Euro Truck Simulator 2 version 1.38 was a pivotal update. It marked the transition of the game from a "good looking simulator" to a "visual stunner." The introduction of HDR skies changed the atmosphere of the game permanently. While it is now an "old" version in the rapid update cycle of SCS Software, it remains a stable, functional, and visually distinct version that serves as a crucial fallback point for modders and players with older hardware.
Experience the Road Like Never Before: Download Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38
Since its debut in 2012, Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) has transformed from a niche simulation game into a global phenomenon. While the game has seen many updates, the 1.38 update remains a significant milestone for fans of realistic driving dynamics and visual fidelity.
If you are looking to download Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38, this guide covers everything from the groundbreaking features to the installation process. Why Choose Version 1.38?
The 1.38 update was a "game-changer" for several technical and aesthetic reasons. Even as newer versions exist, many players return to 1.38 for specific mod compatibility or to experience the core engine improvements that defined that era of the game. 1. The Introduction of SSAO
Version 1.38 introduced Screen Space Ambient Occlusion (SSAO). This technical leap added realistic shadows where objects meet, giving the trucks, buildings, and landscapes a more grounded, three-dimensional look. It bridged the gap between "game graphics" and "photorealism." 2. Redesigned Lille
The French city of Lille received a complete overhaul in this version. The developers updated the road layouts, added new landmarks, and increased the level of detail to match the quality of the newer DLCs, making the drive through France more immersive. 3. RGB Color Picker
For those who love customizing their rigs, 1.38 introduced the RGB color picker. This allowed drivers to input specific hex codes or use a color wheel to get the exact paint job they desired, ensuring their fleet looked unique on the European highways. How to Download Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38
Depending on how you own the game, accessing a specific older version like 1.38 is relatively straightforward. Via Steam (The Recommended Method)
The safest and easiest way to download 1.38 is through the Steam "Beta" tab: Open your Steam Library.
Right-click on Euro Truck Simulator 2 and select Properties. Navigate to the Betas tab.
From the dropdown menu, find and select "temporary_1_38 - 1.38.x for incompatible mods."
Steam will automatically begin downloading the files for version 1.38. Why Download This Specific Version?
Many legendary map mods (like older versions of ProMods) and specialized truck mods were built specifically for the 1.38 framework. If you have an old save file or a favorite mod that hasn't been updated, rolling back to 1.38 is the best way to keep your trucking career alive. Technical Specifications
Before you download, ensure your PC can handle the improved lighting and SSAO features of 1.38: OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit Processor: Quad-core CPU 3.0 GHz Memory: 6 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760-class (2 GB VRAM) Storage: 7 GB available space Conclusion
Downloading Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38 allows you to experience a pivotal moment in simulation history. Whether it’s for the visual upgrades or to maintain your favorite mods, this version offers a stable, beautiful, and deeply rewarding driving experience.
Released in July 2020, Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) version 1.38
was a landmark update that focused heavily on visual fidelity and quality-of-life improvements. While the current version of the game is much further along (v1.58 as of April 2026), version 1.38 remains a popular "legacy" version for players with older hardware or specific older mods. Key Features and Changes in 1.38
SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion): This was the headline feature, adding procedural ambient occlusion to create more realistic shadows and depth, particularly around truck parts and building corners.
Unique Truck Dealerships: Every dealership across the map was redesigned to have a unique, brand-specific look rather than the generic placeholder models used previously. Download Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38
Lille Reskin: The French city of Lille received a major overhaul with updated road junctions, more accurate layouts, and higher-quality textures.
Redesigned Route Advisor: The in-game HUD (GPS) was refreshed with a cleaner look and better visibility for estimated time of arrival (ETA) and waypoints.
Sound Improvements: The update transitioned to FMOD 2.01.01, which significantly improved engine sounds and introduced unique horn sounds for each truck. Performance and Compatibility Euro Truck Simulator 2 on Steam
Hard Drive: 25 GB available space (Euro Truck Simulator 2 base game)
Euro Truck Simulator 2 system requirements - PCGameBenchmark
Downloading Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) version 1.38 is primarily done through official channels, though this specific version is now a "legacy" build. As of February 2026, the latest stable version of the game is Truck Simulator Wiki Official Download Methods Steam (Recommended):
If you own the game on Steam, you can access version 1.38 by right-clicking the game in your library, selecting Properties > Betas , and choosing temporary_1_38 - 1.38.x for incompatible mods
from the dropdown menu. This is the safest way to ensure a clean, virus-free installation. Official Website:
For players with the legacy (non-Steam) version, you can download the Standalone Online Updater Official Euro Truck Simulator 2 website Version 1.38 Highlights
Released in mid-2020, this update was a significant milestone that introduced: Lille City Reskin: A complete overhaul of the French city of Lille. Next-Gen Graphics:
Improvements to the SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion) lighting system. New Map Content:
Inclusion of the Road to the Black Sea DLC routes and new dealerships. System Requirements
To run ETS2 smoothly, your PC should meet these general specifications: 8 GB minimum. 25 GB of available space.
Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit (Note: official support for older OS versions like Windows 7 may be limited in newer builds). Security Warning
Avoid "cracked" or "free full version" downloads from third-party sites like Google Colab links or file-sharing forums. These files often contain
and do not receive official bug fixes or compatibility updates. specific mod that requires version 1.38, or are you looking for the full patch notes for that release? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Euro Truck Simulator 2 - Nordic Horizons on Steam
Hard Drive: 25 GB available space (Euro Truck Simulator 2 base game) Download - Euro Truck Simulator 2
You can download a free trial for Euro Truck Simulator 2 on this page. Manually downloading files is only required for legacy non- Euro Truck Simulator 2 Euro Truck Simulator 2 Version history
To download or access Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) version 1.38 Euro Truck Simulator 2 version 1
, the official and safest method is through the Steam client's beta branch system. This version, originally released on July 21, 2020, is often sought after for compatibility with specific legacy mods or older ProMods versions. How to Access Version 1.38 (Steam)
If you already own the game on Steam, you do not need to "download" a separate installer; you simply switch your current installation to the 1.38 branch: Open Steam and go to your Right-click Euro Truck Simulator 2 and select Properties Navigate to the tab on the left sidebar.
In the "Beta Participation" dropdown menu, scroll down and select temporary_1_38 - 1.38.x for incompatible mods
Steam will automatically begin downloading the necessary files to "downgrade" your game to version 1.38. Legacy Non-Steam Version
For users with the original retail (non-Steam) version, you must use the official legacy updates Legacy Updates - Euro Truck Simulator 2 Download the online updater or the specific standalone patch that targets version 1.38.
It is highly recommended to migrate your retail key to Steam to ensure easier access to these older versions in the future. Key Features of Update 1.38
Version 1.38 was a major technical and visual update for the simulator, introducing several core changes:
1.38 and beyond :: Euro Truck Simulator 2 Общие обсуждения
So either A: Wait for the mod developers to update their mods to the current version or B: Downgrade your ETS2 version. SecretOne. Steam Community ETS2: Update 1.38 - The Truck Simulator Wiki
Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) Version 1.38 was a major milestone released on July 21, 2020
, introducing significant visual enhancements and map reworks. While the game has since moved to much newer versions, many players still seek 1.38 to maintain compatibility with specific legacy mods. SCS Software's blog Key Features of Version 1.38
The 1.38 update brought several "game-changing" improvements that modernized the simulation experience: SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion):
A major visual upgrade that creates more realistic shadows where objects meet, giving the trucks and world a more grounded look. Lille City Reskin:
The French city was completely rebuilt with more accurate road junctions, updated textures, and realistic signage. Unique Dealerships:
Most major cities received newly designed, brand-specific truck dealerships to replace the generic older models. RGB Color Picker:
A redesigned tool for custom paint jobs, allowing players to input specific HEX, RGB, and HSV codes for precise fleet branding. Route Advisor Redesign:
The GPS interface was modernized with a cleaner UI and now displays the ETA and distance to the next waypoint. SCS Software's blog Where to Download ETS2 1.38
To ensure a secure installation and full access to features, you should use official channels: Download - Euro Truck Simulator 2
You can download a free trial for Euro Truck Simulator 2 on this page. To buy a full version of ETS2, please buy a Steam key here. Euro Truck Simulator 2 Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38 Release Follow these instructions precisely to download and install
To download Euro Truck Simulator 2 version 1.38 use the "Beta" feature on to roll back your game to an older version How to Download Version 1.38 Since the current version of the game is
(released February 2026), follow these steps to access version 1.38 specifically: Truck Simulator Wiki Steam Library and right-click on Euro Truck Simulator 2 Properties from the menu. Click on the tab on the left.
In the "Beta Participation" dropdown menu, scroll down and select temporary_1_38 - 1.38.x for incompatible mods
Steam will automatically begin downloading the files to downgrade your game to version 1.38. Why use Version 1.38? Mod Compatibility
: This version is often maintained as a "legacy" branch for players who use specific map mods (like older versions of ProMods) or truck mods that haven't been updated for newer game engines. System Performance
: Some players prefer older versions if their hardware struggles with the lighting and engine updates introduced in later patches like 1.40 or 1.50.
For a clean installation or to try the latest features, you can always visit the Official Euro Truck Simulator 2 Download Page to grab the current trial version. Euro Truck Simulator 2 that are compatible with version 1.38? Download - Euro Truck Simulator 2
You can download a free trial for Euro Truck Simulator 2 on this page. To buy a full version of ETS2, please buy a Steam key here. Euro Truck Simulator 2 Euro Truck Simulator 2 Version history
To download Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) version 1.38 , the official and safest method depends on whether you own the game on Steam or have a legacy non-Steam version. For Steam Users (Recommended)
You do not need to find a new download link. Steam allows you to "rollback" to version 1.38 directly from your library: Open Steam and go to your Right-click on Euro Truck Simulator 2 and select Properties Navigate to the In the "Beta Participation" dropdown menu, select temporary_1_38 - 1.38 for incompatible mods
Steam will automatically begin downloading the version 1.38 files. Once finished, you can launch the game. For Legacy (Non-Steam) Users
If you are using the older, non-Steam version of the game, you can download update patches from the official website: Legacy Updates page on the official Euro Truck Simulator 2
site to find the standalone updater or specific patch files.
Note that manual file downloads are generally only required for these legacy installations. eurotrucksimulator2.com Key Features in Version 1.38
Version 1.38 was a significant update released in July 2020. Major additions included: Download - Euro Truck Simulator 2
You can download a free trial for Euro Truck Simulator 2 on this page. To buy a full version of ETS2, please buy a Steam key here. eurotrucksimulator2.com Legacy Updates - Euro Truck Simulator 2
Follow these instructions precisely to download and install version 1.38.
Many modders consider 1.38 a "golden era." Major map mods like Promods, RusMap, and Southern Region stabilized around this version. If you have a favorite mod that hasn’t been updated for the latest ETS2 version (1.48, 1.49, or 1.50+), 1.38 might be your only way to keep playing it.