The vast driving simulator, which is known for its crunching damage physics and detailed recreations of varied vehicle types, has today (29th July 2026) released a significant Version 0.39 early access patch.
This is available now for PC, while development for the PlayStation 5 version continues, with the aim of a 2026 release.
There is a long, long, list of changes and fixes, which were teased as “one of the most ambitious updates in BeamNG’s history” in May.
The changes are so vast, we recommend you visit the official Beam website for all of the details, but here are four of the main additions:
Graphics and Lighting overhaul
Perhaps the most immediately noticeable change is sharper visuals. This is thanks to a combination of factors, including a new shadow system, volumetric clouds, further HDR optimisation, a physically-based night sky and fresh ambient lighting systems.
The development team even claims that when dark, the Milky Way has been rendered, “fully synchronised with latitude, longitude, date, and time of day.”
It’s not just the night’s sky that’s better lit, but vehicle lights have been changed, with “realistic light patterns”. The West Coast USA level now has night lighting.
New user interface and photo mode
The layout of the UI has also been overhauled, with gamepad users in mind. Not just for pause or game options, but in the photo mode too.
Is it a coincidence that the PS5 version is in development too? Nope. But hey, PC players can benefit too if items are easier to find and more legible, which is the stated aim here.
When taking pictures, there is the ability to save presets, there’s a ‘flash’ feature and, most importantly, motion capture for that blurred background aesthetic.
We’re going to throw in here, just as it pertains to usability, that freeroam now has a tutorial.
New Cherrier Ardente car
Sure, there are important quality-of-life changes, but we all like some new content too.
This time, in BeamNG’s long list of fictional vehicles is the Cherrier Ardente.
It reminds us of a prior-generation Honda Civic coupe, with hints of a Peugeot RCZ or Nissan 350Z at the rear, and looks particularly aggressive in its rally form.
There are 19 configurations. Got to love that, Beam.
More rally. Proper rally
Speaking of rally, this mode has been expanded too.
The NGRC Rally Utah 2026 has been added as a complete gravel event look, with a total distance of 30km, of which 16.4km is stage.
Perhaps best known for being Chris Ingram’s co-driver in recent years, real-world co-driver Alex Kihurani has written and voiced the route, with over 200 unique calls. Oh, and every pacenote can be edited, too. Impressive.
The Traxion team is more excited about this new feature than any other in this update.
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