Truck driver simulator from the studio SCS Software has come a long way since its first release in 2012. Originally conceived as an add-on to the first Truck Simulator, the game has grown into an industry phenomenon in its own right, attracting millions of fans around the world. Update history Euro Truck Simulator 2 has dozens of major patches, each of which brought new mechanics, fixes and content.
Many players are still arguing which version was the turning point for the project. Some praise early builds for their simplicity and lack of bugs, while others cannot imagine life without modern graphics and complex logistics. It was version 1.48 that brought support for DirectX 11, which was a revolution for the visual component of the project. Understanding the history of updates helps you better navigate the current state of the game and appreciate the path taken by the developers.
In this article we will examine in detail the key stages of the development of the simulator. You will learn how the economy, truck physics and the map of Europe have changed. We will not list every minor patch, but we will focus on those moments that radically changed the gameplay. This will allow you to look at the usual game from a completely new side.
Birth of a Legend: Early Versions 1.x (2012–2013)
The first versions of the game, released at the end of 2012, were very different from what we see now. The base map was limited to a few Central European countries, and the fleet consisted of only six truck models. The graphics seemed cutting-edge back then, but today they look quite angular and simple. However, atmosphere night road and radio was transmitted brilliantly even at the very beginning.
An important stage was the appearance of the first DLCs, which began to expand the boundaries of the gaming world. Going East! was the first major expansion to add Eastern Europe. This marked the studio's transition to a model of continuous product development through paid expansions. Players were given new routes to take, but the driving physics remained fairly arcade-like compared to modern standards.
- 🚛 Basic vehicle fleet: Included only Scania, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, DAF and MAN in minimal configurations.
- 🗺️ Geography: Limited to Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria and the Czech Republic.
- ⚙️ Technical features: Lack of realistic fuel consumption in early patches and simplified damage model.
⚠️ Warning: Saves from versions 1.0–1.2 may not be compatible with modern patches without using third-party converters or losing progress.
The developers then actively experimented with balance. In early builds, you could find strange bugs with artificial intelligence, which sometimes ignored traffic rules. However, it was during this period that the core of the community was formed, which helped test new versions and find errors.
Expanding Horizons: The Era of Massive DLC (2014–2016)
The period from 2014 to 2016 was a time of active expansion of the map. Release of add-ons Vive la France and Going East (updated version) radically changed the scale of the simulation. Players were given the opportunity to travel from Lisbon to Moscow, although with some conventions in the form of “teleports”. Versions of the game during this period such as 1.18 and 1.22, brought significant improvements to code stability.
At this time, the convoy system was introduced, allowing you to play with friends in multiplayer (officially or through mods like TruckersMP). This required the developers to optimize the network code and synchronize physics. SCS Software began to pay more attention to sound design, rewriting sound engines for engines and environments.
The economic model has also changed. Fuel prices have become more dynamic and the used truck market has become more nuanced. It became possible to hire the first drivers, although their efficiency at first left much to be desired.
- 🇫🇷 Vive la France: Added a detailed map of France with unique monuments and landscapes.
- 🇩🇪 High Power Cargo Pack: Introduced heavy loads requiring special permits and powerful engines.
- 🛠️ Technical progress: Improved support for widescreen monitors and VR headsets (in experimental mode).
It is worth noting that it was during this period that the game acquired its modern menu structure and settings. Many hotkeys and interface control logic that we are familiar with today were introduced back then. Optimization made it possible to run the game on weaker computers, which expanded the audience.
Use the Fast Travel feature only as a last resort, as it does not add experience and money for the distance traveled, skipping the driving simulation.
Realism and details: updates 1.30 – 1.39 (2017–2019)
With the release of the version 1.30 the game received one of the most anticipated updates - a redesigned map of Europe. Old textures were replaced with high-resolution satellite data, and road markings began to meet real standards. This required a huge amount of work from the studio's artists and cartographers.
Truck physics have also been rethought. The suspension has become softer, and the behavior of the trailer on the road has become more predictable and realistic. SCS Software introduced a new damage system, where impacts affected not only the visual part, but also the technical characteristics of the vehicle. Engines began to stall when critically damaged.
⚠️ Attention: After updating to version 1.35, old map and truck mods stopped working, requiring an update from the authors or a complete reinstallation.
The legendary DLC was released during this period Scandinavia, which added the northern countries with their complex terrain and weather conditions. Snow and ice on the roads have become not just decoration, but a factor influencing the grip of the wheels on the road. This required players to learn new driving skills in extreme conditions.
| Version | Release year | Key change | Impact on the game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.30 | 2017 | New map of Europe | Increasing landscape realism |
| 1.32 | 2018 | Physics update | Improved suspension behavior |
| 1.35 | 2019 | Volvo engines | New sounds and characteristics |
| 1.39 | 2019 | Türkiye (part 1) | Expanding the map to the east |
The graphics engine continued to improve. There is now support for better shadows and reflections. Bot drivers began to behave smarter, keeping their distance and changing lanes more correctly. However, with the increase in graphics quality, the hardware requirements of users also began to increase.
Golden Age of Simulation: Versions 1.40 – 1.45 (2020–2022)
The beginning of the 2020s was marked by the release of the version 1.40, which brought support DirectX 11. This was a real breakthrough: the lighting became physically correct, the shadows became soft and dynamic, and the road textures received a micro-relief. The game is visually closer to photorealism, especially in combination with the mod Realistic Graphics Mod.
DLC was released during this period Heart of Russia, which, unfortunately, was later removed from sale due to the geopolitical situation, but managed to please players with a huge piece of the map. A “Guarantee” system for trucks and the ability to customize the interior using accessories were also added. SCS Software began to actively introduce RPG elements, allowing you to dive deeper into the role of the owner of a transport company.
☑️ Check before installing major DLC
Truck physics has reached a new level. A simulation of the retarder operation, more complex cruise control and adaptive gear shifting have appeared. The sound engine was completely rewritten, now each engine had a unique timbre, depending on load and speed.
- 🌑 Night lighting: The headlights began to shine realistically, illuminating the road with a cone of light taking into account the weather.
- 💧 Weather effects: Raindrops on the windshield and wet asphalt affect handling.
- 🏢 Company: The ability to buy garages in different cities and hire managers.
Many players consider this period to be the pinnacle of the game's development. The balance between arcade and simulation was found perfectly. Code optimization allowed it to work stably even on cards with high traffic density, which previously caused FPS drops.
Current state: current versions 1.46+ (2023–2026)
Modern versions of the game such as 1.48 and 1.50, focus on polishing existing mechanics and adding new content. DLC released West Balkans, which added the countries of the former Yugoslavia with their mountain serpentines. Developers continue to improve traffic AI, making its behavior less predictable and more “human”.
In the latest patches support has been introduced Ray Tracing (ray tracing) for owners of powerful video cards. This allowed for incredible quality reflections in puddles and on truck bodies. However, using this technology requires modern hardware and may reduce performance on older systems.
Optimization secrets in new versions
In the latest versions of the game, the "Scaling Mode" setting is hidden. Changing its value from 0 to 1 or 2 can significantly increase FPS on weak video cards, although it will degrade the quality of textures in the distance.
The game's economy has become more complex. Currency rates can now fluctuate, and fuel prices depend on world events (as part of game events). A system of achievements and statistics has appeared that tracks every kilometer traveled and action performed.
⚠️ Attention: When updating to version 1.50+, make sure that your mod manager is updated, as older versions may not work correctly with the new manifest.sii file structure.
The developers don't stop there. Plans include further expansion of the map to the east and south, as well as the introduction of new types of cargo and trailers. The modding community is also keeping up, creating content that sometimes surpasses the official addons in quality and detail.
Modern versions of ETS2 are a balance between high graphical fidelity and deep simulation of logistics processes, requiring a powerful PC for maximum immersion.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to play older versions of Euro Truck Simulator 2?
Yes, this is possible through the Steam platform. In the game properties in the library, you can select a beta version and specify the desired patch number. However, keep in mind that online features and some DLC may not work correctly on older builds.
Which version of the game is the most stable for weak PCs?
The optimal choice for co-production systems are versions in the range 1.25 – 1.30. They lack heavy DirectX 11 graphics and have a less demanding card, but still have basic functionality.
Do I need to buy all the DLC to play comfortably?
No, the basic version is enough to get started. DLCs add new maps and trucks, but do not fundamentally change the mechanics of the game. Modder maps can often replace paid add-ons in the early stages.
How can I find out my current version of the game?
The version is displayed in the lower corner of the game's main menu, as well as in the launch shortcut or in the properties of the executable file in the installation folder. On Steam, the version number is also listed in the description of the latest updates.
Will there be Euro Truck Simulator 3?
SCS Software has officially stated that it has no plans to create ETS3. Instead, they prefer to develop the current part by constantly updating the engine and content, which avoids problems with compatibility and division of the community.