Euro Truck Simulator 2 News

[p]In today’s special blog post, we’re excited to take you behind the scenes of the upcoming Nordic Horizons DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2. We sat down with Ivo, our ETS Map Lead, to talk about the creative and technical process behind bringing the Nordic landscapes to life. From intricate road networks to iconic landmarks, Ivo shares how the team is crafting an immersive experience for players exploring the northern reaches of Europe.[/p][p][/p][p]Ivo plays a key role in shaping both the big picture and the fine details of the project. When asked what his work involves, he explained, "As one of the Map Leads on Nordic Horizons, I’m responsible for both large and small components of the project — its overall shape as well as the day-to-day progress." His current focus is on monitoring progress and offering feedback, though his involvement has evolved over time: "Before that, I worked on the foundational layout of the urban and road networks, and earlier still I was involved with the research team, cooperating on time estimates, asset lists, and similar tasks." Reflecting on his experiences during development, Ivo shared that he had the opportunity to see the real-life inspirations firsthand. When asked whether he had visited Norway, Sweden, or Finland, he replied, "Yes, I was actually part of the research trip during the early stages of the project’s development. It was a fantastic experience, and I’m very glad I had the opportunity to visit many of the locations we’re recreating." The team ensured they covered all countries included in the DLC and took note of the diverse landscapes — a crucial step in capturing the spirit of the region.[/p][p][/p][p]Describing the research process behind Nordic Horizons, Ivo emphasized its significance: "Research is a fundamental part of every project we do, and it starts well before any actual map creation begins." The team relied extensively on online resources to gather information about everything from road laws and industries to cultural and natural highlights, all of which, together with our internal rules, influenced the project’s scope and planning.[/p][p]When asked what stands out most in terms of map design or architecture, Ivo highlighted the sheer scale of the region: "The vast distances, without a doubt. We’re covering an ambitiously large area, rich in stunning natural scenery but — apart from parts of the coast — very sparsely populated." He noted that these realities required difficult choices, saying, "To make our in-game world work, we had to make some compromises. In some places, a few towns had to be cut, while in others, we added smaller but important settlements at strategic points to maintain the economic flow. Without them, some areas might not offer any jobs to players due to the sheer distances. Such compromises are sometimes necessary due to the scale of our game world."[/p][p][/p][p]In response to what he’s most looking forward to seeing finished in the Nordic Horizons map, Ivo responded, "I’m lucky enough to be able to watch our talented Map Designers bring beautiful scenes to life, and although some of them still need a bit of polish, many of my personal 'wish list' locations have already come true, which is very satisfying. If I had to name one in particular, I’m especially happy that players will be able to drive all the way to Nordkapp — as far north as it’s possible to go in mainland Europe."[/p][p]Looking back at his career, Ivo explained how his role has changed compared to past projects. In response to a question about similar work he’s done, he said, "I used to work as a map designer, and Nordic Horizons is my first project in a Map Lead role. It’s a big shift." While he occasionally still contributes small scene designs, his focus is now broader: "My 'signature' is present in much of the city and road layout, even though the final visual result is a collaborative effort involving many talented people." [/p][p]As for the experience itself, Ivo shared what has brought him the most satisfaction: "I’ve enjoyed watching the map evolve and seeing our team’s hard work gradually take shape into an impressive expansion." He added that each development phase has its own hurdles but also its own rewards: "The scale of the project has exceeded my expectations in many ways, and every stage of development brings new challenges."[/p][p][/p][p]When asked about the landmarks players can look forward to, Ivo offered a rich preview: "If we count natural scenery as landmarks, then there are countless ones! But in terms of man-made landmarks, we’ve included quite a few: the majestic Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, picturesque town centres with churches, town halls, and train stations; industrial landmarks like the mines in Kiruna, and quirky tourist spots like Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi." [/p][p]Finally, when asked what he believes players will enjoy most in Nordic Horizons and what they shouldn't miss, his answer was clear: "Definitely the landscapes themselves, the distances and the solitude." He described the journey through the DLC as something transformative: "I’d suggest you travel from the south all the way up north, and you’ll experience a gradual transformation of vegetation, longer daylight hours, and vast stretches of beautiful, almost untouched wilderness." Says Ivo. [/p][p]We can’t wait to share more about this upcoming map expansion as development progresses. Stay connected with us for the latest news by following our social media channels on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok or subscribing to our newsletter. If you’re excited to explore the Nordic regions, be sure to add the Nordic Horizons DLC to your Steam Wishlist![/p][p]
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[p]On your journey across the upcoming Nordic Horizons DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2, you’ll encounter far more than iconic cities and majestic landscapes. Scattered throughout Norway, Sweden, and Finland are numerous smaller settlements, each with its own unique charm, history, and character. Today, we’d like to give you a closer look at some of the destinations that await you along the road.[/p][p][/p][p]From quiet fishing villages nestled along the Norwegian coastline to peaceful inland communities in Sweden and Finland, our teams have worked hard to capture the atmosphere and natural beauty of these locations. Whether you're hauling cargo, taking a break, or simply passing through, we hope these places leave a lasting impression.[/p][p]Norway[/p][p]Located in the heart of a stunning southern fjord region lies Skei, welcoming drivers with its picturesque views and tranquil surroundings. This small settlement offers a restful pause before heading into the more mountainous terrain to the north.[/p][p][/p][p]You’ll also come across Åndalsnes, a town surrounded by steep mountains. This settlement is known as the "Alpine village by the fjord." It marks the start of scenic routes and offers stunning views, making it a memorable stop for any driver passing through western Norway.[/p][p]In the wide-open tundra of Finnmark lies Kautokeino, a cultural heartland of the Sámi people. It’s a quiet stop on your journey, featuring traditional red wooden houses that offer a glimpse into the region’s distinctive character.[/p][p][/p][p]Perched on Norway’s rugged western coast is Myre, a small fishing town surrounded by scattered islands and stormy seas. The winding road that leads here passes through breathtaking landscapes, rewarding drivers with views and a sense of isolation rarely found elsewhere.[/p][p][/p][p]Sweden[/p][p]Our first stop in Sweden is Vittangi, tucked away deep within Swedish Lapland. Founded by Henrik Mickelsson Kyrö in 1674, the village sits amid boreal forests, offering peaceful drives through nature and glimpses of wooden cottages scattered across the landscape.[/p][p][/p][p]Next is Dorotea, known as the “Southern Gateway to Lapland”. Though small, it is a proud community situated by lakes and surrounded by wilderness—an ideal resting point before venturing further north.[/p][p][/p][p]Lastly, we highlight Ytterhogdal, a charming spot in central Sweden that invites drivers to slow down and take in the serenity of the countryside. With its pine forests, calm lakes, and peaceful village life, it offers a welcome contrast to busier roads.[/p][p][/p][p]Finland[/p][p]In the heart of Finland lies Viitasaari, where quiet roads, expansive lakes, and a strong local identity come together. It’s a common stop for drivers travelling north or south, providing not only fuel but also a refreshing pause amid Finnish nature.[/p][p][/p][p]Another Finnish destination to look forward to is Siilinjärvi, which offers a slower pace of life. Surrounded by forests and lakes, this town combines natural beauty with essential services for travellers. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the calm of central Finland.[/p][p][/p][p]While these are just a handful of the settlements featured in this blog, rest assured that many more await discovery. Each has been carefully crafted by our map, asset, and art teams to reflect the spirit of its real-world counterpart, from architecture and layout to the surrounding nature and terrain.[/p][p]Alongside these communities, you’ll drive along countless scenic byways and rural landscapes that define the Nordic experience. We encourage every trucker to pause, pull over, and take in the breathtaking world that stretches far beyond the cities.[/p][p]Eager to hit the Nordic roads? Be sure to add Nordic Horizons to your Steam Wishlist! Stay connected with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube, or by subscribing to our newsletter for all the latest updates. See you on the road![/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]It’s time to trade city skylines and highways for dusty roads and countryside! Today, we’re excited to announce the release of the Farm Machinery DLC, a new cargo pack for Euro Truck Simulator 2!
[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p] Agriculture plays a vital role in Europe’s landscape, economy, and culture. From small family farms to large industrial operations, farmers depend on a wide range of equipment to keep their fields productive, but none of it would arrive without you, the trucker, delivering it. Take on the challenge of hauling powerful tractors and other machinery built for the biggest jobs in modern farming. 


The Farm Machinery DLC for ETS2 features 9 cargo types to haul, represented by our in-game brands Owl and Greenler. After finding success in American Truck Simulator, these brands are now making their mark in the European market. Each machine has been designed with detail by our talented vehicles and art teams, offering drivers a fresh set of hauling challenges across the diverse road network of Euro Truck Simulator 2.


So what cargoes are included in this pack? Get ready to haul: [/p]

• [p]Autonomous Tractor[/p]
• [p]Articulated Crawler Tractor[/p]
• [p]Forage Harvester[/p]
• [p]Grain Trailer[/p]
• [p]Square Baler[/p]
• [p]Disc Harrows[/p]
• [p]Fertilizer Spreader[/p]
• [p]Planter Sprayer[/p]

• [p]Seeding Combinations[/p]

[p]
But there’s more to this DLC than just what's behind your truck. We're also bringing the charm of farm life into your truck cabin with a set of delightful, agriculture-themed accessories. These decorations let you personalize your space and carry a piece of the countryside with you wherever you drive.


Included cabin accessories:[/p]

• [p]    Lunch Box[/p]
• [p]    Scarecrow[/p]
• [p]    Straw Hat[/p]
• [p]    Stuffed Autonomous Tractor[/p]

• [p]    Harvester Toy[/p]

[p][/p][p]We can’t wait to see you hit the road with these new loads! Be sure to share your screenshots and videos of your first job with Farm Machinery DLC using the hashtag #ETS2FarmMachinery when posting on social media! As always, thank you for your continued support, and until next time, keep on truckin'! [/p]

store.steampowered.com/app/1456860/Euro_Truck_Simulator_2__Farm_Machinery

[p]A few weeks back, we officially announced that our teams are already working on the Coaches expansion for Euro Truck Simulator 2. Before we are ready to share more with you from this upcoming DLC, we would like you to meet the team behind it![/p][p][/p][p]The team consists of eight people, with some other members of our company contributing from time to time as well, from programmers, game designers, and 3D graphic designers, to testers. Let's meet them![/p][p][/p][h3]Dominik - Producer[/h3][p][/p][p]"You may know me from Nordic Horizons - Meet The Team, where I wrote about my history in SCS and my current role. While working on Nordic Horizons, I started dedicating one day a week to the Coaches side-project, which had been running for a long time but had no production coverage. Gradually, I managed to build a team, collaborated to get licenses, and the small side-project became almost a full-time job. Even though it doesn't seem like it, the knowledge from running a map DLC is very useful now, because even in the Coaches project, there is a lot of map work; modified bus stations, bus stops, and border crossings. I'm very happy that an excellent, dedicated team has been assembled and that this project is moving forward at the speed it deserves." [/p][p][/p][h3]Petr - Senior Tester[/h3][p][/p][p]"When I started out as a bus driver, I never imagined that one day I would be testing buses for a computer game. As someone who has spent years behind the wheel of real buses, I know how an automatic transmission should behave, what a vehicle does under hard braking, or what a hill start looks like with a fully loaded machine. And it's this experience that I try to bring into testing to make the bus driving in ETS2 as close to reality as possible. But testing is also about checking all the functional details. Whether it's the behaviour of the vehicles, the controls, the sounds, or the graphical details. This connects my real world with the virtual one and gives me the opportunity to contribute to making the bus experience as authentic as possible for players around the world."[/p][p][/p][h3]Josef - Junior Researcher for Game Development[/h3][p][/p][p]"I have been working in the Research & Game Development department at SCS for a year and a quarter, and from the very beginning, I started participating in the Coaches project. For my colleagues, I prepare materials and references, for example, for building real-life bus terminals in our game, and I have also worked on redesigning those we already have in the game. Since I spent a lot of time playing our studio’s older game, "Bus Driver," I am really looking forward to the coaches in ETS2."[/p][p][/p][h3]Marek - Senior Programmer[/h3][p][/p][p]"I've been working as a programmer at SCS Software for nearly 12 years. My journey began with developing our map editor and various internal tools, supporting the core of our game development process. Over time, I transitioned into working on gameplay features, which allowed me to directly contribute to what players experience behind the wheel. Now, I'm excited to be part of something entirely new - bringing coaches into the game. This addition opens up fresh possibilities for gameplay, and I'm really happy to have the opportunity to help shape this new direction. Looking forward to seeing how players enjoy the new challenges coaches will bring."[/p][p][/p][h3]Vitalii - Senior 3D Graphic Designer - Vehicles[/h3][p][/p][p]"I started working at SCS almost 6 years ago, joining the Road Department as a 3D Artist. After two years, I transferred to the Vehicle team. I began by modeling AI vehicles, then worked on cargo, and gradually moved on to helping with trucks. Currently, I'm a Senior Vehicle Artist focusing on coaches. This is the first project where I'm not just helping out, but actually planning and executing both the exterior and interior myself, from start to finish. It's been a great challenge, and I'm working alongside an amazing team of specialists. I really hope you'll enjoy our upcoming DLC once it's ready."[/p][p][/p][h3]Vladimír - 3D Graphic Designer - Vehicles[/h3][p][/p][p]"I started working at SCS as a 3D graphic designer almost three years ago, in the outsourcing department, where I was responsible for the quality of 3D assets for map DLCs. About a year ago, I fulfilled my dream and joined the vehicles department. The first project within my new position was the MAN Lion's Coach model. I am very excited about this new direction of our game and the actual model I am working on. I hope the players will enjoy this DLC, and I am already looking forward to their first reactions."[/p][p][/p][h3]Vojta - Game Designer[/h3][p][/p][p]"My career started by teaching how to make games. Then, I began trying to create them in the evenings. After many evenings spent this way and several broken teams, I came to terms with the fact that I'd be working on someone else's games. I never expected to find such a wonderful company culture at SCS, nor a company so open to finding the best possible place for its talents. My suggestions were heard. So, I came up with new game features for the map, proposed innovations for our map editor, designed new gameplay features, significantly contributed to Driving Academy, and created UX and UI design features. Now, I have the opportunity to contribute to a "game within the game" - I'm designing game mechanics, UX, and UI for the coaches. We have great freedom, limited only by the constraints of our game itself, and once again, it's all very fresh and exciting." [/p][p][/p][p]We hope you liked the insight view of the team that is currently working on this expansion for ETS2. Don't forget to add the Coaches DLC to your Steam wishlist to show this team your excitement! If you want to keep track of future updates, make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube, or sign up for our newsletter. Until next time, we wish you safe travels![/p][p][/p]