BeamNG.drive is making ready one in every of its most vital updates with model 0.40, introducing main efficiency optimizations, new graphics applied sciences, a European semi-truck and native split-screen multiplayer.
In an intensive preview, YouTuber MuYe examined a pre-release construct and recorded a mean 27% body price enchancment throughout all 15 maps on two completely different PCs. The replace additionally brings NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR 3, Intel XeSS, screen-space reflections and quite a few gameplay enhancements. BeamNG.drive launches on PlayStation 5 on October 19, 2026, with the PC replace anticipated across the identical date.
Model 0.40 follows the controversial 0.39 replace, which launched substantial graphical enhancements but in addition prompted efficiency issues for some gamers. In accordance with MuYe’s testing, model 0.39 ran roughly 20% slower than 0.38 on common, even with out mods put in. Whereas subsequent hotfixes delivered some enhancements, model 0.40 seems to symbolize a way more important step ahead in optimization.
Main Efficiency Enhancements and New Upscaling Applied sciences
One of many greatest modifications in BeamNG.drive 0.40 is the introduction of bindless rendering. This system permits the graphics card to entry sources akin to textures extra immediately, lowering the work required from the CPU. The replace additionally introduces GPU culling for instanced objects, transferring a part of the method of figuring out which objects must be rendered from the CPU to the GPU.
MuYe examined the replace utilizing two techniques outfitted with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 and RTX 4070 Tremendous graphics playing cards. Throughout all 15 maps, each techniques achieved a mean efficiency enchancment of roughly 27% in contrast with model 0.39. On the RTX 4090 system, good points ranged from 22% at Automation Take a look at Monitor to 33% in Utah, whereas West Coast USA and Italy additionally confirmed substantial enhancements.
These figures come from MuYe’s personal benchmarks utilizing a pre-release model of the replace and shouldn’t be interpreted as assured outcomes for each PC. Totally different {hardware} configurations, graphics settings and gameplay circumstances could produce completely different outcomes. However, the consistency of the enhancements throughout two separate techniques means that the rendering optimizations may benefit a variety of gamers.
There are additionally variations between graphics APIs. Within the checks introduced, Direct3D 12 delivered a 37% efficiency enchancment between variations 0.39 and 0.40, in contrast with 22% utilizing Vulkan. MuYe additionally reported roughly 23% higher efficiency per watt with Direct3D 12, whereas noting that the builders have labored on bettering the API’s stability, notably with AMD graphics playing cards.
One other main addition is help for contemporary anti-aliasing and upscaling applied sciences. Gamers will have the ability to select between Temporal SMAA, AMD FSR 3, Intel XeSS and NVIDIA DLSS on suitable {hardware}. The replace additionally introduces decision scaling and sharpening controls, offering extra flexibility when balancing picture high quality and efficiency.
In MuYe’s visible comparisons, DLSS delivered the sharpest and most secure picture, notably when rendering tremendous particulars akin to fences and distant suspension cables. With DLSS set to 67% decision scaling, each examined techniques achieved roughly 20% increased body charges whereas sustaining picture high quality that the creator discovered troublesome to differentiate from native decision. Decrease scaling values produced bigger efficiency good points, though additionally they launched extra seen artifacts and decreased the precision of sure screen-space results.
AMD FSR 3 and Intel XeSS additionally confirmed important enhancements over the sport’s earlier anti-aliasing choices. FSR 3 provided good picture readability however exhibited some shimmering in particular conditions, whereas XeSS typically produced a extra secure however barely softer picture within the checks. Temporal SMAA remained the least demanding choice, though its reconstruction of tremendous particulars was much less efficient.
Loading occasions have additionally been improved. MuYe reported that getting into maps akin to West Coast USA and Gridmap v2 might take almost half so long as in model 0.39. Further optimizations have an effect on foliage collisions, whereas the general efficiency enhancements seem to increase past particular person maps or environments.
Display screen-House Reflections and Improved Lighting
BeamNG.drive 0.40 introduces screen-space reflections, including extra detailed real-time reflections to autos and their environment. The impact will be seen on water, glass, metallic surfaces, bodywork and even sure supplies that aren’t extremely reflective. Car interiors additionally profit, with objects akin to dashboard switches and trim parts displaying further mirrored element.
Not like the prevailing dynamic reflection system, the brand new screen-space reflections can improve the looks of different autos in a scene, together with AI site visitors. Nevertheless, the know-how has limitations as a result of it may well solely mirror info at present accessible on the display screen. It additionally carries a efficiency value, which reached roughly 30% in a few of MuYe’s checks, though upscaling may also help compensate for the extra GPU load.
The replace additionally introduces specular occlusion, bettering how reflections behave in areas the place surrounding surfaces prohibit mirrored mild. Present shadow rendering has been refined to provide sharper and extra secure outcomes, whereas ambient occlusion is extra exact and fewer noisy. Changes to ambient lighting and automated publicity are meant to make environments look extra pure all through the day.
Dawn and sundown lighting present notably noticeable enhancements within the preview. Brilliant environments akin to Johnson Valley are dealt with extra successfully, and nighttime highlights are typically higher managed. Some publicity issues stay in particular conditions, together with closely shaded forests and areas illuminated by sturdy synthetic lights.
Dynamic reflection settings have been simplified, and the graphics choices now embrace up to date system and GPU reminiscence info. These modifications accompany the efficiency enhancements launched by the brand new rendering pipeline.
BeamNG’s New European Semi-Truck
The most important automobile addition in model 0.40 is the Cherrier Percheron, a brand new European-style semi-truck impressed by heavy industrial autos from the early 2000s. It encompasses a detailed cab-over-engine design, intensive mechanical simulation and quite a few interactive parts. The Percheron represents a major enlargement of BeamNG.drive’s heavy automobile lineup, introducing a unique driving expertise from the prevailing American-style vehicles.
The truck is powered by a 12.8-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine, producing between 300 and 500 horsepower relying on the configuration. Transmission choices embrace a 12-speed handbook and a seven-speed automated. The automobile additionally encompasses a retarder system, permitting drivers to manage velocity throughout descents with out relying completely on typical brakes.
Mechanical particulars lengthen past the powertrain. Gamers can tilt the cab ahead to entry the engine, open the entrance service panel, transfer hinged headlight assemblies and work together with varied exterior parts. The cab suspension is bodily simulated, whereas the detailed inside consists of adjustable steering controls, lighting techniques, cruise management, differential controls and quite a few useful switches.
The Percheron additionally introduces extra exact interplay areas that comply with the shapes of particular person controls quite than counting on the acquainted rectangular interplay packing containers. This makes working door handles, switches and different parts extra intuitive. Within the pre-release construct, nevertheless, the brand new interplay system is primarily carried out on the Percheron quite than throughout your complete automobile roster.
MuYe’s preview exhibits 21 configurations, together with tractor models, field vehicles, flatbeds, concrete mixers and tankers. A set of recent European-style trailers accompanies the automobile, that includes detailed suspension and chassis parts, with some configurations incorporating steering axles. Though the preliminary choice covers a number of transport functions, further automobile our bodies, liveries and specialised trailers haven’t been confirmed.
Different automobile modifications embrace a brand new driving-school configuration that includes instructor-side pedals, though the extra controls are usually not independently operable within the preview. A number of automobile lighting particulars have additionally been refined, alongside changes to automobile audio.
Break up-Display screen Multiplayer, New Characters and Map Enhancements
One other main addition is native split-screen multiplayer, permitting a number of gamers to drive concurrently on the identical system. The PlayStation 5 model helps as much as 4 gamers, whereas the PC implementation proven within the preview doesn’t have the identical mounted four-player software program restrict. Precise PC participant counts will rely on accessible {hardware} sources and efficiency.
Break up-screen will be launched from the principle menu or immediately from Free Roam. The function consists of a number of display screen layouts and devoted actions, together with a soccer mode with its personal small taking part in space. A simplified interface has been developed for multiplayer periods, though dynamic reflections and dynamic mirrors are disabled in split-screen to scale back the graphics workload.
There are additionally gameplay limitations within the pre-release construct. The variety of further spawned objects is restricted by the participant rely, which may make sure sandbox actions tougher. Regardless of these limitations, split-screen represents an necessary addition for native multiplayer, notably for the upcoming console model.
Model 0.40 additionally introduces redesigned participant characters, changing the acquainted easy figures with extra detailed crash-test-style dummies. Every character weighs roughly 86 kg, affecting the physics and efficiency of light-weight autos when seated inside them. Gamers can customise their look with completely different colours and 17 facial expressions, or return to the earlier character design.
Italy receives an intensive nighttime lighting replace, illuminating roads, buildings and recognizable landmarks akin to bridges, church buildings, the citadel and the quarry. The ambiance has additionally been adjusted, with cloud protection higher reflecting the standard circumstances of every location. Automation Take a look at Monitor and Hirochi Raceway obtain prolonged surrounding terrain, permitting drivers to proceed past their unique boundaries.
The consumer interface has undergone one other redesign, introducing a revised fundamental menu and a welcome display screen for brand spanking new gamers. A brand new First Drive tutorial helps introduce the simulation, whereas preliminary setup choices embrace language, measurement models and interface scaling. Car choice thumbnails have been up to date, and the tuning interface encompasses a new digicam system designed to work extra successfully with controllers.
Further quality-of-life modifications embrace extra exact part-selection visuals, a devoted seating menu for including and eradicating dummies, adjustable ambient temperature settings and up to date automobile audio balancing. The ambient temperature choice is especially related for experimenting with engine behaviour and chilly begins. BeamNG.drive additionally good points native compatibility with Home windows on ARM techniques.
Different smaller additions proven within the preview embrace new missions, a Rexy statue, German license plate inspection stickers and refinements to automobile lighting. Dynamic audio output switching can be accessible, permitting customers to vary playback gadgets with out restarting the sport, though MuYe notes that this performance was already launched in the course of the 0.39 replace cycle.
BeamNG.drive will arrive on PlayStation 5 on October 19, 2026, with native multiplayer help for as much as 4 gamers. The developer has confirmed that mods and VR is not going to be supported on PS5 at launch. On PC, model 0.40 is predicted across the identical date, though the developer has not assured an an identical launch day for each platforms.
The knowledge introduced right here comes primarily from MuYe’s intensive hands-on preview of a pre-release construct. Options, efficiency figures and sure implementation particulars could change earlier than the ultimate model turns into accessible. Additional details about the console launch will be discovered within the official BeamNG.drive announcement, whereas our previous coverage of the PS5 Pro gameplay offers an earlier have a look at the console model.
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