FC 26 – How To Play FC 26 EARLY before Ultimate Edition Release

How to play FC 26 BEFORE the official release of the ultimate edition, meaning you can play from the 18th!

If you are looking to Play FC 26 follow this guide to effectively trick the console to think you are a hours ahead, or in a different time zone to play the game early. This works on all three platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Playstation 5 (PS5) and PC.
The standard edition releases on the 26th, and the ultimate edition on the 19th, Ill explain how you can play it on the 18th.

Check out the full video explained in detail with visuals showing you where to go.

PC — Easiest method (no “glitch” needed)

Pre-load FC 26 on your PC platform (EA app/Steam, etc.).
On 18 September 1pm, launch and play.
No region/time changes needed.
They are aligning all PC launch times

Top Tip: Consider using EA play pro for the double bonus

Xbox — “New Zealand” region switch

On Xbox: Settings → System → Language & location.
Set Location: New Zealand. (Optional: set Language region: New Zealand as well.)
Restart the console.
After reboot, launch FC 26 at the earliest unlock (18 Sept, 1pm UK).
If it doesn’t launch, re-check the region settings, ensure the game is fully updated, and restart again.

If you want to improve in FC 26, join my FC School Series, where tens of thousands of people have improved, we are so sure we can help you, if you dont get better we will refund you after a month.

Do not forget to pre-load your game to get ahead and start playing as soon as the game comes out, you can find out on my dedicated page explaining how to preload FC 26.

PlayStation — why it’s tricky + realistic options

PS doesn’t let you freely switch store region on an existing account.
Workaround some people attempt (not recommended): create a new NZ PSN account (often using a VPN during sign-up), buy the NZ version, then game-share to your main. This is messy, may not work.
Practical route: Just wait until the 19th to play the game, you do not really want to buying the game on a new platform if you have it already, and there is no guarantee it will work

What if I cant get get it to work?

No stress, dont worry you wont miss out that much, its mainly content creators and pros that are doing this. If you want to stay ahead make sure to follow me for more content on my youtube channel.

Neal Guides

I am NealGuides, I run a Youtube Channel with over 300k+ Subscribers helping people get better at FC 26. We have helped millions of people improve.
I am part of the EA Design Council, in which I have played EA FC 26 early and provide feedback on the game to help shape its future.
I have coached many players in FC from the average casual, to pros, to real life footballers. If you want to improve at FC join my FC school series.