Euro Truck Simulator

About

"Euro Truck Simulator" is a vehicle simulation game that allows players to drive trucks across a European map, completing delivery missions while managing their own trucking company. Players can customize their trucks and expand their business by hiring drivers and purchasing new vehicles. The game features realistic driving physics and a variety of truck models for immersive and challenging gameplay.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

81%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,763 reviews

graphics54 positive mentions

grinding11 negative mentions

The game is a great introduction to the truck simulator genre, providing a relaxing experience while driving across Europe.
It runs well on low-end PCs, making it accessible for players with older hardware.
The nostalgic value and simplicity of the game make it enjoyable for those looking for a casual gaming experience.

The graphics and gameplay feel dated compared to modern standards, lacking the depth and features of its sequel, Euro Truck Simulator 2.
The controls can be clunky and difficult to manage, especially when using a keyboard instead of a steering wheel.
The game can become repetitive quickly, with limited cities and routes leading to a lack of variety in gameplay.

graphics
154 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
45%
19%
The graphics of the game are generally considered dated, reflecting its age as a 2008 release, but many players find them acceptable for lower-end PCs and nostalgic for their time. While some reviews highlight the graphics as decent or good for a simulator, others criticize them as poor or lacking detail, particularly in urban areas. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the graphics may not meet modern standards, they still provide a satisfactory experience for fans of the genre.
- “Realistic graphics, detailed gameplay mechanics, and an expansive game world make it an excellent choice for truck enthusiasts and simulation lovers.”
- “The graphics make you feel as if you are really sat in that cabin, watching the roads go by.”
- “Good graphics, good gameplay.”
- “The graphics are dated, the gameplay loop gets repetitive faster than ETS2, and there are not many landmarks in the cities, so it felt more of a chore than fun after going through the same city multiple times.”
- “Terrible physics, graphics even for 2008.”
- “The graphics are total crap, the controls are not user-friendly, and it took me 10 minutes plus detaching my trailer 100 times before I finally got to load it in.”
gameplay
47 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
51%
6%
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its smooth mechanics and immersive experience, particularly for truck simulation enthusiasts. However, many criticize the repetitive nature of the gameplay, dated graphics, and lack of challenge, suggesting that it feels simplistic compared to its sequel, Euro Truck Simulator 2. While it offers a relaxing experience and decent mechanics, the overall consensus indicates that it may not hold up well against more modern titles in the genre.
- “The gameplay is smooth and immersive.”
- “Realistic graphics, detailed gameplay mechanics, and an expansive game world make it an excellent choice for truck enthusiasts and simulation lovers.”
- “Even without the keen shininess, RPG mechanics, and overall complexity of Euro Truck Simulator 2, this is still a very solid game that contains the great core elements and gameplay that will keep you trucking for hours on end.”
- “The graphics are dated, the gameplay loop gets repetitive faster than ETS2, and there are not many landmarks in the cities, so it felt more like a chore than fun after going through the same city multiple times.”
- “This game lacks everything I want in a video game: lacks story, lacks gameplay, lacks variety.”
- “The gameplay is literally pressing W (or C, once you know you don't even have to press any key to accelerate) and A and D to drive around the low polygon map.”
music
45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
73%
7%
The music aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the nostalgic main menu music and the ability to import their own tracks in .ogg format for a personalized experience. However, some users expressed frustration over the lack of in-game radio stations and the need to manually add music, which detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game is seen as a relaxing driving simulator best enjoyed with a personal music library or podcasts.
- “I love this game; it brings me nostalgia when I was young playing this game. The soundtrack is amazing.”
- “It’s a relaxing and methodical little driving sim, seemingly designed expressly to be played on the backburner whilst listening to some nice music or your favorite podcast.”
- “The soundtrack and sound effects are also well done, adding to the overall atmosphere.”
- “This is a driving simulator that doesn't have music?”
- “Music is inexistent; still no radio stations available after 4 hours of playtime, so I had to open an external music player to listen to while driving.”
- “If you don't mind spending hours and hours driving slowly and actually having to drive smartly, signaling at every corner, stopping at every red light, etc., and you don't mind that there is no soundtrack in the background; then this game is for you.”
story
44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
80%
7%
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many users noting that it feels dull and uninteresting due to minimal narrative elements. While some players appreciate the simplicity and find enjoyment in the missions, others express disappointment over the absence of a compelling storyline, leading to a repetitive experience. Overall, the consensus is that the game serves as a casual pastime rather than a story-driven adventure.
- “I have 4 hours on this amazing narrative story-driven game and would recommend this to anybody who is bored and wants to drive around the Minecraft-looking version of Europe.”
- “Well now you can in 'Euro Truck Simulator!' This game has redefined the truck simulator genre with its amazing story and beautiful landscapes.”
- “Flawless graphics, unbeatable storyline; there is no reason to go on playing peasant games.”
- “This game lacks everything I want in a video game: it lacks story, lacks gameplay, lacks variety.”
- “Unfortunately, the game doesn't really have any story dynamic.”
- “The lack of story allows the game to get very dull very quickly.”
optimization
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
41%
18%
The game's optimization is generally praised, particularly for its ability to run smoothly on low-performance computers and older hardware, making it accessible for a wider audience. While the graphics may not meet modern standards, players report minimal issues and good performance, especially compared to newer titles like Euro Truck Simulator 2, which is recommended for those with higher-end systems. Overall, it offers solid value for players seeking a well-optimized experience on less powerful machines.
- “This game is highly recommended because of its value for money, it's extremely similar to the sequel, and it can run on low-performance computers.”
- “Scs software's own graphics engine is greatly optimized and can make ETS run on potato computers (I first played with an Athlon II 260 CPU).”
- “Optimized game for lower PCs, good graphics, up ;)”
- “If you want to drive a truck, then go for Euro Truck Simulator 2 or American Truck Simulator instead; these newer games are well-optimized and are still supported by the developer.”
- “If you have a computer with low performance, I recommend this game, but if you have a computer with high performance, I recommend the second version; Euro Truck Simulator 2 is much better.”
- “I do enjoy the whole simulator genre and recommend this version, more so if your system is still lagging in optimum performance!”
grinding
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The reviews highlight that the game features significant grinding elements, with many players finding the repetitive tasks tedious and frustrating. While some enjoy the grinding aspect, viewing it as a relaxing experience, others feel it detracts from overall enjoyment, leading to a sense of futility in progress. Overall, the game is characterized as heavily grind-focused, which may appeal to dedicated fans of the genre but can be off-putting for others.
- “You can find it on sale for $1, which is pretty good, but it gets very grindy very fast.”
- “Wanted to complete the game before moving to ETS2, but it’s so tedious doing literally the same thing over and over that I gave up.”
- “Incredibly tedious and takes forever to get one transfer done.”
humor
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is described as both amusing and quirky, with players finding entertainment in the absurdities of driving mechanics and the game's portrayal of real-life locations. Many reviewers appreciate the lightheartedness and unexpected comedic moments, even if the gameplay can be frustrating at times. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm that enhances the experience, making it enjoyable despite its flaws.
- “This game made me laugh.”
- “Pretty unstable and hilarious at times... 'la, la, la, brake and turn, nothing happens.'”
- “+ hilarious and surprisingly not frustrating, even though I worry if a lot of the motorists have eyesight problems.”
stability
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
57%
Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with users reporting minimal bugs and glitches, making it a solid choice for a truck simulator. However, there are some texture issues, particularly with street lines when driving uphill, and multiplayer functionality is limited and outdated. Despite these minor concerns, players find the game runs well on mid-range PCs and offers a good experience for its price.
- “This is way different from ETS2 and ATS, still very fun, looks good for being old, and runs great on mid-range PCs.”
- “Anything is good; no glitches, no bugs, so yes, very good game. 5 euros on Steam, so I say good.”
- “Definitely some issues, but overall a bug-free simulator it seems, and for sure a good and cheap way to start getting into a truck simulator.”
- “Game running great, but the textures with the street lines are buggy when driving uphill on the highway.”
- “You can't play multiplayer, but there was a mod that required you to download a server within the mod to play with your friends. However, it was really buggy and outdated, and you won't be able to find it nowadays no matter what you do; it's completely under the rug now.”
- “I think the graphics aren't half bad, but I don't recall any glitches either.”
atmosphere
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
17%
50%
The atmosphere in Euro Truck Simulator is characterized by its immersive European settings, complete with unique road signs and traffic laws that enhance the trucking experience. Players appreciate the meditative quality of the gameplay, supported by a well-crafted soundtrack and sound effects that contribute to a cozy and engaging environment. Overall, the game successfully captures the essence of being a truck driver in Europe, despite some inaccuracies in the representation of the locations.
- “Euro Truck Simulator is obviously about having a trucking career in the EU—Spain, France, Italy, etc. This means the sights and atmosphere will be different than, say, America. Road signs, traffic lights, and laws are unique to the country you are in.”
- “I like sim stuff, so I know how to value that meditative atmosphere where you need to concentrate on the task and just go along the designated route.”
- “But hey, I like the music and that it gives the experience of being a truck driver and the atmosphere in the game, even if Europe in the game is not that accurate.”
- “I like simulation stuff, so I know how to value that meditative atmosphere where you need to concentrate on the task and just go along the designated route.”
- “The soundtrack and sound effects are also well done, adding to the overall atmosphere.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The game offers significant replayability through various routes, job types, and truck customization options, allowing players to invest hundreds of hours. However, the lack of mod support, particularly Steam Workshop integration, is seen as a drawback that could limit its longevity compared to similar titles. Adding mod support could greatly enhance the game's replay value.
- “This game has almost infinite replayability and it is perfect for sinking hundreds of hours into.”
- “And then it comes to the deal breaker for me: as far as I'm aware, there is no mod support. Don't quote me on that; I'm sure if I did some research and a quick Google search, there are probably mods, but no workshop support. Again, I know this game was released way before Steam Workshop. The replayability of mods in games like ETS2 and ATS at this point is essential to keeping these games alive. I have no doubt that if workshop support was added, it would breathe a whole new life into this game!”
- “The game also has a lot of replay value, as you can explore different routes, take on different jobs, and customize your truck to your liking.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players express that the game evokes strong emotions, particularly nostalgia, reminiscent of classic simulator games, leading to moments of genuine tears.
- “Made me cry from the nostalgia of old simulator games.”
- “The story touched my heart and left a lasting impact.”
- “I felt a deep connection to the characters, their struggles resonated with me.”