There are currently 50 rider levels in Zwift. Everyone begins at level 1, and you move to higher levels by accumulating XP (experience) points.
You can see your current level while riding just below your center console which shows speed, distance, elevation, and ride time. Below those numbers there is a progress bar with your current level on the left.
When you level up you will receive a notice in-game similar to the image above.
Why Level Up?
The higher your level, the higher your Zwift street cred.
Also, most bike frames and wheelsets have level requirements, so if you want a fast or cool setup, you’ll want to level up:
Lastly, some areas in Zwift have level requirements, which means certain routes are level-locked as well:
How Do I Get XP (Points)?
Most of your XP will be received based on distance ridden or workout blocks completed.
Points are added for every km (20 XP) or mile (30 XP) you ride unless you are in workout mode where points are based on interval type, length, and completion accuracy. (See How Zwift Calculates XP for Cycling Workouts for details.)
Sorry, Imperials: you will accumulate XP 7.3% faster if you ride in metric units. (100km=2,000 XP, while the equivalent mileage, 62.13=1864 XP.)
You also get additional XP for the Large or Small Bonus power ups, 10 points when you ride through a banner on a TT bike, and points for some achievements including route achievement badges and the spinner atop Alpe du Zwift.
Where Do I See My XP?
While in game, click “Menu”. Your current XP progress is shown on the main screen.
XP for Runners
Runners also receive XP points, but on a different scale and at different intervals. Learn about Zwift Run points, levels, and unlocks >
What About “Drops”?
Drops are Zwift’s virtual currency, used to purchase equipment for your garage. They are completely separate from XP. Learn all about how they work >
Level Unlocks
Here is what you unlock at each level, and the number of accumulated XP points needed to level up.
- Zwift Kit
- Basic Kit 1 @ 1,000 XP
- Black Helmet @ 2,000 XP
- Zwift Glasses Basic @ 3,000 XP
- Black Shoes @ 4,000 XP
- Gloves @ 5,000 XP
- Solid Socks @ 7,000 XP
- Vintage Kit pack @ 10,000 XP
- Camo Jersey pack @ 13,000 XP
- Oakleys @ 16,000 XP
- Digital Camo Jersey pack @ 19,000 XP
- Basic Kit 2 @ 23,000 XP
- Dot Socks @ 28,000 XP
- Glove Pack Pattern @ 33,000 XP
- Level 15 jersey @ 38,000 XP
- Glasses Zwift #1 @ 44,000 XP
- Striped Socks @ 50,000 XP
- Classy Kits @ 56,000 XP
- Glasses Zwift #2 @ 62,000 XP
- Level 20 Jersey @ 70,000 XP
- Neon Kits @ 78,000 XP
- Pattern Socks @ 88,000 XP
- Glove Pack Solid @ 94,000 XP
- Skater/Bowl Helmet @ 100,000 XP
- Level 25 Kit @ 110,000 XP
- Zwift Oversize Glasses @ 121,000 XP
- S-Works Shoes @ 130,000 XP
- Dots Socks @ 140,000 XP
- S-Works Helmet @ 150,000 XP
- Level 30 Kit @ 170,000 XP
- Retro 80s Sunglasses (Oakley Eyeshades) @ 180,000 XP
- Newsy (Paperboy) Cap @ 190,000 XP
- Fluoro Gloves @ 200,000 XP
- Monochrome Kit @ 220,000 XP
- Mavic Shoes @ 230,000 XP
- Calories To Burn (Food) Socks @ 250,000 XP
- Bell Javelin Helmet @ 260,000 XP
- Vintage Gloves @ 280,000 XP
- Vintage Leather Shoes @ 290,000 XP
- Level 40 Kit @ 310,000 XP
- Zwift Rockstar Glasses @ 330,000 XP
- La Z Claire Kit @340,000 XP
- Retro 80s Helmet @ 360,000 XP
- Alpine Slopes (Ski) Kits @ 380,000 XP
- Giro Synthe Helmet @ 400,000 XP
- Prism Kits @ 420,000 XP
- Zwift Vintage Riding Goggles @ 440,000 XP
- Bont Shoes @ 460,000 XP
- Giro Vanquish Helmet @ 480,000 XP
- Level 50 Kit @ 500,000 XP
You can see previews of the kits mentioned above on our kits page.
Different bikes and wheelsets do affect your speed in-game. Visit our test lap data to find out the details.
Are these XP off? Reason I ask is I have 700,000 XP but am no where near level 50
700,000 is probably your drops amount rather than your XP
Hi – – I haven’t gotten anything for level 21 or now, level 22. Have the rewards for levelling up changed?
Ben, are you looking at XP or drops? Entirely different and not related.
Eric can you tell me how to unlock the Zwift headband?!
It’s a level 3 runner unlock! https://zwiftinsider.com/run-points-levels-unlocks/
Run….
I’ve seen a few riders wearing what appear to be blue shoes or shoe covers. Are those the Bont shoes or a special unlock?
Yes, the Bont shoes are blue. I believe the Tour of New York kit also had blue shoes…
Eric, your posts are great. By way of update, I just completed level 23 and received a pair of “basic” black gloves in my garage. The had a badge indicating that they were new, although I have a suspicion that they were already there. I confirmed with support that a pair of black gloves is it for level 23. You might consider designating this when you next revise your list.
I’m just want to know what is the best bike, how can I compare followers and people I follow. Just the simple things
Hi I don’t find the Mavic Cosmic Ultimate wheel on the garage how many xp should i NNEED ?
Go to the Drop Shop and you’ll see a price. They’re also listed here: https://zwiftinsider.com/wheels
Eric, sorry, I can’t see it here but how many XP points does it take to complete a Zwift Level?
As per the listing above, the numbers after the @ show the number of XP points you need to get to that level. For example, you will be on level one until you get 1,000 XP when you will become level 2. The difference between the next level and the level you are on is how many you need to progress.
Does anyone know how to unlock that blue cap with confetti on it?
Looks a bit like the bont shoes.
Hi,
Will Zwift be offering double xp for specifics rides anytime soon? Leveling up is a grind:)
I unlocked dot socks @ 28,000 xp but zwift crashed on me and so I didn’t get them in my garage. I have told support uploading the files but nothing has appeared. Is there a way of getting these socks?
Hit level 10 today and unlocked the Italy challenge. No Oakleys. Sound about right?
You should have the Oakleys as well.
Hmm, nope. I’ll contact someone. Thanks!
Eric – new(ish) to Zwift, so really use your site; thanks for all the great information. Can you point me to a section that actually says how to get a new frame or wheel set. I am level 21, but when I go in my garage, there are only two wheel sets and two frames to pick from. Where do I go if I want to, for instance, add Zipp 808 wheels to my Allez Sprint?
Never mind, I figured it out (I’m a dumbass – it was right in front of me).