Unlock Early Access to FC 26: The New Zealand Trick Explained

Unlock Early Access to FC 26: The New Zealand Trick Explained

Updated: September 15,2025 | Game: FC 26
Unlock Early Access to FC 26: The New Zealand Trick Explained

Introduction

Are you eagerly anticipating the release of FC 26 but want to get a head start on the competition? If you purchased the Ultimate Edition, you’re in luck! You can unlock early access on consoles. However, there’s a clever little trick involving New Zealand that can grant you extra hours of gameplay.

Understanding Early Access

For owners of the Ultimate Edition, FC 26 is set to be available on consoles from September 19. However, players on PC can dive in a day earlier, starting on September 18 at 7 AM PT. This disparity can be quite frustrating for console gamers, but fret not—there's a way to join in on the fun earlier!

The New Zealand Trick

The New Zealand trick involves changing your console's time settings to get a taste of the game before its official launch. While this method is possible on both PlayStation and Xbox, it tends to be easier on Xbox consoles. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Turn on your Xbox and navigate to the main settings.
  • Access the System menu.
  • Go to Language & Location.
  • Select New Zealand as your location.
  • This action will also switch your system language to New Zealand English.
  • Select English (Australia) as your preferred language.
  • Restart your console to apply the changes.

After performing these steps, your console will now reflect the New Zealand date and time, allowing you to play FC 26 early. The reason this works is that the game becomes available at midnight on September 19 in New Zealand, making it the first region in the world to allow access.

Playing on Different Consoles

For PlayStation users, the process is a little different:

  • Create a new PlayStation account.
  • Select New Zealand as your country during account setup.
  • Purchase FC 26 from this account.

This method poses two significant issues. First, if you’ve purchased the game using your main account, you must make a separate purchase, leading to an unwelcome extra cost of approximately $90 for just a few extra hours of playtime. Secondly, you’ll need a payment method that can handle international transactions to buy the game with your new New Zealand account.

Important Considerations

If you're playing on PC, simply remember that the game launches on September 18 at 7 AM PT without the need for any tricks. For those looking to enhance their gaming experience, check out FIFA Coins and FIFA Ultimate Team Coins available at ItemD2R.com, to make the most of your gaming journey.

Conclusion

Using the New Zealand trick is an exciting opportunity for console players eager to get ahead in FC 26. Before employing this method, consider the costs and whether it's worth the extra hours of gameplay. As the excitement builds, be sure to stay updated on all things FC 26 and keep an eye on ItemD2R.com for valuable resources to optimize your gaming experience!