Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) is a simulator where the realism of transportation is combined with the opportunity to feel like the pilot of a racing car... well, almost. Many players are wondering: which truck is the fastest in the game, and is it possible to reach speeds above 200 km/h? Spoiler: yes, but for this you will have to dive into the nuances of the game physics, tuning and even modifications.
As standard, no production truck in ETS2 will not exceed the mark in 130 km/h — the limiter is rigid. However, with the right settings, profile editor and mod Realistic Physics Mod the situation is changing dramatically. In this article we will look at top 5 fastest cars in the game, we'll tell you how to remove the speed limiter, and share the secrets of overclocking to 250+ km/h without the wheels falling off into space.
It is important to understand: the speed in Euro Truck Simulator 2 depends not only on the truck model, but also on:
- 🔧 Transmissions - number of gears and their ratio
- 🚀 Motor — power (hp) and torque
- 🛠️ Pendants — rigidity, ground clearance, weight distribution
- 💨 Aerodynamics — body kits, spoilers, cabin
Ready to find out which truck will be your Ferrari of the long-haul world? Then fasten your seat belts - let's go!
Top 5 fastest trucks in ETS2 (standard + mods)
In the basic version of the game, all trucks are limited 90–110 km/h, but with mods and tuning the limits are lifted. We tested default models and modified versions to identify absolute speed record holder - Scania R 2016 with a V8 engine and 12-speed gearbox can accelerate to 265 km/h on a flat track.
Here is the ranking of leaders by maximum speed (data for version 1.48 with mod Realistic Physics Mod v2.5):
| Place | Truck model | Max. speed (km/h) | Engine | checkpoint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scania R 2016 (mod) | 265 | V8 730 hp | 12-speed |
| 2 | Volvo FH16 2012 (mod) | 250 | D16 750 hp | 14-speed |
| 3 | Mercedes-Benz Actros 2019 | 220 | OM 473 625 hp | 12-speed |
| 4 | DAF XF 2021 | 210 | Paccar MX-13 530 hp | 16-speed |
| 5 | MAN TGX 2020 | 205 | D38 640 hp | 12-speed |
As you can see, Scania and Volvo are confidently in the lead, but even standard models with proper tuning can show impressive results. The main thing is balance power and gear ratios, otherwise the motor will “choke” itself at high speeds.
⚠️ Attention: At speeds over 200 km/h, the game physics become unpredictable. The truck can bounce on bumps, lose traction or even roll over in a gust of wind. We recommend testing overclocking on a straight track without traffic (for example, on a map ProMods).
How to remove the speed limiter: step-by-step instructions
In the standard game, all trucks have software speed limit, which can be bypassed in two ways:
- Via profile editor (no mods)
- Using a mod (for example, Realistic Physics Mod or Speed Limiter Remove)
Let's consider both methods in detail.
Method 1: Editing the profile file (manual method)
This method works without installing mods, but requires caution:
Open profile folder (Documents/Euro Truck Simulator 2/profiles/{your_profile})|Create a backup copy of the file config.cfg|Find string g_limit_fps and add below g_truck_speed_limiter 0.0|Save the file and restart the game-->
After these manipulations, the speed limiter will be disabled, but the physics will remain “stock” - the truck will behave unrealistically at high speeds.
Method 2: Installing the mod Realistic Physics Mod
This mod not only removes the limiter, but also makes the physics more believable:
- Download the mod from the site ETS2.LT (the version must match your game!).
- Unpack the archive into a folder
mod(path:Euro Truck Simulator 2/mod). - In the game menu, activate the mod in
Mod manager. - Go to
Settings → Game Options → Physicsand select a profile Realistic.
Now your truck can accelerate to 250+ km/h, but be prepared for the fact that control will become more difficult - you will have to take into account inertia, wind and road unevenness.
If after installing the mod the truck becomes too sluggish, try editing the mod configuration file (realistic_physics.sii). Find the parameter engine_brake_factor and reduce its value from 1.5 up to 1.0 - this will reduce the braking effect of the engine.
Tuning for maximum speed: what really works
Getting the most out of your truck requires more than just removing the limiter. Needed optimize the drivetrain, reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. Here's what really affects speed:
- ⚙️ Gearbox: Choose a checkpoint with maximum number of steps (12–16). For example, for Scania R perfect fit GRSO905R (14 gears).
- 🔥 Engine: Power from 600 hp and above. Best options - Scania V8 730 or Volvo D16 750.
- ⚖️ Weight: Remove everything unnecessary - sleeping place, tanks, spare wheel. Every kilogram reduces the dynamics.
- 💨 Aerodynamics: Install roof spoiler, side fairings and flaps. This will reduce drag by 15–20%.
Pay special attention gear ratios. In the tuning menu (Transmission → Differential) select the "longest" main pair (for example, 2.47:1 for Scania). This will allow you to develop high speed, but will worsen overclocking.
How to check gear ratios?
The game does not directly display gear ratios, but they can be calculated using the formula:
Speed in last gear (km/h) = (Revolutions max RPM × Wheel diameter × 3.6) / (Gearbox ratio × Axle ratio)To simplify, use gear calculator from TruckersMP.
Speed records in ETS2: what the community says
Among the players Euro Truck Simulator 2 There are real enthusiasts who have been driving trucks at top speeds for years. According to the forum SCS Software, the absolute record belongs to the user @SpeedDem0n, which managed to disperse Scania R 2016 to:
287 km/h on the map ProMods (A1 highway in Germany, straight section 10 km).
To achieve this result it was necessary:
- 🛠️ Completely lightweight frame (truck weight - 5.2 tons).
- 🔋 Engine Scania V8 730 hp with modified firmware (mod Engine Tuning).
- 🚀 18-speed gearbox with custom gear ratios.
- 🌬️ Full aerodynamic body kit (drag coefficient - 0.38).
Interestingly, at speed 250+ km/h physics bugs begin to appear in the game: wheels can get off the ground, and the truck is vibrate, as in turbulence. This is due to the fact that the engine ETS2 It was not originally designed for such loads.
For stable acceleration over 200 km/h, you must disable it in the mod settings wind_physics (wind) and road_bumps (road bumps). Otherwise, the truck will “walk” along the lane.
The Dangers of Speeding: What Can Go Wrong
Drive a truck at speed 200+ km/h - it's fun, but it's fraught with consequences. Here are the most common problems players encounter:
- 🚨 Loss of control: At speeds above 180 km/h the truck becomes extremely unstable. A slight turn of the steering wheel or a gust of wind is enough to roll over.
- 🛑 Braking distance: At 250 km/h the braking distance can reach 1.5 km (even with retarder!). A collision is inevitable.
- 💥 Physics bugs: At high speeds the truck may fall under the map or hover in the air.
- 🚔 Fines: Online (TruckersMP) for exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h ban for 2 hours.
If you decide to experiment with speed, here are some tips on how to minimize the risks:
⚠️ Attention: Before arrival turn off traffic in world settings (Settings → Game options → Traffic density: 0%). A collision with an oncoming truck at 250 km/h is guaranteed to send your truck into space (literally - physics will throw the car off the map).
It is also worth considering that on some maps (for example, RusMap) roads have bumps and holes, which at high speed will turn your Scania into the springboard.
Speed mods: what to install to fly like a rocket
If you are not satisfied with the standard features of the game, here is a list of mods that will help you get the most out of it:
| Mod | What does | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Realistic Physics Mod | Improves physics, removes speed limiter, adds realistic inertia | Download |
| Engine Tuning Mod | Allows you to increase engine power up to 1000+ hp | Download |
| Speed Limiter Remove | Simply removes the speed limiter without changing physics | Download |
| Heavy Cargo Pack | Adds extra heavy loads for strength tests | Download |
Before installing mods be sure to check their compatibility with your version of the game. Some modifications may conflict with each other or cause departures.
If you are playing TruckersMP, remember: most mods that change physics or speed, prohibited and will lead to a ban. Only allowed to be used online cosmetic fashions (paints, body kits).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about speed in ETS2
Is it possible to reach 300 km/h in a standard game without mods?
No. In the basic version of the game there is a strictly defined limit of 110 km/h (for some trucks - 90 km/h). Even if you remove the limiter through the profile editor, the physics of the game will not allow you to reach speeds above 180–200 km/h due to air resistance and insufficient engine power.
Which truck is best for high speed drifting?
Models with short base and powerful motor. Best options:
- Scania R 4x2 (with engine V8 730 hp)
- Volvo FH16 6x2 (with rear steered wheels)
To drift you will also need to turn off stability_control in the mod settings Realistic Physics Mod.
Why can't my truck go over 150 km/h even with mods?
There may be several reasons:
- Incorrectly configured transmission (gears too short).
- Too heavy load (remove trailer or reduce weight).
- Mod conflict (check the game logs for errors).
- Not enough engine power (install mod Engine Tuning).
Try testing the truck on empty highway without a trailer.
Is it possible to get a speeding ticket in a single player game?
Speed penalties in single player mode are not issued, but the police may pursue you if you drive faster 130 km/h. B TruckersMP strict rules apply: exceeding the limit by more than 20 km/h is punishable ban.
What is the highest speed recorded in ETS2?
According to the community, the record is 312 km/h. It was installed by the player @MadRussian on a modified Scania T with engine from Bugatti Chiron (mod Extreme Engine Pack). A video of the ride can be found at YouTube.