The excitement surrounding the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (BO7) is palpable, and if you're like many players, you can't wait to dive into the action as soon as possible. Thankfully, there are ways to play the game up to 24 hours before its official release, depending on your region. This guide will help you navigate through the process, so you can get in on the action early—whether you're on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC.
Getting Ready: The Pre-Download and Early Access
Before anything else, it’s essential to make sure that you have the game pre-downloaded. If you're on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, the game will be available for pre-download ahead of its official release date. While Black Ops 7 won’t be playable right after the pre-download, this step ensures that you won’t be left waiting when it finally does go live.
For PlayStation users, a common misconception is that the game will be playable starting from November 10th. However, this is simply the date for pre-downloading. The game will be officially available starting November 14th, but there’s still a way around this for those eager to jump in early.
How to Play Black Ops 7 Early: The New Zealand Trick
One of the most popular ways to access the game early is by using the New Zealand method. This trick involves changing your region settings to New Zealand, allowing you to access the game when it goes live there, which is a full 24 hours ahead of many other regions.
For Xbox Users:
First, head over to Call of Duty’s website
and log into your account.
Navigate to the "Basic Info" section and edit your address, switching it to a New Zealand address (you can use the city of Omaru as a valid location).
Save the changes, then go into your Xbox settings. Under "System," select "Language and Location," and set your region to New Zealand.
Restart your Xbox to confirm the changes. Once the game goes live in New Zealand, you’ll be able to access Black Ops 7.
For PlayStation Users:
Log into your Call of Duty account and change your address to a New Zealand one, just as you would on Xbox.
On your PlayStation, go to "Settings," then "Date and Time," and set the time zone to New Zealand (Wellington is the recommended time zone).
Once these changes are saved, the game will be available for play once it launches in New Zealand.
For PC Users:
On PC, things get a bit more complicated due to the different platforms available, like Steam, Battle.net, and Xbox Game Pass for PC. Unfortunately, Steam and Battle.net do not support regional rollouts, meaning the game will release at the same time for everyone, no matter where you are.
However, if you’re using Xbox Game Pass for PC, you can follow the same steps as Xbox users by changing your system region to New Zealand. This will allow you to play Black Ops 7 early on your PC through the Game Pass platform.
Why the New Zealand Method Works
The reason this works is due to time zone differences. New Zealand is one of the first countries where Black Ops 7 will officially be available, and by setting your region to New Zealand, you’re essentially tricking the system into thinking you’re in that region. This method has been used by players for previous Call of Duty releases and, according to many, is both safe and effective.
Considerations for PC Users: U4N and Bot Lobbies
While the New Zealand method works great for console players, PC users may also want to explore Black Ops 7’s bot lobbies for a different kind of early access experience. A growing trend for PC players is the ability to play in Black Ops 7 bot lobbies. These lobbies allow players to practice and test out the game without worrying about human opponents. For those interested in this option, services like U4N allow players to purchase Black Ops 7 bot lobbies on PC. This can be a great way to get a feel for the game while waiting for the official launch.
Tips for Enjoying Black Ops 7 Early
Stay Updated: Keep an eye on community forums and social media for any updates on new methods to access Black Ops 7 early. Gamers often share new tricks and tweaks that could make your early experience even smoother.
Prepare Your Loadouts: While you're waiting to dive in, it’s a great idea to start planning your in-game strategy. Spend some time looking up weapon stats and planning your loadouts so you're ready to take on enemies as soon as you get access.
Explore Bot Lobbies: If you're interested in practicing without the pressure of online players, consider exploring bot lobbies or joining custom games to refine your skills.
Playing Black Ops 7 early is a dream for many, and with the New Zealand method, it's totally possible to get a head start on the competition. Whether you're using PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, there are a variety of ways to access the game before it officially releases. For those on PC, services like U4N can help you explore bot lobbies for some extra fun. The key is to follow the steps carefully and enjoy the experience without stressing about official release dates.