BeamNG.drive launched on PlayStation 5 on October 19, 2026, bringing its realistic vehicle physics, detailed crash simulations, and open-world driving experience to Sony’s current-generation console. The release marks the driving simulator’s debut on PlayStation, giving console players access to a game previously best known for its PC experience.
The PS5 launch also arrives alongside BeamNG.drive Version 0.40, a major update that introduces local split-screen multiplayer, a new truck, graphics improvements, and additional gameplay refinements. However, players should note that virtual reality support and user-created mods are not available on PS5 at launch.
BeamNG.drive PS5 Release Date and Availability
BeamNG.drive officially arrived on PS5 on October 19, 2026. The release date was confirmed by the development team in September and is also listed on the official PlayStation website.
The PlayStation 5 version is being released through Early Access. This means the game is still under active development, and players can expect its features and overall experience to evolve through future updates.
Players can check the official PlayStation Store listing for current regional availability, pricing, and purchasing options. The game is listed as a PS5 title, with offline play supported.
Four-Player Split-Screen Multiplayer Comes to PS5
One of the biggest additions arriving with Version 0.40 is local split-screen multiplayer. On PS5, up to four players can play together on the same console, making the game more accessible for friends and families who want to share the driving experience.
Players can explore environments in Freeroam or choose from several split-screen game modes. These include racing, drag racing, pursuit, derby, drifting, rock crawling, and soccer. Each mode offers a different way to use the game’s vehicle physics and driving mechanics.
In Freeroam, players can explore the map together, experiment with different vehicles, and create their own driving challenges. The feature adds a new local multiplayer option to a simulator traditionally associated with solo experimentation.
Realistic Car Crashes and Vehicle Physics Remain the Main Attraction
BeamNG.drive is known for its soft-body physics system, which simulates vehicle components and their reactions to forces in real time. Instead of relying solely on scripted crash animations, the game calculates vehicle deformation and damage based on how a collision occurs.
This physics-based approach affects more than crashes. Vehicle handling, suspension movement, body deformation, and the consequences of impacts all contribute to the driving experience. Players can experiment with different vehicles, test their limits, and explore how changes in conditions affect performance.
The PS5 version brings this central gameplay concept to console players, alongside a collection of customizable vehicles and environments. Available activities include free driving, scenarios, and time trials, giving players options beyond simply testing crash physics.
Version 0.40 Adds a New Truck and Other Improvements
The PS5 debut coincides with BeamNG.drive Version 0.40, which was released on October 19, 2026. The update introduces several additions and improvements to the broader game.
- Local split-screen: Supports up to four players on PS5, with additional multiplayer options on PC.
- New truck: The Cherrier Percheron, a full-size European cab-over semi-truck with configurable chassis and trailer options.
- Graphics improvements: New anti-aliasing and upscaling options, along with refinements to lighting, reflections, and shadows.
- Vehicle occupants: Physical occupants add another layer to the game’s vehicle simulation.
- Gameplay refinements: The update includes onboarding, interface, vehicle, and environment improvements.
Although these additions form part of the wider Version 0.40 update, PC and PS5 feature availability is not identical. Players should check platform-specific information before assuming every PC feature is available on the console version.
Are Mods and VR Supported on PS5?
No. BeamNG.drive’s developer confirmed that user-created mods and virtual reality would not be supported on PS5 at launch. This is an important difference for players familiar with the PC version, where community-created content and VR are part of the broader experience.
The developer has said it aims to move toward feature parity across platforms where possible over the longer term. However, it has not confirmed the timing or scope of future additions, so players should not treat console mod support or VR availability as guaranteed features with a set release date.
What PS5 Players Should Know Before Buying
BeamNG.drive offers a different experience from traditional racing games built primarily around fixed tracks and competitive events. Its emphasis on realistic physics, vehicle experimentation, open environments, and crash simulation makes it appealing to players who enjoy testing how cars behave under different conditions.
The addition of local split-screen also gives PS5 players a way to experience the game with others on the same console. At the same time, the Early Access label is worth considering: the game remains in development, and its feature set may change as updates arrive.
Potential buyers should review the current PlayStation Store listing for the latest price, regional availability, and product information. Players who rely on PC mods or VR should also understand that those features are unavailable on the PS5 version at launch.
BeamNG.drive PS5 Release: Final Takeaway
BeamNG.drive’s October 19, 2026, PS5 launch brings its distinctive vehicle simulation and realistic crash physics to PlayStation for the first time. The release is strengthened by four-player local split-screen, the Version 0.40 update, and a range of gameplay and graphics improvements.
However, the PS5 version launches without mods and VR support, and it remains an Early Access release. For players interested in realistic driving physics, vehicle customization, and creative crash experiments, BeamNG.drive offers a new console option, with future platform updates still to be determined.