Adding new cars to BeamNG.drive is a straightforward process that involves downloading mods (user-created modifications) and placing the correct files into the game's dedicated "mods" folder. The core method is to download a vehicle mod, which usually comes as a .zip file, and then unzip it directly into your BeamNG user folder without extracting the contents first. The game will then automatically detect and load the new vehicle the next time you launch it.
The most reliable source for these mods is the official BeamNG.drive repository, which ensures the vehicles are safe, regularly updated, and compatible with the current game version. After installing a mod, you can find your new cars in the Vehicle Selector menu within the game.
Here is a comparison of popular mod types and their typical characteristics to help you choose:
| Mod Type | Typical File Size | Vehicle Complexity | Game Version Compatibility | Source Reliability |
|---|
| Official Repository Mod | 5 MB - 50 MB | High (Detailed JBeam) | Excellent | Official/High |
| Community Forum Mod | 10 MB - 200 MB | Varies (Basic to High) | Good to Fair | Community-Driven/Medium |
| Third-Party Site Mod | 2 MB - 100 MB | Often Basic | Often Outdated/Poor | Low/Risk of Malware |
| Realistic Replica Pack | 100 MB - 1 GB+ | Very High (Custom Sounds/Physics) | Requires Specific Version | Varies/Check Reviews |
| Joke/Novelty Vehicle | 1 MB - 20 MB | Simple | Fair | Low Priority for Updates |
Before adding any mod, it's a good practice to back up your save files located in the user folder. Some complex mods might require other "dependency" mods to function correctly, so always read the mod's description page thoroughly. If a newly added car causes the game to crash or doesn't appear, the first step is to remove the mod and check for conflicts with other installed mods. The modding community is very active, so searching the official forums for specific error messages usually leads to a solution.
