Euro Truck Simulator 2

About

"Euro Truck Simulator 2" is a driving simulation game that allows you to deliver cargo across Europe as a truck driver. The game features over 60 cities to explore, and the ability to run your own trucking business, including managing your own fleet and hiring drivers. With the newly added Convoy multiplayer mode, you can now team up with friends and deliver cargo together.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+27

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 115,934 reviews

graphics3k positive mentions

story222 negative mentions

graphics
5,204 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
39%
3%
The graphics in Euro Truck Simulator 2 are generally praised for their realism and detail, especially considering the game's age since its release in 2012. Many players appreciate the ability to run the game on lower-end PCs while still enjoying decent visuals, though some note that the graphics can feel outdated compared to more recent titles. The modding community significantly enhances the graphical experience, allowing for improved textures and visual effects, making the game visually appealing even on high settings. Overall, while the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they are considered solid and contribute to an immersive driving experience.
- “If you have a good PC with good hardware, you can play this on ultra graphics which are absolutely beautiful!”
- “The graphics are really realistic, and you can get mistaken for real life as I have done multiple times.”
- “The graphics are surprisingly beautiful for a game about trucks.”
- “Graphics are awful as well as the gameplay, akin to an Xbox 360.”
- “The graphics do feel a bit outdated, largely due to the aging engine, but I really appreciate how the developers are continuously working to improve it.”
- “The graphics are terrible, feels like a cheap game from 20 years ago.”
gameplay
2,895 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
61%
4%
The gameplay of Euro Truck Simulator 2 is widely praised for its realistic driving mechanics, extensive customization options, and immersive environments, providing a relaxing yet engaging experience. Players appreciate the blend of simulation and management elements, allowing them to build their trucking empire while navigating a detailed map of Europe. However, some reviews note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, particularly for those not deeply invested in the simulation aspects, and suggest that additional variety in missions and AI behavior could enhance the experience.
- “With realistic driving mechanics, extensive truck customization, and a variety of cargo to transport, it offers a satisfying blend of relaxation and strategy.”
- “The gameplay loop is relaxing yet engaging, with a strong focus on strategy and planning routes.”
- “Its attention to detail, realistic mechanics, and expansive modding community make it a game that can be enjoyed for countless hours.”
- “The gameplay is incredibly repetitive, consisting mainly of driving along the same highways and delivering cargo to the same destinations repeatedly. There is little variation in the scenery or the challenges faced, and after a while, the gameplay becomes tedious and unexciting.”
- “The gameplay can feel slow-paced at times, especially during long hauls or when waiting for deliveries, which may not appeal to players seeking constant action or excitement.”
- “The core gameplay loop can become repetitive over time, especially for those who are not deeply invested in simulation games.”
music
2,049 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, allowing players to listen to their own music or tune into a variety of real-life radio stations while driving. Many users find the combination of driving through beautiful European landscapes and enjoying their favorite tunes to be a relaxing and therapeutic experience. However, some players note that the in-game music can become repetitive, and they recommend using personal playlists or streaming services for a more enjoyable experience.
- “The relaxing soundtrack and realistic sounds make each trip a unique sensory experience.”
- “It's really good for just chill and clear your mind, drive, listen to music.”
- “The inclusion of licensed music and a range of radio stations further enhances the driving experience, making long hauls across Europe feel engaging rather than monotonous.”
- “However, the overall soundscape can become monotonous during long drives, and the music selection may not suit everyone's taste.”
- “On the negatives, I can only say that the menu music got old rather quickly.”
- “The music is trash, so mute that if possible.”
story
1,201 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
70%
18%
The game's story aspect is largely absent, as it primarily focuses on an open-world simulation experience where players engage in various delivery missions without a structured narrative. While some players appreciate the freedom to create their own stories through gameplay, many express a desire for more complex missions or a traditional storyline to enhance engagement. Overall, the lack of a defined story is a common critique, with many players finding enjoyment in the gameplay mechanics rather than a narrative-driven experience.
- “The game provides players with the opportunity to drive and explore different parts of Europe while delivering cargo and completing various missions.”
- “With the vast open world and countless missions and contracts, players can spend countless hours exploring different cities, hauling cargo, and expanding their trucking empire.”
- “The gameplay in Euro Truck Simulator 2 revolves around driving a truck across Europe, completing various missions and challenges while managing fuel, maintenance, and other aspects of the trucking business.”
- “☑ no story (it's open world, do what you want)”
- “However, the lack of a traditional story might be a downside for those seeking a more structured experience.”
- “Bottom line - if you need a story line, intrigue and action in your games you are not going to find it here.”
humor
538 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in this game is widely praised, particularly in multiplayer settings where players enjoy chaotic and hilarious moments, such as crashes and unexpected glitches. Many users find it especially funny to play with friends, leading to shared laughter over mishaps and absurd situations, making the experience both entertaining and relaxing. Overall, the game's comedic elements, combined with its engaging gameplay, create a lighthearted atmosphere that resonates well with players.
- “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.”
- “The crash physics had me blue from laughing on several occasions.”
- “Grab your imaginary trucker hat and hop into the driver's seat – it's time to hit the open road, break a few traffic laws, and have a blast hauling cargo from one hilarious misadventure to the next!”
- “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
534 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
41%
58%
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as extensive and often tedious, with many players suggesting that it requires a significant time investment to progress. While some find the grinding enjoyable and relaxing, especially when paired with music or podcasts, others feel it can become monotonous and repetitive, particularly during long driving sessions. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate a slow-paced, grind-heavy experience, akin to other simulation games like farming simulators.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “The process of earning money and expanding your trucking business feels slow and grindy, leading to a lack of motivation to continue playing.”
- “You have to do tons of grinding to get money to buy trucks, buy/upgrade garages, employ drivers, and more.”
- “The driving can get a bit tedious, but it's very good with TV/videos on a separate screen.”
optimization
437 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
49%
13%
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While many appreciate its ability to run smoothly on a variety of hardware, including low-end PCs, others have reported performance issues, particularly after recent updates, leading to stuttering and frame drops in certain areas. Overall, the game is generally well-optimized but still requires further improvements, especially for specific hardware configurations and in densely populated areas.
- “The game has super good graphics but also is just so well optimized.”
- “Overall performance is amazing.”
- “This thoughtful optimization allows players to experience the game's beauty and gameplay without needing a high-end gaming rig.”
- “The performance isn't the best because the engine doesn't use the newest rendering technologies, but that should be coming in the 1.50 update, so I'm looking forward to that.”
- “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.”
- “Badly optimized game, I get all sorts of stuttering and lag, and this makes the game not enjoyable.”
stability
256 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
2%
77%
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many users reporting frequent bugs and glitches, particularly in multiplayer mode, which can lead to crashes and performance issues. While some players experience minimal problems and find the game generally stable, others face significant frustrations, including freezes and erratic AI behavior. Overall, the game is enjoyable but often marred by technical issues that can detract from the experience.
- “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.”
- “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.”
- “The amount of glitches, bugs, and the countless times it has made my PC crash just isn't worth it.”
- “You are ruining your game into a piece of trash with useless updates that only turn the game more glitchy and buggy and worthless and worse.”
replayability
189 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
59%
2%
Euro Truck Simulator 2 boasts high replayability, primarily due to its extensive modding community, which continually introduces new content such as trucks, maps, and gameplay features. Players appreciate the game's open-ended nature and customization options, allowing for a personalized experience that keeps them engaged over time. However, some users note that the repetitive gameplay can limit replayability for those less invested in the simulation aspects.
- “There's always something new to discover, and the endless replayability keeps me coming back for more.”
- “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.”
- “The game's customization options, extensive mod support, and engaging multiplayer mode add incredible replayability.”
- “However, for players who are not deeply invested in the simulation aspects, the repetitive nature of the gameplay can limit replayability.”
- “But when it comes to replayability... once you’ve spent enough time in this game, you only come back to play with friends or to explore new content, whether it's mods or map updates.”
- “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).”
atmosphere
171 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
49%
2%
The atmosphere in Euro Truck Simulator 2 is widely praised for its immersive and calming qualities, enhanced by dynamic weather systems, day-night cycles, and realistic sound design. Players appreciate the detailed environments and unique characteristics of each city, which contribute to a soothing driving experience that allows for relaxation and exploration. The game's ability to create a tranquil atmosphere, combined with customizable music options, makes it a favorite for those seeking a laid-back simulation experience.
- “The environments are varied and atmospheric, with realistic weather systems and day-night cycles.”
- “The steady rhythm of driving, combined with the scenic views and ambient sounds, creates a calming atmosphere that can be enjoyed at any pace.”
- “The attention to detail in the environment, from the changing weather to the dynamic day-night cycle, creates an atmosphere that’s both soothing and engaging.”
- “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.”
- “Due to my past experience with video game simulators, I have come to avoid titles such as this, because most simulator games are boring and they fail to capture the feel and atmosphere of their own game.”
emotional
68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
96%
4%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by players who express feelings of nostalgia, heartwarming connections, and a deep sense of realism. Many reviews mention how the game's landscapes and music evoke strong emotions, leading to moments of joy, sadness, and reflection on personal experiences, particularly related to the trucking lifestyle. Overall, players find the game to be a wholesome and touching experience that resonates with their lives and memories.
- “Shoutout to truckers FM in particular for making me tear up; music is a huge part of my life, and seeing people sharing pieces of themselves to an ever-expanding community was truly heartwarming.”
- “An absolutely amazing game that will take you on an emotional but yet satisfying journey into the world of a truck driver and all of the obstacles that come with having such an audacious job.”
- “As I make my delivery, all the way through the winding roads, this game evokes all kinds of feelings in me: sadness, happiness, calmness. This game made me feel the feeling I had when I was a kid riding along with my father in his car... beautiful scenery... calming... have great adventures ahead...”
- “boring storyline”
- “heartbreaking”
- “heartbreaking”
monetization
37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
5%
86%
The monetization strategy of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the absence of intrusive microtransactions and in-app purchases, while others criticize the extensive use of DLCs, which they feel often serve as cash grabs rather than meaningful content additions. While many commend the developers for their ongoing support and updates, there are concerns about the sheer volume of DLCs and the perception that the game is locked behind a paywall. Overall, players seem to value the optional nature of the DLCs but express frustration over the monetization practices that can detract from the gaming experience.
- “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.”
- “Probably the most fun game out there! There's no loot boxes or microtransactions. There are reasonably priced map packs which add some more fun to the game, but that is optional. The developers of ETS2 are constantly bringing new updates for everybody who loves the game. If you enjoy it, everybody should play this game. I 100% recommend it, and it's not overpriced on Steam. During sales, it's £3, so it's definitely worth a buy.”
- “I am satisfied with my experience with the game and didn’t encounter any microtransactions or in-game purchases.”
- “Bad microtransactions and a ton of DLCs.”
- “The DLCs, which include new truck models and additional maps, do little to change the repetitive nature of the gameplay and feel like a cash grab.”
- “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 like 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 character arcs.
- “The depth of character development really allows players to connect with the story and the characters.”
- “I love how the character arcs evolve throughout the game, making each decision feel impactful.”
- “The character development is on par with Counter-Strike and Burnout Paradise.”
- “The characters feel one-dimensional and lack any meaningful growth throughout the game.”
- “I was disappointed by how predictable the character arcs were; there was no real depth or surprise.”