Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38 Free Download Exclusive [95% RECOMMENDED]

Euro Truck Simulator 2 v1.38 Guide: What You Need to Know

Method 3: Pirated Versions (Strongly Discouraged)

You will find many websites offering a “cracked” ETS2 1.38 full download. Here is why you should avoid them:

  • Malware: Files often bundle Trojans, ransomware, or coin miners.
  • Corrupted saves: Pirated versions crash when loading mods from legitimate sources like the Steam Workshop.
  • No multiplayer: You cannot play TruckersMP (the popular multiplayer mod) with a cracked EXE.
  • Outdated paths: Many cracks change the document folder location, causing mod conflicts.

Verdict: There is no legitimate “full game free download” for ETS2 1.38 unless you already own the base game.

What Made Version 1.38 Special?

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: Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38 Free Download

Why Update?

For those still playing on older patches, the 1.38 update is essential. It represents a period where SCS Software began aggressively modernizing their engine. It offers:

  1. Better Performance: Optimizations to the map sectors.
  2. Crisper Audio: A more immersive cab environment.
  3. Free Content: Access to new geographical features without spending a dime on DLCs.

The 1.38 update is a testament to SCS Software's commitment to their player base. It didn't just fix bugs; it added Euro Truck Simulator 2 v1

Method 1: The Official Demo (Free, Legal, Safe)

SCS Software offers a fully functional demo on Steam. The demo includes:

  • Unlimited playtime (but limited to a specific radius around a few cities).
  • Access to version 1.38 (if you opt into the “legacy” beta branch).
  • No malware, no cracks, no viruses.

How to get it:

  1. Download Steam.
  2. Search for “Euro Truck Simulator 2.”
  3. Click “Download Demo.”
  4. Once installed, right-click the game in your library → Properties → Betas.
  5. From the dropdown, select temporary_1_38 - 1.38.x for legacy mods.

This gives you a 100% legitimate Euro Truck Simulator 2 1.38 free download for the demo region.

Why You Should Eventually Update to 1.39 or 1.40

While 1.38 is stable, newer versions have dramatically improved the game. If you are sticking with 1.38 for a specific mod, that's understandable. However, be aware that: Malware: Files often bundle Trojans, ransomware, or coin

  • Version 1.39 introduced Convoy multiplayer (native online driving without third-party tools).
  • Version 1.40 introduced a full lighting update with new flares, headlights, and weather.
  • Version 1.41+ added mod support for Convoy sessions.

By staying on 1.38, you miss official multiplayer, train cable cars, and the Iberian Peninsula.