ReportedPre-Order & Online Prep

Can I play GTA 6 early with the New Zealand trick?

Possibly, but it carries risk. GTA 6 unlocks at midnight local time, and New Zealand is first at 11:00 UTC on November 18, about 18 hours before midnight Eastern in the US. On Xbox Series X|S, outlets report that changing your console location to New Zealand works. On PS5 it requires a separate New Zealand PSN account and a second purchase, and Sony can suspend accounts made to get around regional pricing. Rockstar doesn't endorse it, and preloading does not unlock the game early.

Sources: windowscentral.com · keengamer.com · allthings.how

Updated 2026-11-14. Status meanings: Confirmed (Rockstar, Take-Two or tested in game), Reported (multiple outlets), No announcement, Pending launch test.