How To Play Pre Ordered Games Early Ps5

How to Play Pre Ordered Games Early on PS5

Getting your hands on a highly anticipated game before everyone else is like finding a golden ticket! The excitement of playing a pre-ordered game early on your PS5 is something many gamers dream about. While it’s not always guaranteed, there are a few methods and things to keep in mind that might give you that jump start. Let’s dive into how you can try to achieve this goal. This guide will break down different strategies and help you understand the factors that influence early access to your pre-ordered PlayStation 5 games.

Understanding Release Dates and Time Zones

Before we look at methods to play early, it’s important to understand how game releases work. Most digital game releases are timed, not by a specific date across the globe, but by time zones. This is super important when you’re thinking about early access. This often means that a game released at midnight in New Zealand, for example, will be available earlier than one released at midnight in California. The time when the game becomes available is linked to the PlayStation Network (PSN) region you set your account to. This is crucial to remember if you are looking for a way to access games early.

The Role of Time Zones

Here’s a simple idea. If a game launches at midnight on a specific day in a particular country, that means people in that country get to start playing first. Other countries, depending on their timezone, will have to wait a little bit longer before it is midnight in their region. This difference in timing gives the possibility for some to get a head start. Think of it like the sun. It rises in the East first, so places in the East see the sun before those in the West. It’s the same with game releases!

For example, if a game is set to release on March 15th, at midnight Eastern Time (ET), players on the West Coast of the United States won’t get the game until 9:00 pm on March 14th, because Pacific Time (PT) is three hours behind. Similarly, New Zealand, often being among the first to reach a new day, may have access several hours before the US.

The “New Zealand Trick”

This is probably the most talked about strategy for getting a head start. By changing your PSN account region to New Zealand, you could potentially play a game before your normal timezone release. It’s not a complicated process but it requires a little preparation.

How the New Zealand Trick Works

Since New Zealand is often among the first to reach a new day, setting your console region to that area can trick the system into thinking it’s later than it is in your actual location. Think of it like wearing a different watch that shows a time ahead of everyone else. In theory, you should be able to play a game early.

• Creating a New Zealand Account: The main thing here is creating a new PSN account and setting its region to New Zealand. You cannot just change your region on your existing primary account.
• Purchasing a game: you can buy the game through PSN using the New Zealand account. Be mindful of region-specific payment methods.
• Downloading the Game: Once the purchase is done, download the game and start playing.
• Playing on Your Main Account: You can play the game with your usual primary account. You simply need to own the game digitally on an account that your console recognizes.

Important Considerations: It is essential to recognize that this technique isn’t always successful. Game publishers sometimes implement safeguards to counter it, or release dates and times might be uniform across all regions. However, it is one of the well-known techniques to attempt.

Pre-Load Options

Pre-loading is not the same thing as playing early, but it’s a smart move to make sure you’re ready to go as soon as the game officially comes out. This process allows you to download the game files to your PS5 before the release date. This way, when the game becomes playable, you can jump straight in without having to wait for downloads.

Benefits of Pre-Loading

• Time Saving: You won’t be stuck waiting for the game to download on release day, meaning you get more time to play.
• Avoid Server Rush: On big release days, servers can get overloaded with everyone trying to download the game at the same time. Pre-loading can help you avoid this.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing your game is ready to go makes release day less stressful.

How to Pre-Load: When you pre-order a digital game on the PlayStation Store, you’ll often see a countdown timer. As the release date gets closer, you will usually be allowed to pre-load. Make sure you have enough storage space and a steady internet connection to do this properly. Keep an eye out for the option to start pre-loading in your game library.

Physical Copies and Retailer Practices

Sometimes, you might get lucky with a physical copy of a game you pre-ordered. Some stores might accidentally put games out on shelves early. It’s not very common, but it can happen. Also, small independent stores might be more flexible about release dates compared to large chains.

Local Retailer Early Release

There are rare instances where retailers, typically smaller, independent shops, might inadvertently place games on shelves before the official release date. This might be a good approach to attempt if you really wish to play a game as early as possible.

• Checking Local Shops: A little curiosity may pay off. Call or visit your local game stores. See if they have games in stock and if they will sell the game early.
• Building Relationships: Being friendly with your local shop owners might give you some inside information, or maybe a bit of leeway when it comes to pre-orders.

Important Note: It’s worth noting that this method is not something to depend on, as larger stores tend to be very strict about following official street dates. It’s much more of a “maybe” than a “for sure.”

Reviewer and Media Access

If you’re a gaming reviewer or part of the media, there’s a high chance you’ll get access to a game early. Game developers and publishers often provide early access codes to reviewers and media outlets to get their input before the game officially launches. This helps to build buzz and provide coverage.

How Reviewers Get Early Access

• Review Copies: Game publishers provide special review copies of their games to journalists and reviewers, often a week or more before the public release date.
• Embargo Dates: Reviewers are usually under strict rules known as embargoes. This is the date and time when they are allowed to publish their reviews.

Can You Get Access This Way? Unfortunately, this route is usually not possible for the typical player. Getting a press copy requires credentials as a writer or content creator for a media outlet. It is more like a privilege given to people in the media industry.

Game Developer or Publisher Giveaways

Game companies sometimes do contests or giveaways where the prize might include early access to their games. Keep an eye on social media and company websites. This is usually a “luck of the draw” situation. This is a kind of lottery system.

How to Participate in Giveaways

• Follow Social Media: Keep a close watch on the game’s official accounts on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
• Check Websites and Forums: Game developers and publishers sometimes post announcements on their websites or related online forums.
• Enter Competitions: Look for specific rules about how to enter. Sometimes you just need to like and share a post, and other times you might have to answer a question.

Expectations: Participating in giveaways doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get early access, but it adds a chance to your overall strategy. If you enjoy competing, then it is worth to participate, but if you want a guaranteed method of playing games early, then this might not be for you.

VPN Services: A Note of Caution

Some gamers consider using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to try and change their location and access games early. This approach is technically possible but comes with some risks and should be approached carefully.

Potential Risks of Using VPNs

• Account Bans: Using a VPN to play games early could go against Sony’s terms of service, which might result in your PlayStation Network account being banned.
• Unreliable Connections: VPNs can cause issues with your internet speed and connection, which can cause lagging while playing games online.
• Not Always Effective: Using a VPN is no guarantee that you’ll be able to play early.

Our Recommendation: We advise against this approach. The risks of getting your account suspended and possible bad gaming experience are not worth the benefit of playing a game a bit early. Stick with safer, more reliable methods.

Stay Informed About Launch Updates

Always keep yourself in the loop with official announcements about game release schedules. Game companies might shift release times, or specify some new access rules. This is especially important for digital releases. Having official information at hand, can be super helpful.

Sources to Follow for Updates

• Official Social Media: Follow game publishers and PlayStation’s social media channels.
• Game Forums: Keep an eye on forums dedicated to the specific game you are looking forward to.
• Game News Websites: Bookmark reliable game news sources.

Why This is Helpful: Checking reliable sources ensures that you have the correct details. Last-minute changes can happen, and staying updated can save you any unexpected disappointments.

Tips for a Smooth Early Access Attempt

If you try some techniques to play your game early, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances for a smooth process:

• Check your console region settings: Ensure that if you use the “New Zealand” trick, that you have the right region selected in your PS5 settings.
• Use good internet: Make sure you have a fast and reliable internet connection, because this speeds up your downloads and also prevents lags while playing games.
• Make sure you have enough storage space: Check how big the game is, and make sure you have enough room on your PS5 console to download the whole game.
• Be patient: If you try for early access, there may be issues. Keep calm, and troubleshoot as needed.

Trying to play a pre-ordered game early on your PS5 can be an adventure! While there’s no guaranteed way to play before everyone else, these tips and strategies provide ways you can potentially get ahead of the official launch. Understanding the role of time zones, pre-loading options, and retailer practices all contribute to your chances. Remember to always be mindful of the risks, and be safe, and follow the rules set by PlayStation. Now go ahead and plan your gaming early access adventure.