Zwift Update Version 1.62 (128160) Released

Zwift version 1.62 begins its phased rollout today. It’s a minor game update, but does include a new level 100 unlock (confetti socks!) and a note from Zwift about upcoming XP system changes. See details below…

Confetti Socks!

When Zwift revamped rider levels in December 2023, they promised a second prize for level 100 riders. This week’s update delivers that prize: confetti socks!

Level 100 riders who are wearing confetti socks have a special ability: their Ride Ons are confetti-filled and include a +2XP bonus! That is, when you receive a Ride On from a confetti sock sporting rider, you’ll see confetti on your screen, and get a small XP boost.

You’ll also unlock the “Party On!” badge the first time you get a Ride On from a level 100 Zwifter. This badge is worth an additional 50XP:

Here’s what it looks like when our bot gives a Ride On bomb to the five closest riders:

The confetti is only visible to the rider who gives the level 100 Ride On, as well as the rider who receives it.

Like the fire socks, confetti socks can be put on or taken off via your garage:

Zwifters who have already reached level 100 (impressive!) will see confetti socks unlock the first time they sign into Zwift version 1.62.

XP Changes (Now and Upcoming)

This week’s update includes some changes to Zwift’s XP system, but there are much bigger changes coming soon. Zwift says, “We’ve heard your feedback that the new 100-level system (along with bonus XP from ride streaks) makes leveling-up much more achievable and engaging than it was in the past, but that there’s a desire to make leveling-up more challenging and prestigious, especially for higher levels.”

In this week’s update, weekly ride streak XP bonuses are now only granted for the first ride of each week, instead of the first two. Also, XP details (your current cycling level and XP remaining until the next level) are now shown in the Ride Report:

Zwift says the 100-level system will be revised in May. We don’t have all the details, but Zwift shared the following:

• The XP required to reach maximum Level 100 will increase from the current 591,000 XP to 1,000,000 XP.
• Leveling-up will still be faster than the previous 60-level system, helping to make progression feel more attainable.
• You will not lose any levels or progress when moving to the revised system. Whatever your current level is, you will keep that same level in the revised system.
• There will be no change to the amount of XP required to reach your immediate next level. You’ll earn your next level based on the requirements of the previous system and the revised system will take effect after that.
• There will be no changes to XP requirements for Levels 1-27.
• The amount of XP required to earn levels will continue to increase proportionally for higher levels as it does with the current system. Compared to the current system, the revised system will have a moderate increase in required XP throughout levels 28-50, a higher increase between levels 50-90, and a further higher increase between levels 90-100.
• Just as with the previous 100-level system, existing Zwifters will receive “XP discounts” based on their ‘banked XP’ from the previous level system to reach their equivalent new level in the revised system faster. This means that you’ll still get the satisfaction of leveling up, but each level will be faster to earn while you complete the transition to the revised level system.

Read/discuss upcoming XP leveling adjustments on Zwift’s forum >

Fewer Streaks Screens

Zwift continues to fine-tune the experience of their recently introduced Streaks screen. Starting with today’s update, it will only show when you start a new streak, or when your streak increases to a new week.

That means the screen will only pop up once each week, instead of after every activity. Hurray!

Virtual Shifting Sound

Zwifters enjoying the glory of virtual shifting will now hear a slight sound effect whenever they shift. Want to hear it? Click below, and listen closely…

Bug Fix: Apple TV Logouts

For Apple TV users, Zwift says this update, “Fixed an issue that could potentially cause users to be logged out or reset their game settings after an update.” Zwifters were complaining that Zwift would inconsistently lose their login status or settings when an update was installed, forcing them to re-log in and set up settings, which feels like more hassle than it already is when you have to use the Apple TV remote to do it!

Today’s update should stop this from happening.

More Release Notes

Zwift provided notes on additional tweaks and bug fixes in this update:

• Improved the look of tiles on the edges of the home screen.
• Added missing workout localization to the HUD and Workout dashboard in the Zwift game.
• macOS: Fixed an issue that could cause a yellow line to appear across the roadway when using 2015 (and earlier) Mac devices.

Discuss this release on Zwift’s forum >

Questions or Comments?

If you spotted any other changes or bugs in the update, please comment below!