Zwift’s Wild Isles expansion went live on 26 October, adding about 17km of flat roads to Watopia that let riders bypass the Jungle and build longer, flatter routes across the map.
- The Wild Isles are three new islands between the Mayan Jungle and Jarvis Island, styled on California’s coast and Catalina Island.
- Zwift says two of the island groups were designed for crit racing.
- The launch adds nine cycling routes: Caldera Coaster; The Watopia 150; Seafoam Circuit; Laps, Camera, Traction; Watt Goes Up Must Come Down; Four Foalsmen; California Dreamin’; California Roll; and Pacific Pursuit.
- Runners get three new routes: Seafoam Scamper, Lightning Lap Run and Lava Legs.
- The expansion is open now and hosts Stage 4 of the Tour of Watopia.
- Zwift said in September that new Power Segments in the expansion will feature in its Power Play campaign, which runs from 23 November to 27 December.
What it means for riders
Watopia now has a flat way around the Jungle, so riders can link a long, steady endurance ride on flat roads across the map. Pairing those roads with Zwift’s Watt Lock holds a set power on a free ride, which suits Zone 2 sessions.
The two crit circuits give Zwift racing short, fast laps in Watopia, and Tour of Watopia riders can complete Stage 4 on the new roads. Riders setting up an indoor season can compare trainers in the best smart trainer guide, including the new Tacx NÄ“ra and the Wahoo KICKR Core 2. Triathletes on Zwift Ride will be able to steer from the aero position from 7 November with Profile Design’s Zwift Ride aerobar.
Quick answers
When is Zwift Wild Isles available?
Zwift Wild Isles went live in Watopia on 26 October 2026, in time for Stage 4 of the Tour of Watopia.
How many new routes does Zwift Wild Isles add?
Zwift Wild Isles adds nine cycling routes and three running routes across about 17km of new, mostly flat road.
Related: Zwift Watt Lock holds target power in free rides, and more indoor kit in best cycling products.
Last Updated on 28 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. See the gear tfk uses. ID
