Euro Truck Simulator 2 Review Summary

Continuous updates and developer support: The game receives consistent updates, free reworks of older regions, and high-quality DLCs, which keep the experience fresh and engaging. The developers are commended for their long-term commitment to improving the game, including graphical upgrades and new content expansions.

Strong modding community and customization: The game supports extensive modding, including new maps, trucks, graphics enhancements, and gameplay tweaks. The active modding community significantly extends the game's longevity and replayability, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferences (e.g., adding new regions or vehicles).

High-quality graphics and sound design: The game features impressive graphics for its age, with detailed environments, dynamic weather, and realistic lighting. Sound design, including engine noises, ambient effects, and real radio stations, further immerses players in the experience. Mods can enhance these aspects even further.

Extensive truck customization options: Players can extensively customize their trucks, including performance upgrades, cosmetic changes (e.g., paint jobs, lights), and interior details. The variety of licensed truck brands and trailers adds to the personalization and satisfaction of owning and upgrading vehicles.

Vast and detailed European map: The game offers a sprawling, realistic map of Europe, with diverse landscapes, cities, and landmarks. DLCs expand the map further, adding regions like Scandinavia, Italy, and the Balkans. The attention to detail in road networks, weather, and cultural elements enhances immersion and replayability.

Repetitive and monotonous gameplay: The core gameplay loop of driving from point A to point B is widely described as repetitive and lacking variety, especially during long play sessions. Players note that the absence of dynamic events, varied missions, or engaging mechanics contributes to boredom and burnout over time.

Over-reliance on mods for enjoyment: Players frequently mention that mods are necessary to enhance the game's visuals, gameplay, and traffic systems, as the base game lacks sufficient content or polish. However, mods can introduce bugs, compatibility issues, or conflicts, complicating the experience.

Outdated and inconsistent graphics: The game's visuals are criticized for being outdated in older map areas, with inconsistent quality between regions and poor performance even on high-end systems. Players highlight issues like weak weather effects, retro textures, and stuttering in VR, which detract from immersion.

Frustrating traffic and AI behavior: The traffic AI is a major pain point, with players reporting unrealistic behaviors such as sudden braking, illogical lane changes, and aggressive driving that often results in accidents or fines. The lack of realism and depth in AI-controlled vehicles significantly impacts the driving experience.

Excessive and expensive DLCs: Players frequently criticize the high number of DLCs required to access the full game experience, describing them as overpriced and essential for core features like map expansions, tuning, and customization. The base game is often perceived as limited or incomplete without these purchases, leading to frustration over the total cost of ownership.

Core trucking simulation gameplay: The game revolves around driving trucks across Europe to deliver cargo, with a strong emphasis on realistic mechanics such as fuel management, traffic rules, and vehicle physics. Players start as hired drivers and can progress to owning and managing their own trucking company, including hiring employees and expanding operations.

Business management and progression: Players can build and manage their own transport company, including purchasing trucks, hiring drivers, expanding garages, and dealing with financial aspects like loans, fuel costs, and employee salaries. The progression system allows players to start small and grow their empire over time.

Input and control flexibility: The game supports a variety of input methods, including keyboard, controllers, and steering wheels. Players can customize keybindings and driving settings to suit their preferred playstyle, whether arcade-like or hyper-realistic.

Dynamic and random events: The game features dynamic events such as roadblocks, detours, traffic incidents, and random encounters like accidents or police patrols. These events add variety and unpredictability to long-haul journeys, keeping gameplay engaging.

Customization and personalization: Players can extensively customize their trucks, including mechanical upgrades, visual modifications, and paint finishes. However, trailer customization options are more limited. The game also allows players to add custom radio stations and adjust in-game settings for a personalized experience.

Optimized for broad hardware range: The game is widely praised for its optimization, running smoothly on both low-end and high-end systems. Players highlight its ability to maintain stable performance across a variety of hardware configurations, including older PCs and mid-range setups. Regular graphical improvements have also been noted, though the engine's age may limit further advancements.

Performance issues in dense areas: Players report significant performance drops in densely populated areas, such as cities or during large community events (e.g., with the TruckersMP mod). VR performance is also cited as suboptimal, with frame rate fluctuations and stuttering in complex scenarios or when using mods. These issues persist even on high-end systems.

Collision and physics bugs: Players report issues with invisible objects, collision detection, and a known bug causing trucks to stop unexpectedly due to air pressure loss. While these bugs are generally described as minor and manageable, they can disrupt gameplay. Newer DLC maps have also introduced performance issues not present in earlier versions.

Highly recommended for simulation fans: The majority of feedback emphasizes strong recommendations for the game, particularly for fans of simulation, trucking, and relaxing gameplay. Players highlight its immersive experience, long-term engagement, and therapeutic benefits, making it a standout in the simulation genre.

Ideal for relaxation and stress relief: Many players describe the game as a calming, meditative, or therapeutic experience, often comparing it to 'therapy on wheels.' This sentiment is frequently tied to the game's slow-paced, scenic, and immersive nature, making it appealing to those seeking a break from fast-paced or high-pressure games.

DLCs add value but quality varies: While many players recommend purchasing DLCs (especially during sales) for expanded content, some express dissatisfaction with the quality of recent DLCs, citing poor developer support or lack of innovation. This mixed feedback suggests DLCs are valuable but not universally well-received.

Not for fast-paced or micromanagement fans: The game is explicitly not recommended for players who prefer fast-paced action, narrative-driven experiences, or micromanaging a trucking company. This feedback helps set expectations for the game's niche audience.

Long-term engagement and progression: Players describe the game as a 'long-term hobby' or 'journey,' emphasizing its ability to draw players in over time. The slow but rewarding progression system is a key part of its appeal, particularly for those seeking depth in simulation games.

Gameplay tips and strategies: Experienced players share tips for new players, such as starting with solo deliveries, using mods to enhance gameplay, or managing finances efficiently (e.g., taking loans, hiring drivers). These strategies help newcomers maximize their enjoyment and progress in the game.

Accessibility and hardware recommendations: The game is accessible to a broad audience, including older adults and those using it for rehabilitation. However, players recommend specific hardware, such as steering wheels or Xbox controllers, for enhanced immersion. The game's system requirements are mid-level to high-end, and its large file size may be a consideration for some players.

Lack of depth for some players: While the game has a dedicated fanbase, some players find it boring or unsuited to their preferences (e.g., RPGs, shooters, or racing games). Criticisms include the absence of a story, repetitive gameplay, and a lack of traditional action elements. These players often rate the game lower due to personal taste rather than objective flaws.

Future expansions and community wishes: Players express excitement for future DLCs, such as maps for Ukraine, Moldova, or Georgia, and features like coaches or improved online modes. The community actively engages with the developers, hoping for innovations that will keep the game fresh and expansive.

DLCs and monetization concerns: While players acknowledge that paid DLCs (e.g., map expansions) support ongoing development, some express concerns about affordability and the addictive nature of purchasing DLCs. New players are often advised to buy bundles for better value, but the cost of DLCs can be a barrier for some.