How To Play MW2 Multiplayer Early - MW2 New Zealand Trick

You may be wondering how to get MW2 early so you can jump online and get a head start before most of the playerbase, but the only way to do this is by performing the New Zealand trick. Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 is the latest entry in the long-running series, which is set for a worldwide release on October 28. However, due to the way time zones work, not all countries get the game at the same time. This means you can use the MW2 New Zealand trick to get the game early, so check out how to do so on your platform of choice below. 

• Are you getting the MW2 stuck on installing bug? Check out how to fix so you can preload in time for the launch. 

How To Play MW2 Early - MW2 New Zealand Trick

Firstly, it's worth noting that the MW2 New Zealand trick only works on Xbox and PlayStation (though there are some caveats for the latter), and due to PC having a simultaneous global launch, this trick will not work on that platform. It's also worth noting that Infinity Ward specifically doesn't endorse this trick, and has put out a warning on Twitter that it may cause connection issues and lock you out until the game is released in your region. 

The release time for Modern Warfare 2 in New Zealand is 12 am (midnight) October 28, which translates to 1 pm BST (5 am PST/8 am EST/2 pm CEST) on October 27. Essentially, this means you can get MW2 early and begin playing if change around some settings. We'll run through the whole process below for both consoles. 

Xbox MW2 New Zealand Trick

The first step is to make sure you have purchased and preloaded Modern Warfare 2 on your console. Then do the following:

• Navigate to 'Settings,' and select 'System.' 
• Proceed to the 'Language and Location' screen. 
• Change your location to New Zealand.
• Restart your Xbox, and when it's back on, it will think you are in New Zealand. 

Once the game drops in New Zealand, you should be able to start the game and begin playing. 

PlayStation MW2 New Zealand Trick

While you can do the MW2 New Zealand trick on PlayStation, it works differently and likely isn't worth it. We’ll run through the process and then explain why you're better off waiting for the launch in your region:

• Create a new PSN account on the PSN website, and set the location to New Zealand. 
• Log into your account on your console.
• Purchase MW2 on the New Zealand PS Store.

Once the game launches, you will be able to play, however, it's not so straightforward. Firstly, you won't be able to purchase the game on the New Zealand PS Store unless you have an NZ bank account, so you'll need to use PSN gift cards. Secondly, the game will then be locked to that New Zealand-based account, so you will have to sign in every time you play, and you will only be able to connect to the NZ servers, making the game unplayable if you're halfway across the planet. 

That's all for our coverage of how to get MW2 early with the MW2 New Zealand trick, and now you should be able to play a little earlier on console.

We also have a breakdown of how to unlock MW2 mastery camos, which show off your prowess with your weapons of choice.