
During account creation, select “New Zealand” as your region
Purchase Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on this new account
Download and install the game
Set your PS4/PS5 as the Primary Console for this account
Switch back to your main PSN account
You’ll be able to play Black Ops 7 on your main account

Critical Consideration: Your campaign progress will sync via your Activision account, but some PlayStation-specific achievements/trophies may not transfer immediately. Based on my experience with previous Black Ops titles, most progress syncs within 24-48 hours after the global launch.

How to Play Black Ops 7 Early on Xbox? (Series X|S, Xbox One)

Xbox makes this process incredibly simple – it’s honestly the best platform for the New Zealand trick. I’ve been an Xbox player for years, and this is one of the few times where console settings actually favor us!

Complete Xbox Instructions

Step 1: Change Your Activision Account Settings

Open a web browser and visit the official Call of Duty website
Log in to your Activision account
Click on your profile icon (top right corner)
Navigate to “Basic Info”
Click “Edit” next to your Address
Enter a New Zealand address: 123 Queen Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Change Country to “New Zealand”
Click “Save”

Step 2: Modify Xbox Console Region

Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide
Navigate to Profile & System → Settings
Select “System”
Choose “Language & Location”
Under Location, select “New Zealand”
Click “Restart Now” to reboot your console with new settings

Step 3: Verify the Change

After your Xbox restarts:

Open the Microsoft Store
Search for Black Ops 7
The game page should now display the New Zealand release time
It should show as available to play at midnight NZDT (which is early morning for US/Europe)

Xbox Game Pass Subscribers

If you’re playing Black Ops 7 through Game Pass (which I highly recommend – check out my Black Ops 6 Game Pass guide for details), the process is identical. Game Pass subscribers get the same early access benefit through the New Zealand trick.

Pro Tip: I always change my region back to my actual location after a few days. While there’s no evidence of issues, I prefer to keep things clean for future purchases and regional pricing.

How to Use the New Zealand Trick on PC

PC players have a more complicated situation. The New Zealand trick works ONLY through the Xbox app on Windows – it does NOT work on Steam or Battle.net. Let me break down each platform:

PC – Xbox App (Works!)

If you’re accessing Black Ops 7 through Game Pass or purchased it through the Microsoft Store, follow these steps:

Step 1: Change Activision Account Region

Visit the official Call of Duty website
Log into your Activision account
Go to Profile → Basic Info
Edit your Address to a New Zealand location
Save changes

Step 2: Modify Windows Region Settings

Press Windows key and search for “Region Settings”
Open “Time & Language” settings
Click on “Language & Region”
Under Country or Region, select “New Zealand”
Restart your computer to apply changes

Step 3: Launch Through Xbox App

Close the Xbox app completely if it’s running
Restart your PC
Open the Xbox app
Log in with your linked Microsoft account
Black Ops 7 should now show as available at the New Zealand launch time

Important Note: Your currency in the Xbox app will switch to NZD (New Zealand Dollars). Don’t panic – this is normal and confirms the region change worked. I recommend avoiding purchases while in the NZ region due to potential payment processing issues.

PC – Steam (Doesn’t Work)

Steam uses stricter region detection that looks at:

Your IP address
Payment method region
Account creation region
Purchase history

Even with a VPN (which I don’t recommend as it violates Steam’s Terms of Service), you won’t be able to unlock Black Ops 7 early. Steam applies a universal PC release time for Call of Duty games.

Steam Release Times:

9:00 PM PT (November 13)
12:00 AM ET (November 14)
5:00 AM GMT (November 14)

PC – Battle.net (Doesn’t Work)

Similar to Steam, Battle.net has implemented region-locking measures that prevent the New Zealand trick from working. The platform checks:

Account registration region
IP geolocation
Payment method region

Attempting to bypass these restrictions with VPNs could result in account actions, which I absolutely don’t recommend risking for a few hours of early access.

Battle.net Release Times: (Same as Steam)

9:00 PM PT (November 13)
12:00 AM ET (November 14)
5:00 AM GMT (November 14)

Alternative Method: Join a Friend Who’s Playing Early

Here’s a brilliant workaround I discovered during Warzone updates: even if you can’t use the New Zealand trick yourself (because you’re on Steam or Battle.net), you can still play early by joining a friend who has access!

How This Works:

Have a friend on Xbox or PlayStation use the New Zealand trick
Wait for them to successfully launch Black Ops 7
Join their party/lobby through the COD HQ interface
You’ll be able to play with them, regardless of your platform

Requirements:

You must own the game or have Game Pass access
Your friend must successfully launch the game first
You need to be on their friends list

Limitations:

If you leave your friend’s lobby, you’ll likely be kicked back out
Some players report needing to rejoin each time they disconnect
Not ideal for solo play, but perfect for squad sessions

This method saved my Battle.net purchase during Black Ops 6 – my Xbox friend carried me through the first 6 hours until my region unlocked!

Black Ops 7 Global Release Times

Understanding the official release schedule helps you maximize your early access window. Here’s the complete breakdown:

Region	Console Release	PC (Steam/Battle.net) Release
New Zealand (NZDT)	12:00 AM, Nov 14	N/A (follows US PC times)
Australia (AEDT)	12:00 AM, Nov 14	N/A (follows US PC times)
Japan (JST)	12:00 AM, Nov 14	N/A (follows US PC times)
United Kingdom (GMT)	12:00 AM, Nov 14	5:00 AM, Nov 14
Central Europe (CET)	12:00 AM, Nov 14	6:00 AM, Nov 14
US East Coast (ET)	12:00 AM, Nov 14	12:00 AM, Nov 14
US West Coast (PT)	12:00 AM, Nov 14	9:00 PM, Nov 13

Time Advantage Breakdown:

New Zealand vs US West Coast: 21 hours early
New Zealand vs US East Coast: 18 hours early
New Zealand vs United Kingdom: 13 hours early

I always use worldtimebuddy.com to double-check exact conversion times – it’s saved me from miscalculations more than once!

Is the New Zealand Trick Safe? (Ban Risk Analysis)

This is the question everyone asks me, and I completely understand the concern. After using this method for five consecutive Call of Duty releases and monitoring community reports, here’s my honest assessment:

Safety Factors:

✓ Low Risk – Generally Safe:

Changing console region settings is a built-in Xbox/PlayStation feature
No Terms of Service violations for using regional settings
Activision has never issued bans specifically for region changing
Thousands of players use this method for every major release

⚠️ Moderate Caution – PlayStation Considerations:

Creating multiple PSN accounts is technically allowed but monitored
Purchasing games on secondary accounts for regional access isn’t explicitly forbidden
Some players report payment processing issues with cross-region purchases

✗ High Risk – Don’t Do This:

Using VPNs with Steam or Battle.net (violates TOS)
Purchasing games through gray market key resellers claiming regional access
Account sharing to circumvent regional restrictions

My Personal Experience:

I’ve successfully used the New Zealand trick for:

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (2024)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)
Multiple Warzone season launches

Result: Zero issues, zero warnings, zero account flags. My Activision account remains in perfect standing with all progress, purchases, and premium content intact.

Essential Pre-Launch Preparation

Want to make your early access count? Here’s my proven preparation checklist that I follow before every major Call of Duty launch:

72 Hours Before Launch:

✓ Preload the Game

Black Ops 7 preload began November 10
Download size: ~100GB on Xbox, ~110GB on PlayStation, ~120GB on PC
Clear extra space – updates on launch day are common

✓ Update Your System

Install latest console firmware updates
Update graphics drivers on PC (NVIDIA/AMD)
Clear cache to prevent launch issues

✓ Prepare Your Activision Account

Link all platforms to your main Activision account
Verify email and enable two-factor authentication
Check that previous Call of Duty progress is synchronized

24 Hours Before Launch:

✓ Create Your Launch Day Loadouts

Review weapon unlock progression from my Black Ops 6 weapon guides
Plan your first three custom loadouts
Decide on initial Operator selection

✓ Join Community Channels

Follow Call of Duty on Twitter for server status updates
Join Black Ops 7 Discord servers for tips
Bookmark the official Black Ops 7 website

✓ Free Up Your Schedule

Clear your calendar (I always request launch day off work)
Prepare snacks and drinks
Set up comfortable gaming space

Launch Night Checklist:

✓ Execute Region Change

Follow platform-specific instructions above
Verify region change was successful
Restart console/PC to apply changes

✓ Final Tech Check

Test internet connection (hardwire if possible)
Close background applications
Disable automatic updates on other games

✓ Be Ready for Launch Issues

Server queues are normal in the first hours
Have alternative activities planned during potential downtime
Stay patient – servers stabilize within 2-3 hours

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

After helping dozens of friends with the New Zealand trick, I’ve encountered virtually every possible issue. Here are solutions to the most common problems:

“Game Still Shows Locked After Region Change”

Solutions:

Fully restart your console/PC (not just rest mode)
Sign out and sign back into your Microsoft/PlayStation account
Check that your Activision account region was also changed
Wait 10-15 minutes – sometimes the unlock is delayed

“Can’t Find New Zealand in Region Settings”

Xbox Solution:

Make sure you’re in System → Language & Location, not Language
Scroll through the full list – New Zealand is near the bottom
Try searching for “Zealand” in the search function

PlayStation Solution:

You cannot change existing PSN account regions
You must create a new New Zealand PSN account
See Method 2 in the PlayStation section above

“Currency Changed to NZD and Prices Look Wrong”

This is Normal!

When you change regions, store prices reflect that region
1 NZD ≈ $0.62 USD (prices will look higher)
Change region back to your home country before making purchases
Never buy content while in the NZ region

“Friends Can’t See Me Online”

Solution:

Check your privacy settings didn’t reset during region change
Verify you’re appearing online (not invisible)
Have friends search for you by Activision ID instead of platform name
Restart the game – this usually fixes visibility issues

“Game Crashes at Launch”

Solutions:

Verify game files (Xbox app/Steam/Battle.net have this option)
Update graphics drivers to latest version
Disable overlays (Discord, GeForce Experience, etc.)
Check official Activision support for known launch issues

Maximizing Your Early Access Time

Now that you’re in early, let’s make those extra hours count! Here’s my strategic approach to early access that maximizes progression:

First 2 Hours: Campaign Focus

Why Campaign First?

Unified progression system – campaign XP counts toward multiplayer unlocks
Learn the Black Ops 7 story before spoilers flood social media
Test weapon handling and movement in lower-pressure environment
Unlock exclusive campaign camos

Recommended Settings:

Start on Regular difficulty for fastest completion
Skip cutscenes if you’re solely focused on progression (watch them later!)
Collect intel items for additional XP bonuses

Hours 3-6: Multiplayer Grinding

Priority Objectives:

Complete all tutorial/intro missions for bonus XP
Test every starting weapon to find your preferred style
Unlock Create-a-Class (usually around level 4)
Work toward your first prestige weapon camo challenges

Best Game Modes for Early Leveling:

Team Deathmatch (consistent XP, shorter matches)
Domination (objective XP bonuses)
Hardpoint (high action, fast progression)

Check my Black Ops 6 SMG loadouts guide for weapon recommendations that typically carry over between games.

Hours 6-12: Zombies Mode

Why Save Zombies for Later?

More complex mode benefits from understanding core mechanics first
Zombies tends to be more stable after a few hours post-launch
By this point, early strategy guides start appearing online

Early Zombies Strategy:

Stick to the starting area for first few rounds
Learn the map layout methodically
Experiment with different weapon Pack-a-Punch upgrades
Don’t stress about easter eggs on launch day – enjoy the mode first

For advanced Zombies strategies, I recommend checking out my Black Ops 6 Zombies guide which covers core mechanics that typically remain consistent.

Hours 12+: Ranked Preparation

By your 12th hour of play:

You should have 2-3 solid custom loadouts
Understanding of map layouts and flow
Preferred game modes identified
Ready to start building ranked MMR

Ranked Launch Tips:

Placement matches are crucial – focus on wins over stats
Communication is key – use voice chat
Learn callouts for each map
Review pro player streams for meta strategies

What Makes Black Ops 7 Worth Playing Early?

You might be wondering: “Is all this effort really worth it for early access?” Having played every Call of Duty at launch for the past decade, I can confidently say absolutely yes – here’s why:

Competitive Advantages:

1. Map Knowledge Edge

Learn map layouts before they’re memorized by the masses
Discover power positions and rotations first
Develop advanced strategies while others are still learning basics
By the time your region unlocks, you’re already comfortable with every map

2. Weapon Meta Discovery

Test every weapon before the community establishes the meta
Develop your own unique playstyle before being influenced by “best loadout” videos
Get ahead on camo challenges while weapons are still fresh
Potentially discover underrated weapons that become meta later

3. Early Progression Benefits

Level weapons before they get nerfed
Complete challenges with less competition
Build a progression lead that compounds over time
Earn prestige rewards before friends even start playing

Community and Content Advantages:

4. Be Part of Launch History

Experience the raw, unpatched version of the game
Participate in day-one discoveries and strategies
Share early tips with your community
Document memorable launch moments

5. Content Creator Opportunities

First gameplay videos get massive visibility
Early strategy guides attract high engagement
Opportunity to establish yourself as a knowledgeable resource
Build following during peak interest period

Personal Satisfaction:

6. Pure Excitement

There’s nothing quite like playing a brand new Call of Duty
Launch day energy is unmatched in gaming
Sharing discoveries with friends in real-time
The satisfaction of dominating lobbies with your head start

I still remember launching Black Ops Cold War early using this trick – by the time my friends’ region unlocked, I had already mastered three maps and unlocked gold camo on my first weapon. That early advantage helped me dominate our friend group throughout the entire game’s lifecycle.

Pro Tips for Launch Day Success

After participating in dozens of major game launches, I’ve developed a system that ensures smooth sailing. Here are my insider tips:

Technical Optimization:

Network Setup:

Use wired Ethernet connection (WiFi adds latency and packet loss)
Close all streaming apps and background downloads
Reserve bandwidth – pause other devices’ updates
Consider Quality of Service (QoS) router settings for gaming priority

System Performance:

Close unnecessary applications
Disable Windows notifications
Set graphics to “Performance” mode initially (optimize later)
Monitor system temperature – launch days can stress hardware

Strategic Approach:

Avoid These Common Mistakes:

Don’t spend hours in the armory before playing – weapon familiarity comes from matches
Don’t rush through the campaign – story moments are worth experiencing
Don’t ignore objectives for kills – objective play levels you faster
Don’t rage quit early matches – launch day matchmaking is chaotic

Do These Instead:

Warm up with bot matches if available
Play with friends for easier communication
Take 5-minute breaks every hour to stay sharp
Stay hydrated and maintain good posture (trust me, your back will thank you)

Social Strategy:

Build Your Squad:

Coordinate with friends to all use the New Zealand trick together
Create a dedicated Discord channel for launch day communication
Plan squad compositions and role assignments
Share loadout builds and strategies as you discover them

Community Engagement:

Join the Call of Duty subreddit for real-time tips
Follow #BlackOps7 on Twitter for community discoveries
Watch Twitch streams of pro players for advanced tactics
Share your own discoveries to contribute to the community

Post-Launch: Switching Back to Your Region

Once your actual region’s launch time arrives (or after a few days), you’ll want to change back. Here’s how:

Xbox:

Press Xbox button → Profile & System → Settings
Navigate to System → Language & Location
Change Location back to your actual region
Restart console

PlayStation:

Go to Settings → System → Date and Time
Change Time Zone back to your actual location
Restart console
Your Activision account region can stay as New Zealand or be changed back (doesn’t affect gameplay)

PC (Xbox App):

Windows Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region
Change Country or Region back to your actual location
Restart PC
Restart Xbox app

Important: All your progress, purchases, and unlocks will remain intact regardless of region settings. I’ve never experienced any data loss from region switching across multiple games and years of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get banned for using the New Zealand trick in Black Ops 7?

No. Changing your console region is a built-in feature, and there’s no evidence of Activision or Microsoft/Sony banning players for using it. I’ve used this method for five consecutive Call of Duty games without any account issues. However, avoid using VPNs on Steam or Battle.net, as those platforms have stricter policies.

Does the New Zealand trick work on all platforms?

The New Zealand trick works on Xbox (consoles and PC Xbox app) and PlayStation (with method limitations). It does NOT work on Steam or Battle.net for PC players. Steam and Battle.net use unified global PC release times that cannot be bypassed through region changes.

How much earlier can I play Black Ops 7 using this trick?

You can play up to 21 hours earlier than the US West Coast release, 18 hours earlier than US East Coast, and 13 hours earlier than the UK. New Zealand’s midnight launch translates to November 13 at 3:00 AM PT / 6:00 AM ET / 11:00 AM GMT.

Will my progress save if I change regions back later?

Yes, absolutely! All your progress, unlocks, and purchases are tied to your Activision account, not your console region. When you change back to your actual region, everything remains exactly as you left it. Your weapon levels, camos, campaign progress, and multiplayer stats are completely safe.

Can I play with friends in different regions using this trick?

Yes! If you use the New Zealand trick to play early, you can still party up with friends in any region (though they won’t be able to play until their region unlocks). The game supports full cross-platform play, so Xbox, PlayStation, and PC players can all play together regardless of region settings.

Do I need to buy Black Ops 7 again for a New Zealand account on PlayStation?

Only if the simple Activision account + time zone method doesn’t work for you. On PlayStation, approximately 60% of players can access the game early just by changing their Activision account region and console time zone. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to create a New Zealand PSN account and purchase the game there.

Will changing to New Zealand affect my other games or subscriptions?

No. Changing your console region only affects region-specific content and release times. Your subscriptions (Game Pass, PlayStation Plus), purchases, and installed games remain unaffected. I’ve been switching regions for years and never experienced any issues with my other games.

What time exactly does Black Ops 7 unlock in New Zealand?

Black Ops 7 unlocks at midnight NZDT (New Zealand Daylight Time) on November 14, which converts to 3:00 AM PT / 6:00 AM ET / 11:00 AM GMT on November 13 for other regions. This is when you’ll be able to launch and play the game if you’ve successfully changed your region.

Bottom Line

The New Zealand trick remains the most reliable method to play Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 early without breaking any rules or risking your account. After successfully using this technique for multiple Call of Duty launches, I can confidently say it’s worth the 10-15 minutes of setup time for up to 21 hours of early access.

Quick Recap:

Xbox players have the easiest process – simple region change in settings
PlayStation players should try the Activision account method first before creating a new NZ account
PC players can only use this trick through the Xbox app, not Steam or Battle.net
The trick is safe when done correctly – no bans reported across thousands of users

Remember to preload Black Ops 7 by November 10, prepare your setup, and get ready for one of the biggest Call of Duty launches in franchise history. The game features 16 multiplayer maps at launch, a co-op campaign set in 2035, and the continuation of the Dark Aether Zombies storyline.

Whether you’re grinding for Dark Ops challenges, mastering the new Omnimovement system, or just eager to experience the story, those extra hours of early access make all the difference. I’ll be dropping into Black Ops 7 the moment New Zealand unlocks – see you in Avalon!

Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide and share it with your squad so everyone can play together from minute one. And if you’re looking for more Call of Duty content, check out my comprehensive Black Ops 6 guides for strategies that will carry over to Black Ops 7.