Eric, thank you so much for the detailed response. It’s much appreciated and clears things up.

1) Yes.
2) You can do them in whatever order you want, just do the workout before the test for each of the three power types.
3) None of these are an FTP test, so no.
4) If you want your FTP, any maximal effort of 8 minutes or more will get it. This is a recent change in Zwift’s FTP detection – see https://zwiftinsider.com/update-1-79-0-136993/

1) Do I need to do the workout AND the test?
2) Do I need to do these in order? Sprinting is first and that just feels backward to me.
3) Will all these give a more accurate FTP in the end or is this just for the achievements?
4) If I just want my FTP, is the climb test enough?

Thank you for any advice you can provide.

I don’t think so. Even with ERG off I think the workout will just hold a steady resistance throughout.

Could it be that I noticed it when switching Erg mode off in the 15 seconds before the start of Free Ride?

The free ride sections don’t simulate gradient, though. (Although it’s possible you may think so, due to your brain playing tricks on you). The free ride sections just offer consistent resistance, like you’re riding on flat ground, and it’s up to you to shift to the right gear to hit your cadence/power target. Route doesn’t affect the resistance at all in these workouts.

(That said, I prefer workouts where the visual gradient isn’t changing while my effort is supposed to stay consistent. Otherwise, it plays tricks on my brain. Sounds like the Muckle Yin may not be the best choice for this test.

I’m also not really convinced that the Attack the Bunch workout’s 45s 165% FTP intervals are especially good practice for going that deep – 60s at 215% FTP is very very different! That said, Attack the Bunch is a great workout and will definitely be going into my rotation!