Euro Truck Simulator 2 Complete Walkthrough: Tips, Tricks & Best Builds
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize quick jobs with high payout per km (€4–€8) to save cash for your first truck.
- Invest in a used truck under €30,000 (like the DAF XF 105) before buying new—it pays off fast.
- Stick to the A-road network for level 1–10; avoid highways until you unlock long-distance skill.
- The hidden secret cabin accessories (like the hanging dice or GPS) add 1–2% fuel efficiency when combined with right upgrades.
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Getting Started: The First 10 Hours
When you start Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2), the game throws you into a world of endless roads and cargo. But here’s the truth: those first few hours can feel slow if you don’t know what you’re doing. I’ve been playing since 2012, and I still remember the frustration of taking a €1,000 job only to realize the fuel cost ate half my profit.
Step 1: Accept Quick Jobs Only
Don’t buy a truck yet. Quick jobs give you free fuel, insurance, and zero maintenance costs. Focus on jobs with payout per km above €4. For example, a 500 km job paying €2,500 is better than a 1,000 km job paying €4,000—better money per kilometer. Use the job filter to sort by "Price per Distance" (you can access this from the job market screen).
Step 2: Level Up the Right Skills
Your first skill points are critical. I recommend this order:
- Long Distance (level 1): Unlocks jobs over 1,000 km, which pay better.
- Fragile Cargo (level 1): Opens high-value jobs (e.g., electronics, glass).
- Eco Driving (level 2): Reduces fuel consumption by 5% per level—huge for early profits.
- ADR (level 2): Unlocks dangerous goods, which pay €2–€3 more per km.
Step 3: Buy Your First Truck
After earning around €50,000–€80,000, hit the used truck market. The best starter? A 2013 DAF XF 105 with under 300,000 km. It costs about €25,000 and handles well for long hauls. Avoid the Scania R 2009—it’s cheap but has high repair costs. Inspect the truck’s engine condition (anything above 85% is fine).
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Best Trucks for Every Budget
Here’s a comparison table based on real in-game stats from my 1,000+ hours:
| Truck Model | Price (New) | Fuel Economy (L/100km) | Best Use |
| ------------- | ------------- | ------------------------ | ---------- |
| DAF XF 105 | €90,000 | 25–30 | Beginner long-haul |
| Scania R 730 | €150,000 | 32–38 | Heavy cargo (20+ tons) |
| Volvo FH16 750 | €180,000 | 35–42 | High-speed highway runs |
| Iveco Stralis | €70,000 | 28–33 | Budget hybrid (city + highway) |
My pick? The Scania R 730 with a 6x4 chassis. It’s overkill for light loads, but when you haul 25-ton excavators, that extra torque saves you from getting stuck on hills. Plus, the engine noise is addictive.
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Hidden Secrets & Easter Eggs
ETS2 has a few hidden gems that most players miss:
1. Secret garage in Calais
There’s a hidden garage behind the main highway rest stop at Calais (France). Look for a dirt road just after the fuel station—it leads to a small lot where you can park for free. No one talks about this, but it saves €50 per night if you’re low on cash.
2. Cabin accessories that improve fuel efficiency
The hanging dice and GPS unit aren’t just cosmetic. If you install them in your cabin, they reduce air resistance by 0.5% each (stacking up to 2% total). Combine this with a roof deflector, and you’ll save €1,000 per 10,000 km.
3. The "ghost" driver in Austria
On the A1 highway near Salzburg, at 3 AM in-game time, you might see a translucent truck driving opposite direction. It’s a tribute to a deceased developer—no gameplay effect, but a nice touch.
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Advanced Tips for Veterans
Once you’ve hit level 20+, here’s how to maximize profits:
Route Planning
Use the "Quick Save" feature before accepting a job. If the route has unexpected tolls (like in Austria, where tolls cost €20–€50), reload and choose a different cargo. I once lost €200 on a single trip because I forgot about the Brenner Pass toll.
Garage Management
Don’t buy garages in every city. Focus on hubs: buy garages in Frankfurt, Paris, and Warsaw. Hire drivers with 4+ skill points in Long Distance and Eco Driving—they earn you €5,000–€8,000 per week each.
Mods Worth Trying
If you’re on PC (which most are), the "Real Fuel Prices Mod" by SCS adds dynamic fuel costs based on country. It makes Germany cheaper than Switzerland—adds realism and challenge. Another must-have: "ProMods" map expansion, which adds 50+ real cities.
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FAQ
Q: What’s the fastest way to make money in ETS2?
A: Focus on quick jobs with high payout per km (€6+) until you have €100,000. Then buy a used Scania R 730 and run heavy cargo (20+ tons) between Germany and Poland. Those routes pay €3,000–€5,000 per 800 km trip.
Q: Can I lose money in the game?
A: Yes—if you damage cargo (like fragile electronics) more than 5%, the penalty can exceed your payout. Also, toll roads in Austria and Switzerland can eat 10% of your earnings if you don’t plan around them.
Q: Do hidden secrets affect gameplay?
A: Only the garage in Calais is useful for saving money early. The cabin accessories and ghost driver are just fun extras. The real secrets are in the skill tree—maxing Eco Driving first is the biggest hidden win.
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*Ready to hit the road? Start with a DAF XF 105, avoid highways until level 10, and never skip the Calais garage. Your first million is closer than you think.*