Download [verified] Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38 Instant
To download Euro Truck Simulator 2 version 1.38, you can use the Steam client , which manages version history through its "Betas" system. This version, released in July 2020, introduced major graphical overhauls like SSAO and map updates for Lille. How to Download Version 1.38 If you already own the game on Steam, you can downgrade to 1.38 using these steps: Open your Steam Library and right-click on Euro Truck Simulator 2 . Select Properties , then navigate to the Betas tab. In the dropdown menu, find and select temporary_1_38 - 1.38.x for incompatible mods . Steam will automatically download the necessary files to revert your game to that version. For those using the legacy non-Steam version , you can find manual update files and the official updater tool on the Euro Truck Simulator 2 Legacy Updates page . Key Features in Update 1.38 Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38 Release - SCS Software's blog
Download Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38: The Ultimate Guide to the Iberia-Ready Update Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) has remained the gold standard for simulation gaming for nearly a decade. While newer versions have since been released, version 1.38 holds a special place in the community’s heart. Acting as the critical bridge patch before the massive Iberia DLC expansion, version 1.38 introduced massive graphical overhauls and gameplay tweaks that changed the game forever. If you are searching for how to download Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38 , whether for mod compatibility, performance preservation, or nostalgia, you are in the right place. This guide covers legitimate download methods, new features, installation steps, and troubleshooting. Why Version 1.38? A Look Back at the Landmark Update Before we dive into the download process, it is crucial to understand why many players actively seek out this specific patch. Released in mid-2020, ETS2 1.38 was not a minor hotfix; it was a major overhaul. 1. The Graphical Resurrection (DX11) The most significant change in 1.38 was the complete removal of legacy DirectX 9 support. The game moved fully to DirectX 11, allowing for:
Better shadows: Dynamic shadows became smoother and more realistic. Improved reflections: Truck windows and chrome parts finally looked like mirrors. Higher FPS: For modern GPUs, DX11 unlocked better performance in dense cities.
2. The Sound of Scandinavia SCS Software reworked the audio engine. Version 1.38 introduced realistic reverb effects when driving through tunnels and under bridges. The iconic "whoosh" sound when passing road signs or other trucks became significantly more pronounced. 3. Map Visual Updates (Germany Phase 2) While the Iberia DLC was on the horizon, 1.38 delivered the second phase of the German rework. Cities like Cologne, Frankfurt, and Mannheim received brand-new intersections, company yards, and landmark buildings. 4. Modder’s Paradise Many total conversion mods (like Promods or Reforma ) froze compatibility at 1.38 for a long time because the later 1.39 and 1.40 updates broken many asset definitions. Consequently, ETS2 1.38 remains the most mod-stable version for many legacy map mods. How to Download Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38 Legally Warning: Be extremely cautious of websites offering standalone “cracked” 1.38 .exe files. These are often riddled with malware or keyloggers. The safest and only recommended method involves using the official Steam client. Because ETS2 auto-updates to the latest version by default, you must use Steam’s "Betas" feature to roll back to 1.38. Step-by-Step Guide for Steam Users Download Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38
Launch Steam and navigate to your Library . Right-click on Euro Truck Simulator 2 and select Properties . Click on the Betas tab. In the drop-down menu labeled "Beta participation" or "Select the beta you would like to opt into" , scroll down until you find:
temporary_1_38 - 1.38.x for incompatible mods
Select this version. Steam will automatically queue a download for the 1.38 files (about 5-7 GB). Wait for the download to complete. Launch the game. Your save file will work, but the game will warn you that the save was made in a newer version – select "Load anyway" (do not save over your main profile unless you have a backup). To download Euro Truck Simulator 2 version 1
Important: Buying the Base Game To download version 1.38, you must own the base game. You can purchase Euro Truck Simulator 2 officially via:
Steam Store (Recommended) SCS Software Official Shop
Note: Version 1.38 is compatible with all DLCs released up until July 2020 (including Road to the Black Sea, but NOT Iberia which came after). If you try to load a save using Iberia DLC in 1.38, the map will crash. Alternative Method: Using the SCS Box (Retail Version) If you own a physical, non-Steam copy of ETS2: Select Properties , then navigate to the Betas tab
Insert the disc. Version 1.0 will install. Visit the official SCS Software patch archive (accessible via their forum). Download the sequential patches: 1.0 -> 1.38. Usually, you only need the "1.38 full patch" if you have version 1.35 or higher.
However, this method is outdated. 99% of the modern player base should use the Steam Beta method. How to Download ETS2 1.38 for Free (The Demo) If you do not own the game, SCS Software offers a free demo that usually runs a slightly older version. To download the demo for 1.38:
