Whether you’re a veteran of the open road or a newcomer looking to start your own logistics empire, the American Truck Simulator v1.40 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.
In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes the v1.40 update so special and how you can get your hands on the full version to experience the American West like never before. Why the v1.40 Update is a Game-Changer
The jump to version 1.40 wasn't just a minor patch; it introduced a complete visual overhaul through a new lighting system.
New Visual Lighting System: SCS implemented a sophisticated light system that uses real-world physical values. This means the way sunlight hits your chrome, the intensity of streetlights at night, and the atmospheric haze during a California sunset look more realistic than ever.
California Reskin (Phase 1): 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.
Chassis Options: New 4x2, 8x4, and 8x6 chassis options were added for various trucks, allowing for better heavy-haul customization.
Western Star 49X Update: Owners of the Western Star 49X saw new cabin options and sleeper configurations added in this version. American Truck Simulator v1.40 System Requirements
Before you look for the download, ensure your PC can handle the improved lighting engine: Requirement Recommended OS Windows 7 64-bit Windows 10 64-bit Processor Dual Core CPU 2.4 GHz Quad Core CPU 3.0 GHz Memory Graphics GeForce GTS 450-class GeForce GTX 760-class Storage 7 GB available space 7 GB available space How to Download the Full v1.40 Version
To experience the most stable and feature-complete version of American Truck Simulator, the best method is through official digital distribution platforms. 1. Steam (Recommended)
Steam is the official home for ATS. The benefit of using Steam is that the game updates automatically. Even though the game is currently on a much higher version (like v1.50+), Steam allows you to "roll back" to v1.40 if you need it for specific mod compatibility. Right-click the game in your Library. Select Properties > Betas.
Choose temporary_1_40 - 1.40.x for incompatible mods from the dropdown menu. 2. Official Website
You can purchase the game directly from americantrucksimulator.com. This usually provides you with a key for Steam or a standalone installer. 3. Why Avoid "Free Full Download" Sites?
Searching for "American Truck Simulator v1.40 download full" often leads to third-party "crack" sites. We strongly recommend avoiding these for several reasons:
Security Risks: These installers often contain malware or miners that can damage your PC.
No Multiplayer: You will be locked out of the official Convoy mode (multiplayer) introduced in later 1.40 builds.
Broken Mods: Most of the best ATS mods (ProMods Canada, etc.) require a verified version of the game files to run correctly. Essential v1.40 Mods to Consider
If you are sticking with v1.40 for specific reasons, don't miss out on these mods: Coast to Coast: Expands the map across the entire US.
Real Sound Fixes: Enhances the engine and ambient noises to match the new lighting visuals.
SiSL's Mega Pack: Adds hundreds of cabin accessories for that personal touch. Final Thoughts
American Truck Simulator v1.40 is the version that brought the "soul" to the game's visuals. Whether you're hauling freight through the Mojave Desert or navigating the foggy docks of Washington, the lighting and chassis updates make every mile feel authentic.
American Truck Simulator (ATS) remains the gold standard for long-haul simulation, and the v1.40 update is one of its most significant milestones. This version introduced a massive visual overhaul that changed how the game looks and feels.
If you are looking to get back behind the wheel, here is everything you need to know about the v1.40 experience. 💡 The Highlight: New Lighting System
The centerpiece of v1.40 is the completely revamped visual lighting system. american truck simulator v140 download full
Dynamic Sun Cycles: Shadows and highlights now shift realistically based on the sun's position.
Weather Effects: Rain and fog look more immersive with improved light scattering.
Realistic Textures: Truck paint and chrome surfaces reflect the world with stunning accuracy. 🗺️ Expanded Territory
This update wasn't just about looks; it expanded the road network and refined existing areas.
Northern California Reskin: Major cities like San Francisco and Sacramento received layout updates.
Chassis Options: New 4x2, 8x4, and 8x6 chassis options were added for various trucks.
Western Star 49X: Better integration and customization for this heavy-duty favorite. 🛠️ How to Download and Update
To get the full version of ATS v1.40, the process depends on your platform. For Steam Users (Recommended) Open your Steam Library. Right-click American Truck Simulator. Select Properties > Updates. Set to "Always keep this game updated."
To play a specific older version, go to the Betas tab and select temporary_1_40 from the dropdown. System Requirements OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit CPU: Dual core 2.4 GHz (Quad core 3.0 GHz recommended) RAM: 4 GB (8 GB recommended) GPU: GeForce GTS 450 (GTX 760 recommended)
📍 Note on Mods: Version 1.40 changed how lighting works on 3D models. If you are downloading old mods, ensure they have been updated for 1.40, or you may see "missing texture" errors or broken lighting.
If you’d like to find map expansion mods compatible with this version or need a step-by-step guide for installing custom trucks, just let me know!
American Truck Simulator (ATS) update v1.40 was a major visual and technical overhaul released by SCS Software
in early 2021. To download the full game or update to the latest version (currently at v1.58 as of 2026 ), players should use official platforms like the American Truck Simulator Steam page to ensure security and access to all DLC content Key Features of v1.40
Update 1.40 introduced critical improvements that transformed the driving experience: New Visual Lighting System
: A massive technical update that added dynamic exposure and realistic reflections. Day/Night Cycles
: The light reacts realistically to the environment, particularly during sunsets and evenings with improved bloom effects for headlights and dashboards. Technical Impact
: This new system can be more taxing on GPUs compared to previous versions. Chassis Expansion
: New 4x2, 8x4, and 8x6 chassis options were added for various trucks, including the Western Star 49X, International, Mack, and Peterbilt models. 4x2 chassis
is specifically designed for yard work and tight city navigation due to its sensitive steering and shorter wheelbase. Map Updates
: Significant portions of the map received refreshes to match the new lighting and improve detail in older regions. System Requirements (Current)
While v1.40 was a turning point, the current game requirements (as of April 2026) have been adjusted to support these and subsequent visual updates: Minimum Requirement Recommended (for 1080p/30FPS) Windows 10 (64-bit) Windows 10/11 (64-bit) Intel i5-6400 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200 Intel i5-9600 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 GTX 660 / RX 460 / Intel HD 630 GTX 1660 / Radeon RX 590 (2GB VRAM) 25 GB available space 25 GB available space Official Download & Safety Download Source
: The safest and only official digital distributor for the full, updated version of ATS is Mod Compatibility Whether you’re a veteran of the open road
: Players should note that major version updates (like 1.40) often break older mods. It is recommended to use a mod-free profile when first testing a new update. Multiplayer
: Standard multiplayer (Convoy mode) is integrated, but third-party mods like TruckersMP often require time to update after a version release. or exploring the new map regions added in later updates? American Truck Simulator on Steam
American Truck Simulator (ATS) version 1.40 , released officially on March 24, 2021
, was a transformative update that introduced a completely overhauled visual lighting system and expanded truck customization options. Core Features of Update 1.40
The update focused on graphical fidelity and mechanical variety, significantly impacting the game's realism:
American Truck Simulator (ATS) version 1.40 was a major update released in early 2021
. As the game is now on much newer versions, you can access older versions like 1.40 through the official client if you own the game. SCS Software's blog How to Download ATS v1.40
To get the full version of ATS at a specific older update like 1.40, follow these steps in your Steam library: Open Steam : Go to your and right-click on American Truck Simulator Properties Properties from the dropdown menu. : Click on the tab on the left side of the window. Select Version
: In the "Beta Participation" dropdown, scroll through the list to find temporary_1_40 - 1.40.x for incompatible mods
: Steam will automatically begin downloading the files to revert or set your game to version 1.40. SCS Software's blog Key Features of v1.40
The 1.40 update was a milestone for the simulator, introducing: New Visual Lighting System
: A complete overhaul of how light and weather are rendered in-game. Extended Chassis : New 4x2, 8x4, and 8x6 chassis options for various trucks. Western Star 49X Update : New sleeper cab configurations and components. Purchase Options
If you do not yet own the game, it is available for purchase through several official retailers: Steam Store
: The primary platform for the game, often featuring sales and demos. Humble Store : Frequently offers the game in bundles or at a discount. : Occasionally carries physical or digital codes.
American Truck Simulator 1.40 Open Beta - SCS Software's blog
The American Truck Simulator (ATS) version 1.40 update, released in March 2021, was a major visual and technical overhaul that transformed the game's atmosphere through a brand-new lighting system. Key Features of Update 1.40
This update focused on realism, introducing sophisticated visual changes and expanded customization for players:
Visual Lighting System: A complete rebuild of the game's lighting engine introduced realistic light cycles, improved shadows, and better reflections on buildings and signage.
Western Star 49X Update: The Western Star 49X received a massive expansion, including two new sleeper cabin options and a total of 36 possible combinations of chassis, cabins, and fuel tanks.
Extended Chassis Options: New chassis types (4x2, 8x4, and 8x6) were added across multiple truck brands, allowing for better handling of heavy-haul loads and local distribution.
New Viewpoints: Players with the New Mexico and Oregon DLCs gained access to cinematic "Viewpoints," which trigger in-game cutscenes showcasing local landmarks and industries.
Signage Overhaul: Road signage across states like Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Washington was updated for better visibility and accuracy. How to Download Version 1.40 OS: Windows 7/8
Version 1.40 was a free update for all owners of the base game. While the game has since moved to newer versions (such as v1.50+), you can still access v1.40 through Steam if you need it for specific mods or performance reasons:
Open your Steam Library and right-click on American Truck Simulator. Select Properties, then navigate to the Betas tab.
From the dropdown menu, select temporary_1.40 - 1.40.x for incompatible mods (or a similarly labeled 1.40 branch).
Steam will automatically download the files for that specific version.
Note on Mods: Because of the drastic lighting changes in 1.40, many mods from earlier versions (1.39 and below) are incompatible and may cause visual glitches or crashes.
American Truck Simulator 1.40 Open Beta - SCS Software's blog
American Truck Simulator (ATS) version 1.40 was a major milestone released in early 2021 by SCS Software
. This update fundamentally changed the game's appearance and expanded its technical capabilities. 🛠️ Essential Update Features
The 1.40 update was headlined by a complete overhaul of the game's lighting engine. New Lighting System:
Fully dynamic lighting that reacts to weather, time of day, and physical materials. Chassis Options:
Introduction of 4x2, 8x4, and 8x6 chassis for various trucks. Map Updates:
Significant graphical improvements to California, including the San Francisco Bay Area. Western Star 49X:
New parts and sleeper cabin configurations for this flagship truck. DLC Viewpoints:
Cinematic cameras added to New Mexico and Oregon for sightseeing. 📥 How to Download (Steam)
ATS is a "living" game, meaning it updates automatically to the latest version (currently 1.50+). To access version 1.40 specifically for mod compatibility or performance reasons, you must use Steam's "Betas" system. Open Steam: Navigate to your Right-Click: American Truck Simulator Properties Betas Tab: Look for the dropdown menu under Beta Participation Select Version: temporary_1_40 - 1.40.x for incompatible mods
Steam will automatically download the files for version 1.40. 💻 System Requirements
Version 1.40 increased the graphical load due to the new lighting engine. Minimum Requirement Recommended Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit Windows 10 64-bit Dual Core 2.4 GHz Quad Core 3.0 GHz GeForce GTS 450-class GeForce GTX 760-class ⚠️ Safety Warning: Third-Party Sites
Many websites claim to offer "American Truck Simulator v1.40 Download Full" for free. Be extremely cautious of these sources. Malware Risk:
Unofficial "cracked" installers often contain trojans or miners. Missing Features: Pirated versions lack Steam Workshop support and official multiplayer (Convoy). Legal Purchase: The game is regularly on sale at Humble Store for under $5.00.
The headline feature of v1.40 is the complete rewrite of the game's lighting engine. Older versions relied on baked, static lighting. v1.40 introduces a physically based lighting model.
Version 1.40 marked a significant visual and auditory overhaul for ATS, moving away from the older pre-baked lighting to a more dynamic, realistic system. Below is a comprehensive list of features present in the full v1.40 release.