Sometimes—but only when a particular game and PC storefront use a release schedule that a region change can affect. A Windows location change is not a universal way to unlock PC games early: the PC Game Pass method has been reported for some games, while other titles set PC availability separately from your computer’s location. Check the specific game’s PC launch time and early-access rules first.
What the New Zealand trick means on PC
The trick is changing your device or account region to New Zealand in an attempt to reach a region-based launch earlier. It works only if the game’s release setup responds to that change. Success with one title or storefront does not show that the same method will work elsewhere.
Does it work on every PC storefront?
| PC option | What the available guides say | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| PC Game Pass | GameSkinny describes selecting New Zealand in Windows Region Settings and restarting the PC as a method to try for some games. GameSkinny’s guide, published September 27, 2023, does not establish that it works for every title. | It may be worth trying when the particular game has a region-based unlock, but it is not a guarantee. |
| Other PC storefronts | The available guides do not establish that changing Windows region settings affects Steam, Battle.net, EA’s PC app, or every other storefront. Dexerto says EA FC 27 PC availability is determined separately from the computer’s basic location settings. Dexerto’s EA FC 27 guide, accessed October 8, 2026. | Check the storefront and game’s own PC release schedule; do not assume the Game Pass approach transfers. |
How to try it for a PC Game Pass game
- Look up the game’s current PC release time and confirm that its unlock may vary by region.
- In Windows, open Settings > Time & language > Language & region, then select New Zealand as the region. The guide describes changing Windows Region Settings; Windows labels may differ by version.
- Restart the PC, then check whether the game is available through PC Game Pass.
This is a reported guide procedure, not a verified guarantee for every Game Pass title. The guide says the time gained can be up to half a day in some cases, but that is not a dependable amount: the result depends on your location and the game’s release schedule.
Why the game’s PC schedule matters
Some games unlock according to regional midnight; others have a fixed or separately scheduled PC release. In the latter case, changing Windows location may not change when the PC version becomes playable. Early access is another variable: eligibility can depend on the game, platform, and a separately offered entitlement, so a region change does not itself provide early access.
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EA FC 26 illustrates why PC and console schedules should be checked separately. Destructoid reported that PC early access began September 18, 2025, ahead of the September 19 console early-access window. Those dates describe that game’s 2025 schedule, not a current release time or a general rule for other titles. Destructoid’s FC 26 guide was published and updated September 15, 2025.
What to check before changing regions
- The game’s official or current PC release schedule, not just its console launch time.
- Whether the unlock is local-midnight based or a fixed time set for PC.
- Whether early access requires a separate edition, subscription, or other entitlement.
- The current guidance for the platform and publisher if you are concerned about region-change rules. The guides cited here do not establish a universal account-consequence rule or official platform policy.
Game release schedules and eligibility can change between titles and editions. The practical answer is therefore title-specific: verify the PC schedule before expecting a region change to help.
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