In the world of virtual truckers, SCS Software has been ruling the roost for many years now, creating the standard of the genre. When newbies wonder which Euro Truck simulator is better, they often find themselves choosing between two flagships: Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator. Both titles offer incredibly detailed cockpits, realistic driving physics and huge maps, but there are significant differences between them that may influence your choice.
The choice depends not only on location preferences, but also on the technical characteristics of your computer, as well as the specific experience you want to have. Some people are looking for relaxing trips through narrow European streets, while others are looking for endless straight US highways. In this article, we will analyze all aspects in detail so that you can decide which Euro Truck simulator is best for you in 2026.
It is worth noting that both projects are constantly updated, acquiring new DLC, improved graphics and mechanics. Therefore, the comparison is relevant precisely at the current moment, taking into account the latest patches and the state of modifications. Let's dive into the world of asphalt and diesel noise.
Battle of Locations: Europe vs America
The first and most obvious difference lies in geography. Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) recreates continental Europe with its dense buildings, historic city centers and complex navigation. Here you will have to get used to narrow roads, roundabouts and heavy traffic. Landscapes change every hundred kilometers: from alpine meadows to Scandinavian forests.
In contrast to this, American Truck Simulator (ATS) offers the vastness of the USA. This is the realm of straight highways, huge distances between cities and giant trailers. The main difference between ATS is the scale of the roads and the permitted length of the trains, which often reaches 20-25 meters or more. If in Europe you will feel like a professional driver maneuvering in tight spaces, then in the USA you will feel like the captain of a land ship.
The density of cities in the European version is much higher. You'll stop at traffic lights more often, park backwards in tight pockets, and pay close attention to height limit signs. The American version is more about meditative driving on the highway, where you spend most of the time in cruising mode.
- 🇪🇺 ETS2: Narrow streets, many historical monuments, a variety of languages and cultures within one map.
- 🇺🇸 ATS: Wide highways, deserts, canyons, skyscrapers of megacities and vast distances.
- 🗺️ Scale: In ETS2 the map is more “compressed” and eventful, in ATS it is more sprawling and calm.
⚠️ Attention: If you have a weak Internet or plan to play without installing heavy mods on the maps, the basic version of ATS may seem empty compared to the busy Europe.
Technical requirements and engine optimization
Both games run on the same engine, but American Truck Simulator originally created for 64-bit systems and more modern graphics standards. This means that ATS often looks better out of the box and has a more advanced lighting and shadow system. However, ETS2 has also received many graphical improvements over the years and has caught up with its counterpart in terms of picture quality.
From an optimization point of view, Euro Truck Simulator 2 Works better on older computers and laptops with integrated graphics. The engine allows you to flexibly adjust parameters, sacrificing quality for the sake of FPS. The American version is more demanding in terms of RAM and processor power, especially when using graphics mods.
If you plan to install a lot of modifications, which is an integral part of the gameplay, then ATS will require more powerful hardware. Huge maps with detailed textures in 4K can be a serious test for the system.
- 💻 ETS2: It will run even on a “calculator” with minimal settings, stable FPS.
- 🎮 ATS: Requires a discrete video card for comfortable gaming, makes better use of CPU multi-threading.
- ⚙️ Settings: ATS has a more flexible graphics menu, but ETS2 is easier to tune through configs.
For maximum comfort in both games, be sure to install the "Scale 1:1" or "Scale 1:3" mod, if your PC allows it, this will change the scale of the map and make the distances realistic.
Vehicle fleet: tractors and trailers
One of the key selection factors is the available vehicle fleet. B Euro Truck Simulator 2 Legendary European brands are represented: Scania, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, DAF, MAN, Renault and Iveco. The cabins of these vehicles are compact, with a high seating position and excellent visibility, which is common in our region.
B American Truck Simulator "Kapotniks" reign: Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Volvo VNL and others. These cars are longer, the cabins are often equipped with sleeping quarters with full beds and kitchens. Driving such a vehicle requires getting used to, especially when parking, due to the long wheelbase.
It is worth considering the variety of trailers. In the European part, curtainsider semi-trailers and standard-length refrigerators are more common. In America, double trailers and specific American body types are popular, which add variability to transportation.
| Characteristics | Euro Truck Simulator 2 | American Truck Simulator |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin type | Cabover (Control) | Bonnet (Conventional) |
| Trailer length | Up to 13.6 m (standard) | Up to 16+ m (double) |
| Transmission | Most often manual/automatic 12-16 speed. | Automatic/Manual 10-18 st. |
| Engine sound | High revs, diesel hum | Low bass, characteristic rumble |
⚠️ Attention: Not all truck models are available in the basic version of the game. Many brands, such as Scania or Renault, require the purchase of separate DLC or in-game activation.
Driving physics and feel
The physics engine in both games is based on the same principles, but the driving experience is radically different due to the type of technology. In ETS2, the suspension is stiffer, the car reacts more sharply to steering turns. This creates a feeling of dynamics and requires constant concentration, especially on wet roads or in crosswinds.
In ATS the physics is more “soft” and inert. The huge mass of the tractor smoothes out road unevenness, and the long wheelbase makes the car stable, but clumsy. Braking distance in the American simulator it is much longer, which must be taken into account when descending mountains and braking at traffic lights.
For complete immersion in the process, many players use steering kits. If for the ETS2 a steering wheel with a rotation angle of 900 degrees is sufficient, then for the ATS a device with support for 1400-1800 degrees or the use of the “non-linear steering” function in the settings is highly recommended in order to comfortably cope with the dimensions.
The Secret to Realistic Driving
In the game settings, enable the "Complex trailer physics" option and disable parking assistants to feel the real inertia of the cargo.
- 🚛 Inertia: In the ATS, the inertia is felt much stronger, the load “pulls” the car.
- 🌬️ Wind: Both games feature crosswinds, but on American highways it feels more critical due to the windage.
- 🛣️ Coverage: In ETS2, paving stones and primer are more common, in ATS - perfect asphalt or broken gravel in the outback.
Mods and community: where are the most opportunities?
The modding community is the heart of both simulators. However, if we talk about quantity, then for Euro Truck Simulator 2 An order of magnitude more content has been created. This is due to the fact that the game was released earlier and has a wider audience in the CIS countries and Europe.
You can find mods on any topic: new maps (like "Middle East" or "Balkans"), real companies, improved lighting, engine sound packs and even gameplay (Realistic Mod). There are fewer mods for ATS, but their quality is often higher since they are created with the newer engine in mind.
If you want to play multiplayer through the project TruckersMP, then it’s worth knowing that there are more servers for ETS2, and they fill up faster. Finding a company to share a trip in Europe is easier. However, ATS servers are also actively populated, especially in the evening US time.
☑️ What you need to start in modding
Economic model and career development
In both simulators, you start out as a hired driver, completing contracts for AI companies. The goal is to save up for your first truck. B Euro Truck Simulator 2 prices for equipment and fuel are recalculated in euros, which for residents of the CIS may be a more understandable currency for assessing the cost of ownership.
The American version operates in dollars. Earnings here may seem higher in numerical terms, but the costs of fuel, repairs and fines are corresponding. The lending system in both games allows you to take out loans for the purchase of garages and new tractors, which speeds up development, but creates a monthly financial burden.
Interestingly, the used truck market is more diverse in ETS2. In ATS, buying used equipment often means purchasing an old "bonnet" with high mileage, which requires frequent repairs. The average payback of a truck in ATS is about 40-50 completed orders, which is slightly faster than in the European version.
⚠️ Attention: Carefully monitor the loan term. In both games, high interest rates can eat up all your profits if you borrow the maximum amount for a long term without the possibility of early repayment.
Final verdict: what to choose in 2026?
The answer to the question “which Euro Truck simulator is better” depends solely on your preferences. If you appreciate a variety of landscapes, complex navigation, frequent stops and an old world atmosphere - your choice Euro Truck Simulator 2. This is a game for those who love the process of driving and overcoming obstacles.
If you like meditative driving, listening to audio books, operating powerful equipment and contemplating endless landscapes - choose American Truck Simulator. This is a choice for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle and feel the power of the American dream.
Luckily, you don't have to choose just one. Both games support cross-saves (to a certain extent, via profile converters by modders) and are often purchased together at discounts. Many players own both parts, switching between them depending on their mood.
The best simulator is the one you want to return to after work, no matter what continent you roam.
Do you need a powerful computer for ATS in 2026?
For the base game without mods, an average PC from 2020-2022 is sufficient. However, if you plan to play with graphics mods, 4K resolution and high traffic, it is recommended to have an RTX 3060 level graphics card and 16 GB of RAM.
Can I play simulator games with a Logitech G29 steering wheel?
Yes, Logitech G29 and G920 are the "gold standard" for these simulators. They are fully supported natively, have force feedback and all the necessary buttons for control.
Is there an official Russian language in the games?
Yes, both games from SCS Software have full official localization of the interface and subtitles into Russian. The navigator's voice acting is also present and done with high quality.
Does multiplayer work between ETS2 and ATS?
No, direct cross-platform multiplayer between Europe and America is not possible due to differences in maps and mechanics. However, there are mods that allow you to "transport" trucks between games in single player mode.