Hop Into EXR’s April update 1.53.5

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April’s 1.53.5 update is here to keep your EXR experience smooth, reliable, and engaging.
While it’s not the big feature release, this update lays the groundwork for our major 1.54 rollout in May. Enjoy smoother performance, visually reworked routes, improved route previews, expanded hardware support, and the Easter Challenge. Hunt hidden eggs across the maps and unlock exclusive rewards.
What’s inside 1.53.5:
This update brings smoother performance, cleaner visuals and broader hardware support:
- EXR World visuals: The cave and surrounding cliffs have been reworked for a more immersive rowing experience
- Faster performance: Login and loading times are quicker, with overall stability improvements
- Route previews: Selecting a route now triggers a dynamic animation so you can see the course before you start
- Reports: The additional options when analyzing the training graph have been reworked for a more intuitive experience.
- Hardware & compatibility:
- Support added for RP3 Aqua
- Support added for Merach rowers (R28 WaterRower, NovaRow R50 AirRower, Q1S Magnetic Rower and Q3 Magnetic Rower)
- Fixed slow or incorrect data for Bodycraft VR500 Pro, Cardiostrong Aquastream and Christopeit WP 2000
The rollout will happen gradually over one week across all platforms.
You can update manually via the App Store / Play Store or let it happen automatically.
Hop around and participate in our easter challenge
The Easter Bunny has been busy! This April, we’ve hidden 8 eggs across different EXR routes, each holding a special surprise. Find them all to unlock the exclusive Easter Badge, your key to special rewards this season.
New Easter rewards include:
- Daisy Power oars – unlockable with your Easter Badge 2026 (cost: 1850 X-Coins)
- Bunny Bow – unlockable with your Easter Badge 2026 (cost: 625 X-Coins)
- Past years’ items – now available for purchase if you missed them before (costs vary)
Jump into your sessions, explore both new and familiar routes, and keep your eyes peeled, every stroke could reveal a hidden egg. Can you find all 8 and claim your badge and rewards?
Can you track down all 8 eggs? Let the hunt begin!
New April Events: More Ways to Row Together
Alongside the update, we’re refreshing the weekly rhythm with new events designed to drive consistency and variety:
- Monday Week Stream Start – Kick off your week with intention
- Midweek Momentum – Push through the middle of the week
- Saturday Showdown – Competitive energy for your weekend sessions
- Thursday Flow Row – Find your flow and finish strong
- Stride & Glide – A 45 minutes virtual group rowing session your own pace
These events are built to keep you engaged, whether you're chasing performance or just showing up consistently.

Coming up next: Update 1.54
With Update 1.54, we continue to build on the variety and depth of the EXR experience. Both Bled and Henley will be expanded with additional routes, bringing each location closer to offering more than ten unique options. These additions are designed to support a wide range of training needs, from very short efforts to longer endurance rows. This will give you more flexibility and reasons to keep coming back to these environments as they continue to evolve.
This update will also introduce Pace Buddies. By rowing alongside virtual targets set to a specific speed, it becomes easier to stay focused and aligned with your training goals.
More details will follow next month!
Stay consistent: Monthly Challenges
Keep stacking wins this month:
- Row a total of 50 km → 200 X-Coins
- Row 3 hours in a single session → 300 X-Coins
- Row a total of 150 km → 500 X-Coins
Small efforts. Compounded results.

Help shape what’s next
Your feedback directly influences what we build. Got ideas? Found friction? Share your opinion in the EXR Community on Facebook, Discord or by using our contact form.
Want early access to updates, events, feature drops and stay one step ahead?
