Update (August 27, 2025): Zwift has discontinued this offer.
Back in February 2025, Zwift began sending emails to certain Zwifters who were at level 85+, offering them Zwift Play controllers free of charge (just pay shipping).
We initially assumed this was a short-term or one-time promo, but after hearing from a Zwifter who recently reached level 85 and received an email with a free Zwift Play promo code, I reached out to Zwift and confirmed that this program is still active.
So we’re publishing this simple post today to document that Zwifters hitting level 85 will receive an email with a discount code for free Zwift Play controllers, which currently retail for $79.99 but are on sale for $49.99.
See Zwift Play in the Zwift store >
3 Requirements
After some confusion in the comments below, I’ve added this section for clarity, because it’s not quite as simple as “every Zwifter who hits level 85 gets free Play Controllers.”
There are actually three requirements:
- You must be a level 85+ rider
- Your country must be in one of the three shippable Zwift markets: US, UK, and EU
- You must opt in to receive emails from Zwift (visit zwift.com/settings/emails), since they can’t legally send you “marketing emails” otherwise
If you meet these requirements but haven’t received an email with a code for free Zwift Play, I recommend reaching out to Zwift support, as that worked well for some of the commenters below.
Why Zwift Play?
The Zwift Play controllers put handy functionality at your fingertips, including steering, virtual shifting (on compatible trainers), Ride On bombs, powerup triggering, and more.
Read All About Zwift’s Play Controllers for more info on Zwift Play >
If you’re getting close to level 85 and have been contemplating a Zwift Play purchase, maybe this will provide a bit of added incentive to level up! Read XP Farming on Zwift for tips on earning more XP so you can level up faster.
What About You?
Have you taken advantage of the level 85 offer? Share your thoughts on the Zwift Play experience…
Hit level 85 a couple months ago, never got an email 🙁
check spam etc otherwise raise a call with support they will sort you out
*only in countries where Zwift play is available. Eg not Australia
Yep, support sent me a link to Wahoo when I asked about the Zwiftplays in Australia
How might this work for those of us who passed lv 85 before the offer was in place, do we get access to it?
I was one of those who bought them when they first appared too. I suggest expect at least 2 months free of charge Zwifting now😊
Yes, as long as you live somewhere that zwift ships their hardware to and you’ve opted in to receive emails.
I got the email when the program first started (I thought it was some sort of scam at first), and I was like level 88 or something (over 85 anyway) when they started it. I’d suggest contacting support.
Not available in South Africa
This likely means that they are trying to get rid of their stock and are dead end products.
I’m guessing so, too. I have the Play controllers, used them once, and they’ve been sitting on the box ever since.
Mine are hanging on a hook on the wall, plugged into the USB. For some reason, my Click module does not work unless the Play controllers are nearby and plugged in. Like you, I used the Play controllers one or two times and ditched them. And I bought them early.
One would think; but they started this earlier in the year; I got my ‘free’ controllers back in the first week of March, a teammate got some weeks prior.
I assumed it would’ve been inventory clearing, but I didn’t think it would last this long. On top of that there doesn’t seem to be any mention of this program ending either… so, hard to say.
They’ve had sales and been reducing the price of these things for a long long time. Giving them away for free is just the latest.
They hope when you agree to pay shipping, that you will add a shirt, cap, or socks.
If only this was a genuine offer to Zwift users. Sadly, it’s one of those “if you tick the box” offers.
What do you mean? Are you referring to it only applying to level 85+ riders?
you can always update your preferences afterwards to not receive marketing emails if that bothers you
You couldn’t pay me to use the virtual steering/shifting products. Is it that hard to shift manually? Plus it is great practice for real life shifting. What a gongshow.
they are great for controlling menus and in-game functions even if you never use them for steering or shifting
But they are very bulky and reduce the space for gripping the handlebar significantly. I took them off again.
Same here, controllers are just great for controlling the game, throwing ride ons, power ups, jumping to pacers, all the little things you can do in zwift are your finger tips, would buy new ones if mine broke …. but never use the steering
For lower power users who struggle to get up real world high gradients, the extended range of gears provided by virtual shifting is massively worth it in terms of peddling at a much more comfortable cadence on the big climbs.
You should try them. I have a Kickr Bik v2 but I still use these every ride. They are great for positioning yourself in a pack or when riding solo taking the shortest line around a course.
nobody hates zwift more than the people that read this site
Right?
I agree with you. :). I got downvoted for an orange t-shirt idea in this thread. Oh, well.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about hate—it’s about sheer frustration with Zwift’s inability to deliver on its own promises. The list of letdowns just keeps growing, and it’s getting impossible to ignore.
These aren’t minor oversights—they’re features Zwift officially announced, features the community was told to expect. Yet here we are, months later, with barely any progress and even less communication. It’s a pattern: Zwift talks a big game, then quietly drops the ball.
Frankly, it’s exhausting to keep seeing promises made and broken. The community deserves better than this endless cycle of hype and disappointment.
First three items are launching very very soon. I’m just not allowed to say when. 😜
ZRS team dissolved? Where did you hear that? Far as I know the team is still in place.
That leaves garage sorting. Which I agree is a popular request Zwift should do something about. But I don’t recall Zwift ever “teasing” it as a feature, either. Source?
I think putting your five most recent choices at the top of the list in the garage is a better solution than full on garage sorting. From a user perspective it’s 90% of the benefit with zero work required. I’m glad Zwift has seemingly dropped this from their to do list to work on other stuff.
None of those promises have materialized. Don’t bother telling us L/R balance and core sensors are “coming”—we’ve heard that since April, and we’re still waiting. Customizable HUD? Where is it? It’s 2025, and Zwift still hasn’t delivered what every other platform considers a basic feature. Why can’t I remove the map, hide the riders panel, or—at the very least—increase the font size so I can actually read my stats without squinting? The ZRS team? If they’re not dissolved, where are they? No one’s heard a word from them since January, even though we were told more features were “coming soon.” That silence speaks volumes. Let’s talk about the Garage. In April, Zwift disabled the sorting feature they’d just rolled out. Since then, it’s only been partially restored, and it’s nowhere near what users actually asked for. The so-called improvements are a joke compared to what the community has been demanding.
Garage sorting is working in my game.
I should add: I’m not seeing Zwift breaking promises. Not in recent years. I see Zwift saying what they’re going to do, then delivering on it… sometimes a bit late, but they’ve been delivering consistently on what they announce in their “This Season on Zwift” releases for years now.
My complaint with Zwift, to be clear, is that I wish Zwift would promise and deliver MORE features faster. That’s all! 🤷♂️
At this rate, everything in Zwift is perpetually “coming.” Maybe they should just update their logo to say, “Zwift – Coming Soon.” It would be the most accurate feature they’ve released yet.
Route based workouts was a broken promise from a ‘this season on zwift’, wasn’t it?
They seem pretty good at delivering the things in the “This season on zwift” press releases, the thing is though that the things promised in those are getting less and less interesting.
As something who started triathlons back in 1985 , I remember the change in the 1st bike computers , and when the speed first came out it was 18.0 then 19.0 then 20.0 . Which is a large effort from the 3. Then it changed to 18.1 18.2 in tenths , not whole numbers. Would love to see than in the speed on Zwift for this old timer . 1 more thing , age division break down in the races .
Thanks Eric for all you do .
Wish we had this back in 1985 .
Been doing triathlons since 1985 , even used my 1987 CatEye CS-1000 wind trainer till 12/23 , no problem with manual shifting . Glad to have a smart trainer now 😀. Still have the same Garmin Watch for 10yrs now .
I remember back then. The original dérailleur full travel shifters always worked. But it was slower since you did it by feel.
Then the indexed (clicked) shifters came and were faster, until their control cable stretched. So these needed more maintenance. Some folks would call that a “problem”.
For the last 5 years, electronic shifters (I use SRAM) are now much more reliable than the original full travel shifters. (No more cable => virtually no maintenance)
For a dedicated trainer, a virtual shifter gets rid of the physical gear change, so the chain will last “forever” compared to before. To me this is “zero problems”.
Your perspective may be different. Less maintenance is the main reason I will be shifting to virtual gears in the not-too-distant future.
I have a 5-year old (zero problems) Gamin watch. Earlier watches exhibited multiple major problems.
I can’t tell if this is a genuine pat on the back or unloading a product that nobody is buying. Admittedly I have Play. It was given to me as a gift and while convenient, I have yet to recommend to someone that they buy it. However, having my phone completely free for streaming is nice. Lvl 81
Either option could be true. Maybe both! I also think it’s possible that they want to do more with steering (and possibly braking), but they know they can’t until the adoption rate of steering compatible controllers reaches a critical mass.
The Play and Zwift Ride are both very popular in the Discord community I hang out in. I think the main draws are virtual shifting, power-ups, and ride-on bombs. I also think they make the action bar (the bar you get when hitting the up arrow that lets you skip workout intervals, teleport, etc) much easier to use while riding.
can you suggest to Zwift to offer an alternative of say, £100 voucher redeemable against a Zwift Ride for those of us who already have the controller 😃
What I really think would be cool is a plane T-shirt that says level 100. Nothing else. If you know you know. They should be able to do that for pretty cheap.
Peloton does this for people when to get to ride #100. Much smaller effort and time commitment than getting to level 100 in Zwift. Something else that would keep people engaged in the platform and would probably cost less than half a month’s subscription to execute.
I bought them at release so I let a teammate take advantage of the offer. Gotta have that steering for ladder racing.
Yep I got them. But use Apple TV so need to bridge with the Companion app. And that is so flaky that they are effectively non-functional. Now hoping for a 2025 Apple TV with more bluetooth connections so I can use the Plays.
weird, always rock solid for me (as long as I remember to press the Z buttons on each of them to wake them up before I try to pair)
I had that, too. Had an iPad connected to Bluetooth headphones to watch something while zwifting. Apperently another Bluetooth device not connected to Zwift breaks things. Since I don’t use the headphones anymore it is solid for me.
I bought the controllers when they first came out. I took zwift up on the offer to get another set. Virtual shifting– i was very hesitant to try, but since trying I can’t live without. It’s much easier on the bike components and the shifting is so smooth. One thing I’ve noticed, when first connecting sometimes it struggles to acclimate to the correct gear, so say I’m usually in gear 14 to start, sometimes 14 feels more like 16. A restart of the game usually fixes the issue. other than that the play controllers are a must have.
They “auto” calibrate which means, for example, mine starts at level 8 so I shift up to 14 and pedal for a minute. Then I stop until the flywheel stops turning. Pedaling again to 16 and stop/flywheel etc. Start pedaling again shifting to 18. Each time I start pedaling again is easier than before the stop.Hope this makes sense.
Got the email late February and ordered. Way better with sweaty hands.Then reaching for a mouse, I pad screen fir companion app, or keyboard when making turns and plus other features.
I don’t know what Zwift is thinking but as a person in a country who Zwift won’t ship to or give this offer I am pissed.
You could always move if it bothers you that much.
Hey genius, thats a stupid suggestion.
Sure I will move to another country to get Zwift plays lol.
James. What about all the level 100+ (like me) who were never offered the promotion. Seems pretty unfair.
That’s odd… I got the promo and I was at level 100+. Maybe reach out to Zwift support?
I got this offer a few months ago. I thought it was a great move by Zwift. If you’ve hit 85+ you’ve obviously been a loyal customer, and this is a nice perk to get, and a good way for them to get more product usage and feedback. I had already been using the Zwift Click, and a Sterzo steering controller. After getting the Play controllers, I still prefer the Click and the Sterzo for their respective controls, and I use the Play for accessing menus – much easier than grabbing for a mouse or using my phone.
Already have them and they are sitting on their box. I now have a Zwift Ride so I’m going to look for someone who wants them.
I’m still quite far (level 78), but I have to admit it’s a better source of motivation than a pair of socks or a virtual jersey.
Mumbles something about shifted xp levels….
(level 83 with 801750 xp, while you only need 594k today?)
Very good Zwift, always discriminating against South American countries
You’re in good company with the majority of the world.
I’ve done a couple upgrades in the last few weeks, got a Mac mini to replace my ATV, and then these controllers because my Neo 2T got virtualized, and I have to say it’s been a game changer for me. I have an older manual shifter inside, but both my outdoor bikes are sram electric. This allowed me to make it so all 3 bikes shift the same way. It’s so smooth and quick. Makes the ride much more enjoyable.
i got the play controllers years ago. rubbish! (yes they fit)
i use the ride and those controllers are great!
Hmm, I’m at level 100 and never got this. Is it valid in Canada?
Due to 30% tariff you need to be at level 110.
I hope they can ship this to Brazil or any Brazilian can either ship to a us address or can get it from a local dealer (which to my knowledge, don’t exist).
I am “dating” the Zwift Play for awhile, but the big barrier is the shipping process.
I too am at Level 90, and had not seen anything regarding the Free Controllers?
I as suggested below, went into my Spam/Junk/Promotions etc, and could not find
anything? So I just sent Zwift Support an Email..I’ll wait and see what they say…
One thing I’m sure of…Is that Zwift also reads these Comments, so I’m sure they
know of the Issues that some of Us may be having 🙏
Well that didn’t take long…From Zwift ….
Hi Fred,
Thank you for reaching out! This is Bob, an e-commerce Specialist here at Zwift! And I’m genuinely excited to help with your inquiry regarding the Zwift Play controllers.
Currently, we’re running a promotion where members who reached level 85 receive an email with a special code redeemable for one free Zwift Play controller; you’ll just need to cover the shipping fee.
I’ve checked your account and can confirm that you’re eligible. Congratulations on reaching Level 90! That’s a fantastic milestone and a true reflection of your dedication to the ride. I’m happy to share your promo code ********* so you can begin your purchase directly on Zwift.com… Just apply the code during checkout and you’ll be all set!
If you have any questions or need help throughout the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Ride On.
Member Experience Agent.
Zwift
Looking at the **small print it looks like this is US only – is that right?
Here’s me in the UK thinking I might have a reason to chase XP for a while, and looked for a ‘while stocks last’ comment. Fortunately, couldn’t find that, unfortunately, found (US only)
That was just in this email because it was sent to a US-based rider. I asked and confirmed that this offer is for all Zwift markets, so you’re good to go in the UK!
I hit 85 recently and got an email. Oh well, I have this device already, but I appreciate the gesture. Zwift does a nice job
This is the IRL (“in real life”) incentive I had hoped Zwift would start. To me, earning virtual points and gadgets is not motivational, but earning real products is.
What I want to earn is a “Scottie” stuff animal 😀
Hey Zwift, I’d PAY cash money for a Scottie!
Is there an exclusion for people who already have a Zwift Ride? Seems to me if they distribute these without cost to people who don’t need them, they’ll just create an aftermarket for the product.
There is not. I asked Zwift this very question!
I live in Canada and am level 99. I did not receive an email as I learned that it was sent to US accounts. I contacted Zwift and was sent a code, however I had to use a US mailing address to take advantage of the promotion.
For anyone asking about this: Yes, you can use a US shipping address! Support sent me a code after I contacted them AND stated that I have a US shipping address. Obviously, you still need to be at level 85 or higher. I paid shipping and I’m waiting for my order now. Good luck to everyone trying this👍
I hit level 85 about three months ago and got the e-mail a day or so later. Since the cost was just shipping ($7.50) and I’d been getting increasingly frustrated with my Elite Steerzo I took them up on it. I was pleasantly surprised at how well they fit on the road bike I have more or less permanently married to my smart trainer.
They do help a bit with the accuracy of the steering, but it does feel a little artificial to be pushing buttons rather than turning handlebars. For the minimal cost though, I’m definitely not going to complain.
So if you’ve been at level 100 for over a year, you’re out of luck?
You should have received an email from Zwift back in February when they first did this promo. If you didn’t, try reaching out to Zwift support. (It may be that you opted out of marketing emails from Zwift, so they didn’t send you one?)
You were right. I didn’t check my personal email during a busy month at work and missed it, so I ended up buying a set in April. In the event that Zwift might be clearing stock and sunsetting the controllers, I claimed my free set today, figuring they’ll make a good stocking stuffer for my son. I really like them for two things: using powerups and u-turns.
Hi Eric, thanks for the article — very helpful as always. That said, it might be worth expanding it slightly to clarify a few key points that many users seem confused about. For example, what are the exact conditions to receive the Zwift Play offer? Do you need an active membership (monthly or annual), and do you have to be opted in to marketing emails? Also, the most critical part seems to be the geographic eligibility — could you add a list of countries where the offer is available, and maybe explain what users in excluded regions (like South Africa, Australia, or parts of South America) can do to still access it, such as using a US shipping address or contacting support? That extra detail could save a lot of people some frustration. Thanks again for your ongoing work!
100%! I’ve been chatting with Zwift this week to nail down the eligibility details so I can articulate them clearly. Just added them above.
I would be nicer if Zwift would be offering Play controllers that connect flawlessly to the pairing device! I turn on both controllers while starting Zwift and on the pairing screen, one of the two (but not always the same one), does not connect. I have to manually un-check and re-check the checkbox that it works. I have multiple bluetooth devices that I can pair to my laptop without problems, but Zwift controllers are a different beed. Already got a replacement pair and it’s still not auto-connecting.
That sounds like it has something to do with whatever device you’re using to run Zwift. I use an older iPad and have had no trouble at all. The Play controllers will try to connect (flashing “Z”) for about five minutes so you might try turning them on before you start Zwift and make sure your main device is “discoverable” (confirm by looking at your settings).
So, in the Canadian Zwift community, we are ineligible for the controller offer, AND we get to experience Pres Drumph (see John Oliver) and his daily tariff threats and maddening rhetoric about Canadian sovereignty? Sigh.
American users get an unfair advantage on Zwift in many ways.
It’s way off base suggesting Zwift is clearing inventory of a dead product. Far more likely that they think getting steering to as many dedicated users as possible will be a positive for the game and open opportunities for more steering based events. It is amazing the number of negative comments generated by a company giving their users free hardware. Just proves that there is a segment of users that will whine no matter what Zwift does.
I’m only level 61, but my XP is enough to be something like level 99. Many others similar situation and should be over level 85…
Good game Zwift!
Just received my free controller, tried it for 5 minutes and then put it right back in the box. No extra value if you already using the Companion app on a phone, reachable with your thumb during a ride.
I like play controllers virtual shifting is great steering has uses i use atv and jet-black victory trainer connected over WiFi so don’t need CA for connections to anything
Love them. Would buy them again.
Zwift Play does not include the Click so there is no virtual shifting.
Ummm… what? Zwift Play has buttons for virtual shifting. So as long as you have a compatible trainer that can handle virtual shifting, you will be able to do virtual shifting using the Zwift Play.
Does anyone know how quickly after you reach level 85 you receive the email?
Reached level 85 last night and live in the UK and also opted into marketing emails.
Thanks
Matt
I hit 85 a week ago (US, opted in), nothing yet.
it says it free but the shipping is over $50???
So much for loyalty if you are not in the shippable area
I reached level 85 a few weeks ago. I asked about the offer and was told “congratulations on reaching Level 85; that’s a fantastic achievement and reflects your dedication to the ride.
We appreciate your interest in the Zwift Play controller offer. You’re eligible to receive one free Zwift Play controller, and your individual redemption code will be sent via email. Please note that this process can take up to two weeks following your level-up.”
Then nothing for a couple of weeks and I reached out again and got this crappy message: “We understand you were expecting a promotion code for the free Zwift Play. We’d like to clarify that the promotion for a free Zwift Play upon reaching Level 85 has now ended.
We appreciate your dedication to Zwift and understand this may be disappointing. While the promotion is no longer active, we encourage you to stay tuned for future opportunities and offers.”
How exciting – I will be sure to stay tuned for future opportunities to be disappointed.
Interesting. And… bummer for you!
.
The offer was discontinued back in August, unfortunately. See top of the post!