FGP FearGamingProductions // Masters of Fear | Crafters of Excellence

When can you play GTA 6?

The midnight wave

GTA 6 unlocks at midnight in each region on 19 November, so it rolls around the world from east to west. New Zealand goes first. Times below are shown in your time zone.

How the New Zealand trick works

Your console decides which midnight applies to you. Make it think it's in New Zealand, and it unlocks when New Zealand does.

Xbox

The easy one. No new account needed.

  1. Go to Settings › System › Language & location.
  2. Change your location to New Zealand.
  3. Restart your console.
  4. Make sure GTA 6 is preloaded, then launch it when New Zealand hits midnight.

PS5

More of a side quest, and it means buying a second copy.

  1. Create a new PSN account with the region set to New Zealand.
  2. Buy GTA 6 on the New Zealand PlayStation Store. You'll pay in NZD, usually with a NZ PlayStation gift card.
  3. On that account, turn on Console Sharing and Offline Play under Settings › Users and Accounts › Other.
  4. Switch back to your main account and play that copy when New Zealand hits midnight.

Before you try it: on PS5 you're buying the game twice if you already pre-ordered on your main account.

Changing regions isn't what Sony's and Microsoft's terms have in mind, and the platforms can change how unlocks work at any time. Do it at your own risk.

Based on Rockstar's announced midnight local-time launch on 19 November 2026. Last checked 8 November 2026.

GTA 6 guides

Everything I make for GTA 6 lands here. Watch the step-by-step Shorts, and check back as more guides go up.

Short, part 1 Play GTA 6 early on Xbox Short, part 2 Play GTA 6 early on PS5 Video How Rockstar's RAGE engine makes GTA 6 possible
Coming soon Launch checklist: do this before 19 November
After launch Best settings for PS5 and Xbox
After launch Beginner tips for your first hour
Subscribe on YouTube