If you already own the game, switch to the 1.40 legacy beta branch to lock in your mods. If you are a new player, download the full game via Steam, let it update to the latest version (which includes all v1.40 improvements plus more), and start building your trucking empire.

Once you have downloaded the official game files, follow these optimization steps to ensure smooth gameplay with the v1.40 lighting system:

By default, Steam installs the latest stable release. If you specifically need version 1.40 for older mod compatibility, right-click the game in your library, go to , select the Betas tab, and choose temporary_1_40 - 1.40 x for incompatible mods from the dropdown menu. Method 2: Third-Party Digital Retailers

Pirated copies cannot connect to the Steam Workshop, making it incredibly difficult to install popular mods.

Wet surfaces, truck paint, and mirrors reflect light more accurately.

Enhances the engine and ambient noises to match the new lighting visuals.

If you already own the game on Steam, your client will automatically download the v1.40 update.

Developed and published by SCS Software, American Truck Simulator puts you behind the wheel of a variety of licensed American trucks. The core gameplay is a engaging mix of logistics, time management, and pure driving. Starting as a hired driver, you take on jobs to haul freight across scaled-down versions of U.S. states, navigating realistic road networks while obeying traffic laws. The goal is to earn money, upgrade your rig, purchase garages, and eventually build your own trucking empire. The game is lauded for its deep simulation, attention to detail, and a massive modding community that constantly expands its horizons.

Headlights no longer look like they are merely "painted" on the ground. They interact with the environment, creating dynamic shadows, while beacons are less blinding.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started with American Truck Simulator v140:

Surprisingly, some veteran drivers dislike v1.40’s new lighting (they find it “too dark” at night). If you need to revert to v1.39 for mod compatibility:

The update was a turning point that brought the game closer to true simulation realism. With its new lighting engine, better visuals, and improved AI, it changed the way players experience the highways of America.

In previous versions, lighting was static and often looked "flat" during dawn or dusk. In , the developers introduced a Physically Based Lighting system. This means:

If you are looking for the version, here is everything you need to know about what makes this update a must-have for every virtual trucker. What’s New in v1.40?

v1.40 kicked off the massive project of updating the game’s oldest map sections. This version specifically saw major improvements to cities and roads in Northern California.

1. What’s New in the American Truck Simulator 1.40 Update?

Whether you’re a veteran of the open road or a newcomer looking to start your own logistics empire, the update remains one of the most significant milestones in the game's history. Released by SCS Software, this version fundamentally changed the visual landscape of the simulator, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.