How to Perform the New Zealand Trick in Forza Horizon 6 on X

[ashenweaver]

If you’re trying to jump into Forza Horizon 6 as early as possible on Xbox, the New Zealand trick is the easiest method. Xbox players have been using this region-switch trick for years to unlock games earlier when releases go live at midnight local time.

For Forza Horizon 6, this works because the Xbox version unlocks based on regional launch times. By switching your console region to New Zealand, you can access the game many hours before it unlocks in the United States or Europe.

As someone who has used this trick for multiple Forza launches, it’s simple, safe, and only takes a couple of minutes if you follow the setup correctly.

What You Need Before Starting

The New Zealand trick only works if you already have early access rights to the game.

You must own one of these:

Premium Edition of Forza Horizon 6
Premium Upgrade Bundle combined with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

If you only own the standard edition, you still have to wait for the official launch day on May 19, 2026.

Step-by-Step: How to Do the New Zealand Trick on Xbox
1. Open Xbox Settings

Turn on your Xbox console.

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

Scroll to the gear icon and open Settings.

2. Go to System Settings

Inside Settings:

Select System
Choose Language & location

This is where the region swap happens.

3. Change Your Console Location

Under the Location dropdown menu:

Change your region to New Zealand

Do not change only the language.
The important setting is the actual console location.

4. Set the Correct Time Zone

To avoid sync problems, also change your time zone to:

(UTC +12:00) Auckland, Wellington

This helps Xbox properly recognize the New Zealand region timing.

5. Restart Your Xbox

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

Select:

Restart now

The reboot is required. The trick will not work until the console fully restarts.

6. Launch Forza Horizon 6

Once your Xbox turns back on:

Open your library or dashboard
Launch Forza Horizon 6 normally

If the early access window is active in New Zealand, the game should boot immediately.

Does the New Zealand Trick Work on PC?

Yes — but only through the Xbox ecosystem.

The trick works on:

Xbox Series X
Xbox Series S
Xbox One
Xbox PC App / Microsoft Store version

It does not work on Steam.

Steam uses a synchronized global unlock system, so changing your Windows region usually won’t bypass the release timer there.

Important Things to Know
Premium DLC May Not Fully Work Yet

This catches a lot of players off guard.

Even if the base game launches successfully, some Premium bonuses may not appear immediately, including:

VIP rewards
Car Pass vehicles
Expansion access
Bonus welcome packs

These extras sometimes stay locked until your real local region officially reaches launch time.

Usually they appear automatically later without needing to reinstall anything.

Your Progress Is Safe

Switching regions does not delete:

Save data
Cars
Credits
Progression
Achievements

Everything stays tied to your Xbox account.

Once the game officially launches in your country, you can safely switch your Xbox region back to normal.

How to Switch Back to Your Home Region

After launch day arrives in your area:

Open Settings
Go to System
Open Language & location
Change Location back to your country
Restart the console again

Your Forza Horizon 6 progress will still be there when you log back in.

Common Problems and Fixes
“You’re Too Early” Error

If you still see the launch restriction message:

Double-check that your location is actually set to New Zealand
Confirm the console restarted
Make sure you own Premium Edition or Premium Upgrade Bundle
Try manually launching from your library instead of Quick Resume

Sometimes a second reboot fixes it instantly.