Are you ready to ride through the land of legends, heroes, gods, and myths? Mark your calendars and get ready to hit the road, because we're excited to announce that the...


We're just as excited as you are, and to keep the anticipation going, we've released the official video trailer for the Greece DLC on our YouTube channel! Created by our talented Video Team, this trailer will give you a preview of the beautiful landscapes, natural gems, cities, islands, historic landmarks, industries and more that await you in this map expansion. Have a watch of it below!

We cannot wait for you to embark on your first journey into Greece. Our team are working in top gear to ensure everything is running smoothly for its release. From bug smashing to putting in additional polish on the map, we're on the final stretch!

There is so much to discover in this beautiful part of the world. If you missed out on any of our previous blogs showcasing the Greece DLC, we highly recommend checking them out! You can catch up with them all here!

Ready to get trucking? There's not long to wait! In the meantime, be sure to add the Greece DLC to your Steam Wishlist! It really helps support our work and notifies you of its release. We thank you for all your support! We look forward to releasing Greece on December 4th, until then, keep on Truckin'!

https://gtm.you1.cn/storesteam/app/2604420/Euro_Truck_Simulator_2__Greece/

Since the release of Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator, the processing power of personal computers has made some serious advancements. In turn, we've continually brought updates to both our titles to introduce new technology and techniques, which has allowed us to introduce higher levels of visual fidelity to our content.

One such rework that has been happening over the last couple of years is the 'reimaging of legacy assets', which aims at enhancing the quality and optimization of game models that have started to look outdated and inconsistent with newer additions. The project team consists of two people, Pavel C and Robert P, both of whom we've had the pleasure to talk to about this project to share with you today. We will let them introduce themselves!

"My name is Pavel C. I've been working at SCS Software for about three years as a 3D Graphics Designer, and I am involved in reimagining legacy assets for our title American Truck Simulator and its DLCs."

"My name is Robert P, and I've been working as a 3D Artist at SCS Software for over three years. I've contributed to several DLCs, including Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Arkansas."

So, what is the goal behind this project? "Our goal is to create models that not only look realistic but are also well-optimized," Robert explains. "Many of the assets, although well-made, have started to show their age—especially those in use for nearly a decade. As technology advances, there’s an increasing demand for optimized assets with higher levels of visual fidelity."

Beginning a project like this can be quite challenging, especially on such a large scale, Pavel adds. "Initially, we faced many challenges as we realized we couldn’t rely on our current tools and technology for this project. We therefore had to take a different approach and develop a new workflow, often involving multiple programs and new techniques. Our focus was on finding the shortest path to the best results."

"The initiative to give our older assets a ‘facelift’ began about two years ago. Since then, we’ve organized the project and started creating newer versions of assets commonly used throughout the game world," Robert shares.

So, what is the process behind reworking older assets, and which programs are involved? "We start by analyzing the current models and planning each rework. Each asset needs to be recreated with high visual fidelity while being optimized for performance," Pavel says. "First, we analyze the assets we have and consider what can be reused." Robert adds, "Though most assets need to be remade from scratch."

The next step is gathering references, which we either handle ourselves or, if the task is large, assign to our Research Department. We then design a new logic for the asset, focusing on how it will be used and how convenient it will be for Map Designers to incorporate. Pavel explains further, "We prioritize based on each DLC’s needs and the current state of existing assets, actively collaborating with other teams to ensure consistency across projects."

"We have a list of assets in need of replacement, with priority given to those required for each new DLC. Many custom depots themed for various industries are being created, and during discussions on populating them, we often identify assets in need of a remake. We work with the Map Designers since they are the ones who will place the assets into the game world. They have valuable insights on which assets are effective and easy to use versus those starting to show their age.

We work closely with the Research Department, which helps us gain insights into real-world functionality to enhance the player experience and make it even more immersive," Robert explains. "We also collaborate with external partners, like our friends at 60FPS, to manage the workload of creating numerous new assets for each DLC".

So, what challenges do you often encounter on this project? Pavel responds, "A common challenge is achieving high visual quality while keeping hardware requirements low. We aim to strike a balance between quality and optimization, which involves many iterations and testing various techniques. This is simply part of game development." Robert adds, "Primarily, it’s dealing with outdated technologies. Many workflows that were standard just a few years ago are becoming obsolete, so it's up to us to find an optimal workflow for each asset."

As mentioned earlier, multiple programs are used for this project, and Robert goes on to share more about them. "Our primary software is Autodesk Maya, which we use for most of our modelling, organization, and exporting to the engine. We also use a variety of other tools, such as ZBrush for virtual sculpting, Marmoset Toolbag for mesh baking, and the Adobe Substance suite (Painter and Designer) along with Adobe Photoshop for texturing."

"Modern tools and fewer limitations allow us to make new assets more detailed and varied, avoiding repetition while staying faithful to real-life references. This enhances the overall immersive experience for the player." Pavel adds, "Better quality and optimization mean that players can enjoy a smoother and more visually appealing experience. Details such as refined textures, optimized geometry, and LODs (Levels of Detail) contribute to a more realistic environment."

"It's an interesting learning experience to work with both traditional and up-to-date workflows simultaneously." Robert shares "We compare the strengths and weaknesses of each and leverage the best aspects of both. It’s never the same; each asset feels unique and requires individual attention, bringing new challenges with each DLC. These assets are also used in reskins and redesigns of older areas of the map, so even if you don’t play the newest DLC, there’s a little something for everyone".

So next time you drive by some bales of hay or a stack of pallets, we hope you can appreciate a little more the work behind that asset. We'd like to thank both Robert and Pavel for taking the time to share their work with us, and for providing detailed information for this Under the Hood Blog! If you enjoyed today's blog, be sure to leave a comment in the replies or on our social media channels, we'd love to read about it! Until next time, keep on truckin'.

Our upcoming Greece DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2 will feature both coastal cities and islands, and today we're excited to share a preview of some of them with you! From popular tourist destinations to key economic centres, you'll find a variety of industries, natural gems, and landmarks along the way.

With numerous islands surrounding the Greek mainland, ports and ferries are essential for transportation, especially for moving goods by truck. This DLC brings this vital network to life with new, larger, and more realistic ferry models, as well as meticulously detailed ports.

Let's take a closer look at some of the cities you'll be able to visit and deliver to on your travels in Greece.

Kalamata

Situated on the sun-soaked Peloponnese and famous worldwide for its olives, Kalamata offers visitors a perfect blend of history, stunning coastal scenery, landmarks and vibrant local culture. With its lively waterfront and charming old town, truckers will have a hard time leaving! We hope you agree with us when we say our team has beautifully recreated this area, including its narrow streets and architecture.

Kalamata is also home to a variety of industries, including the marina, olive farms, and the supermarket, offering plenty of delivery destinations and job contracts for truckers. Drivers can also take advantage of the ferry connection to travel onward to Crete, one of the largest and most populous Greek islands.

Kavala

Founded in the seventh century BC, Kavala was chosen by settlers for its strategic coastal position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Today, Kavala remains an important economic centre of Northern Greece. Among other industries, you'll find ones unique to the area, including a Marble processing plant, which Kavala is famous for producing.

While Kavala may not be the largest city, it is certainly picturesque! Built on a hillside, the city's most prominent feature is the Kavala Fortress, also known as the Acropolis of Kavala, which overlooks the city and harbour and has been beautifully recreated in this DLC. Drivers can also take a ferry from here to several islands in the northern Aegean Sea!

Mytilene

As one of Greece's oldest cities, dating back to ancient times, Mytilene is rich in history, from its scenic coastline to its unique architecture and historical landmarks such as the Fortress of Mytilene. As one the largest castles in the Mediterranean, this incredible landmark covers an area of 60 acres!

You can read more about this city and the industries you can find there in detail in a previous blog post, which you can find here[blog.scssoft.com].

Argostoli

Located in the Ionian Sea, Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia Island. Whilst it is not the biggest city, with just a population of 10,000 residents, it is rich in beauty and history! On this island, you'll find a variety of industries, as well as landmarks like the De Bosset Bridge, which is the largest stone bridge in seawater and has existed since 1813.

On the Island of Kefalonia, you'll also find the town of Lixouri, which has become an increasingly popular spot for visitors who are looking to get away from the more popular destinations. We hope you take the time to check out this area when passing through!

Chios

This is a city you might already be familiar with! As featured in our recent Greece - Gameplay Preview video on our official YouTube channel[blog.scssoft.com], Chios offers a charming blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Drivers can cruise along its picturesque seafront and navigate the city’s narrow streets, taking in the stunning views that draw so many visitors.

You'll find plenty of other natural gems, as well as industries to deliver to and from on the island! We encourage you to explore it all and discover what's around the corner!

Rhodes

Arguably one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, Rhodes is home to ancient and medieval sites, including The Medieval Old Town, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whilst trucks are certainly not allowed near the old town, you will certainly see it from a distance! Drivers can also enjoy views of the Zefyros Beach on their travels.

On the Island, you'll also come across other towns and settlements, including Faliraki, known for its long sandy beach and lively nightlife. Be sure to check it out as you explore Rhodes!

Heraklion and Chania

Located on the westernmost side of Crete, Chania is known for its blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. Here, truckers can find historical landmarks, beautiful coastal views and a strong local economy! Due to its long history and rich culture, the region of Chania has maintained its traditional architecture, which is evident throughout the city. Truckers looking to visit this city can arrive via Ferry through the Port of Souda.

Drivers can also discover the capital city of Crete, Heraklion. As a major tourist destination in Greece, it is known for historical landmarks, museums and archaeological sites. Drivers travelling to Heraklion via Ferry will arrive at the Heraklion Port Passenger Station, which has been recreated in detail. Truckers looking for work in the area can also find several depots to deliver to and from.

There is so much more to discover on your journey through Greece, and we can’t wait for you to explore the upcoming DLC yourself. Our team has worked hard to authentically capture Greece's diversity, beauty, landmarks, vegetation, and industries. Show your support for this exciting expansion by adding it to your Steam Wishlist! Until next time, keep on truckin'!

https://gtm.you1.cn/storesteam/app/2604420/Euro_Truck_Simulator_2__Greece/

Let us take you on a trip to some of Greece's most important cities featured in our upcoming map expansion for Euro Truck Simulator 2. Today, we’re excited to give you a preview of Thessaloniki, Patras, and the capital city, Athens - each featuring a player-ownable garage!

The capital city of Greece is generally considered to be the birthplace of Western civilization with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. Athens occupies a wide coastal plain that slopes down towards the Aegean, surrounded by the mountainous reliefs of Parnitha Penteli and Mount Hymettus.

Its port Piraeus is the 2nd busiest passenger port in Europe and at the same time the 13th largest container port in the world which is why it will be a centerpiece in our representation of Athens in the game along with the Ministry of Shipping & Island Policy building. You will get there through a major intersection we recreated including tollgates in the northwestern part of the city where four major routes meet.

Of course, you can look forward to plenty of industries such as a car dealership, a marble quarry, an oil refinery, a food logistics warehouse, a port logistics warehouse, and a gas station. If you want to find out more about how Athens is being developed, you can read an interview with our map designer Aartee[blog.scssoft.com], who is in charge of putting together the capital city.

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece. It lies in the northern part of the country but is still located on the coast in the Thermaic Gulf. Its founding has been dated all the way back to the 4th century BCE.

Truckers will enter the city close to the huge Thessaloniki KTEL Intercity Bus Station with its atypical and iconic round roof. Naturally, you will be able to deliver in and out of multiple industries in this city. We already showed you the huge cement plant in Thessaloniki[blog.scssoft.com], but you can also haul cargo to a local gas station, cotton processing depot, logistics warehouse, container port, metal steelworks, a few construction sites, and a big oil refinery in the northern part of town.

The third largest city in Greece is located in the northern part of Peloponnese, not far south of the iconic Rio-Antirrio Bridge, which is the largest bridge in this map expansion and will feature tollgates. Accompanying this bridge are historical fortresses on both sides of the coast - Antirrio Castle and Rio Fortress.

As with the previous cities, truckers will be able to drive to the port which plays an important part in the economy of the city. Regarding industries, you can deliver in and out of a supermarket, car dealership, logistic warehouse, building materials market storage, and a nursery.

If you want to show us how excited you are for this map expansion, make sure to add the Greece DLC to your Steam Wishlist. Remember that the content you see in this blog is still a work in progress and may change until this DLC's release. Don't forget to stay tuned and follow us on our X/Twitter, Instagram[www.instagram.com], Facebook[www.facebook.com], and TikTok[www.tiktok.com] for all the latest updates. We will see you on the road!

https://gtm.you1.cn/storesteam/app/2604420/Euro_Truck_Simulator_2__Greece/

With October already behind us, we wanted to share with you an update on our Pinktober 2024 campaign. Since 2019, we are proud to have continued to raise awareness and support for this important topic. If you missed our previous blog post all about this special month, we recommend that you read about it here. [blog.scssoft.com]

First off, we'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community for actively supporting Pinktober. Whether that be through sharing #Pinktober screenshots, tuning into our live streams or hosting your own charity convoys, these seemingly small gestures play an important role in the fight against this widespread disease.

We'd also like to thank you, our #BestCommunityEver, who have helped us raise donations through the sales of our Pink Ribbon Charity Packs for Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator. We're happy to share that the amount raised from this year's sales of this special Paint Job Pack is a staggering 54,000 USD! This sum is truly remarkable, and we extend our gratitude to each and every one of you. We believe that contributing the entire amount to the Alliance of Women with Breast Cancer will make a significant difference in supporting those who need it most.

Although Pinktober has ended for another year, we encourage you to continue to prioritise your health by practising self-checks, seeing your doctor regularly, and promoting healthy habits with those around you all year round! We once would like to extend our heartfelt thank you for your unwavering effort and support!

https://gtm.you1.cn/storesteam/app/1162160/American_Truck_Simulator__Pink_Ribbon_Charity_Pack/
https://gtm.you1.cn/storesteam/app/1068290/Euro_Truck_Simulator_2__Pink_Ribbon_Charity_Pack/

Settle into the passenger seat and let us guide you on your first journey through the scenic landscapes of Greece! Today, we’re happy to unveil a first look with gameplay footage from our upcoming Greece map expansion for Euro Truck Simulator 2.

Keep in mind that this DLC is not completely finished yet, so everything you see in the gameplay video preview is still a work in progress and does not represent the final product.

Get ready to be captivated by the beauty of Greece, a destination that transcends the ordinary and promises an unforgettable journey through the sun-kissed coastline and cultural wonders of this Mediterranean gem. If you would like to see more from this upcoming map expansion, you can take a look at all of our released blog posts about Greece here[blog.scssoft.com].

We hope you are looking forward to this map expansion finally arriving. If you are, make sure to add the Greece DLC to your Steam Wishlist. Don't forget to stay tuned for all the latest news about Greece and other projects by following us on our X/Twitter, Instagram[www.instagram.com], Facebook[www.facebook.com], and TikTok[www.tiktok.com].

https://gtm.you1.cn/storesteam/app/2604420/Euro_Truck_Simulator_2__Greece/

The Nordic forests of Norway, Sweden, and Finland are some of Europe's most beautiful and ecologically rich areas. Today we're happy to share with you a look at some of the forests that have been virtually implemented in our upcoming Nordic Horizons DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2! Be-leaf us, you're going to enjoy this blog.

The northern regions of Finland, Sweden, and Norway all share similar forest biomes. However, when traveling from the south to the most northern areas of these regions, you'll be able to spot some differences in how these forests have grown.

In the northernmost areas of the region, the forests are characterized by their sparse, open landscapes. The colder temperatures and shorter growing seasons limit tree height and density, resulting in trees that grow more slowly and can often live for many years.

Whereas in the south, you can find denser, taller forests, benefiting from the milder temperatures and longer growing seasons. In these areas, the tree species are more diverse, resulting in more vibrant, green, and lush forests.

Together, these forests represent a beautiful tapestry of nature, showcasing the resilience and diversity of the boreal biome. From the majestic northern taiga to the thriving southern woodlands, they are essential for local wildlife and biodiversity and provide a way of life and work for those who live in very remote areas of this part of the world.

We look forward to sharing more previews from this upcoming DLC. If you like what you've seen today, consider adding the Nordic Horizons DLC to your Steam Wishlist. It really helps support our future releases. Until next time, keep on truckin'!

https://gtm.you1.cn/storesteam/app/2780810/Euro_Truck_Simulator_2__Nordic_Horizons/

Greece boasts an immensely diverse amount of nature and landscapes, from rugged mountains and lush forests to serene islands and sparkling coastlines. In our upcoming Greece DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2, you'll have the opportunity to admire some of the gems that this country has to offer.

With a majority of the country's climate being predominantly Mediterranean, much of Greece is quite dry. However, Greece also has a wide range of micro-climates and local variations, due to its mountainous terrain. This in turn allows a wide range of vegetation to flourish in Greece, which our team has worked hard to represent in this DLC, including cypress, palm, and oleander trees and, of course, large olive orchards that exist throughout the country.

Throughout your travel across several islands, you'll come across a variety of natural landmarks, such as the Meteora Monasteries, a series of rock formations that were formed some 60 million years ago. Their distinctive and varied shapes have been sculpted over time by the weathering effects of water, wind, and extremes of temperature. Atop these formations are a prominent complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, which are protected and listed as a World Heritage Site.

One natural landmark we could not miss is Mount Olympus, regarded as the abode of the gods and the site of the throne of Zeus in Greek Mythology. Over the years, the seeping weather conditions have sculptured Mount Olympus, forming deep gorges, elevated plateaus, and smooth slopes with jagged peaks, giving it a uniquely shaped peak.

That's not all! There will be many other natural areas and landmarks to admire, including Lake Polifitou, one of the largest artificial lakes in Greece. You can also expect stunning coastal and island views as you travel across the country. Additionally, drivers traveling from Albania via the West Balkans DLC can take advantage of traveling to Greece through the scenic Llogara Pass

We won't spoil it all today, there is still lots to discover in our upcoming Greece DLC, which we look forward to sharing more with you about. If you'd like to support the development of this upcoming expansion, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist! Until next time, keep on truckin'.

https://gtm.you1.cn/storesteam/app/2604420/Euro_Truck_Simulator_2__Greece/

Today, we are happy to share with you that the 1.53 Open Beta branch for Euro Truck Simulator 2 is now available to try and test out. If you plan on participating in this Open Beta, we ask that you please help us by reporting any bugs you may encounter in the appropriate section(s) of our official forums.[forum.scssoft.com]

Your feedback and reports are extremely valuable to our team and we thank you in advance for taking the time to help us out. So, without further ado, let's take a look at what the 1.53 Open Beta has in store.

Germany Rework

As part of our Germany Rework project, we are excited to present the cities of München, Mannheim, Leipzig, Dresden and Germany's largest city and capital, Berlin. Each of these cities has been completely reworked from the ground up and are included for free as part of the 1.53 update for Euro Truck Simulator 2.

With the help of advanced map techniques and technologies, our team has been able to rework each city and its surrounding area in great detail, including accurately represented industries in the area, new and improved road networks, and famous local landmarks!

We encourage you to explore each of these cities yourself, and discover what each one has to offer; you'll never know what you may find! If you're interested in learning more in more detail about each specific city, be sure to check out our dedicated blogs on the Germany rework, which you can find here. [blog.scssoft.com]

Volvo FH Series 4 Rework

We're excited to announce that the Volvo FH Series 4 has undergone a complete rework in the 1.53 update for Euro Truck Simulator 2! We know the community has been eagerly awaiting news on this highly requested update, so without further ado, let's take a closer look at the changes made to this iconic truck.

Let's start with the cabin, which has been completely reworked both inside and out. Thanks to newly provided CAD data, we have been able to accurately improve details and the accuracy of external parts including front and rear fenders, bumpers, roof deflectors, and more.

The same goes for the interior too, which now features more accurate textures and materials that meet the new Volvo standard. Drivers will also have the option of choosing between different interior trims, as well as selectable seats and steering wheel.

The chassis of the Volvo FH Series 4 has also been completely remodeled and improved in terms of details, including new textures for a better overall appearance.

However, that isn't all! The Volvo FH Tuning Pack has also received a rework as a result of the Volvo FH Series 4 being overhauled. Owners of this DLC Pack can expect reworked tuning parts, including the front and rear fenders, bumpers, roof deflectors, and more.

Drivers can also find an option to paint their cabin in the special 25 Years of Volvo FH paint livery! It's the perfect way to celebrate the rework of the Volvo FH Series 4 in style.

We look forward to hearing your initial reactions to the rework of this iconic truck, which our team has worked hard to enhance with new details and improvements. Be sure to share your comments, screenshots, and videos with us across our social media channels!

Please note, however, that this truck is still a work in progress, with some parts and options still being finalized. Whilst we aim to have this truck fully polished and complete by the end of the Open Beta, your feedback and reports would be incredibly helpful during this final phase. You can report any bugs or issues to the relevant feedback forum here[forum.scssoft.com].

Options QoL improvement

We're happy to introduce a feature that we believe many players will find helpful, especially those who often adjust their settings to fine-tune what is best to their liking and setup. When changing an option with a default value, players will now have a visual indication of when a setting has been moved or changed from its default state.

Settings that have been adjusted from their default value will now appear with a small visual indicator alongside that setting. We hope this helps users find which settings have been altered from default.

Smooth and Auto Camera Centring

Another new feature that we are happy to include with this update is Smooth and Auto Camera Centring! Players can now enable this new option to return their camera to the central position automatically after moving it. When activated by the player or by moving forward, the smooth centring feature becomes noticeable as it gently transitions the camera to the central position.

This addition comes with a range of personal preference options, including three options of speed, which controls how fast or slow the camera returns to the centre; as well as the option to set how many seconds of delay there should be before re-centring occurs.

For players who use a third-party head-tracking solution or prefer to adjust the position of the camera manually, also have the option to disable this feature altogether. Happy trucking!

Changelog

Map

• Germany Rework project - München, Mannheim, Leipzig, Dresden and Berlin

Vehicle

• Volvo FH Series 4 Rework

UI

• Default settings value change indication
  
• Smooth and Auto camera centring

So enjoy all the new additions, but please remember: It's only an open beta, not a stable public version - so you may encounter bugs, instability, or crashes. It's completely okay if you want to wait for the final release. But if you're interested in helping us to get there faster, we'll appreciate all of your feedback on our forum and your bug reports in this section.[forum.scssoft.com]

Please check our modding wiki to get details pertaining to mods for the game.

If you wish to participate in the open beta, you can find this version in the public_beta branch on Steam. The way to access it is as follows: Steam client → LIBRARY → right-click on Euro Truck Simulator 2 → Properties → Betas tab → public_beta → 1.53. No password is required. Sometimes you may have to restart your Steam client to see the correct branch name there.