Can you change your Xbox region to get Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 early?

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer details
(Image credit: Activision)

What you need to know

  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 launches on October 28, 2022.
  • The exact time of release depends on the timezone that a player resides in.
  • According to the makers of the game, switching your console's region setting to New Zealand will not allow you to access the multiplayer mode early.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is almost here. The campaign mode of the highly anticipated title is already available for those that preordered the game, but the full version won't arrive until October 28, 2022. Of course, since timezones are a thing, the exact moment that the mode will become available depends on where you are in the world. Unfortunately for those looking to play early, the makers of the game said that switching your system's region to New Zealand will not allow you to access the game early.

"Launch PSA: If you are trying to change your console’s region setting in order to access #MWII early, you will experience connectivity issues and may be locked out of the game until the official launch time of your region," said Infinity Ward, the developers behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

The accuracy of Infinity Ward's PSA is up for debate. Some folks on Twitter claim that they're already playing the game despite not actually being in New Zealand.

Content creator Martonic has shared some advice that may help get early access to the game as well.

At this point, it may just be worth waiting half a day to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. If you're lucky enough to take off work for the launch day, you have several hours of gaming ahead of you within the next day. If not, there's always the weekend and next week.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022)
$70 at xbox.com

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022)

Squad up for a new era of Modern Warfare. The standard edition includes a Cross-Gen bundle that is playable on both Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles.

Buy from: Xbox | Steam | Battle.net

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.