Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) offers a vast and immersive trucking experience, and one of the best ways to expand this world is by using map mods. These modifications allow you to explore new territories, cities, and roads beyond the base game. However, combining multiple map mods, often referred to as “map combos,” requires careful management to ensure compatibility and stability. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of ETS2 map combos and load orders, helping you navigate the exciting world of expanded ETS2 maps.
Understanding ETS2 Map Mods
Map mods for Euro Truck Simulator 2 are created by talented modders to enrich the game world. They range from adding small regions or cities to massive expansions that span continents. These mods offer diverse landscapes, challenging routes, and fresh driving experiences. Popular examples include ProMods, RusMap, and many others, each bringing a unique flavor to your virtual trucking adventures.
Types of Map Mods
- Region Expansions: These mods add new countries or regions to the existing ETS2 map, such as the Balkans, Scandinavia, or parts of Russia.
- City Add-ons: Some mods focus on detailed recreations or expansions of specific cities, offering more intricate urban environments.
- Road Networks: Certain mods enhance or rework road networks, adding more realistic or challenging routes to existing areas.
- Standalone Maps: While less common in combos, some maps are designed to be played independently, offering entirely separate game worlds.
Finding and Sourcing Map Mods
It’s crucial to download map mods from reputable sources to ensure their quality and safety. Here are some recommended platforms:
- SCS Software Forums: The official ETS2 forum is a great place to discover mods, including map mods.
- ProMods Forum: For ProMods and related map mods, their official forum is the primary source.
- RoExtended Forum: If you’re interested in RoExtended maps, their forum offers downloads and support.
- TruckyMods.io: A popular site for various ETS2 mods, including a wide selection of map mods and fixes.
- TerraMaps Download Center: TerraMaps hosts their map mods and related content on their download center.
- Vkontakte (VK): Some Russian map mod communities use VK, a Russian social media platform, for sharing their creations.
Important Note: Always avoid downloading mods from unknown or third-party “mod hosting” sites, as these can be unreliable and potentially unsafe. Stick to the official or recognized sources listed above.
Creating Euro Truck Simulator 2 Map Combos
Combining multiple map mods can significantly enhance your ETS2 experience, creating a vast and interconnected world to explore. However, it’s essential to understand the principles of map combos and load orders to avoid conflicts and ensure smooth gameplay.
Compatibility Considerations
Not all map mods are compatible with each other. Conflicts can arise due to overlapping territories, conflicting assets, or incompatible game versions. Before combining maps, research their compatibility, often discussed in mod forums or communities. Road connection mods are frequently required to seamlessly integrate different map expansions.
Load Order: The Key to Successful Map Combos
The load order determines the sequence in which ETS2 loads your mods. A correct load order is crucial for map combos to function properly. The game reads mods from top to bottom, and conflicts can occur if mods are loaded in the wrong order.
General Load Order Structure:
While specific load orders can vary depending on the map mods you use, a general structure is typically followed:
- Background Maps: Mods that change the game’s background map.
- Sounds: Sound-related mods.
- Graphics / Weather: Visual and weather enhancement mods.
- Physics: Mods altering game physics.
- Tuning Parts: Modifications to truck parts and customization options.
- AI Mods / Traffic: Mods affecting AI behavior and traffic.
- Skins: Truck and trailer skins.
- Trailers: New trailer models and modifications.
- Trucks: New truck models and modifications.
- Maps: Map mods and their associated files (definitions, models, assets, road connections, fixes). This is where your “Euro Truck 2 Map” mods go.
Within the “Maps” Category, a more specific order is often needed:
- Essential Fixes: General fixes that address compatibility issues between different map mods.
- Road Connections: Mods that connect different map expansions, ensuring seamless transitions between regions.
- Map Definitions and Assets: Core map files, usually loaded in a specific order dictated by the mod creators (e.g., ProMods files are loaded in a defined sequence).
- Map Add-ons and Expansions: Individual map mods, often loaded based on geographical logic or modder recommendations.
- Specific Map Fixes: Fixes designed for particular map mods within the combo.
Example Global Map Combo Load Order
The following load order, originally compiled and maintained by experienced ETS2 map combo users, provides a comprehensive example of a global map combination. Please note that mod versions and specific files may need adjustments based on updates and your chosen mods. Always refer to the latest versions and any specific instructions from mod authors.
This example is based on a specific ETS2 version (v1.53 in the original article, you’ll need to adapt for your current version) and includes a wide array of map mods. It’s provided for illustrative purposes to understand load order principles. You will need to find the corresponding updated mods for your current ETS2 version.
- The World Background Map ETS2 – Def (1.7) (The World Background Map ETS2 – Def)
- The World Background Map ETS2 – Base (1.8) (The World Background Map ETS2 – Base)
- Jerry’s Original Loading Screen Mod (ETS2) (1.53-1.0) (jerry.original_loading_screen_mod.ets2)
- Ferry Collection for ETS2 v2023.01.24 (v2023.01.24) (Ferry_Collection_for_ETS2_v2023.01.24)
- Misc Prefab Updates (1.53-1.0) (gmc.misc.prefab.updates)
- FLD Prefab Corners Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.fld.prefab_corners_fix)
- Bengan’s Swedish Islands Map (1.53-1.1) (jerry.bengans_swedish_islands_map)
- Bulgaria in Focus Off the Grid Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.bulgaria_in_focus.otgr.fix)
- Bulgaria in Focus (1.30a) (bginfocus-all-v1.30a)
- West Balkans Path-breaker’s Direction (WBPD) Map Mod (3.8) (wbpd_addon_map_main)
- Szpakowo – PL Rebuild ADDON (1.0) (Szpakowo)
- PROMODS-SRmap Road Connection (v1.1) (PromodsSRMAP-RC)
- HybridPlus2v2 (4.5) (HybridPlus2)
- ROEX45SR13 RC (4.5) (ROEX45SR13)
- ROEX ENcity names (4.5) (ROEXeng45)
- RoexGreeceDLC (4.5) (ROEXGreece)
- RoexPack1 (4.5) (F45RoexPACK1)
- RoexPack2 (4.5) (F45RoexPACK2)
- RoexPack3 (4.5) (F45RoexPACK3)
- RoexPack4 (4.5) (F45RoexPACK4)
- ROmedia45 (4.5) (RO45Media)
- Kirov Map 1.6 – ROS RC (1.6) (Kirov Map 1.6 – ROS RC)
- KirovMap Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.kirovmap.fix)
- KirovMap 1.6 free (1.53) (KirovMap_16free)
- Russian Maps RC+FIXv0.7 (0.7) (Russian Maps RC+FIXv0.7)
- Sibir Map – Russian Open Spaces RC (1.2) (Sibir Map – ROS RC)
- Russian open Spaces – Off the Grid Russia RC (1.0) (Russian open spaces – Off The Grid Russia RC)
- Russian_open_spaces (13.3) (Russian_open_spaces_v13.3)
- RusMap Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.rusmap.fix)
- RusMap_Def (2.51) (RusMap_Def)
- RusMap_Map (2.51) (RusMap_Map)
- RusMap_Models (2.51) (RusMap_Models)
- Project Lofoten () (ProjectLofoten)
- North Map – ProMods Merge (1.2) (North Map – Promods Merge)
- Santiago de Compostela añadido (9.0) (santiago9)
- Kiel-Bremerhaven_RC_for_PM_2.73 (0.2) (Kiel-Bremerhavenv0.2 – Add-on for ProModsv2.73 [1.53])
- ProMods Addon – Emden (V7) (7) (pm_emden_v7)
- Latvia rebuild v1.28 for PM 2.73 (1.28) (latvia-rebuild-v1_28-for-PM-v2_73.scs)
- Tours (Map Add-on) (1.0.2) (Tours map add-on v1.0.2)
- Pays de la Loire Extended (0.8) (pdlextended 0.8)
- Bourges Updated (1.0.2) (Bourges Updated (map addon) v1.0.2)
- Peyrat-le-Château (1.0.0) (Peyrat-le-Château Map Addon v1.0)
- Poland Rebulding – DE City Definitions fix (1.0) (PR_DE_city_fix)
- DE City Definition for Promods (4.5) (de_city_definitions_promods_v4.5)
- Discover Schweiz (Sud de France compatible) (v1.1) (Discover Schweiz(Sud de France Compatible))
- Sud de France Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.sud_de_france.fix)
- Sud de France (1.9.5b) ([v1.9.5b]_Sud_de_France_by_Charly)
- Isle Of Colonsay V1.0.1 (1.0.1) (Isle Of Colonsay)
- SFIGC – Promods Addon (0.6.2) (SFIGC – ProMods Addon)
- The Cold North Map (1.4) (sweden)
- Großwilfersdorf Map Add-on (1.0) (Großwilfersdorf_addon_promods)
- More Swiss Towns (v1.0.3) (more-swiss-towns-map)
- El-Enclaves and Balearic Islands 0.4b ( ProMods Addon ) (v1.50) (elenclavebel150f)
- PmBarcelona EXP (1.2) (PmBarcelonaExp)
- Portugal Rebuild Fix (1.53-1.1) (gmc.portugal.rebuild.fix)
- Portugal Rebuild v 0.1.4.2 (0.1.4.2) (Portugal Rebuild 0.1.4.2)
- Ireland Map FIX (1.3) (Ireland Map FIX)
- Ireland Map 0.1.1 (0.1.1) (Ireland Map 0.1.1)
- Rröfte Kosova Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.rrofte_kosova.fix)
- Rröfte Kosova – West Balkans Improvements (0.3) (Rrofte_Kosova)
- Senj Map Add-on (1.0) (senj_map_addon)
- silesia (1.6.2) (silesia_PR_162_fix1)
- Poland Rebuilding Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.poland_rebuilding.fix)
- Poland Rebuilding – Def (2.5.11 (rev. 177)) (z1_PL_Rebuilding_2.5.11_def)
- Poland Rebuilding – Map (2.5.11 (rev. 177)) (z2_PL_Rebuilding_2.5.11_map)
- Poland Rebuilding – Models (2.5.11 (rev. 177)) (z3_PL_Rebuilding_2.5.11_models)
- Poland Rebuilding – Assets (2.5.11 (rev. 177)) (z4_PL_Rebuilding_2.5.11_assets)
- Iberia Map RW FIX (1.1) (Iberia Map RW FIX)
- Iberia Map RW PM v1.3.0a (1.3.0a) (addon_promods_ib_rw_153_v1.3.0a)
- Red Sea Map + Beyond – ProMods Middle-East Road Connection (1.53-1.1) (gmc.red_sea_map.beyond.pmme.rc)
- Project Palestine v1.5 (1.5) (ProjectPalestine)
- ProMods FIX (1.8-2.73a) (promods-fix-v273a)
- ProMods Middle-East Add-on (Def & Map Package) (2.73) (promods-me-defmap-v273)
- ProMods Middle-East Add-on (Assets Package) (2.73) (promods-me-assets-v273)
- ProMods DLC Support Package (2.73a) (promods-dlcsupport-v273a)
- ProMods Definition Package (2.73a) (promods-def-v273a)
- ProMods Map Package (2.73a) (promods-map-v273a)
- ProMods Media Package (2.73a) (promods-media-v273a)
- ProMods Models Package 1 (2.73a) (promods-model1-v273a)
- ProMods Models Package 2 (2.73a) (promods-model2-v273a)
- ProMods Models Package 3 (2.73a) (promods-model3-v273a)
- ProMods Assets Package (2.73a) (promods-assets-v273a)
- Trans-Siberia Off the Grid RC (1.6) (Trans-Siberia Off the Grid RC)
- Trans-Siberia Beyond RC (1.6) (Trans-Siberia_Beyond_RC)
- Trans-Siberia Sibirmap RC (1.5) (Trans-Siberia SibirMap RC)
- Trans-Siberian Truckway Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.trans-siberian_truckway.fix)
- Trans-Siberian Truckway (1.6) (Trans-Siberian-Truckway)
- Beyond – Road into Wilderness Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.beyond.riw.fix)
- RIW to Beyond RC (1.9) (RIWBEYONDRC_1.9)
- Road Into Wilderness Fix (1.53-1.1) (gmc.road_into_wilderness.fix)
- RIW 1.9 (1.9) (RIW 1.9)
- RIW models (1.9) (RIW MODELS 1.9)
- PM TGS 1.2.2-Beyond 3 RC (0.4) (PM TGS 1.2.2-Beyond 3.0 RCv0.4)
- ProMods The Great Steppe Beyond Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.pm_tgs.beyond.fix)
- Beyond – Africa Extended Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.beyond.africa_extended.fix)
- Beyond Fix (1.53-1.1) (gmc.beyond.fix)
- Beyond by TerraMaps 1 (3.0) (Beyond_by_TerraMaps_1)
- Beyond by TerraMaps 2 (3.0) (Beyond_by_TerraMaps_2)
- Beyond by TerraMaps 3 (3.0) (Beyond_by_TerraMaps_3)
- Beyond by TerraMaps 4 (3.0) (Beyond_by_TerraMaps_4)
- Beyond by TerraMaps 5 (3.0) (Beyond_by_TerraMaps_5)
- Africa Extended (1.2) (africa_extended)
- VolgaMap Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.volgamap.fix)
- VolgaMap 1.5.2 (1.5.2) (VolgaMap_1_5_2)
- Altai Map Fix (1.53-1.2) (gmc.altai_map.fix)
- Altai Map (1.6.1) (Altai_Map_1_6_1)
- Off the Grid Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.off_the_grid.fix)
- Off the Grid – Def/Map (2.3) (otgr_defmap)
- Off the Grid – Assets/Models (2.3) (otgr_assets)
- [SRmap] Novorossiysk Port Improved (1.0) (SR_Novorossiysk_Port_Improved)
- SRmap Fix (1.53-1.2) (gmc.srmap.fix)
- SRmap v.13.0 (13.0) (SRmod_v13)
- The Great Steppe – Sibirmap Fix (1.4) (TGS Sibirmap Fix)
- SibirMap 2.0 Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.sibirmap_2.0.fix)
- SibirMap 2.9.2 (2.9.2) (sibirmap292)
- ProMods The Great Steppe Fix (1.53-1.0) (gmc.promods_the_great_steppe.fix)
- ProMods The Great Steppe (Def & Map Package) (1.2.2) (promods-tgs-defmap-v122)
- ProMods The Great Steppe (Assets Package) (1.2.2) (promods-tgs-assets-v122)
- Java Road Revolution (JRR) Def & Map (0.8) (JRR_Def&Map[1.52])
- Java Road Revolution (JRR) Assets & Models 1 (0.8) (JRR_Assets&Models1)
- Java Road Revolution (JRR) Assets & Models 2 (0.8) (JRR_Assets&Models2)
- North Map (1.8) (North Map 1.8)
Note: This is a complex load order and may require adjustments based on your specific mod versions and game configuration. Always consult mod documentation and community resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Image: Example of a Mod Manager interface, visually representing the concept of a load order in Euro Truck Simulator 2.
Troubleshooting Euro Truck Simulator 2 Map Combos
Even with a carefully constructed load order, you might encounter issues. Here are common troubleshooting steps:
Common Issues
- Game Crashes (CTD): Often caused by mod conflicts or incorrect load order.
- Missing Roads or Map Gaps: Indicates conflicts or missing road connection mods.
- Invisible Walls or Barriers: Can be due to load order issues or mod incompatibilities.
- Performance Issues: Large map combos can strain system resources. Optimize game settings and consider system specs.
Debugging Steps
- Disable Other Mods: Temporarily disable all non-map mods (trucks, trailers, etc.) to isolate map-related issues.
- Verify Game Version and Mod Compatibility: Ensure all mods are compatible with your current ETS2 version.
- Check
game.log.txt
: This file, located in your ETS2 game folder in Documents, logs errors and warnings that can pinpoint mod conflicts. To get a complete log, ensure you have-unlimitedlog
in your ETS2 launch options in Steam. - Review Mod Documentation and Forums: Consult the mod pages or forums for known issues and recommended load orders.
- Test Load Order Iteratively: If you suspect a load order problem, try rearranging map mods within the “Maps” category, testing the game after each change. Start by ensuring essential road connections and base map files are correctly positioned.
- Report Issues with
game.log.txt
: When seeking help from communities, always provide a completegame.log.txt
file via Pastebin or similar services to aid in diagnosis.
Incompatible Map Mods (Example – Outdated, Needs Update)
Please note: This list from the original article is outdated and needs to be refreshed with current incompatible mods. Compatibility changes frequently with mod and game updates. Always verify compatibility for your specific mod versions.
- Belgorod Map (Eastern russia map): integrated into RusMap
- Berlin Rework: CTD in Berlin
- Bulgaria Reworked: incompatible with RoExtended & broken roads in Spain
- Carpathian: incompatible with RoExtended
- Caucasus Expansion: incompatible with Project Caucasus and RoExtended
- Derry to Larne Road: incompatible with Northern Ireland Rebuild
- Dobrudja Map: incompatible with RoExtended
- EAA: incompatible
- Eastern russia map (Belgorod Map): integrated into RusMap
- ETS2 Romania Advanced Freeway Map: incompatible with RoExtended
- EuRoadNet: incompatible with ProMods
- Geestacht addon (Hamburg Rework): incompatible with ProMods
- House in Italy: incompatible with Itarevamp
- Italy Map Project: incompatible with RoExtended
- Lithuania Rework: Broken roads near Vilnius
- MedMap: incompatible with Itarevamp
- Pecz Rebuild: incompatible with Project Balkans
- Poland Detail Adding: incompatible with ProMods and Poland Rebuilding
- Poludniowa Polska: incompatible with RoExtended
- Project Cesko: incompatible with ProMods
- RO-Rebuild: incompatible with RoExtended
- Sea of Azov: stand-alone
- SouthEast Asia: doesn’t load at all (v0.1 still works, although there are some issues. For load order of the 10 files: see the archived load order for ETS2 v1.45 (see below))
- Tekirdag Rebuilt Map: incompatible with RoExtended
- TR Extended Map: incompatible with RoExtended
- UK Rebuild Project: incompatible with ProMods
- Ukraine Expansion: incompatible with RoExtended
- Vilnius Rework: incompatible with Promods–RusMap Road Connection and FullHybridRC
- Vistula Lagoon: incompatible with Poland Rebuilding
- Viva Malta: incompatible with ProMods
Image: A scenic gameplay shot from Euro Truck Simulator 2, highlighting the visual diversity achievable with map mods.
Conclusion
Creating and managing Euro Truck Simulator 2 map combos can be a rewarding but sometimes complex process. By understanding load order principles, compatibility considerations, and troubleshooting techniques, you can build your own expanded ETS2 world and enjoy countless hours of virtual trucking across vast and diverse landscapes. Remember to always source your mods from reputable locations, keep your game and mods updated, and engage with the ETS2 modding community for support and the latest information on “euro truck 2 map” combinations. Happy trucking!