Euro Truck Simulator 2

About

In Euro Truck Simulator 2, become a skilled long-haul trucker, delivering cargo to over 60 European cities while growing your own trucking business. A realistic driving experience and the freedom to manage your company make this simulation game an immersive venture.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+28

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 162,003 reviews

graphics4.1k positive mentions

story329 negative mentions

The game offers a relaxing and immersive experience with realistic driving mechanics, beautiful graphics, and a soothing atmosphere enhanced by music and dynamic weather.
Players appreciate the extensive modding community and frequent updates, which provide new content and customization options, ensuring high replayability.
The humor and chaotic moments in multiplayer create a fun and entertaining experience, making it enjoyable to play with friends.

The core gameplay loop can become repetitive over time, leading to a lack of motivation for some players, especially those seeking more action or narrative depth.
Many users report performance issues, bugs, and glitches that can detract from the overall experience, particularly after updates or when using mods.
The extensive number of DLCs has been criticized by some as cash grabs, raising concerns about the monetization strategy despite the game's core experience being enjoyable.

graphics
7,156 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
40%
3%
The graphics in Euro Truck Simulator 2 are generally praised for their realism and detail, especially considering the game's age since its 2012 release. While some players note that the visuals can feel dated compared to modern titles, many appreciate the game's ability to run well on lower-end systems and the extensive modding community that enhances graphics further. Overall, the game offers a visually appealing experience with beautiful landscapes and well-designed truck models, making it a standout in the simulation genre.
- “The attention to detail in the game's graphics, truck models, and realistic driving mechanics creates an authentic experience.”
- “The graphics are stunning, especially when combined with various map mods that introduce new environments, cities, and road networks.”
- “The graphics are beautiful, especially the attention to details and the visual appeal of each distinct city in each individual country is phenomenal.”
- “Graphics are terrible, lighting is flat and never been updated/fixed. Developers only talk about DirectX 12 for the last 4-5 years and it's not in the game. Everything they say feels like empty words for marketing to sell the game and useless DLCs that you will never use.”
- “The graphics aren't great but it sure is a fun game.”
- “The graphics are outdated, but you can play this in any potato PC.”
gameplay
4,263 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
62%
3%
The gameplay of Euro Truck Simulator 2 is characterized by its realistic driving mechanics, expansive maps, and a blend of casual and strategic elements, making it both engaging and relaxing for players. While many appreciate the immersive experience and attention to detail, some find the core gameplay loop—driving from point A to B—can become repetitive over time. The game is enhanced by a robust modding community and frequent updates, which introduce new content and features, ensuring a continually fresh experience for both casual and dedicated players.
- “The driving mechanics feel authentic, with smooth controls and realistic physics.”
- “The attention to detail in the game's graphics, truck models, and realistic driving mechanics creates an authentic experience.”
- “With its calming gameplay and focus on strategy and planning, Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a fantastic choice for fans of simulation games.”
- “I am afraid that in the long run, the gameplay can feel repetitive.”
- “While the driving experience is enjoyable, the core gameplay can become repetitive over time.”
- “The gameplay loop might seem boring at first, but if you really dig into it, you'll discover its true beauty: amazing views, challenging roads, in-depth truck customization, and a huge mod community!”
music
2,835 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
73%
1%
The music aspect of Euro Truck Simulator 2 is highly praised for its ability to enhance the overall gaming experience, with players enjoying the option to listen to their own music or tune into a variety of real European radio stations. Many users find the combination of driving through scenic landscapes while listening to their favorite tracks or podcasts to be a therapeutic and relaxing experience. However, some players note that the in-game music can become repetitive, and they recommend using personal playlists or internet radio for a more enjoyable experience.
- “There's something genuinely therapeutic about cruising down the highways of Europe, taking in the scenery while listening to real European radio stations or your own music through the in-game radio.”
- “Driving trucks with good music is nice.”
- “The soothing background music, combined with the low-stress nature of hauling cargo, makes it the perfect game for winding down after a busy day.”
- “The only downside of this game is the stressful music that plays while carrying a load to its destination.”
- “The soundtrack of Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a symphony of engine roars, blinker clicks, and the occasional 'beep beep' of a truck horn.”
- “While the engine sounds and ambient noise are well-executed, the overall soundtrack can feel repetitive over long play sessions.”
story
1,743 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
71%
19%
The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that "Euro Truck Simulator 2" lacks a traditional narrative or story, focusing instead on gameplay mechanics centered around driving and completing delivery missions. Players often create their own narratives through the experience of managing a trucking business and navigating the open world, but those seeking a structured storyline may find the game lacking. Overall, the game is appreciated for its relaxing gameplay and immersive driving experience, rather than for any compelling plot.
- “As a fan of simulation/sandbox games and emergent storytelling, this has become one of my favorite games I've ever played.”
- “The detailed environments, realistic physics, and lifelike traffic make each trip feel like a journey rather than just a mission.”
- “The plot is not too complicated; we play as a truck driver and try to get the right amount of cash to buy our own truck, which makes us self-sufficient and independent of others.”
- “☑ no story”
- “The slow-paced nature of the game, focused on long-distance hauling, may feel monotonous for players seeking more action-packed or story-driven experiences.”
- “The lack of variety in quests, the lore of the game (story), and the general repeating of the game's mechanics with time make the game boring, and this happens fast if you are not some kind of trucking enthusiast.”
humor
770 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
1%
1%
The humor in Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a standout feature, particularly when played with friends, leading to countless hilarious moments involving chaotic crashes, unexpected glitches, and the absurdity of truck driving scenarios. Players often find themselves laughing at the game's physics, the antics of AI drivers, and the unpredictable nature of multiplayer interactions, making it a source of both entertainment and camaraderie. Overall, the game transforms what could be a mundane driving experience into a comedic adventure filled with memorable mishaps.
- “Who needs peaceful deliveries when you can have reckless, hilarious chaos?”
- “Idk but hey this is a quality game especially with friends, it is absolutely hilarious seeing your friends lose control at high speeds and panic and flip their truck (and somehow send cars flying through the air).”
- “Whether you're cruising down the autobahn or stuck in traffic while contemplating life choices (like why you decided to drive a truck in the first place), it’s genuinely hilarious and oddly relaxing.”
- “This game is not funny and the multiplayer doesn't work.”
- “Not funny to play anymore; I'm downloading mods to the same update and they don't work!”
- “I recommend this game if you're a car lover or something like that because I played about 10 hours and it was not funny yet.”
grinding
769 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
43%
56%
The grinding aspect of Euro Truck Simulator 2 is frequently described as both extensive and tedious, with many players noting that significant time investment is required to progress, especially in the early stages. While some find the repetitive nature of driving long distances to be monotonous, others appreciate the game's immersive qualities and the satisfaction that comes from building a trucking empire over time. Overall, the grind is seen as a core part of the experience, appealing primarily to those who enjoy simulation games and are willing to invest the necessary hours.
- “I liked the time scaling feature so it doesn't take ages and isn't grindy, but still has drives that are long enough to be realistic and interesting.”
- “Very immersive, realistic, fun, not too grindy, best played with friends or alone, excellent modding community, superb accuracy, relaxing and non-rage inducing.”
- “No grinding (at least there's no stress to it in this game), no people complaining, just pure relaxation!”
- “Unlocking new trucks and upgrades requires grinding through countless hours of repetitive driving, with little sense of accomplishment or reward upon completion.”
- “The process of earning money and expanding your trucking business feels slow and grindy, leading to a lack of motivation to continue playing.”
- “You got to do lots of grinding (in my opinion way too much) until you can finally buy your own truck, garages and even hire new drivers who accumulate money for your business.”
optimization
656 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
51%
13%
The optimization of Euro Truck Simulator 2 has received mixed feedback from players. While many appreciate its ability to run smoothly on a variety of hardware, including lower-end systems, numerous reports highlight significant performance issues, particularly in newer DLC areas and during high-demand scenarios like city driving. Players express frustration over stuttering, frame drops, and the developers' reluctance to implement performance options that could enhance gameplay without compromising visual quality. Overall, while the game shows potential for good performance, ongoing optimization challenges remain a concern for many users.
- “The developers' commitment to expanding the game’s world is commendable, but these efforts must be matched by a focus on optimization and refinement.”
- “While the visual upgrades and reworks in these areas are undoubtedly impressive, they come at a significant cost to performance.”
- “The optimization—or lack thereof—seems to be an afterthought, leaving players with an experience that is at best distracting and at worst unplayable.”
- “It’s beyond frustrating to spend all this time trying to get the game to work properly, only to be constantly met with poor performance and ruined immersion.”
- “This game is unoptimized, unplayable, and extremely frustrating.”
stability
345 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
2%
77%
The stability of the game is a mixed bag, with many users reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and performance issues that can lead to crashes and freezes, particularly after updates or when using mods. While some players experience minimal problems and find the game generally playable, others describe it as a "buggy mess" that can become unplayable without regular restarts. Overall, while the game has its enjoyable moments, the stability issues significantly detract from the experience for many users.
- “Everything works perfectly, no glitches, no artifacts or bugs until now, albeit my rig is quite mediocre.”
- “This game is pretty much bug free and they continue to add things to it on a pretty regular basis.”
- “Runs great on my high-end rig and even decent on my A10 integrated computer.”
- “Outdated game engine struggles to run the reworked map and graphics; I now get 45 fps while the game only uses 30% of my GPU (3080ti) and 10% of my CPU (10900k). After an hour of gameplay, the game freezes and stutters, becoming increasingly worse and unplayable until you restart it.”
- “The amount of glitches, bugs, and the countless times it has made my PC crash just isn't worth it.”
- “The latest update has completely crippled the UI and performance, removed options, deleted saves, broken Steam cloud sync, and even leeches into the rest of the operating system, stealing the mouse (you have to get the Steam overlay up to fix it) and causing system-wide freezes on an NVMe SSD.”
atmosphere
270 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
47%
1%
The atmosphere in Euro Truck Simulator 2 is widely praised for its immersive and relaxing qualities, enhanced by detailed environments, dynamic weather, and a day-night cycle that captures the essence of long-haul trucking across Europe. Players appreciate the soothing sounds of the engine, ambient noises, and the inclusion of real radio stations, which together create a tranquil driving experience that allows for both exploration and relaxation. While some critiques mention the game's repetitive nature, the overall consensus is that its captivating atmosphere makes it a must-play for simulation enthusiasts.
- “The cockpit views are incredibly detailed, and the day/night cycle combined with dynamic weather creates an impressively authentic atmosphere.”
- “From rainy days that make the roads slick and challenging to sunny afternoons that create the perfect atmosphere for a long drive, the dynamic weather system constantly changes the environment, ensuring that every journey feels fresh.”
- “The game's attention to detail, from weather effects to the ability to configure your own radio, creates an authentic atmosphere that captivates players.”
- “If we toss the atmosphere aside, ETS2 is a very mediocre driving game.”
- “Holy damn, I bought this and all the DLC as I adore ATS and I thought this would be the equivalent in Europe, but everything feels very inferior to that former experience - both in atmosphere and also visuals.”
- “No atmosphere at all.”
replayability
266 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
57%
2%
Euro Truck Simulator 2 boasts exceptional replayability, largely due to its expansive map, continuous updates, and a vibrant modding community that introduces new content and customization options. Players appreciate the game's flexibility, allowing for varied experiences through different routes, jobs, and community-driven enhancements, making it a highly recommended choice for simulation enthusiasts. However, some users note that the repetitive nature of the core gameplay may limit long-term engagement for those less invested in the trucking simulation genre.
- “The game's modding community has created a wealth of content, from new trucks and trailers to graphical enhancements and gameplay tweaks, extending the game's lifespan and adding replay value.”
- “This vibrant community keeps the game fresh and continually evolving, offering endless replayability.”
- “With its expansive map, varied job offers, and endless modding options, Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers high replayability.”
- “Unfortunately, the skill ceiling is pretty low and long-term replayability is not a given.”
- “I will admit, I bought this game not expecting an amazing experience; fairly simple gameplay and not too much replayability.”
- “There's a lot of replayability as long as you don't mind similarities/somewhat repetition (pick up cargo, drive x amount of miles/kilometers, park cargo, rinse and repeat).”
emotional
106 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
97%
3%
Players express a profound emotional connection to the game, often describing it as soothing and heartwarming, with many forming attachments to their virtual trucks and the landscapes they traverse. The game's realistic driving mechanics and beautiful scenery evoke a range of feelings, from nostalgia to sadness, making it a unique experience that resonates deeply with players. While some note its lack of traditional narrative depth, the emotional journey of truck driving and community interactions create a surprisingly impactful experience.
- “Turns out, I've now spent hours and hours transporting cargo across Europe, listening to podcasts, and becoming emotionally attached to my truck.”
- “The sunsets hit so hard, you might shed a tear.”
- “SCS Software has masterfully crafted a game that not only replicates the nuances of truck driving but also offers a surprisingly emotional connection to the open road.”
- “boring storyline”
- “heartbreaking”
- “heartbreaking”
monetization
55 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
19%
76%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing the extensive number of DLCs, which some perceive as cash grabs, while others appreciate the quality and content these expansions provide. Although there are microtransactions for cosmetic items, the game does not heavily push in-game purchases, allowing players to enjoy the core experience without constant financial pressure. Overall, while some players feel the monetization strategy detracts from the experience, others commend the developers for ongoing support and updates without resorting to aggressive monetization tactics.
- “I like the goal-oriented nature of the game, and the fact that it does not have 'in-app purchases' like so many games these days.”
- “Never once does this game nag you to buy a DLC, or charge you microtransactions to unlock a truck (extra points because all of the trucks SCS releases as patches are free).”
- “No stupid microtransactions - just a few bits of good old DLC, the way it should be.”
- “The only downside is the number of DLCs that sometimes can feel a bit like a cash grab to me, but you don't need all thanks to the great mod support and there are many sales for the older DLCs as well.”
- “Worse still is the relentless churn of overpriced DLC maps that feel more like desperate cash grabs than meaningful expansions.”
- “It might be a decent game but in the last 10 years, SCS has already released nearly 100 DLCs and another copy-paste game called American Truck Simulator, so it feels more of a cash grab rather than supporting the game with actual updates and fixes.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
200%
300%
Character development in the game is considered comparable to that of Counter-Strike and Burnout Paradise, suggesting a focus on gameplay mechanics over deep narrative or personal growth for characters.
- “The depth of character development truly enhances the overall gameplay experience.”
- “I love how the characters evolve throughout the story, making each decision feel impactful.”
- “The character development is on par with Counter-Strike and Burnout Paradise.”
- “The characters feel one-dimensional and lack meaningful growth throughout the game.”
- “I was disappointed by the lack of depth in the character arcs; they felt predictable and uninspired.”

85%Critics’ scoreBased on 2 critic reviews

Buy Euro Truck Simulator 2

111h Median play time

289h Average play time

47h Main story

444h Completionist

22-420h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 492 analyzed playthroughs

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