With the ETS2, SCS Software manages to convey the fascination of truck driving to the screen. Anyone who thinks that this game is a pure driving simulator is wrong.

Gameplay:
Of course you control a truck and of course you have to transport deliveries. But that alone does not make up the charm and appeal. Ultimately, you're not just a truck driver, you're also a businessman. This is also part of the long-term motivation, because the goal is to build up our own fleet of trucks, distributed to garage locations throughout Europe, and thus increase profits. In addition, a level system is implemented so that you can also increase your own skills, which increases profit and the choice of rides. To a lesser extent, this also applies to employed drivers. You can choose seven ways, e.g. long-distance trips or dangerous goods transport and later also combine them.

The community events, which are always organized by World of Trucks [www.worldoftrucks.com] and where you have to fulfill special orders, are particularly pleasing, so that you can get special items, e.g. for the community market. You are also quite creative and sometimes adapt to current developments. A strong plus. The size of the map and the associated variety of cities is also sufficient in the main game to get several dozen hours together before you have seen everything. If you then also hunt for the achievements, for which you also need certain DLCs, you will quickly reach over 100 hours.

With its own Steam Workshop and large fan base, the game can also score points. With so many mods, it's really easy to lose track. However, they offer the virtual truck driver further customization options or are simply helpful.

Graphics, sound, physics:
Speaking of the map: The routes, the landscape, cities and other vehicles are kept quite simple, but the main actors aka the trucks are to be emphasized. Last but not least, because there are a large number of manufacturers and the customization options, e.g. motorization, transmission, driver's cab or or or, seem almost endless. You can create your own playlists for the sound, just as if you had a CD or MP3 player in the driver's cab. The driving noises when the radio is deactivated, i.e. engine noises or a beeping when reversing, make you sink deeper into the driver's seat.

The game also underlines the very realistic driving physics and also conveys the feeling you have when you sit in the cockpit of a tractor. The confusion when maneuvering, the countless information that needs to be considered and also the blind spots. All in all a good implementation!

DLC's:
Due to the abundance of DLC's I dedicate myself exceptionally to these. It is advisable to grab the Euro Truck Simulator 2 Essentials package when you buy it. The expansions Going East , Scandinavia and High Power Cargo Pack not only increase the number of cities and routes, but also the possible cargo. Overall, the playing time increases by several tens of hours! Whether you need the countless paint jobs is a matter of personal preference! Vive la France! , Italia and the two cargo DLCs Special Transport and Heavy Cargo Pack are certainly still worthwhile. If you want Beyond the Baltic Sea, you should definitely own the Essentials package! Everything else does not make sense. Overall, it is worth considering whether you shouldn't also use the Map Booster.

Conclusion:
I was skeptical about the simulator because I find most simulations more bad than good. In this case, however, the ETS2 convinces with a sophisticated career and level system, interesting driving modifications and useful extensions and community activities. As described above, I recommend buying the Essentials package right away. This was already available on Steam for 12.60 Euros (80% discount). The other DLCs can then be bought later if required, e.g. from the Summer-Saler.

My Euro Truck Simulator 2 - 100% Achievements Guide