The latest Zwift update has been announced. Phased rollout of Zwift game version 1.46 begins today on PC, macOS, and Android platforms, while iOS and tvOS is planned to begin tomorrow.
This is a minor release release consisting mostly of bug fixes and small quality of life improvements. Let’s look at the details…
Pack Dynamics 4.1
Zwift says, “Made adjustments to Pack Dynamics in order to make groups feel even smoother. See this thread for details on PD 4.1.”
Zwift has been tweaking and testing the next version of their Pack Dynamics (dubbed Pack Dynamics 4.1, or PD4.1) since mid-May. Just last week PD4.1 was taken live throughout the Makuri Islands map, but it isn’t live anywhere else unless it’s specifically configured for particular events. Zwift says, “Pack Dynamics 4.1 will be turned on for the remaining worlds Sunday night Pacific/early morning Monday UTC and EU.”
How is PD4.1 different from the PD4 we’re used to? First, it’s worth mentioning that Zwift is making small changes, so you may not even notice the difference. That said, Zwift explains “The changes are essentially all towards a more realistic pack behaviour in an effort to get us closer to more dynamic race scenarios.” To make that happen, PD4.1 includes draft changes and tweaks that lead to less slingshotting and churn, especially at the front of the pack.
PD4.1 implements changes in three areas:
- New “Overtaking System”: this set of algorithms determines if you can “come around” the front rider in a group. You should notice that this is harder to do now, with less of the “automatic churn” on the front that tends to drive up pack speeds.
- Dynamic CdA: Zwift can now change your CdA (the air resistance or “drag” of your avatar’s body) dynamically based on whether you are in a high drafting situation or “attacking”. So you may have a slightly higher CdA while drafting in a pack (since a rider in that situation would often be sitting on the hoods) but a lower CdA while attacking (where a rider would logically be in the drops).
- Draft Mechanics: Zwift has tweaked the shape and strength of the draft put out by each rider by modifying the cone angle (shape of draft behind each rider), the fall-off (how quickly the draft diminishes) and the scale (how strong the draft is). The draft scale is higher in high draft situations (big packs) but also falls off quicker – so don’t lose the wheel!
You can read the entire 500+ reply thread on PD4.1 if you’d like, but as they say, “the proof is in the pudding.” Our tests and reports from others suggest that PD4.1 has reduced pack speeds noticeably. We’ll do some TTT tests once it’s live in Watopia, and we look forward to more dynamic racing!
Release Notes
Here are additional tweaks and bug fixes Zwift provided for this update, with notes from us in italics:
- Introduced a new race results screen that will now appear for any race or event that has race results enabled. The screen is designed to be more useful to Zwifters immediately after a race by showing more relevant information in a cleaner format. This was introduced in the previous update, but now appears to be applied to group rides as well.
- Zwift Play: In Events, fixed an issue where the Action Bar could incorrectly appear when using the in-game chat feature.
- Fixed a potential crash that could occur when group ride leaders sent chat messages to the group.
- Fixed an issue where the Scotland Loch Loop route progress bar would disappear after the second lap.
- Fixed an issue where the running pairing screen could be shown after selecting a cycling Training Plan.
- Fixed an issue where you could be pushed to the sides of the group if activating a Draft Boost power-up in a cycling group while a steering device is used. This was such a pain in the butt, so we’re stoked that it’s fixed! (Even tested it to confirm the fix is in…)
- Fixed an issue where the “Searching for Devices” window could get stuck open in the Pairing screen.
- Fixed an issue on the Save Activity screen where “No Club” sharing preference would not be remembered between sessions.
- Fixed an issue where sound effects were not playing in the Garage and Drop Shop menus.
- Fixed an issue where runners may appear to clip through the roadway on the France Champs-Élysées route.
- Fixed an issue where grass and concrete terrain could appear black after doing an activity in Scotland and then immediately starting another activity in a different world. We definitely encountered this bug, and it made things feel… weird.
- Fixed an issue which caused avatars to appear dimly-lit in the Garage.
- Apple TV, iOS, Android:
- Fixed an issue where custom workouts would not sync properly to mobile platforms and Apple TV.
- Fixed an issue where custom workouts would appear on mobile platforms and Apple TV after being deleted on Windows or macOS.
- Fixed an issue where devices would not auto-connect after ending an activity and immediately starting a new activity.
- Android:
- We’re beginning to roll out haptic feedback for Zwift Play controllers on Android. You’ll now feel your controllers vibrate when you return a Ride On, ride over boost strips and hazards in Repack Rush, use power-ups, brake, and more.
- Fixed an issue where one Zwift Play controller may not automatically reconnect when starting a new session.
- Fixed an issue where Climb Portal roads were invisible on some specific Android devices.
- iOS:
- When sending log files to Zwift from the Login Screen, instructions are now provided if an email client isn’t configured on the device.
- macOS, iOS:
- Fixed a potential crash that could occur in Climb Portal.
See and discuss release notes in the Zwift forum >
Questions or Comments?
If you spotted any other changes or bugs in the update, please comment below!
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