Launch Euro Truck Simulator 2 and the first trip require the player to clearly understand the interface of the profile selection menu, since this is where the starting capital and available garages are set. Immediately after clicking the “New Game” button, the system will offer to select the driver’s avatar, his name and region to start his career, which will directly affect the logistics of the first orders. It would be a mistake to ignore the choice of a partner company, because starting with Scania or Volvo, you will get access to their dealerships, but will lose bonuses from other brands at the start.
⚠️ Attention: Do not immediately choose the most expensive truck on credit if you are not confident in your parking skills, as fines for cargo damage can quickly drive your balance into the negative.
It’s better to drive the first kilometers in free mode or using “Quick Job” so as not to worry about the integrity of someone else’s goods and get used to the physics of the tractor. In this mode, you drive a rented truck, and the employer bears all costs for fuel and repairs. This is the perfect way to understand like in Eurotruck Simulator 2 you can feel the difference between an empty trailer and a fully loaded one without risking your own money.
Basic camera control and setup
Cockpit interface ETS2 It's full of detail, and it's easy for a newbie to get confused by the numerous indicators on the dashboard. The main focus should be on setting up the cameras, as the standard eye-to-eye view may not be comfortable without adjusting the seat height and steering wheel position. For a comfortable ride, it is recommended to use a third-person view or a “shoulder-mounted” camera, which allows you to better control the dimensions of the trailer when maneuvering.
F1 key switches camera views, and holding the right mouse button allows you to rotate the view without releasing the steering wheel. It is important to remember the hot keys for turning on the lights and turn signals, since in Europe they strictly follow the traffic rules, and driving without the headlights on during the day is also punishable by fines.
- 🚛 Key
W, A, S, Dor arrows - basic tractor control. - 💡 Key
L— switching lighting modes (dimensions, low beam, high beam). - 🔊 Key
E- starting and stopping the engine. - 🚦 Key
B— activation of the alarm system.
Precision parking often requires a view of the hood or bumper, which is activated through the settings menu or by cycling. Many players forget about cruise control, which makes driving on highways much easier without having to keep your finger on the accelerator.
Review Secrets
Hidden camera settings allow you to change the FOV (field of view), which makes the picture more realistic and removes the fish-eye effect that often irritates beginners.
Choosing your first truck and transmission
When you accumulate starting capital or decide to buy your first tractor, the question of choosing between an automatic and manual transmission will arise. In the gameplay settings, you can choose a simplified automatic transmission, where the shift occurs automatically, or a full manual transmission with a clutch. To fully immerse yourself in the simulator, it is better to immediately get used to mechanical box using the clutch, as this gives complete control over the engine power on inclines.
If you use a steering wheel with pedals, adjusting the clutch sensitivity will be key. Throwing the pedal too hard will result in jerking and possible damage to the transmission, while pushing the pedal too slowly will cause the clutch to burn out. In the control menu, you can assign separate buttons for upshift and downshift, which is convenient when playing on a keyboard or gamepad.
| Parameter | Automatic (Simplified) | Automatic (Full) | Mechanics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Low | Average | High |
| Fuel consumption | Above average | Medium | Low (with skill) |
| Speed control | Minimum | Medium | Maximum |
| Realism | Low | Average | High |
When choosing your first truck, you should pay attention to engine power and cab type. Cabin Sleeper Cab will allow your driver to relax right in the car, which saves time on trips to the hotel. Cheap models like DAF XF or Volvo FH past years will be an excellent workhorse for starting a career.
Order search and navigation
The main source of income in the game is completing contracts through the Freight Market. This menu displays a map of the region with available orders, where the type of cargo, distance, weight and reward are indicated. Filters allow you to sort offers by trailer type, urgency or destination, which helps you plan the logistics of getting back to your garage.
⚠️ Attention: Always check the compatibility of your truck with the type of trailer specified in the order, otherwise the “Take Order” button will not be available.
The navigation system is built into a GPS navigator, which plots the route after accepting the order. Voice prompts indicate turns, but to accurately follow the route, it is better to look at the blue line on the map or the arrow in the upper corner of the screen. If you go off route, the navigator will automatically reroute, but this may add extra kilometers and fuel consumption.
- 🗺️ Use filters in the Freight Manager to search for “Urgent deliveries” with increased payment.
- ⛽ Plan stops at a gas station if your driving range is less than the distance to your destination.
- 🏨 Rest only in parking lots with a bed symbol to avoid fines for lack of sleep.
Tip: Take orders marked “Fragile” only after practicing smooth braking skills, as any impacts lead to damage to the goods and loss of money.
Traffic rules and fines
B Euro Truck Simulator 2 There is a strict system of fines that imitates real European legislation. Cameras record speeding, running red lights and ignoring stop signs. Fines are automatically deducted from your bill, and for serious violations the police may force you to stop and pay on the spot.
Particular attention should be paid to speed limits, which vary depending on the type of road and locality. In cities, the speed is usually limited to 50 km/h, on highways - 90 km/h for fully loaded trucks. Usage cruise control helps to maintain the set speed and avoid accidental violations on long descents.
Sleep is also an important factor: after 11 hours of play time, the driver becomes tired and warnings appear on the screen. Ignoring rest results in slower reactions, blurred images, and an increased risk of an accident. To recuperate, you need to drive to a motel or use a sleeping bag in the cabin, if equipped.
Main conclusion: Compliance with traffic rules in the game not only avoids fines, but also increases the driver’s rating, opening access to more expensive orders.
Modernization and tuning of the garage
As capital grows, the player is faced with the question of expanding the vehicle fleet and improving the characteristics of the equipment. In the “Tuning” menu you can improve the engine, gearbox, chassis and fuel tank. Increasing the tank volume allows you to travel long distances without stopping, which is critical for long flights to the eastern part of the map.
Buying your own garage allows you to hire drivers who will fulfill orders and generate passive income. When managing a garage, you can buy new trucks for your employees, choosing routes for them or leaving the choice to automatic control. This turns the game from a driver simulator into a full-fledged business management game.
Menu -> Garage Manager -> Buy Garage - the path to expanding the empire. You shouldn’t buy all available upgrades at once; It is better to invest in a reliable engine and an economical gearbox, which will pay off faster.
☑️ Development plan
Common problems and their solutions
Players often encounter technical problems such as game crashes or controls not working correctly. If the game is slow, try lowering the graphics settings, especially anti-aliasing and traffic detail. Problems with the steering wheel are often resolved by calibrating the device in the control settings menu or updating drivers.
Another common problem is getting stuck in textures or being unable to return the trailer. In such cases, using the “Teleport” function in the navigation menu or reloading the save helps. Regularly saving progress in different slots will protect you from data loss due to critical errors.
How to enable mods in Eurotruck Simulator 2?
To enable mods, you need to go to the “Mod Manager” in the main menu, activate the necessary files and click “Confirm Changes”. After this, mods will appear in your profile if they are compatible with the game version.
Where can I find codes for money?
There are no official cheat codes for money in the game. The only legal way to quickly receive funds is to perform urgent deliveries or use economic mods, which can be downloaded on specialized forums.
Why doesn't the microphone work for communication?
Check your audio settings in the options menu and make sure the correct input device is selected. Also make sure you're in a voice chat channel if you're using third-party services like Discord.
How to quickly upgrade your skills?
The fastest way is to complete ADR (Dangerous Goods) and Fragile orders as they provide increased experience. Experience is also awarded for accident-free driving and adherence to time limits.