Euro Truck Simulator 2 V1 38 Download

V1.38 introduced a completely rewritten lighting model. Before this, ETS2 looked flat. V1.38 added:

Pro Tip: Always open your Documents\Euro Truck Simulator 2\game.log.txt after installing mods on V1.38. If you see red "Incompatible" errors, remove the mod immediately.


Should you really download V1.38, or just buy the latest DLC?

| Feature | ETS2 V1.38 (The Past) | ETS2 V1.53 (Current) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Graphics | DX11, Standard Lighting | DX11 + TAA, Reworked textures | | Map Size | Up to Iberia (limited) | West Balkans + Greece + Reworked Switzerland | | Performance | Great for low-end PCs | Requires SSD & 4GB+ VRAM | | Mods | Legacy mods only | All modern mods (Promods 2.73) | | Trucks | No New MAN, No DAF XD | Western Star, MAN TGX, DAF XD |

Verdict: Download V1.38 if you have an old PC or a specific mod collection. Stick with V1.53 if you want all the new DLC and online multiplayer (TruckersMP).


For virtual truckers, few dates carry more weight than the release of a major update for Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2). While the game has evolved into version 1.53 and beyond at the time of this writing, Version 1.38 remains a legendary milestone in the simulation community.

Why? Because V1.38 wasn't just a bug-fix patch. It was the update that introduced the Lighting Update, completely overhauling the visual atmosphere of the game. If you are looking to roll back to this classic version for mod compatibility, performance, or nostalgia, you need the correct guide.

This article provides everything you need to know about the Euro Truck Simulator 2 V1.38 download, including where to find it, how to install it, what features it includes, and troubleshooting advice.


The Euro Truck Simulator 2 V1.38 download remains a popular search for a reason. It represents a golden era of ETS2—where graphics got serious, but system requirements didn't explode.

Whether you are a classic mod collector, a low-end PC gamer, or a historian wanting to see how far the game has come, following the Steam Beta Branch method above is the safest, fastest route.

Drive safely, and keep the rubber on the road.

Further Reading:


Note: SCS Software is constantly updating ETS2. If you are looking for the latest features, please purchase the current version of the game. This guide is for archival and historical modding purposes.

To download Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) version 1.38, you can either update your game through the Steam client or use the official legacy updater if you have a non-Steam version. Download and Installation Options Via Steam (Recommended): Launch the Steam application and log in. Navigate to your Library and find Euro Truck Simulator 2.

The client should automatically update the game to the latest version.

To specifically select version 1.38 (if you need it for mod compatibility), right-click the game in your library, go to Properties > Betas, and select "temporary_1_38" from the dropdown menu. Non-Steam Version (Legacy):

Visit the official Euro Truck Simulator 2 website and download the online_updater.exe. Euro Truck Simulator 2 V1 38 Download

Move this file into your game's installation folder and run it to update to the desired version. Key Features of Version 1.38

This update introduced several graphical and gameplay improvements: Steam Workshop::Real Traffic Density ETS2

Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) version 1.38 was a major update that introduced significant graphical overhauls and gameplay features. If you are creating a landing page, social media post, or description for this specific version, use the following text blocks. Version 1.38 Key Highlights

SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion): Experience more realistic lighting and shadows in real-time.

Redesigned Map: Explore the beautiful, updated city of Lille in France.

RGB Color Picker: Fully customize your truck’s paint job with precise color codes.

New Dealerships: Visit brand-new DAF and Volvo truck showrooms.

Route Advisor Changes: Enjoy a cleaner, more intuitive GPS interface. Technical Specifications OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit Processor: Dual core CPU 2.4 GHz Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce GTS 450-class (Intel HD 4000) Storage: Approximately 12 GB available space Installation Guide

Check Version: Ensure your current game is ready for the 1.38 update.

Backup Saves: Always save your profile folder before updating to prevent data loss.

Download: Launch your game client (Steam or standalone) to begin the automatic patch.

Verify Mods: Check that your favorite mods are compatible with the new lighting system.

💡 Pro Tip: The 1.38 update changed how light is rendered. If your game looks too dark or blurry, check your Graphic Settings and toggle the new SSAO options to match your hardware's power. To help you get exactly what you need, let me know:

Are you writing a blog post, a YouTube description, or a technical guide?

Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) V1.38 was a major update released on July 21, 2020, by SCS Software. This version introduced significant visual overhauls, interface updates, and gameplay refinements that fundamentally enhanced the realism of the trucking experience. Key Features of V1.38

The 1.38 update focused heavily on modernization and visual fidelity. Should you really download V1

SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion): A major graphical leap, SSAO added realistic lighting and shadows to the game world, giving trucks and environments a more grounded look.

Lille City Reskin: The French city of Lille was completely rebuilt with updated road networks, newer vegetation, and more detailed scenery.

Redesigned Route Advisor: The in-game GPS received a cleaner, more modern UI with expanded map views and new ETA data for waypoints.

Unique Truck Dealerships: Dealership locations were visually updated to have distinct, brand-specific looks rather than generic designs.

New Tuning Options: Updates were added to the DAF XF and Volvo FH Tuning Packs, including paintable chassis covers and new horn models. System Requirements

While V1.38 added visual improvements, the base system requirements remained accessible for most mid-range PCs. Euro Truck Simulator 2 system requirements - Can You RUN It

To download and install Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) Version 1.38

, you should use the official Steam Beta branch system, which allows you to "downgrade" from the current version to specific older builds for mod compatibility or performance reasons. How to Download Version 1.38 on Steam

If you already own the game on Steam, follow these steps to access the 1.38 legacy build:

Open Steam Library: Right-click on Euro Truck Simulator 2 in your game list.

Select Properties: Choose Properties from the dropdown menu.

Navigate to Betas: Click the Betas tab on the left-hand side.

Choose Version: Click the dropdown menu under "Beta Participation" and scroll down to locate temporary_1_38 - 1.38.x for incompatible mods.

Wait for Download: Steam will automatically begin downloading the version 1.38 files. Once finished, your game title in the library will show [temporary_1_38]. Official Non-Steam (Legacy) Download

For players who own the legacy retail (non-Steam) version, you can download update patches directly from the Euro Truck Simulator 2 Legacy Updates page.

Update Tool: Use the official updater tool to patch any older version to the latest compatible legacy build. For virtual truckers, few dates carry more weight

Full Install: If you need a fresh installation, official full setup files are available on the SCS Software download page. Key Features of Version 1.38

The 1.38 update (released July 2020) was a major technical milestone for the game:

Guide :: How to change version of the game - Steam Community

Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) version 1.38, released in mid-2020, was a major technical milestone for the game. While the current version of the game is much further ahead (v1.50+),

v1.38 remains a significant "legacy" version because it introduced the SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion)

lighting system, which fundamentally changed how the game looks Key Features & Changes in V1.38 SSAO Graphics Update

: This was the headliner. It added realistic shadows where objects meet (like under the truck chassis or in cabin corners), making the world feel less "flat" and more grounded. Lille Reskin

: The city of Lille in France was completely rebuilt from the ground up, bringing it to the high-quality standard of newer DLCs. RGB Color Picker

: A small but beloved quality-of-life update that allowed players to input specific hex or RGB codes for truck paint jobs. Drivable DAF XF Euro 6 (Tuning Pack) : Improved support and visual updates for DAF trucks. Automatic Transmission Improvements

: Better shifting logic, specifically for hill climbing and heavy hauling. Performance Impact

The jump to v1.38 was the first time many players with older hardware felt a performance hit. Because SSAO is GPU-intensive, SCS Software included multiple quality settings (Low to Ultra) so players could balance the new visuals with their frame rates. Why download V1.38 specifically?

Most players today run the latest version via Steam. However, you might look for a v1.38 download if: Mod Compatibility

: You have a specific, older mod (like an outdated ProMods version or a specific truck mod) that was never updated past 2020. Legacy Hardware

: You are running a 32-bit operating system or an older GPU that struggles with the lighting engine changes introduced in v1.40 and beyond.

V1.38 was an excellent "bridge" update. It modernized the game's visuals without moving to the full lighting overhaul of v1.40, making it a "sweet spot" for many players. If you are downloading it today, ensure you are getting it through Steam’s "Betas" tab (Right-click ETS2 > Properties > Betas > Select temporary_1_38 ) to ensure the download is safe and official. Are you trying to get a specific to work on this version?

Here’s a review of the search term / topic “Euro Truck Simulator 2 V1.38 Download” — focusing on what version 1.38 meant for players, its features, and whether it’s worth seeking out today.