Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) is not just a game, but a whole world where every kilometer of the road, every load and every gas station matters. For beginners, the simulator may seem complicated: huge maps, dozens of truck parameters, an economic model and realistic physics. But that's what makes the game so exciting. In this guide, we will analyze all the stages of passage - from the first steps to becoming the owner of your own transport empire.

It is important to understand that ETS2 does not have a linear plot in the usual sense. There is no final boss or last mission - your goal is determined by you. Someone strives to open all the cities of Europe, someone collects a collection of rare trucks, and someone optimizes routes for maximum profit. We will help you navigate this world, avoid common mistakes and unlock the game’s 100% potential.

Where to start: first steps in ETS2

After starting the game, you will be greeted by a menu with a profile selection. Here you can create a new driver or load a save. For beginners, we recommend starting with quick start (Quick Job) to get acquainted with the controls without risking virtual money. However, for a complete passage it is better to choose Own company (Own Company).

At the beginning of your career you will have modest capital (around 100,000 €) and access to only a small truck. Don’t rush to buy the first one you come across - it’s better to rent a vehicle from the company. This will save you on repairs and insurance. Please note three key parameters when choosing:

  • 🔧 Engine power — it depends on how the truck behaves on inclines. For starters, 300–350 hp is enough.
  • 🚛 Load capacity — do not take a car with a reserve “for growth”, otherwise you will drive half empty.
  • ⛽ Fuel consumption - economical models will save thousands of euros in the long term.

Rented trucks cannot be modified, but they are ideal for training and accumulating start-up capital. As soon as you earn the first 200–300 thousand, you can think about buying your own transport.

📊 Which truck brand do you prefer in ETS2?
Volvo
Scania
Mercedes-Benz
DAF
MAN
Other

Choosing a first truck: what to buy for a beginner

When it comes time to buy your own truck, many people are confused by the variety of models. B ETS2 real brands presented: Volvo FH, Scania R/S, Mercedes-Benz Actros and others. Each has unique characteristics, but there are universal recommendations for the first vehicle you buy.

Optimal choice - DAF XF or Mercedes-Benz Actros. They are balanced in price, reliability and tuning capabilities. Avoid the cheapest models (eg. Iveco Stralis), since their weak engines and high repair costs will negate the savings when purchasing. Please note:

  • 🔄 Gearbox — automatic is more convenient for beginners, but manual gives more control (and a bonus to experience).
  • 🛠️ Additional options — air conditioning, improved brakes and xenon headlights will pay off in the long run.
  • 🎨 External tuning — does not affect gameplay, but makes the truck “yours.” Start with the bumpers and hubcaps.
Model Cost (basic) Pros Cons
DAF XF ~120 000 € Low fuel consumption, reliability Weak base engines
Mercedes-Benz Actros ~150 000 € Powerful engines, comfortable cabin Expensive repairs
Scania R470 ~180 000 € Best dynamics, premium interior High price, high fuel consumption

After purchasing, do not forget to install immediately GPS navigator (in the modifications menu). Without it, it will be extremely difficult to navigate the map of Europe. We also recommend purchasing immediately Liquid trailer — it is universal and suitable for most loads.

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If you play with a steering wheel or gamepad, turn off steering assist in the settings (Gameplay → Steering Assistance → Off). This will make the controls more realistic, but will require some getting used to.

Economics and earnings: how to get rich quickly

B ETS2 money is the fuel of your progress. Without them, you cannot buy a new truck, hire drivers, or open new routes. The main source of income is transportation, but there are nuances. Firstly, don't take the first order you come across. Pay attention to:

  • 💰 Cost per km — optimally 0.30–0.50 €/km. Less is unprofitable.
  • ⏳ Delivery time — if the cargo needs to be transported for 10 hours, and the payment is 1,000 €, look for another order.
  • 🚧 Route — avoid mountain roads (high fuel consumption) and countries with left-hand traffic (UK).

The secret to making money quickly - combining orders. After delivering the cargo, do not return to the starting point empty. Use the function Freight Market → Find Cargoto pick up return cargo along the route. For example, if you are transporting furniture from Berlin to Paris, look for an order for transporting wine or electronics back to Germany.

Another way to increase profits is buying your own trailer. Rented trailers “eat up” 20% of the order cost. Your own will cost 30–50 thousand €, but will pay for itself in 10–15 flights. Best options to start:

  • 📦 Standard Trailer — universal for most loads.
  • 🛢️ Tank Trailer — expensive, but the payment for transporting liquids is 30% higher.
  • 🚜 Lowboy Trailer — needed for equipment, but orders are less common.
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The most profitable routes are between industrial cities (Duisburg, Rotterdam, Milan). Avoid small villages: there are few orders and low prices.

Map of Europe: which countries to discover first

B ETS2 The map is divided into countries, and each has its own characteristics. At launch, you will only have access to a few cities in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. To expand your coverage area, you need to fulfill orders to new locations. But not all countries are equally useful. Here is the optimal opening sequence:

  1. Germany → Netherlands → Belgium → France — there are a lot of orders and good roads.
  2. Italy → Switzerland — mountain routes are difficult for beginners, but the pay is high.
  3. Poland → Czech Republic → Slovakia - cheap refills and repairs.
  4. Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Norway) - beautiful views, but long distances and expensive gas stations.

Pay special attention border crossings. Some of them (for example, between France and Italy through the Alps) require purchase vignettes (tolls). The cost varies from 20 to 100 €, but without it you will be fined. Vignettes are purchased from the menu Garage → Truck Manager → Toll Stickers.

Also consider traffic rules in different countries:

  • 🚦 Germany - no speed limit on autobahns (but the game has an unofficial limit of 100 km/h).
  • 🚧 France - required yellow vests in the cabin (purchased as an accessory).
  • 🚨 UK - Left-hand traffic and narrow roads. Best avoided until purchasing a compact truck.
How to avoid speeding fines?

In the game settings (Gameplay → Police) you can disable penalties, but this will remove realism. It's better to install cruise control (C default) to the permitted speed (80–90 km/h in most countries).

Modifications and tuning: how to improve your truck

One of the most fascinating aspects ETS2 is an opportunity to modify the truck. Tuning is divided into two categories: technical (affects gameplay) and visual (changes appearance). Let's start with the first one, since it directly affects earnings.

Mandatory improvements for any truck:

  • ⚙️ Engine — take the most powerful one (500+ hp) if you drive in the mountains.
  • 🔋 Battery and generator — needed for long night trips (so that the headlights do not go out).
  • 🛞 Tires — Super Singles reduce fuel consumption, but are more expensive to repair.

Visual tuning is a matter of taste, but some elements are useful. For example, sun visors improve visibility and spoilers reduce air resistance (and fuel consumption). The full list of modifications opens after purchasing a garage. Please note:

  • 🎨 Coloring — you can choose a color from the palette or upload your own design (file .dds).
  • 💡 Light — xenon headlights illuminate the road better, but require a powerful generator.
  • 🛋️ Cabin interior — premium options add comfort, but do not affect gameplay.

To install modifications from the Steam Workshop:

  1. Subscribe to the mod in Workshop.
  2. In the game modification menu (Mod Manager) activate it.
  3. Some mods require high priority (drag them to the top of the list).

Install a powerful engine (400+ hp)|Check oil and fuel levels|Buy spare wheels (in Garage → Truck Parts)|Set your GPS to avoid toll roads (if needed)|Take a return order in advance-->

Difficult situations: fines, breakdowns and accidents

Even experienced drivers ETS2 encounter troubles. The most common problems are fines, breakdowns and accidents. Let's figure out how to avoid them or minimize the damage.

Fines can be obtained for:

  • 🚨 Speeding (especially in cities - the limit is usually 50–60 km/h).
  • 🚦 Driving through a red light.
  • 🚧 Incorrect parking (if you are not staying in a recreation area).

The fine amount is written off automatically, but too frequent violations will lead to bankruptcy. To avoid this, keep an eye on fatigue indicator (green stripe in the upper right corner). When it fills up, be sure to rest in parking lots or hotels.

Breakdowns happen due to:

  • 🔥 Engine overheating (if you drive for a long time at high speeds).
  • 🛞 Punctured tires (if you drive over sharp stones on the side of the road).
  • 🔋 Battery discharge (if you turn off the engine for a long time with the headlights on).

Repairs are expensive, so always take with you:

  • 🔧 Spare wheel (bought in the garage).
  • ⛽ Canister with fuel (in case the gas station is far away).
  • 💊 First aid kit (to restore health after an accident).

If the truck breaks down on the way and the service station is far away, press F7to call a tow truck. The cost is 500–2,000 €, but it is cheaper than throwing a load.

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To avoid accidents with AI, reduce your speed at intersections and turn on Realistic Camera Mod — it improves visibility in the mirrors.

Multiplayer and mods: how to diversify gameplay

The base game offers hundreds of hours of content, but eventually you want something new. This is where they come to the rescue fashion and multiplayer. Let's start with the first one. The most popular modifications:

  • 🗺️ ProMods — adds new countries (Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey) and cities.
  • 🚛 Realistic Graphics Mod - Improves textures, lighting and weather.
  • 🎵 Real Company Logos — replaces fictitious brands with real ones (for example, DHL instead of Transinet).

Installing mods is easy:

  1. Download the archive with the mod (for example, from the site ETS2.LT).
  2. Unzip the files into a folder Documents/Euro Truck Simulator 2/mod.
  3. Activate the mod in Mod Manager when starting the game.

As for multiplayer, the most popular project is TruckersMP. This is a separate launcher that allows you to play on servers with other players. Benefits:

  • 👥 Ability to travel in convoys.
  • 🗣️ Voice chat and text messages.
  • 🏆 Special events (eg. Truck Festival).

However, there are also disadvantages:

  • 🚫 Some mods are prohibited (for example, maps from ProMods).
  • 🛑 Administrators strictly follow the rules (they fine for incorrect parking).
  • 🐢 Due to the large number of players, lags are possible.
How to play TruckersMP with friends?

Create private escort in the multiplayer menu, send an invite via Steam or Discord and your friends can join. Maximum - 8 people in a group.

Final tips: how to become a professional

To truly master Euro Truck Simulator 2, it’s not enough to know the basic mechanics. Here are a few advanced tipsthat will take your experience to the next level:

  • 📊 Keep statistics - in the menu Statistics you can see how many kilometers you have driven, how much fuel you have used, etc. This will help optimize costs.
  • 🕒 Use the time — in the game it is synchronized with the real one. Night travel costs 20% more but requires caution (less visibility).
  • 🏢 Buy a garage in every region - this will allow you to quickly change trucks and avoid long hauls “empty”.

If you want maximum realism, install these mods:

  • 🔊 Realistic Engine Sounds — replaces engine sounds with recordings from real trucks.
  • 🌧️ Realistic Weather Mod - adds fog, heavy rain and snowfall.
  • 🚦 AI Traffic Pack — makes traffic on the roads more varied and unpredictable.

And lastly: don't forget about rest. B ETS2 There is a fatigue system, and if you ignore sleep, your driver will begin to lose concentration (control will deteriorate). Stop in parking lots every 4-5 hours of game time, even if you think you can still drive.

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The fastest way to earn money is to take orders for transportation dangerous goods (special trailer required). The payment is 50% higher, but you need to drive more carefully.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

How to reset progress and start again?

Go to Profile → Delete profile and create a new driver. Alternative - copy the save folder (Documents/Euro Truck Simulator 2/profiles) to another location, and then delete it.

Is it possible to play without a steering wheel?

Yes, ETS2 fully adapted for keyboard and gamepad. For the keyboard, we recommend linking the gas/brake control to W/S, steering wheel - on A/D, and gear shifting is on arrows.

How to remove the speed limit?

This is impossible in real life, but in the game you can disable limits via the console. Click ~ (tilde), enter the command g_set_speed_limiter 0 and press Enter. Warning: This may result in a ban in multiplayer.

Is it worth buying the DLC?

Yes, if you want new maps and trucks. The most useful DLCs: Going East! (Eastern Europe), Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden), Italia (Italy). They add unique landscapes and orders.

How to enable realistic physics?

Install the mod Realistic Physics Mod or manually edit the file config.cfg (find the line uset g_physics_ and set the values g_physics_truck_stability 0.8, g_physics_trailer_stability 0.7).