How To Play Black Ops 7 Early: Complete Download & PreLoad Schedule
With Black Ops 7 launching worldwide on November 14th, 2025, eager fans are already planning how to get their hands on the game as quickly as possible. While there's no official early access period this year, savvy players can still jump into the action ahead of the official launch through strategic downloads and regional timing tricks across Xbox, PlayStation, Battle.net, Steam, and Microsoft Store.
Official PreLoad Schedule: When You Can Download
Getting Black Ops 7 installed ahead of launch is crucial for jumping straight into the action on day one. The good news is that preloading becomes available starting November 10th across most platforms, with one notable exception that PC players will definitely want to know about.
Platform-Specific PreLoad Times
Here's the complete breakdown of when you can start downloading Black Ops 7 on your preferred platform:
- Xbox: November 10th at 9AM PT
- Steam: November 10th at 9AM PT
- PlayStation: November 10th at 9AM PT
- Battle.net: November 6th at 9AM PT
Battle.net users are getting an exclusive advantage this year, with preloading available a full four days earlier than other platforms. This early access to downloads has become a tradition for Activision's own platform, which consistently receives game files and updates before competitors. If you're planning to play on PC and want the earliest possible download, Battle.net is your best option.
Official Launch Times by Region
Black Ops 7's launch follows a rolling regional release schedule on November 13th, meaning different time zones will gain access at different times. Understanding these windows is key to planning your early access strategy.
Console Launch Windows
- Xbox: 3AM PT – 10PM PT on November 13th
- PlayStation: 3AM PT – 10PM PT on November 13th
PC Launch Times
- Battle.net & Steam: 9PM PT on November 13th
Console players have a significantly wider launch window compared to PC, with access becoming available as early as 3AM Pacific Time depending on your region. This staggered approach is designed to prevent server overload while accommodating global time zones.
The New Zealand Trick: Playing Up To 17 Hours Early
Over the past few years, the legendary "New Zealand Trick" has become Call of Duty players' go-to method for accessing new releases ahead of their official regional launch. This clever workaround takes advantage of time zone differences to unlock the game approximately 17 hours early, around 6AM Eastern Time on November 13th. Here's exactly how to execute this strategy on each platform.
Xbox and Xbox on PC: The Easiest Method
Xbox players have the most straightforward path to early access, requiring just two simple account adjustments:
Step 1: Navigate to your Xbox Profile settings and change your console's region to New Zealand. This tells the system you're located in a time zone where the game has already launched.
Step 2: Head to the official Call of Duty website and modify your Activision Account address to a New Zealand location. The system will request a physical address, but don't stress about accuracy - any legitimate New Zealand address works, whether it's a restaurant, hotel, or even a McDonald's location.
The beauty of Xbox's system is that these same steps work whether you're playing on console or using the Xbox app on PC. Both platforms recognize the region change and grant early access accordingly.
PlayStation: A Slightly Different Approach
PlayStation users face a slightly more restrictive process, but early access is still achievable with the right preparation:
Critical First Step: Ensure Black Ops 7 is completely preloaded on your PlayStation before attempting any regional changes. This is non-negotiable - without the full game downloaded, the trick won't work.
Account Modification: Visit the Call of Duty website and update your Activision Account address to any New Zealand location, just like the Xbox method. Use any valid New Zealand address when prompted.
Here's where PlayStation differs from Xbox - you cannot change your PlayStation account's region without creating an entirely new account, which would mean losing all your existing data and purchases. However, changing your Activision Account region alone should be sufficient to grant early access once New Zealand servers go live.
When the servers activate in New Zealand, PlayStation players with modified Activision accounts should gain immediate access to Black Ops 7.
Battle.net & Steam: The Bad News
Unfortunately, PC players on Battle.net and Steam currently have no reliable method to execute the New Zealand Trick. Previous workarounds that involved joining friends who had regional access were patched during Black Ops 6's launch last year, and there's no indication these exploits will return for Black Ops 7.
While some creative players may discover new methods between now and launch, as of right now, Battle.net and Steam users should expect to wait for the official 9PM PT launch time on November 13th. The good news is that this still beats the standard November 14th launch, and with Battle.net's early preload starting November 6th, you'll have plenty of time to ensure your download is complete and ready to go.
Important Considerations Before Trying Early Access
While the New Zealand Trick has been widely used by the Call of Duty community for years without significant repercussions, there are a few things worth keeping in mind before you attempt early access:
- Server Stability: Early launch periods can sometimes experience server issues as infrastructure comes online
- Account Changes: Make sure you're comfortable modifying your account settings, and remember to change them back after launch if desired
- Time Investment: That 17-hour advantage means committing to playing during off-peak hours for your actual time zone
Getting Ready for Launch Day
Whether you're planning to use the New Zealand Trick or waiting for the official launch in your region, preparation is key to a smooth Black Ops 7 experience. Make sure you have adequate storage space for the download, a stable internet connection for the preload period, and your platform of choice ready to go.
We've got plenty of other articles covering Black Ops 7's multiplayer maps, gameplay features, and everything else you need to know about the game's launch. Be sure to check those out as you prepare for what's shaping up to be one of the biggest Call of Duty releases in years.
See you in the lobby on November 13th - or 14th, depending on your chosen platform and strategy!