ZwiftHQ pushed out a new update to the desktop version of the game last night, with the corresponding iOS updates coming in the next day or two. Based on the last several months, it appears that updates are being released on a fairly regular schedule typically within the first 10 days of each month.
The biggest new feature in this update is avatar customization. The team at Zwift has made a major upgrade to our ability to upgrade our avatar (runners included!), and it is clear from the new interface that additional customization options will be coming down the road.
Here’s what the new interface looks like, along with some details for each option:
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- Kit: interface is drastically improved with previews of all the kits in your closet.
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- Frame: interface improved with previews plus star ratings for weight and aero level.
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- Wheels: interface improved with previews plus star ratings for weight and aero level.
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- Helmet: choose between the old white helmet or a new black one. Or a cap (see unlock note below). Additional unlocks to come.
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- Sunglasses: choose between two styles, and unlock a couple more once you start riding (see below).
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- Gloves: just one glove option for now.
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- Socks: yes! Multiple colors and patterns available (see unlocks below), PLUS you can set your sock height.
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- Shoes: choose between black and white.
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- Hair: additional haircut options for anyone who isn’t blessed with baldness.
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- Facial hair: sorry ladies, you don’t have this option. But my beard has finally made it into the game. Excellent!
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- Skin color: not much different than before the update.
Within the first couple minutes of riding in game, you’ll unlock additional wearables:
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- Level 25 only!
Additional Changes
This update also includes lots of other changes:
- ANT+ FE-C trainer calibration button added for some trainers: this is a good first step towards helping newbies make sure their power numbers are accurate without needing to use a third-party phone app or cycling computer.
- Bluetooth support for calibration on Wahoo and Cycleops smart trainers
- Italian language support added
- Runners can now earn items and level up to level 10
- August mission added
- Graphics slightly improved, ‘floating grass’ fixed
- More options added to your Zwift.com connections page: now pair youra ccount with your Withings scale and MapMyRun / MapMyRide
Game Master Jon Mayfield included this note in the update:
We are continuing to work on our next batch of new roads, improvements to events, and some very exciting Zwift Companion app updates.
Exciting stuff! Keep up the good work, ZwiftHQ!
Read full update notes on Zwift.com >
Also a new Trainingpeaks kit added?
And can’t seem to find the just added Rapha kit anymore.
Major problems Getting my started keeps uploading and can’t get started on my ride!!
Very nice to see some new kit options.
Would be interested in any results from the z power calibration or a follow-up article.
Avatar customization? What about give us new courses instead! I have been a member for 10 month and they have come out with a volcano climb. It cant be difficult to add real world climbs like Alpe d’Huez with all the data that are collected nowdays. I am very disappointed in Zwift releases in general.
Lots of programming to build a world. Small company. I see their hiring if you’d like to go program.
From early beta as a member, what, two years ago, there has been multiple expansions of Watopia, Richmond, England and expansions. They have added quite a bit in two years.
If you want to see limited progress, try using Roads Grand Tours.
With so with 291 hours of riding in Zwift, I’m happy with the rate of development.
I’m not sure Jim, the whole small company shtick is getting harder to justify as the number of users increase. London’s small expansion aside it’s been a long time since we had a meaningful update
Got to agree. Their whole dev focus changed last 18months to the gamification of the site. Probably justified, and within reason. It was a strong USP, the whole zwift racing ecosphere has been a success. But, it comes at a cost. Those who use Zwift for general indoor training are getting bored. I can understand the resource issues, but it’s time to focus resources on Watopia. There needs to be a doubling of the road space. Build on the island to the east, build a higher mountain range. Give some more variety.
I’m taking a break for a few months until the dark evenings arrive
Agree the Volcano expansion left me cold. Going thru the middle of a volcano, stretched credibility for me. Going round the outside of the volcano would have made more sense. And would have been longer. Watopia needs bigger laps and the mountain needs backing off in grades. Radio tower is just too steep. Ventoux is not that steep. Time to add some real life scenarios. And fix their day night cycle. Takes 3 days to do a Pretzell.
Yeah I’ve been there since beta too and can’t see what this ‘quite a bit’ of content they’ve done is that you’re talking about. London is tiny, as is Richmond. Neither map is a significant development undertaking. There is no great amount of detail there either. Copy and paste road and building designs.
They spent their time developing running and VR work. Effort on marketing and hyping up the product.
They haven’t been plugging away bring their subscribers content. There is nothing to justify that opinion. You’re fawning, nothing more.
They’ve taken on board a huge round of cash from investors so it’s just pathetic that nothing is getting done at a respectable rate. Zwift’s saving grace is that there’s no competitor. These guys got in early so hold the top spot, that’s all. There’s little by way of talent here in their dev team. Sad to say it, but it’s true.
Look at how childish some of the artwork is. Some so bad that it’s cringeworthy, like the guy on a bike at the pairing or load screen? What on earth is that.
All the character models and animations show a lack of talent too. This is really base stuff for 2017. They need to hire talent.
There’s lots of programming in any kind of video game development just like there’s lots of concrete that needs to be poured when building new roads. Doesn’t mean it can’t be done in a timely manner that will serve the customers properly.
I don’t write or read on here much but I personally hate hate hate the London map and don’t know if that’s the general consensus. It’s boring and looks nothing like London.
Watopia is nice and I actually do like Richmond even though it’s short. Richmond works because of The WC of 2015 and I can’t understand why Zwift doesnt add at least ONE more real and reknown course! The beauty of virtual environments is that it can take us to places we can’t go but want to…where’s Flanders, Liege Bastogne Liege, ANY TDF mountain stage, the Lemond/Fignon time trial Champs Elysees stage, etc etc…come on! Just have the mountain or stage race as an option and not an infinite course.
The volcano addition was way unnecessary and aesthetically misguided when they could have just made a separate simulated Ventoux on Watopia. That was proof there was time and energy spent on something I’m assuming most of us didn’t want.
Only one decent looking men’s jersey in game and it’s the one they manage to lose with this update.
Notice the out of the saddle animation is more fluid looking, might be one of the improvements. Maybe just my imagination.
Still, about time we saw some progress with customisation. Long way to go yet, but credit where it’s due.
Also noticed the Rapha kit is missing… hey, Zwift I worked hard for that… bring it back! And the jersey selection needs left & right arrows to show it’s a scroller. UI mistake.
Thanks ‘Rouleur66’ for your answer – I thought I was the only one struggling here, … and yes, I miss a lot of jerseys as well. Regarding UI: even if I like Zwift; the UI and the UX is a big mess and far from state of the art.
From Zwift HQ Support…”The Rapha Flyweight Jersey unfortunately got lost in this update, but the good news is everyones accounts still have the entitlement so we will get the Jersey back in game on the next update and it will automatically pop back in. “
Would really like Zwift to pair up with the Wahoo app on the phone. As blue tooth drop outs on the Mobile link are a constant frustration. Only have a dumb trainer, but to try and sit a group and have them ride away because you are suddenly doing 0 watts. for 15secs.
Also why is it I have to be putting out 5wkg to sit a group eg. Asia100 when the group is doing 3.5wkg and riding away. Dumb trainer issue. Dumb operator issue.????
https://zwiftinsider.com/getting-beat-people-lower-wkg/
Yeah the new update is a lot of fun and as soon as I started riding I had a whole heap of unlocks flash up. Not a lot of choice for the ladies however for hair styles. I qualified for the 4iiii jersey as a result of the update and I assume because the game has detected I’m using a 4iiii power meter. This is one good looking kit. I thought the Rapha kit was a big disappointment after earning it.
David – re getting dropped. Try riding mid pack where the draft effect is the best.
Some cool avatar customisation I recon and just the start. Loving the new #SockGame colours and height options! Hopefully the next update will include new roads. Personally I’m quite happy smashing myself on the current courses as it’s all good training, but it’s always awesome seeing new ones open up and improve the overall feel. New roads does equal riders more spread out over the map meaning it could feel slightly emptier?
Don’t mind me though – I could ride Watopia Flat Route forever, hehehe!
So I unlocked everything BUT the cycling cap. Anyone seen this behavior?
Me too!
Did a bit more digging, apparently you need to be level 25 for the cap.
Keep pedalling until you reach level 25. 😉
What I would like to see is a map on the screen as you ride showing the route and position you are at so as you know when to turn left or right during your ride. A bit like the Flyby map on Strava but only showing your particular ride. Then you would know how much further you need to go and when to turn to complete the circuit you have chosen. Maybe this is already there but I cant find it, if it is could someone tell me how to access it. Thanks. And thanks Zwift for a fantastic virtual riding experience. Keep up the great work. ?
Not exactly what you are looking for but this is the closest thing I now of to what you describe. http://www.zwiftgps.com
Now this is what you want. https://zwifthacks.com/zwiftmap-macos-and-windows/
Also there is this guy (Eric Schlange) that makes this awesome maps that you can order or print and put on your wall, http://zwiftinsider.com/map/ . I think he is in the process of updating the London map……… hint hint.
Thanks Gerrie Delport. Thats exactly what I wanted. I guessed there was a way to show a map like this but Im just not technically minded to find it. So thanks again. ?
Glad I could be of help, I have that Zwifthacks.com map on my second screen it is awesome.
My anti virus ( Norton) is telling me its unsafe. Do I ignore this and download this map?
Completly agrree the ‘were a small company’ is wearing thin. Silly updates but no course expansion.
Volcano still too cheesy for me, I go round the course for the distance but it just annoys me. Crowd noises in London Arggg shut the F up. Agree a real life course is needed pronto.
Would there be a reason the dotted socks never showed up on my selection bar?