You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide Despite some controversy and heated discourse online, Assassins Creed Shadows is one of the most anticipated games of 2025 because of the franchise and its setting in feudal Japan. Ubisoft has shared the release time map for every region, and the newest AC is available to preload before launch. While the official launch isnt too far away, heres how to play Assassins Creed Shadows early by exploiting the New Zealand trick.When does Assassins Creed Shadows come out in New Zealand?Ubisoft has confirmed that the newest AC launches at midnight local time for consoles, which means Assassins Creed Shadows launches in New Zealand at 12AM NZDT on March 20th.Because it has a local midnight release for consoles, this means players on Xbox will be able to play Assassins Creed Shadows early from 4AM PDT/7AM EDT/11AM GMT on March 19th. Basically, players can get early access to AC before it officially unlocks in their region.Unfortunately, the NZ exploit is only possible on Xbox. Its technically doable on PS5, but its not worth the hassle as youd have to create a separate NZ account, and youd also have to pay more money just to get NZ PSN gift cards.The exploit doesnt work on PC either, but the good news is that Assassins Creed Shadows officially unlocks slightly earlier than consoles for some regions. This includes the UK where the newest AC is scheduled to unlock at 10PM GMT on March 19th for Steam and Ubisoft Connect, which is a couple hours slightly earlier than the midnight launch planned for consoles.How to play AC Shadows early via New Zealand trickAssassins Creed Shadows fans on Xbox will be able to play early from 4AM PDT/7AM EDT/11AM GMT on March 19th by exploiting the New Zealand trick. You need to pre-order and preload the game in advance, and, once the aforementioned hours have passed, simply follow the below steps:Start your XboxHead to SettingsClick SystemChoose Language and LocationChange location to New ZealandRestart your XboxYou will need to keep your Xbox console location settings as New Zealand until AC officially unlocks in your region. Once this happens, you can change your settings back to normal.In other AC news, the game is officially Steam Deck verified for launch, and Ubisoft has clarified the console specs after posting inaccuracies. The game is also available to pre-order at its cheapest price under 50.Assassins Creed ShadowsPlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):Action AdventureRelated TopicsAssassin's Creed Shadows Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share