How the New Zealand Trick Works

Forza Horizon 6 unlocks region by region at midnight local time. Since New Zealand reaches midnight earlier than most countries, Xbox checks the region setting on your console or Windows system and unlocks the game based on that location.

This works for:

• Early Access launch on May 15, 2026
• Standard launch on May 19, 2026

Once New Zealand hits midnight, the game becomes playable there first. By changing your console or PC region, you essentially tell Xbox that you are located in New Zealand.

Platforms That Support the Trick

Xbox Series X|S

Works perfectly and is the easiest platform for the trick.

Windows PC (Xbox App)

Works by changing your Windows regional settings before launching the Xbox App version of the game.

Steam

Does not work. Steam uses a synchronized global release time instead of regional unlocks.

Xbox Series X|S Setup Guide

If you are on Xbox, the setup only takes a couple of minutes.

Step 1: Open the Xbox Guide

Turn on your Xbox and sign into the account that owns Forza Horizon 6.

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

Step 2: Enter Settings

Go to:

Profile & system → Settings

Inside the Settings menu, scroll down to the System section.

Step 3: Change Your Region

Select:

Language & location

Find the Location dropdown menu and change it to:

New Zealand

Do not change your language unless you want to.

Step 4: Restart the Console

After selecting New Zealand, press:

Restart now

Your Xbox must reboot for the region change to apply properly.

Step 5: Launch Forza Horizon 6

Once the console turns back on, open your pre-installed copy of FH6.

If New Zealand has already reached midnight for the release window, the game should launch immediately.

Windows PC Xbox App Setup

The trick also works on PC if you are using the Xbox App or Microsoft Store version of the game.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

Press the Start Menu and open:

Settings

Step 2: Go to Regional Settings

Navigate to:

Time & language → Language & region

Step 3: Change Your Country

Locate the Country or region dropdown menu.

Change it to:

New Zealand

Step 4: Restart the Xbox App

Completely close the Xbox App before reopening it.

Some players also restart their PC to make sure the region change fully updates.

Step 5: Start the Game

Launch Forza Horizon 6 through the Xbox App once New Zealand reaches midnight release time.

Important Requirements Before You Try It

A lot of players miss these details and end up confused when the game does not unlock.

You Must Pre-Install the Game

The New Zealand Trick only changes unlock timing. It does not bypass downloads.

Make sure FH6 is fully installed before changing your region.

Premium Edition Needed for Early Access

If you want to play on May 15, you need one of these:

• Premium Edition
• Premium Upgrade Bundle
• Xbox Game Pass + Premium Upgrade Bundle

If you only own the Standard Edition, the trick will not unlock the game early until May 19.

GameShare Can Cause Problems

If you access the game through GameShare, the method may fail unless the primary purchaser also changes their region.

This is one of the most common issues people run into every Forza launch.

Known Limitations

Even when the base game unlocks, some online content may not immediately work correctly.

VIP and DLC Delays

Certain extras can stay locked temporarily, including:

• VIP rewards
• Car Pass vehicles
• Welcome Pack content
• Premium bonus items

These usually unlock once your actual home region officially reaches launch time.

Storefront Differences

Because the Microsoft Store changes regions too, prices and storefront pages may look different while your console is set to New Zealand.

That is completely normal.

Can You Switch Back Safely?

Yes. Once your local region officially reaches launch time, you can safely switch your Xbox or PC back to your normal country.

Your progress, credits, cars, and saves remain untouched because FH6 uses cloud saving through Xbox services.

You will not lose anything by reverting your settings later.

Is the New Zealand Trick Worth It?

For hardcore Forza fans, absolutely.

The first hours of a Horizon launch are always special. Auction House prices are wild, online convoys are packed, and everyone is discovering the map together for the first time. Getting into Forza Horizon 6 early means you can start unlocking cars, earning credits, and exploring Japan before the global rush hits.