FIFA 23 release time is fast approaching, but there are several ways to get started in the game before its official release.
It is a momentous occasion. FIFA 23 will be the last EA football game to be released under the official FIFA license, marking the end of the huge franchise. At least it ends on a high note, with Ted Lasso showing up alongside a bunch of Marvel superheroes.
FIFA 23 will launch with an early access period, allowing you to get on the pitch three days before the game's full release. And if you're an Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One gamer, you can log in even earlier with a nifty New Zealand Time Zone Cheat.
FIFA 23 release time
FIFA 23 release time is the same on all platforms. Whether you're playing on Xbox or PS5, you'll be able to lace up your boots and lace up your shin guards. Friday September 30 at 12:00 local time.
FIFA 23 Early Access
You don't have to wait until Friday to jump into FIFA 23. If you pre-order the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition or subscribe to EA Play Pro, you can launch the game from Tuesday, September 27, 12:00 local time.
Regular EA Play subscribers, including those with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, will also be able to participate at the same time. But they will only have access to a 10-hour trial period.
Any progress made during the early access period will carry over to the full game.
FIFA 23 New Zealand Tip
Xbox players can jump into FIFA 23 even sooner using this nifty workaround. As Twitter user @FIFAUTeam pointed out (opens in a new tab), by setting your console region to New Zealand, you'll be able to play hours before the game is officially unlocked in your time zone. Players in the US can save nearly 20 hours of waiting, while those in the UK can skip 12 hours earlier.
The hack should work for both the Early Access period and the full release of the game. To do so, follow these steps:
- Open the Xbox Settings app
- Go to the "System" tab
- Select the "Language and location" tile
- Set your console location to "New Zealand"
- Set your console language to "English (New Zealand)"
- Restart the console
Unfortunately, PlayStation users are not so lucky. It is only possible to change the region of PS5 or PS4 by creating a new PSN account.