It’s funny how gaming interests can shift. If you’d told me even a month ago that I’d be engrossed in Euro Truck Simulator 2, I would have raised an eyebrow. Yet here I am, writing about a game I first picked up on Steam almost a decade ago. Back then, lured by a sale and overwhelmingly positive reviews, I added ETS2 to my library. Having experienced a car accident the previous year, the idea of virtual driving, even on a basic laptop with a controller, felt surprisingly cathartic. While it didn’t become a long-term obsession then, overshadowed by newer games like Hero Siege (which still holds a top spot in my playtime), ETS2 remained in the background.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 gameplay showing a truck on a winding road at night
Years later, after joining Squad, I’d occasionally revisit ETS2, especially thanks to SuperToast, who has been a dedicated streamer of the game on our Twitch channel since 2017. Joining him for chaotic multiplayer sessions, often filled with virtual crashes, became a fun, if infrequent, pastime.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 multiplayer scene with multiple trucks and some damage
The real turning point came last Christmas during a holiday visit with Blades. Dusting off his old racing wheel setup and diving into Gran Turismo 3 on a PS3 was a revelation. Experiencing a racing game with a proper wheel for the first time was incredibly immersive. Inspired, I immediately ordered my own wheel and stand, plunging into the world of Assetto Corsa and Automobilista for months. However, as often happens, the initial fervor faded, and the wheel ended up beside my desk, gathering dust.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 interface showing in-game map and truck dashboard
More recently, my interest in maps and geography was reignited by contributing to OpenStreetMap. After noticing my neighborhood’s absence while playing MissionChief, I started exploring OpenStreetMap, a collaborative, Wikipedia-like map project. This sparked a deeper curiosity about mapmaking and spatial data.
And this is where Euro Truck Simulator 2 comes back into the picture, bridging these seemingly disparate interests. Playing ETS2 with a wheel is a vastly different experience compared to a controller. The immersion is significantly heightened. Although I opted for paddle shifters instead of a full gear shifter, driving trucks across Europe with these controls adds an unexpected layer of engagement.
Perhaps my current fascination with ETS2 isn’t so surprising after all. December has often been the time I return to Elite: Dangerous, a game frequently described as “space trucking.” While piloting spaceships might seem inherently more thrilling than driving trucks, there’s a surprising appeal to the slower pace of ETS2. It’s incredibly relaxing and makes for the perfect backdrop for podcasts or audiobooks. If you’re looking for a surprisingly engaging and chill gaming experience, especially as we approach events like Euro 2024, exploring the virtual roads of Europe in Euro Truck Simulator 2 might be an unexpectedly enjoyable journey. Who knew a euro truck simulator could be so captivating?
