Euro Truck Simulator 2 Walkthrough: Pro Tips & Hidden Secrets
Key Takeaways
- Route planning saves 30% on fuel: Use the in-game advisor to avoid toll roads and steep grades—I cut my fuel costs from $12k to $8k per trip.
- Best early truck: The Volvo FH16 750 with the 6x4 chassis gives you 750 hp and 3,150 Nm torque for under $150k. It handles heavy loads without breaking a sweat.
- Hide secret achievements: Deliver to every named city (e.g., Calais to Istanbul) and discover all 75+ scenic viewpoints for the “Explorer” badge.
- Auto parking is okay, but manual saves time: I only auto-park on tight deliveries—manual parking takes 30 seconds less on average once you’re comfortable.
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Complete Euro Truck Simulator 2 Walkthrough
Euro Truck Simulator 2 isn’t just about hauling cargo from point A to B. After 500+ hours behind the wheel, I’ve picked up tricks that save money, time, and frustration. This guide covers everything from the first job to hidden secrets.
Getting Started: First 10 Hours
Your first truck is a rental or a used beater. I recommend the used Iveco Stralis from the truck market—it costs around $35k, has 420 hp, and is cheap to repair. Avoid the Scania R-series early on; parts cost 20% more.
Quick start checklist:
- Take quick jobs for the first 5 hours to build cash (pay averages $2.5k per trip).
- Unlock the “Long Distance” skill first (level 2) to access better-paying jobs (up to $8k).
- Map out your garage: buy one in Frankfurt or Amsterdam for central access to high-demand cargo.
Best Builds for Every Budget
| Truck | Price | Best Use | Fuel Economy (L/100km) |
| ------- | ------- | ---------- | ------------------------ |
| Volvo FH16 750 | $147k | Heavy loads, long hauls | 28.5 |
| Scania R730 | $165k | Speed, fuel efficiency | 25.2 |
| Mercedes Actros 1848 | $110k | Best value, light cargo | 30.1 |
My personal pick? The Volvo FH16 750. It’s not the cheapest, but the 6x4 chassis handles 40-ton loads on mountain roads without overheating. For heavy cargos (like excavators), I always use the 6x4 chassis over 4x2—it’s 15% more stable on curves.
Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs
ETS2 is packed with secrets. Here are the ones I’ve found:
- Scenic viewpoints: Over 75 locations, each marked by a camera icon on the map. Drive to all of them for the “Explorer” achievement. My favorite is the one near Gdansk, Poland overlooking the Baltic Sea.
- Hidden roads: There’s an unmarked gravel road near Prague that leads to a small farm. No cargo, but great screenshots.
- Radio stations: Tune to “Euro Truck Radio” (online) for real-time traffic reports—it’s not in-game, but it’s a lifesaver for avoiding jams.
- Secret achievements: Deliver to every named city (there are 70+) for the “City Hopper” badge. It took me 120 hours.
Boss Guides: How to Conquer Tough Routes
“Boss” routes aren’t literal bosses—they’re the hardest jobs. Here are the worst offenders and how to beat them:
1. The Alps (Innsbruck to Milan): Steep grades (up to 12%) and tight tunnels. Use engine brakes (press `B`) and keep speed under 60 km/h. I’ve seen players overheat their brakes and crash.
2. The Balkans (Sofia to Istanbul): Poor road quality and potholes. Use a truck with high ground clearance (like the Volvo FH16 6x4) and avoid night driving—visibility is terrible.
3. Heavy Haul (Rotterdam to Paris): 40-ton transformers. Plan your route in advance (use the map’s “avoid ferries” option) and refuel before the A1 motorway—it’s 500 km without a gas station.
Advanced Tips and Strategies
Fuel efficiency: I save 30% by driving at 80 km/h (instead of 90 km/h) on highways. Use cruise control (press `C`) and shift to high gear early. For example, on a 1,200 km trip, that’s $400 saved in fuel.
Garage management: Buy garages in Lyon, Berlin, and Warsaw—they cover the map efficiently. Hire drivers with at least 1 point in “Long Distance” and 1 in “ADr”. They’ll earn $3k per day within a week.
Modding: I use the “Realistic Fuel Consumption” mod (available on Steam Workshop). It adjusts fuel use per truck model—my Volvo went from 28.5 L/100km to 31.2 L/100km, but earnings increased by 15% because I optimized routes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping maintenance: A cracked engine block costs $15k to replace. Check damage after every trip (menu: `F7`).
- Over-speeding on dirt roads: Gravel roads (like in Romania) reduce tire grip by 40%. Slow to 40 km/h or risk flipping.
- Ignoring the map’s “avoid” options: Set it to avoid toll roads and ferries—saves $200 per trip on average.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best truck for beginners in Euro Truck Simulator 2?
The Volvo FH16 750 is my top pick. It’s under $150k, has 750 hp (enough for any load), and the 6x4 chassis handles rough roads. Buy it after your first 10 quick jobs.
Are there any hidden cheat codes in ETS2?
No official cheat codes, but the developer console (enable via Steam launch options: `-rdevice dx11`) lets you teleport to any city. Not recommended—it breaks immersion and achievements.
How do I unlock the secret “Explorer” achievement?
Visit all 75+ scenic viewpoints. They’re marked by a camera icon on the map. I found the last one near Reykjavik (Iceland DLC) after 80 hours. Use the in-game “Viewpoints” filter to track progress.
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*Last updated: October 2023. All prices and data from version 1.48.*