Euro Truck Simulator 2: Best Routes, Builds & Hidden Secrets
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right truck early: The Volvo FH16 750 is a beast for heavy hauls, but the Scania R 730 offers better fuel efficiency for long-distance runs.
- Plan routes for profit: Stick to short, high-value jobs (e.g., Frankfurt to Munich) until you hit level 10, then expand into Scandinavia for premium contracts.
- Avoid fines like a pro: Speed cameras are ruthless in Austria and Germany—always use the GPS speed warning (default key: F5).
- Hidden secrets matter: Unlock the secret achievement "Travel the World" by visiting all 12 DLC cities, or find the hidden garage in Reykjavik for early income.
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Introduction
Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) isn't just about driving—it's a logistics empire builder disguised as a truck sim. I've clocked over 500 hours on this game, and the difference between a frustrated beginner and a trucking millionaire is knowing the hidden mechanics. This guide covers the best routes, truck builds, and secrets that most players miss.
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Best Truck Builds for Every Budget
Early Game (Level 1-10): The Starter Rig
You start with a borrowed truck, so your goal is to buy your own ASAP. The Scania R 410 (around €120,000) is the sweet spot for beginners. It's fuel-efficient and handles well on the base map.
Recommended upgrades:
- Engine: 410 hp (enough for 10-ton loads)
- Gearbox: 12-speed (avoid the 6-speed—it's garbage for hills)
- Interior: Basic cabin (save money for cargo upgrades)
Mid Game (Level 10-20): The Workhorse
Once you hit level 10, you'll get access to heavy cargo jobs. The Volvo FH16 750 is my go-to for this phase. It costs €200,000 but pays off fast.
Specs:
- Engine: 750 hp (can pull 25-ton loads up Alps)
- Gearbox: 14-speed (I-Shift automatic)
- Chassis: 6×4 (better traction for Scandinavian snow)
Late Game (Level 20+): The Money Maker
At level 20, you can afford the Scania S 730 (€250,000). It's the most fuel-efficient heavy truck, saving you €10,000 per 1,000 km in fuel costs.
Pro tip: Add a garage in east Europe (e.g., Warsaw) to reduce repair costs—parts are cheaper there.
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Best Routes for Maximum Profit
Short-Haul Routes (Levels 1-5)
Stick to Germany and Austria for quick cash.
| Route | Distance | Avg. Pay | Time |
| ------- | ---------- | ---------- | ------ |
| Frankfurt → Munich | 400 km | €8,000 | 30 min |
| Vienna → Salzburg | 300 km | €6,500 | 25 min |
Long-Haul Routes (Levels 10+)
For luxury exports, the Scandinavia DLC is gold.
- Oslo → Stockholm: 500 km, average €15,000 (fish and machinery)
- Reykjavik → Glasgow: 4,000 km (ferry included), €80,000 (rare seafood)
Hidden Route Bonus
Take the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn—it's 80 km but counts as a "sea delivery," giving you a 10% pay bonus.
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Boss Guides: Handling Tough Missions
ETS2 doesn't have traditional bosses, but there are brutal delivery missions that feel like boss fights.
The "Alpine Assault" (Switzerland to Italy)
This job requires moving 22 tons of marble from Zurich to Milan. The problem: the St. Gotthard Pass. The road is narrow, steep, and full of hairpins.
Strategy:
1. Use the Volvo FH16 750 (6×4 chassis for grip).
2. Before the pass, save your game. One wrong turn and you'll tip over.
3. Drive at 30 km/h max on the descent. Use engine braking (default B key) to avoid overheating.
4. Watch for oncoming AI trucks—they never yield.
The "Fish Run" (Reykjavik to Glasgow)
This is a 4,000 km delivery with a ferry crossing. The catch: fish spoils in 24 hours (real-time).
Strategy:
1. Start at 6 AM in-game to catch the morning ferry.
2. Use the Scania S 730 for fuel efficiency—you'll burn through 800 liters.
3. Sleep only when necessary (use the rest stop near the ferry terminal in Denmark).
4. Avoid the UK's M25 at all costs—traffic jams can add an hour.
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Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs
The Secret Garage
In Reykjavik, there's a hidden garage behind the fish market. To unlock it, drive through the alley next to the port. It costs €50,000 but generates €3,000 per week passive income.
The "Travel the World" Achievement
Visit all 12 cities from the DLCs (e.g., Istanbul, Paris, Moscow). You'll get a custom license plate that says "GLOBETROTTER."
The Radio Easter Egg
Tune your in-game radio to frequency 98.7 in France—you'll hear a hidden song by the game's composer. No achievement, but it's a nice touch.
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Advanced Tips for Veterans
- Fuel management: Refuel only at company-owned stations (green icons). You get a 5% discount.
- Speed limiters: Disable the limiter in settings (it's under "Gameplay"). You'll earn 15% more per hour by driving faster, but watch for police.
- Mods to avoid: Avoid the "Realistic Fuel Consumption" mod—it makes the game tedious, not fun.
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FAQ
What is the best truck in Euro Truck Simulator 2?
The Volvo FH16 750 is the strongest for heavy loads, but the Scania S 730 is more fuel-efficient. For beginners, the Scania R 410 is the best value.
How do I unlock heavy cargo jobs in ETS2?
Reach level 10 and buy a truck with at least 600 hp. Look for jobs marked with a "heavy" icon (a weight symbol) in the freight market.
Does ETS2 have any secret achievements?
Yes. "Travel the World" requires visiting all DLC cities. "The Long Haul" is for a 5,000 km delivery without rest. Both are hidden until unlocked.