New Zealand Trick Tips and Tricks for Forza Horizon 6 on Xbox

Torlofi

The New Zealand trick is back for Forza Horizon 6, and yes, it still works on Xbox consoles and the Xbox PC app. If you want to drive through Japan before your local release time, this method lets you unlock the game early by switching your console region to New Zealand.

Because New Zealand reaches midnight before most other regions, Xbox unlocks the game there earlier. Depending on where you live, you can gain access around 12 to 16 hours ahead of your normal launch time.

As someone who has used this trick across multiple Xbox launches, I can say it is one of the easiest and safest early-access methods when done correctly.

Why the New Zealand Trick Works

Forza Horizon 6 uses a rolling regional release system on Xbox. That means the game unlocks at midnight in each country separately instead of launching worldwide at the exact same moment.

New Zealand is one of the first major regions to hit midnight, so Xbox users can temporarily switch their console location there and access the game early.

This only changes your system region. Your Xbox account, save data, achievements, and friends list stay the same.

Step-by-Step Setup on Xbox

Getting the trick working only takes a few minutes.

Step 1: Open Xbox Settings

Press the Xbox guide button on your controller.

Go to:

Profile & system → Settings

Step 2: Find Language & Location

Inside Settings:

System → Language & location

Step 3: Change Your Location

Under the Location dropdown menu, select:

New Zealand

Keep your language set to your normal language.

Step 4: Restart Your Console

After changing regions, Xbox will ask you to restart.

Choose:

Restart now

You can also manually reboot the console by holding the power button.

Step 5: Launch Forza Horizon 6

Once the console turns back on, launch Forza Horizon 6 normally.

If the release window is active in New Zealand, the game should open immediately.

Important Tips Before You Switch Regions

A few small mistakes can cause problems, especially during launch day traffic. These tips help avoid the usual issues.

Fully Preload the Game First

This is the biggest tip.

Download the entire game before changing your region.

Trying to install the game after switching to New Zealand can cause extremely slow download speeds because regional servers get overloaded during launch hours.

Preloading everything in your normal region is much faster and safer.

Premium Edition and Game Pass Both Work

The New Zealand trick works with:

• Full Premium Edition owners
• Premium Add-Ons Bundle users
• Xbox Game Pass players with the upgrade pack
  

As long as your account has early access rights, changing regions activates the earlier unlock timer.

Don’t Buy DLC While Using New Zealand Region

Avoid buying anything from the Microsoft Store while your console is set to New Zealand.

That includes:

• Car packs
• Tokens
• VIP upgrades
• DLC bundles
  

Regional pricing mismatches sometimes trigger temporary license problems or purchase errors.

Wait until you switch back to your home region before buying extra content.