Euro Truck Simulator 2 is not just a game, but a whole world where everyone can feel like a real truck driver. Since its release in 2012, the simulator from the Czech studio SCS Software won millions of fans around the world. There is no shooting or racing here, but there is unique atmosphere of European roads, realistic truck physics and economic strategy, which keeps players coming back for more.

Unlike arcade racing, ETS2 requires patience, attention to detail and the ability to plan routes. You're not just driving a car—you're running your own trucking business: buying trucks, hiring drivers, expanding your fleet, and competing with other companies. The game is also famous for its mods, which can radically change gameplay - from new maps to realistic weather conditions.

But how not to get lost in this world? How to earn your first money, choose the right truck or customize the controls for yourself? In this guide we will cover all aspects Euro Truck Simulator 2 - from basic mechanics to advanced tactics for experienced players.

1. Where to start in ETS2: first steps and choosing a game mode

On first launch ETS2 you will be greeted by a menu with several start options. Beginners are advised to start with quick task (Quick Job) to understand the basic controls and physics. Here you take a company truck, complete the order and receive payment - without risks or investments. It's the perfect way to practice parking, trailer control and map navigation.

However, the real gameplay is revealed in the mode careers (Career). Here you start from scratch: take out a loan for your first truck, fulfill orders and gradually develop your business. It is important to choose the right starting location - e.g. Germany or Netherlands offer a lot of orders for beginners, while Scandinavia or Italy more difficult due to mountain roads.

  • 🚛 Quick task — training without financial risks.
  • 💼 Career — business development from scratch (recommended for full immersion).
  • 🌍 Free ride — you just drive around the map without goals.
  • 🔧 Profile editor — difficulty settings (realistic controls, damage, etc.).
⚠️ Attention: If you choose career mode, don't rush to take out a loan for the most expensive truck. Start with used Volvo FH16 or Scania R470 — they are reliable and economical for the first orders.

2. Choosing a truck: which one is better for beginners and professionals

B ETS2 licensed models from leading European manufacturers are presented: Volvo, Scania, Mercedes-Benz, DAF, MAN, Iveco and Renault. Each truck has unique characteristics according to power, fuel consumption, comfort and price. Beginners should pay attention to:

  • 🔹 Scania R470 — a balanced model with good traction and fuel efficiency.
  • 🔹 Volvo FH16 — powerful (600+ hp), but expensive to maintain.
  • 🔹 DAF XF 105 — a budget option with low fuel consumption.
  • 🔹 Mercedes-Benz Actros — comfortable, but requires careful driving.

When purchasing, pay attention to:

  1. Engine: The more powerful, the easier it is to pull heavy loads, but the higher the fuel consumption.
  2. Gearbox: automatic (Automatic) easier for beginners, mechanics (Manual) or Manual with Range Splitter - for realists.
  3. Suspension: Air Suspension more comfortable, but more expensive to repair.
  4. Cabin: Day Cab Cheaper, but not suitable for long-haul flights (no sleeper).
Truck model Power (hp) Fuel consumption (l/100 km) Price (new) Recommendation
Scania R470 470 28-32 €180,000 The best choice to start
Volvo FH16 750 750 35-40 €250,000 For experienced players and heavy loads
DAF XF 105 530 25-29 €150,000 Economical option
Mercedes-Benz Actros 625 30-34 €220,000 Comfort and style
📊 Which truck do you prefer in ETS2?
Scania
Volvo
DAF
Mercedes-Benz
MAN
Other

3. Controls and settings: how to make driving realistic

Management in ETS2 can be customized to suit any style - from arcade to the most realistic. On the menu Options → Controls you will find options for:

  • 🎮 Gamepad/steering wheel: sensitivity, feedback, vibration strength.
  • ⌨️ Keyboards: Key assignment for horn, light, cruise control.
  • 🖱️ Mice: camera control, zoom.

For complete immersion it is recommended:

  1. Enable realistic physics in Gameplay Settings (damage, tire wear, speed limit).
  2. Use steering wheel with feedback (for example, Logitech G29 or Thrustmaster T150).
  3. Customize gearbox on Manual with Range + Splitter for complete control.
  4. Disable helpers: Trailer Stability, Auto Parking.
⚠️ Attention: If you play on a keyboard, assign separate keys to Retarder (moderator) and Engine Brake (engine brake). This will greatly facilitate descents from mountains and save brake pads.

Disable assistants (Trailer Stability, Auto Parking)|Assign keys for Retarder and Engine Brake|Enable tire damage and wear|Adjust steering feedback (if available)|Set Manual with Range + Splitter-->

4. Map and routes: how to plan flights and save time

Map to ETS2 is a virtual Europe with detailed roads, cities and attractions. At the time of the base game's release (2012), 12 countries were available, but thanks to the DLC, this number increased to 20+, including Scandinavia, Italy, Spain and even part Russia (in fashion RusMap).

To plan routes effectively:

  • 🗺️ Use built-in GPS (F3), but remember: it sometimes leads on toll roads.
  • ⏱️ Consider time of day: less traffic at night, but higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel (if turned on) Fatigue Simulator).
  • ⛽ Refuel at cheap gas stations (prices vary by country).
  • 🚧 Avoid mountain roads with a heavy load - fuel consumption will increase by 1.5-2 times.

The secret of experienced players: combine orders so that way back was not empty. For example, you are transporting furniture from Berlin in Paris? Looking for a return delivery order wine or cheese to France. This will save fuel and increase profits.

💡

Use the mod TruckersMP for multiplayer mode - this way you can ride in convoys with other players and share useful routes.

5. Economics and business: how to earn more and develop a company

B ETS2 money is the key to success. At the start, you take out a loan for a truck and fulfill orders, but over time you can expand:

  • 🏢 Buying garages: allow you to park trucks in different cities and take local orders without “empty” runs.
  • 👨‍💼 Hire drivers: They work on your trucks while you sleep or fulfill your order.
  • 🔧 Truck upgrade: A new engine, improved transmission or sleeper improves efficiency.
  • 📦 Specialization in cargo: some types (eg ADR - dangerous goods) bring more money, but require a license.

Financial tips:

  1. Don't take out a loan for a second truck until you've paid off the first.
  2. Invest in garages in major cities (for example, Amsterdam, Munich, Madrid).
  3. Buy used trucks for drivers - they are cheaper, and the profit is almost the same.
  4. Follow fuel price: in some countries (eg Russia in fashion RusMap) it is 20-30% cheaper.
Source of income Profit (€/hour) Investments Risks
Personal transportation 1,500–3,000 Truck (€150K+) Damage, fines
Hired drivers 500–1,200 (per driver) Truck + salary Wear and tear of equipment
ADR cargo 4,000–6,000 License (€20K) High fines for accidents
Own garage Passive income €50K–€200K No
💡

Hired drivers bring passive income, but their effectiveness depends on the chosen truck and route. Optimally - 1 driver for 1-2 of your personal trucks.

6. Mods and add-ons: how to improve ETS2

One of the main advantages ETS2 - this is fashion, which can radically change the game. They are divided into several categories:

  • 🗺️ Maps: RusMap (Russia), Promods (extended Europe), Southern Region (Balkans).
  • 🚛 Trucks: new models (Volvo FH 2020, Scania S) or tuning existing ones.
  • 🌧️ Weather and graphics: Realistic Weather Mod, Next-Gen Graphics.
  • 🎵 Sound: improved engine sounds (Sound Fixes Pack).
  • 🤖 AI: Improved Traffic (realistic car movement).

How to install mods:

  1. Download the mod from a trusted site (for example, ETS2.LT or official SCS forum).
  2. Unzip the file into a folder Documents/Euro Truck Simulator 2/mod.
  3. Activate the mod in Mod Manager (in the main menu of the game).
⚠️ Attention: Some mods may conflict with each other. For example, Promods and RusMap require the correct boot order (first Promods, then RusMap). Always read the authors' instructions!
How to avoid bugs with mods?

If after installing mods the game crashes or artifacts appear:

1. Check mod compatibility (eg Promods and RusMap must be the same version).

2. Disable all mods and enable one at a time to find the conflicting one.

3. Delete the folder Documents/Euro Truck Simulator 2/profiles (the saves will remain, but the settings will be reset).

4. Update the game via Steam to the latest version.

7. Tips for beginners: how not to go broke and not fall asleep at the wheel

First hours in ETS2 can be difficult: little money, unfamiliar roads, constant fines. Here are some tips to avoid mistakes:

  • 💰 Do not take out a loan for the maximum amount — leave a reserve for repairs and fuel.
  • ⛽ Refuel with a full tank before long flights (in the mountains, fuel consumption doubles).
  • 🚔 Obey the speed limit: fines for excess eat into profits (in some countries, e.g. Switzerland, they are especially tall).
  • 😴 Rest on time: if enabled Fatigue Simulator, ignoring fatigue leads to accidents.
  • 🔧 Check the truck before the trip: Low oil levels or worn brakes can result in breakdowns along the way.

Another important point: insurance. In career mode, it covers damage in case of accidents, but its value depends on your safety rating. The more carefully you drive, the cheaper the insurance. If you often get into accidents, its price can rise to €5,000+ for the flight!

💡

Use the key F7 for quick saving. This will save your progress if the game closes unexpectedly or you make a mistake.

8. Multiplayer and community

Euro Truck Simulator 2 you can play not only alone, but also with other players thanks to the mod TruckersMP. This is a separate launcher that allows you to:

  • 🚚 Ride to convoys with friends or random players.
  • 🗣️ Chat via voice chat (Discord or built into the game).
  • 🏆 Participate in events (for example, mass deliveries or races).
  • 📸 Do screenshots with other players against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes.

However, there are also nuances:

  • ⚠️ On servers TruckersMP act rules: collisions, road blocking, insults are prohibited.
  • 🔒 Some servers require registration and compliance with speed limits.
  • 🛠️ For stable operation you need good connection (ping below 150ms).

It's also worth joining community ETS2:

  • 🌐 Official SCS Forum — news, guides, discussion of mods.
  • 📺 YouTube - channels like ETS2 Studio or Truck Simulator Videos publish reviews of mods and walkthroughs.
  • 💬 Discord TruckersMP — chat for finding travel companions and events.
💡

Multiplayer mode adds a social aspect, but requires discipline. Violating the rules may result in a ban on the servers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Euro Truck Simulator 2

🔹 How to reset progress and start again?

Delete the save folder along the path Documents/Euro Truck Simulator 2/profiles. The next time you launch the game, it will create a new profile.

🔹 Why doesn’t the truck pull uphill?

The reasons may be the following:

  • The load is too heavy (check the weight in F1).
  • Weak engine (needs upgrade to 500+ hp).
  • Incorrect gear selected (use Retarder and Engine Brake).
  • Worn tires (check in garage menu).
🔹 How to enable Russian language in the game?

Russian language is officially supported. To activate it:

  1. Launch Steam.
  2. PCM by Euro Truck Simulator 2 → Properties → Language.
  3. Select Russian and wait for the language pack to download.

For mods (eg RusMap) Russian language can be installed separately.

🔹 Is it possible to play ETS2 without a steering wheel?

Yes, the game is fully adapted for keyboard and gamepad. Optimal settings for the keyboard:

  • W/A/S/D - movement.
  • Arrows or mouse — camera control.
  • Space - brake, C — handbrake.
  • F2 — turn on/off the engine.

For convenience, assign keys to cruise control (Cruise Control) and switching headlights (Lights).

🔹Where can I download free mods for ETS2?

Verified sources:

⚠️ Avoid sites with “hacked” mods - they may contain viruses.