# Features in Zwift FAQ

> Zwift has a ton of really awesome features, some even have their own FAQ's. Check out this article for more info on the following: Drafting, ERG Mode...

Source: https://support.zwift.com/en_us/features-in-zwift-faq-HkA_Qfadr

Last updated: 2025-08-22T16:17:42.648Z

# Features in Zwift FAQ

Zwift has a ton of really awesome features, some even have their own FAQ's:

 

*   [Clubs FAQ](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/clubs-faq-S1eRwMgdK)
    
*   [Coffee Stop FAQ](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/coffee-stop-faq-r1ZGCBOV2)
    
*   [Holoreplay FAQ](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/holoreplay-faq-BJq2ez4yj)
    
*   [Meetup FAQ](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/meetup-faq-B1NilBOc8)
    
*   [Pacer Groups FAQ](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/pacer-groups-faq-ryiF4hdWw)
    

*   [Ride Streaks FAQ](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/ride-streaks-faq-Byy5UfLFxx)
    
*   [Training Plan FAQ](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/training-plan-faq-Sys_LJpGH)
    
*   [Virtual Shifting FAQ](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/virtual-shifting-faq-r16UiRFlT)
    
*   [Workouts and FTP FAQ](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/workouts-and-ftp-faq-HyJXHL_v1x)
    

Check out this article for more info on the following.

*   [Drafting](#Drafting)
    
*   [ERG Mode](#ERG)
    
*   [Power Ups](#Power)
    

## Drafting

**Q:** What is drafting and how do I do it?

A:  When you're in a regular ride, riding close behind another Zwifter allows you to draft them. [Drafting](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/drafting-in-zwift-B1ZB6Nxr) allows you to put in less effort to maintain the same speed.

**Q:** Are there times when I won't be able to draft?

A: Yes, you won’t be able to draft when you're participating in a TT (Time Trial) or riding a Tri (Triathlon) bike. While you can still technically draft during a structured workout–you won't see the **Close the Gap** message.

**Q:** Why do I have to put out the same amount of watts when I'm drafting to keep up with the lead rider?

A: Speed in Zwift is calculated based on a number of factors—including watts. In other words, if your wattage drops, your speed will too. You may be able to put out slightly less wattage and keep pace, but if your lead rider's pace increases, you'll have to increase your pace to keep up (just like in real life).

**Q:**  The resistance increased too much, and I couldn't pedal! How do I fix it?

A: This is typically for one of two reasons: your cadence was too low entering a high wattage interval or your FTP is set too high. You may want to try keeping your cadence > 90 RPM so that the resistance for your trainer doesn't increase dramatically when you enter an interval with a high wattage target. Also, if your FTP is set too high, the wattage target may simply be too difficult at your current fitness level. If you haven't completed one of the FTP test workouts, do that first.

## ERG Mode

**Q:** What is ERG mode?

A: [ERG](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/erg-mode-in-workouts-SkQJC8OEH) mode sets your resistance to a specific wattage target based on your cadence when you're doing a workout on Zwift.

**Q:** The resistance on my trainer is changing too slowly. What's up with this?

A: While in ERG mode, Zwift sends commands to all trainers in the same manner; it's up to that trainer to interpret how it changes resistance—and some trainers adjust faster than others.

**Q:**  I changed gears, but I still couldn't hit the target wattage. What should I do?

A: You shouldn't be changing gears while using ERG mode—unless you're doing an FTP test, and then only during the FTP test portion.

**Q:**  I can't get enough resistance during the actual FTP test. What's going on?

A: The actual FTP test portion holds a flat resistance, so you'll need to change your gears to increase/decrease wattage, like you would on a regular ride.

**Q:** I missed my interval target/stopped pedaling, and ERG mode was disabled. Why? How do I turn it back on?

A:  If Zwift senses that you're failing an interval (i.e. you can't pedal because the resistance is too high), ERG mode will automatically be disabled so that you can continue to spin for the remainder of the interval. After it's disabled, your resistance will not change based on the wattage target or the course, but be set as if you're riding on a flat road. If you resume pedaling at a wattage that's close to the target wattage level—certain trainers will display a message about holding your wattage to re-enable ERG. This is called the "ERG resume feature." Simply continue pedaling, and ERG mode will re-engage for the target wattage. If your trainer isn't supported under the ERG resume feature, it only means that you won't be able to go back into ERG mode for the remainder of that workout block. Once the next workout block starts, you'll see the prompt to hold your wattage to re-enable ERG mode.

You can also toggle ERG mode on and off from the action bar.

## PowerUps

**Q:** What are PowerUps?

A: PowerUps give you either a bonus to your performance, or additional experience points (XP) which increases your [rider score](https://support.zwift.com/tracking-your-rider-score-and-xp-SJYHuPI_i).

**Q:** PowerUps sound great! How do I get one?

A: You'll get a new PowerUp when you pass through an arch in-game—so long as you don't already have an unused PowerUp.

**Q:** What PowerUps are available?

A: The PowerUps available to you depend on the type of activity you're doing, check out our article for info on the available [PowerUps](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/powerups-in-zwift-r12N3I_EB).

**Q:** Why didn't I get a PowerUp when I went through the arch?

A: You might have already had an PowerUp when you went through the arch, or if you're in the middle of a structured workout or you're on a TT bike, the only Power Up you're eligible for is the Small and Large Bonuses.

Ride On.

\-The Team at Zwift