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!
My Play Controllers still do not stay connected, particularly the right controller. Has there been any info regarding correcting the matter?
This isn’t a global (or even widespread) issue, far as I know. Probably something related to your individual setup. Have you reached out to Zwift support?
Added a thumbs-up just to get you out of the negatives.
What setup are you using? I had this issue and when I moved my pc a little closer the connection stayed stable.
My first right controller suffered this, I was sent a replacement which has worked fine since, maybe worth contacting support
Support contacted. Pending fix or return. Thanks.
when i first got them – there was NO issue *PC* , they connected instantly. it was after the first update right after they went on sale (im going to say 1.44 maybe/i think), the connection issue/weirdness has appeared. mine try to connect/ connect/ and even say they are connected, and go blue on the controllers. the zwift GUI onscreen keeps going back and forth from blue connected to orange – the controllers stay connected (blue) just waiting for a while it sorts it self out, but is annoying, and only happened after the update. it can take 10-20 seconds… Read more »
I have the exact same issue! Always with the RH controller.
Pending response from support. I’ll post what they come up with.
I had the same problem. Since I’m using a Bluetooth-Stick 5.0 (no lower or higher version), my Play Controller stay connected. All works fine now.
My Stick: TP-Link UB500 Nano USB Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter Dongle
I re-installed BT driver, and controllers seem to be working, (dare I say), trouble free. Thanks.
I am intrigued to see if the new “Overtaking System” truly makes breaking away from the group harder. This will be welcome if so.
it says your Cda gets slipperier if you are at the front, and i can only assume its so the person has a chance to get away. also the draft zone is smaller and more picky where you are located.
Breaking away should be EASIER, actually. Prior to PD4.1 breakaways couldn’t stay away from a pack of any significant size, usually. PD4.1 should slow down large packs (because of reduced churn at the front) so they don’t just automagically overtake a breakaway of, say, 1-5 riders.
I’m having a recurring issue with my Play controllers when bridging to my ATV using the companion app on my iphone. Periodically throughout the ride, my iphone will drop all of its connected devices EXCEPT the Play controllers causing my avatar to grind to a halt. I notice during these dropouts that my metrics (pwr,cadence,hr) in the companion app in-world display will get stuck until the problem resolves. Going back to the pairing screen shows “signal lost” for all devices but the Play controllers. Sometimes I can get this resolved by having Zwift on the ATV connect via bluetooth and… Read more »
This is happening to me too, exact same setup, atv & companion app as a bridge.
Just to say you’re not suffering alone!
I’ve done everything that’s recommended, same WiFi, stopped other Bluetooth/electrical devices etc
It still does random dropouts & I’ve got to the point the plays are useless expensive handlebar decorations 😭
I dare not for a race with them.
I just want to ride zwift without worrying about tech.
I have “Connection Disconnected” issues after pairing the Play controllers. If I switch them off the connection is restored. Taking the enjoyment out of Zwift. Hope this update cures the issue.
Interestingly, I’ve updated to the newest patches version of zwift and done quite a few rides with no dropouts. All my dropouts previously were in workouts while the successful ride have been either free ride or group rides. Today I did a 2:30hr ride with no issues.. I’m doing a workout on Monday so I’ll report back
So, if anyone is interested.. the weekend, 2 rides, one an hour free ride & the other a 2:30hr group ride. No dropout of any Bluetooth when using the companion app as a Bluetooth bridge. Tonight, an hour’s workout, 2 dropouts with 40mins..
:-/
I’ll try another free ride to determine if the weekend was just a lucky time, but it looks like the dropouts are workout related.
“Fixed an issue on the Save Activity screen where “No Club” sharing preference would not be remembered between sessions.”
Finally. Only took them what? A yeah and a half?
“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”
However tonight’s group ride I was bounced from side to side within the group when draft or aero pu was used, seemed very unstable and totally unnatural behaviour. Spoilt the experience a bit.
How is dynamic Cda going to work with use of the Tron bike where you are almost always in the ‘drops’ or most aero position with that bike ?
Your avatar’s position doesn’t have to be tied to CdA (and in fact isn’t, in game… not completely at least). Zwift can change your CdA without changing your avatar’s visible position.
Thanks Eric – my overall impression is that these changes to pack dynamics will be good. However, with these changes it would be helpful to have more (optional) visual indicators of your real time drafting performance – especially in situations where steering is not activated or available. Positioning in the bunch is going to be much more critical with these changes implemented in racing situations and right now there are only a few visual cues to assist with this (for those of us who aren’t using Sauce for Zwift).
Hi Eric,
Since last Saturday, I don’t get any draft from the RoboPacers but I still get drafted by the rest of the pack. I have been riding with Constance, Genie and Jacques in small groups and it was the same for all of them. Any idea what could be happening?
Thanks for your nice work with ZwiftInsider!
Best regards,
Nicolas Emond
Sounds like you’re on a TT bike.
Nope, on a Tron bike!
Don’t know what to tell ya then! Maybe uninstall/reinstall Zwift?
Im really looking forward to the next “What are we gonna release next” statement from Zwift as they have already delivered everything that was in the last one.
Im hoping for a Velodrome, Built in Voice chat, Swiss map (but guess that one wont come until Spring 24) and most of all updates to how race results, rankings and leagues are visualized as well as rider data.
anyting about Mount Fuji?
I think the top of Breakaway Brae should’ve included a Velodrome circuit inside the oval structure thing (and it would have been good/clever to get it done in time for the UCI Worlds earlier this month, which maybe even was the original plan).
They promised route-based workouts… nothing delivered. They promised more capabilities for clubs… very little delivered.
I received a 250 xp bonus riding a pace partner in Scotland. Is this a new thing?
No, the 250xp bonus is one of the standard powerups. It’s just a rare one!
Also new … but officially not available: Zwift for macOS now runs native on Apple Silicon.
Either with Terminal or Finder go to
“~/Library/Application Support/Zwift”
there is
“ZwiftAppSilicon” … just start that binary instead of the launcher.
I’m on AppleTV and the game is still showing version 1.44. I’ve not received any updates recently.
Make sure you have auto-updating enabled for apps. You can also simply delete the Zwift app and reinstall it.