Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) is one of the most immersive driving simulations ever made, putting you in the driver’s seat of massive trucks as you traverse realistic European roads. The game is more than just driving; it involves route planning, cargo management, vehicle upgrades, fuel and maintenance strategies, and financial decisions. This guide teaches step by step how to progress efficiently, maximize profits, upgrade trucks, handle long hauls, manage a trucking business, and enjoy the full ETS2 experience.

1. How to Start Your Trucking Career

Your journey begins with choosing a starting city and a small truck. Focus first on completing short, profitable jobs to gain experience and money. These early jobs also teach basic mechanics like shifting gears, braking, and navigating traffic.

Avoid rushing into long routes initially. Shorter deliveries let you learn European road systems, rest mechanics, and cargo handling without risking fatigue or damage.

Beginner Tips

• Start with small, local jobs to build skills and confidence
• Learn the map and identify fuel stations and rest areas
• Practice manual shifting to increase control over your truck

2. How to Choose and Upgrade Your First Truck

Selecting the right truck affects your performance and profit. Each model varies in power, fuel efficiency, and cargo capacity. Start with a fuel-efficient truck and focus on upgrades like engine, transmission, and chassis for better speed, load handling, and fuel economy.

Truck tuning allows customization of wheels, lights, cabin layout, and accessories. Upgrades make long routes easier and more efficient while also improving your professional image in the game.

Truck Tips

• Focus on engine and transmission upgrades first
• Customize cabin and mirrors for comfort and better visibility
• Balance power with fuel efficiency to maximize profit

3. How to Plan Efficient Routes

Route planning is crucial in ETS2. Always consider distance, delivery deadlines, tolls, and fuel stations. Planning ensures that you avoid traffic congestion and reduces the risk of accidents or penalties.

Use GPS navigation in the game but also plan backup routes. Longer highways are faster but may have tolls; country roads are slower but can save money.

Route Planning Tips

• Use the map to mark fuel stations and rest areas
• Factor in rest periods for fatigue management
• Choose highways for speed, secondary roads for scenic or safe driving

4. How to Manage Cargo Properly

Different cargo types require different handling. Fragile cargo or oversized loads demand careful driving to avoid damage penalties. Always check your trailer and cargo type before starting a delivery.

Understand weight distribution. Heavy loads affect braking distance, turning, and acceleration. Proper cargo management improves efficiency and reduces delivery delays.

Cargo Tips

• Check cargo type and weight before departure
• Drive carefully with fragile or oversized cargo
• Upgrade trailers for higher capacity and better stability

5. How to Handle Fuel, Maintenance, and Rest

Managing fuel, truck condition, and driver fatigue is essential. Running out of fuel or neglecting maintenance can result in fines or job failure. Plan fuel stops based on cargo weight and route length.

Fatigue reduces reaction time and can end deliveries abruptly. Stop at rest areas to reset fatigue and maintain efficiency.

Management Tips

• Monitor fuel and schedule refueling before running low
• Perform regular truck maintenance to avoid breakdowns
• Take scheduled rests to avoid fatigue penalties

6. How to Earn Money Fast and Efficiently

Profitability depends on route efficiency, cargo type, and delivery speed. High-value cargos like chemicals or electronics yield better rewards. Completing jobs without damage and on time maximizes earnings.

Invest profits in upgrading trucks, buying garages, and hiring drivers to expand your fleet. The sooner you invest wisely, the faster your trucking empire grows.

Earning Tips

• Prioritize high-value, short-to-medium routes for consistent income
• Avoid damaging cargo to prevent penalties
• Expand your fleet gradually to increase passive income

7. How to Hire Drivers and Expand Your Fleet

Once you have enough funds, you can hire AI drivers. Choose drivers based on skill level and assign them profitable routes. Investing in garages allows you to station trucks in multiple cities and manage more deliveries.

Training your drivers and upgrading their trucks improves efficiency. Eventually, you can run multiple routes simultaneously and maximize revenue.

Fleet Management Tips

• Hire drivers with higher skill ratings first
• Assign profitable but manageable routes
• Invest in garages in high-demand cities for maximum coverage

8. How to Navigate Traffic and European Roads

ETS2 features realistic traffic AI and European road rules. Speed limits, traffic signs, and intersections matter. Running red lights or causing accidents results in fines and damage penalties.

Pay attention to trucks, buses, and local traffic behaviors. Adjust speed and follow proper lane discipline to avoid collisions and maintain cargo safety.

Traffic Tips

• Obey speed limits and traffic signals
• Use turn signals and lane discipline for safe driving
• Anticipate AI behavior on highways and narrow roads

9. How to Upgrade Your Trucking Skills

As you gain experience, your driver profile earns skill points. Skills include long-distance driving, high-value cargo handling, fuel efficiency, and time management. Prioritize skills that suit your preferred routes and cargo types.

Higher skill levels unlock more profitable contracts, faster delivery times, and better handling abilities. Focus on long-term growth rather than short-term profits.

Skill Tips

• Upgrade fuel efficiency for long-haul routes
• Invest in heavy cargo skill for higher-paying deliveries
• Choose long-distance driving for consistent experience gains

10. How to Conquer Endgame and Build a Trucking Empire

Endgame in ETS2 is about running a large, efficient trucking company. Expand across multiple cities, hire skilled drivers, maintain a fully upgraded fleet, and complete the most profitable contracts.

Focus on efficiency, balancing fuel, cargo safety, and delivery deadlines. Endgame players can create massive profits and unlock all trucks, trailers, and customization options.

Endgame Tips

• Expand your fleet and garages strategically
• Focus on the most profitable routes for maximum revenue
• Maintain a fully upgraded fleet for top efficiency

Conclusion

Euro Truck Simulator 2 rewards careful planning, precision driving, and strategic business management. By mastering cargo handling, route planning, truck upgrades, and fleet management, you can create a profitable trucking empire. Every delivery, long-haul journey, and route choice shapes your career. With patience and skill, you can dominate the European roads and build the ultimate logistics empire.