It is important to note that update 1.38 was a free official patch. If you own the game on Steam, you automatically have access to this version history (though the game has since updated further to versions 1.39, 1.40, and beyond).
However, many players specifically look for the 1.38 standalone files for one reason: Mods. ETS2 has a massive modding community. Sometimes, the newest game updates break favorite mods (like truck packs or map mods). For a long time, version 1.38 was the "stable standard" for many modders before newer updates arrived.
If you are looking to download this specific version to maintain mod compatibility or for nostalgia, it is usually available via official Steam "beta" branches or reputable modding archives.
While it’s outdated, some players still need it for:
Euro Truck Simulator 2 Version 1.38: Installation & Features Released in July 2020, Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) version 1.38
introduced significant graphical improvements and vehicle updates. While the game is a paid experience, you can legally access it through official channels or test it via a free trial. SCS Software's blog Official Download & Free Trial
The most secure way to get ETS2 is through official platforms to ensure you receive a safe, virus-free version of the game.
: You can download a free trial of Euro Truck Simulator 2 on the Official Website
. The demo has no time limit but restricts access to certain map areas until the full game is purchased. Full Version
: The full game must be purchased and activated via a product key. Once owned on Steam, the game updates automatically to the latest version, but legacy users can use a manual updater to reach specific versions like 1.38. eurotrucksimulator2.com Key Features of Update 1.38
This update brought several major enhancements to the base game: SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion)
: A graphical overhaul that added more realistic shadows and lighting depth. Lille Reskin Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38 Free Download
: A complete graphical update to the city of Lille in France. Vehicle Improvements
: Improved automatic transmission (shifting points and adaptive modes) and new tuning parts for the FH and XF Tuning Packs. New AI Vehicles
: Addition of Renault Trucks Range T vehicles to the traffic. trucksimulator.wiki.gg System Requirements for Version 1.38 Euro Truck Simulator 2 on Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) version 1.38, released in July 2020, introduced significant graphical and gameplay improvements. While the full game is a paid product, you can download a free demo to experience the core mechanics before purchasing. Key Features of Update 1.38
Visual Enhancements: The addition of SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion) greatly improved the game's lighting and shadows, providing more realistic depth to the environment.
Map Rework: The city of Lille, France, received a complete reskin with updated road networks, junctions, and detailed scenery.
Unique Dealerships: Truck dealerships across the map were redesigned with unique, brand-specific architectures for each manufacturer.
UI Improvements: The GPS Route Advisor was modernized with a cleaner layout and navigation ETA for next waypoints.
Advanced Customization: A redesigned RGB Color Picker was introduced, allowing players to input HEX, HSV, and RGB codes for precise truck painting.
Sound Update: Upgraded to FMOD 2.01.01, fixing retarder sounds and adding individual horn sounds for various trucks. How to Download
The safest and most reliable way to access ETS2 is through official platforms. Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38 Release It is important to note that update 1
The official way to access a specific older version of Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) like 1.38 is through the Steam Beta system. While the full game is not free, you can download a free demo to test the core features. Official Methods for Version 1.38
If you own the game on Steam, you can downgrade or "lock" your game to version 1.38 to maintain mod compatibility (such as for ProMods 2.50). Steam Version (Downgrade/Lock): Open your Steam Library. Right-click Euro Truck Simulator 2 and select Properties. Go to the Betas tab.
In the dropdown menu, select temporary_1_38 - 1.38.x for incompatible mods.
Steam will automatically download the necessary files to revert your game to that specific version. Legacy/Non-Steam Version:
For retail or older digital copies, use the official ETS2 Online Updater to reach specific patch levels.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 Version 1.38: Everything You Need to Know About the Update
For nearly a decade, Euro Truck Simulator 2 has remained the undisputed king of the open-road driving genre. With the release of version 1.38, developer SCS Software introduced a massive overhaul that fundamentally changed how the game looks and feels. If you are looking to dive back into the driver’s seat or are exploring the 1.38 update for the first time, this guide covers the core features, technical improvements, and what makes this specific version a fan favorite. A New Visual Standard: The Lighting Overhaul
The standout feature of ETS2 1.38 is the introduction of SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion). While it sounds technical, the impact on your gameplay is immediate. This graphical technique creates more realistic shadows in areas where objects meet, such as under the wheel arches of your truck, inside the cabin, or around roadside barriers.
This update also refined the skyboxes and weather effects. Driving through a sunrise in the French countryside or a rainy night in Germany feels more immersive than ever. The transition between day and night cycles is smoother, and the way light reflects off the chrome of your rig has been significantly polished. Map Refinements and Localized Beauty
While version 1.38 didn't introduce a new DLC, it brought a major "facelift" to existing areas. The French city of Lille received a complete rebuild from the ground up. The city was modernized with new assets, updated road layouts, and more accurate landmarks, bringing it up to the high graphical standard set by more recent expansions like Road to the Black Sea.
Additionally, the update introduced unique dealership designs. Instead of generic showrooms, brands like DAF, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo now have distinct architectural styles in the game world, making the process of buying a new truck feel like a more specialized event. Technical Improvements and Sound Changes Euro Truck Simulator 2 Version 1
SCS Software continued to refine the FMOD sound engine in 1.38. This update focused on fixing the balancing issues from the previous version, ensuring that the roar of the engine, the hiss of air brakes, and the ambient sounds of the environment were perfectly tuned. Other notable quality-of-life improvements included:
The introduction of the RGB Color Picker, allowing players to customize their truck paint jobs with exact hex codes.
Route advisor improvements that provide clearer information on ETA and speed limits.
Improved automatic transmission logic, making the driving experience smoother for those using controllers or keyboards. Why Play Version 1.38?
For many in the modding community, version 1.38 is considered a "golden version." It strikes a perfect balance between modern graphical fidelity and hardware accessibility. Because it was a stable build for a long period, thousands of mods—from heavy-duty trailers to realistic weather packs—were optimized specifically for this version. Safe Access and Official Support
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a constantly evolving "live" game. While many users search for free downloads of specific versions, the best way to experience the game is through official platforms like Steam. This ensures you have access to the Steam Workshop, which provides thousands of free community-made trucks, maps, and skins at the click of a button.
By owning the official version, you also get access to the "Betas" tab in Steam settings, which often allows players to roll back to previous versions like 1.38 if they prefer that specific environment or have a favorite mod that hasn't been updated yet.
Whether you are hauling cargo across the Alps or cruising the highways of Scandinavia, version 1.38 represents a pivotal moment in the game's history where realism and performance met perfectly. Strap in, check your mirrors, and hit the road.
While the modding community often provides custom content, there is nothing quite as satisfying as an official, free content drop from SCS Software. The release of the 1.38 update for Euro Truck Simulator 2 was a significant milestone in the game’s evolution, serving as a bridge between the base game and the technological advancements introduced in its American counterpart.
For players looking for the Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38 Free Download, this update is more than just a patch—it is a graphical overhaul and a content expansion that revitalizes the driving experience.
✅ This method is legal, safe, and official. You do not need a crack or torrent.
Released in the summer of 2020, update 1.38 was not a minor bug-fix patch. It was a major leap forward. Here is what made this version a landmark release: