A while ago we announced that the city of Trieste will be making its way to the world of Euro Truck Simulator 2. However, a couple of other changes await other areas of Italy before the release of West Balkans DLC, as Ancona and Bari will receive very important updates.
As we previously explained, every time that we are expanding the game, we have to think about how to connect the new content with its surroundings. For that reason, we have decided to add new ferries for transportation in both Ancona and Bari. From here, you can travel to the new DLC and set out on an exciting new journey!
And, as the whole nearby areas had to be reworked because of this new addition, we also went ahead and added a couple of new landmarks for you to check out. We hope these tweaks will provide for a better experience when traveling to or from the region of West Balkans. Moreover, our efforts come with added benefits for the Italia DLC owners, enriching the map expansion with new bonus content.
No matter which of these two cities you decide to visit first, we’re sure this update will be both practical and visually exciting. For more information regarding the exact date these changes are coming to the game, keep your eyes on the blog or follow our social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) for any immediate news.
A few months ago, we officially announced that we are working on TIRSAN trailers for Euro Truck Simulator 2. We’d like to provide you with a small update regarding how the process is going so far and hopefully get you excited about these new additions to the wide selection of trailers in the game.
TIRSAN, based in Türkiye, has been the uninterrupted leader of the Turkish trailer industry for 46 years and a manufacturer of high-quality trailers for all business needs. TIRSAN is also leading the trailer industry in patents with its engineering power and continues to be one of the favorites of logistics customers with its dedication to customer satisfaction.
We want to express our gratitude to TIRSAN; their representatives have been amazing collaborators as we've worked on bringing their trailers to life in the virtual world. Whether it's sharing data, giving feedback, or answering our questions, they've truly been able to uphold their reputation.
As you can see by the screenshots, some progress has been made ever since the initial announcement. So much in fact, that it is safe to say that we are slowly approaching the finish line with this project. Plus we’re already planning on further expanding the pack in the more distant future too! Now it's time for you to express your excitement by adding this upcoming DLC to your Steam wishlist.
While we are currently unable to confirm any precise release time frame, we encourage you to keep your eyes peeled on our blog or social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) profiles for any potential updates. This is an exciting collaboration and we hope you will enjoy it all once you are able to haul cargo with these new trailers.
Are you ready to embark on a journey with us? Today, we're excited to share with you the very first gameplay preview from our upcoming West Balkans DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2. Join us as we drive through Albania on a scenic route past some mountains, into the city of Tirana, and then onto our final destination at a nearby harbour.
Please keep in mind that what you see here is still a work in progress and does not represent the final product.
With 8 regions to explore, the West Balkans has plenty of roads yet to be discovered. If you like what you see, add it to your Steam Wishlist! We thank you for your continued support and look forward to reading your comments. Be sure to check back here soon for more updates, news, and previews.
The West Balkans region is characterized by its diverse and picturesque landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains to serene coastlines. Amidst this natural beauty, a network of tunnels has been carved through the challenging terrain, serving as vital transportation and infrastructure links for all drivers alike!
Our team has been hard at work creating many of these tunnels across the road network in our upcoming West Balkans DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2. With each one being unique in their own way, we've created quite a few additional assets and models to best represent their real life counter parts in our virtual world.
Thanks to the rugged terrain, you'll be able to travel through over 60 tunnels in the West Balkans DLC. A majority of these will be located in Croatia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Croatia, many of these tunnels are located on the highway, along the coastal road network; whilst in Bosnia they have been constructed through scenic hilly and mountainous terrain.
Today, many tunnels found along major road networks have very strict safety rules to help minimize any accidents. Our teams have created lots of additional assets to represent some of the signage and technology that exists in many of the Tunnels; including traffic lights, digital speed signs, emergency phones, ventilation and more!
You'll also find some well known and newer tunnels recreated in this DLC, such as the impressive Karawanks tunnel which crosses the Alpine Karawanks mountain range. Another such example is the Supava and Polakovica tunnels, which features an impressive connection known as the Ston Bridge connecting them both.
Although they look simple, tunnels are amazing feats of engineering which can sometimes take many years to create. We hope you take the time to check some of them out on your future journeys! We look forward to showcasing more from this upcoming DLC in the near future. Until then, keep on truckin'!
Trucking across Europe is demanding work, so taking ample rest is crucial for drivers, especially those on a long haul journey. Finding a suitable spot to rest can be a little challenging, but thanks to dedicated Truck Stops, drivers can unwind and sleep in peace.
In our upcoming West Balkans DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2, you'll find plenty of places to take a quick break to refuel, relax or roll down the window for some fresh air. Fuel stations & Truck Stops, being one the most common places for drivers to take a rest, have undergone some changes in this DLC.
Our team has created a new system for gas stations which creates more spacing options, allowing them to be expanded or built differently. This give us the opportunity to make these areas dynamic for the player. Along with this change, we've also improved the visuals with some local Balkan flare!
You'll find several companies operating fuel stations in the West Balkans such as NADA, APUS OIL and BTS Petrol, which will also be joined by other non-Balkan brands. Some of these have a more modern look, while others may show their age a little but come with some unique landmarks. But of course, these aren't the only places you can stop.
From little lay-bys to larger rest areas with amenities, there is always a place to take a well deserved break from the many highways and country roads of the West Balkans. You'll never know what you'll see around the area, so take a moment to get familiar with your surroundings!
We hope you've enjoyed taking a quick break to read about the West Balkans DLC, but it's time to hit the road again! Our teams continue to work hard on this project, and we look forward to sharing more news in the future. Until next, keep on truckin'!
It's no secret that our upcoming West Balkans DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2 will feature quite a few different cities, which you may have seen from some of our previous blog posts. Some of our larger cities however, will not only feature lots of details and landmarks, but will also allow drivers to travel through the centre of them!
In this blog, we will showcase 3 cities from the West Balkans which feature a central road network; let's take a look!
Sarajevo
Welcome to Sarajevo, a city where centuries of history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together. As the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is often described as where East meets West, as its architecture often shows the contrast depending where you are in the city.
Parts of the city which we'll depict in our DLC include the area around the Miljacka River, which flows through Sarajevo. This includes the street "Obala Kulina bana", the downtown street crossing "Zmaja od Bosne", and the intersection of "Stupska Petlja".
Among the hustle and bustle of the city, drivers will also need to keep an eye out for trams which run throughout the city.
Tirana
Nestled against a backdrop of rugged mountains is Tirana, the capital of Albania. Featuring colorful architecture and a rich cultural heritage, it is often described as the gem of the West Balkans, undiscovered by the masses.
Here, not only will you find a bustling city atmosphere, but also many green areas, including the Grand Park of Tirana (Parku i Madh) which features a man-made lake and a view of the city.
Drivers visiting Tirana will be able to travel on the main road network known as "Rruga Teodor Keko", which offers a route close by to the city centre and access to other local industries.
Pristina
Pristina, the heart of Kosovo, welcomes visitors with a mix of tradition and progress. Its bustling streets features a mix of Ottoman and Balkan influences, making it a unique and dynamic city.
Here you can find a combination of architecture old and new, from historic buildings, to modern developments such as Lakrishtë. Drivers will be able to pass through the city centre through busy areas like the the northern district of "Kodra e Trimave".
It's true what they say, each city has its own unique charm and character, and the cities of the West Balkans is no exception. We look forward to letting you explore these historic lands for yourself in the future; until then, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist!
You may be thinking that Street Art isn’t really a primary characteristic of the West Balkans. However, there’s much more to shaping the personality of a region than structures or nature. Perfection is in the details, and that’s why today we will showcase a bit of awesome art you will see while roaming the local streets in the upcoming DLC.
Street art is a form of public visual expression found on urban surfaces such as walls, involving diverse techniques. Serving as a unique blend of self-expression, social commentary, and cultural engagement, street art often challenges norms and adds aesthetic value to public spaces.
Our 2D graphic designers are always happy to help out and thanks to them we were able to add cool street art to the game for vibrancy and realism, and to populate the otherwise empty walls in the region. This is mostly done in places where real street art exists, but we did not merely copy the art, rather we have created something that pays homage to the original spirit and style. For instance, in one of the harbors, there are motifs of ships and the sea. In Tirana, there's "Captain Truck", a restaurant with a large mural on the building facade. And in Fier, there's a beautiful piece of art on the facades of apartment buildings.
Our examples are just three of many and we hope you will notice as many of these stylish additions as possible while driving across the West Balkans DLC. For more information in regards to the map expansion, keep your eyes on the blog or follow us on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) and that way never miss any important updates.
We are happy to announce that the 1.48 update for Euro Truck Simulator 2 has been released and is now available on Steam. This update contains bug fixes, changes and new content, which are featured below, so we recommend having a read!
We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated, provided their feedback, and made bug reports during the Open Beta period. Your valuable input helped us make tweaks, changes and squash some bugs we may have missed the first time around. We hope you can now begin to fully enjoy the fruits of your work.
Germany Rework
As part of our ongoing Germany Rework project, we are happy to bring several reworked cities in this Open Beta. The cities of Hamburg, Travemunde, Kiel and Rostock have all received major reworks from the ground up, including an overhaul of their surrounding road networks, landmarks, industries and more.
This update also includes the highly anticipated Feldbinder factory and Winsen, where drivers will be able to take contracts from 2 new depots, one for dropping off much needed cargo, parts and more, and another area for picking up brand new trailers fresh off the factory line to deliver to businesses and customers around Europe.
We hope you enjoy the work that has gone into bringing these areas up to date with more accurate layouts and details; Happy trucking!
Cities in the Gallery
In the 1.46 update, we introduced the Gallery feature, a one-stop shop for all your images, photo trophies, and discovered viewpoints, which maintained all the legacy functionality of the older Screenshot Manager. Today, we're excited to add a new functionality to the Gallery!
As you journey through and discover the many cities of Euro Truck Simulator 2, you'll be able to collect them under the new 'Cities' tab. Once unlocked, you'll be able to view which cities you have visited, as well as watch and replay any of the city intro cutscenes; which are normally only seen when you first start your first HQ there.
We hope you enjoy this new addition to our Gallery! Let us know how many cities you've already unlocked in on our social media channels.
Reworked Vehicle Transport Trailers
We are happy to let you know that our vehicle team has found some spare capacity in between their other projects to also revisit and rework trailers that our in-game economy uses to transport various types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, etc.
Search for these trailers and cargoes within the Freight Market and take them for a ride! Your nearest car dealer might need delivery of fresh new whips.
Per-Country map exploration
We know how many drivers enjoy the challenging task of gaining 100% map exploration. We know this isn't easy, so we've introduced a new UI window which can be accessed by clicking on your map exploration stat in the top left of the world map.
Upon clicking on this, a new window will open showing you a list of countries with their respective flag, and a breakdown of your exploration of each one. We hope that this will aid you in finding those missing roads in our ever-growing world of Euro Truck Simulator 2.
Let us know how you're getting on with your map exploration in the comments below or on social media!
Options slider ranges
We are happy to introduce a highly requested addition to your options page when tweaking with settings in Euro Truck Simulator 2. You will now find a small box next to the sliders which displays the number which it is set to.
We hope this makes it easier for you to not only set up multiple profiles with similar settings, but also share your settings with others.
Input wizard controls selection redesign
We've given our input wizard for control selection a UI overhaul! Our team has been working hard to bring a simplistic but modern design to this setup window. We hope this new UI will help guide users new and old through the selection and setup process which features new icons and a clear description for each option.
Electronic Stability Controls (Anti-Lock Braking System + Traction Control)
You can now find the addition of Anti-Lock Braking System & Traction Control in the gameplay options. These Electronic Stability Controls help assist the driver in a variety of conditions and/or scenarios. The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) loosens brakes on wheels that are close to locking out. Traction Control (ASR or TRC) helps prevent oversteer and understeer, as-well provide individual wheel anti-slip system applies brakes to wheels that are slipping.
Traction control also features cornering assist, which becomes active when understeer or oversteer, it brakes the inside rear wheels to prevent understeer and outside front wheel to prevent oversteer. We hope these new additions will be of use to you on your future journeys!
MOD structure changes
This change is more directed at our MOD creators in the community! We have now added the ability to create a single MOD for multiple DLCs, regardless of which DLC the user actually has.
If at least one of the subdirectories or files (*.zip) in the MOD root is named "base" or prefixed with "dlc_" then these subdirectories or files are mounted instead of the MOD root. We've also updated the SCS Workshop Uploader to reflect these changes as well. If the SCS Workshop Uploader discovers a MOD with the new structure, it performs additional checks.
We hope this new structure makes things a little easier for our talented modding community, and if you have any questions, feel free to head over to our modding wiki or forum where we can help support you.
Changelog
Map
Germany Rework
Vehicles
Electronic Stability Controls (Anti-Lock Braking System + Traction Control)
Embark on a journey with us through the enchanting West Balkans, where your drive will be met by an assortment of landmarks large and small! Take a scroll with us as we share a preview of some of them recreated in our upcoming DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2.
From historical sites to modern day wonders, landmarks have always played an important role for drivers on the road, serving as a waypoint for many travellers. Today, these sites are visited by many and protected for future generations to learn about. On your virtual journeys, you may just pass by historical sites such as Trsat Castle in Rijeka, the Captain's Tower in Bihać, Stari Most in Mostar or Sokolac fort!
You can find these landmarks across country and in cities like Prishtina, where you can find The National University Library of Kosovo, the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa with its dominant tower and the abandoned Orthodox Cathedral.
Many sites recreated hold significant historical importance, such as the Mediana archaeological site in Niš or the Museum of Sarajevo, where in 1914 a single gunshot indirectly started World War I.
This is just a handful of the landmarks which can be found in the West Balkans region, including stadiums, television buildings, cathedrals, educational centres, and more! We hope you take the time to explore and discover these areas in the near future; you never know what you might learn! Until next time', keep on truckin!
As promised in one of the previous blog posts dedicated to the West Balkans DLC, we’d now like to showcase concepts of several industry brands created for this map expansion by two of our very talented graphic designers.
Specifically, we sat down with Karina and Adel and asked them about their motivations behind creating the brands. We hope you will enjoy reading their thoughts about the way the companies will be visually represented.
Furniture factory - JASTUK (Karina)
JASTUK, a furniture factory, will expand its presence in the Balkan countries. Since the name "Jastuk" means "pillow," I focused on incorporating pillow shapes during the logo design process.
Initially, I envisioned JASTUK as a playful brand that aims to evoke friendly associations and build trust with customers looking to furnish their homes. As you can see in the logo versions, there are fun pillow shapes, and dots have been added to the letter "U" to create the appearance of a smiling face. The first logo versions used a yellow and purple color palette.
However, I later opted for a completely different approach, giving JASTUK a luxurious touch. I switched to a monochromatic color scheme and chose an elegant font. That's when I realized JASTUK should exude gracefulness and a calming vibe rather than playfulness and vibrancy.
River port - Luka DunaVia (Karina)
This river port was specifically created for the West Balkans DLC. During the design process, my focus was mainly on giving this company a modern, premium, and simple feel. I chose a geometric sans-serif typeface for the company name and then played with the shapes of a boat and waves, as they are associated with river ports.
For the desired associations, a minimalistic approach seemed to be the best choice. Therefore, I stuck with one color to embrace the overall simplicity. The minimalistic style follows the principle of 'less is more,' which is why the boat and waves are represented as abstract forms made of lines.
The version that incorporates white space for the waves appeared to be the clearest and most eye-catching one. Of course, I couldn't resist incorporating this wave element into the totem of the river port as well. I hope you will enjoy the luxury and unique atmosphere of Luka DunaVia river port!
Food processing - Vesna (Karina)
Vesna, the food processing company in the Balkans, emerged as a brand with a long-standing history in the business. For its design, we aimed to evoke a sense of happy nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood, sweets, and family moments.
The intentionally designed logo features gradients, strokes, and various shapes that may appear outdated in the world of modern graphics. However, this was precisely the effect we wanted to achieve. As Vesna is associated with food, the logo needed to convey a friendly and ecological appearance, characteristic of many food chain companies. To accomplish this, we used a rounded and clean font for the name and incorporated leaf elements to establish a natural and ecological connection with the brand.
Building material storage - BETUNIJA (Karina)
The name of the building material storage was created by combining the word 'beton,' which stands for concrete, with the petunia flower, known as 'petunija' in some Balkan languages. Combining two elements with such contrasting vibes into one logo was not an easy task, so I'm eager to hear your feedback on the final result.
Firstly, I focused on associations related to the construction industry, as this is the area of BETUNIJA's expertise. To convey a sense of brutalism and masculinity, I selected a square geometric sans-serif font, which evokes feelings of stability, persistence, and strength. The color palette was determined based on the common color of petunias, which is purple. The petunia shape itself serves as the main symbol in the logo, but it has been modified into an abstract, angular, and even sharp form to avoid any feminine connotations. The 'flower petals' in the logo also function as symbols representing color maps commonly found in building materials shops.
Sawmill - CRNO DRVO (Karina)
The sawmill CRNO RDVO, which literally means 'black wood,' can be found in Montenegro. While browsing the internet for logo inspiration, I noticed that the most common symbols used were a saw, fir tree, or an axe, and that was it. However, I wanted to take a more original approach by focusing on the wood itself, specifically the shape of a log. My goal was to create a cool brand that takes pride in its work and wants to showcase it to the world.
To achieve this, I carefully selected a black and yellow color combination. Black is a timeless color that transcends trends and conveys power, formality, and prestige. Yellow, on the other hand, evokes feelings of joy and happiness and serves as an attention-grabbing accent color. For the logo's font, I opted for simplicity, with lines that often remain unconnected, mirroring the natural patterns found inside a wood log.
Vehicle Company - Larus (Adel)
The process of creating the "Larus" logo proved to be quite challenging and engaging. I spent a lot of time experimenting with different ideas and variations. Each logo concept was meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the company. “Larus” means "seagull". For that company, it symbolizes a connection with nature and imbues the company's vehicles with grace and lightness.
During the logo development process, I engaged in numerous discussions with my team lead, so we aimed to create a design that would leave an impression on players. In the picture, you can see variations of this logo and the end result that was finally approved.
Heavy Industry - Syllurgy (Adel)
When creating the logo for the company "Syllurgy” which operates in heavy industry, aimed to convey a futuristic appearance and visually represent the concept of energy. The initial idea revolved around the notion of movement and dynamics, so I considered using a rotating circle as the main illustrative element.
However, during the logo development process, I decided to change the concept and visualize the idea using two pieces of metal that complement each other. This approach creates an impression of strength and stability while embodying the importance of interaction and interconnectedness within the field of heavy industry.
Overall, the "Syllurgy” logo with two complementary pieces of metal represents a strong and dynamic symbol embodying the energy and interaction characteristic of a company operating in the heavy industry sector.
Supermarket Chain - Villco (Adel)
When designing the logo for the "Villco" hypermarket chain, my goal was to create a friendly design that would reflect the enjoyable experience of a family trip for groceries. I wanted the logo to evoke feelings of warmth, and comfort, and invite customers to a positive shopping experience.
One of the key elements of the logo is the yellow circle positioned at the right corner. It symbolizes a rising sun, inviting customers to visit the hypermarket in the morning and start their day with a bright and positive shopping trip. This element also represents the idea of a fresh start and the energetic approach of “Villco” in providing quality products and services.
It invites customers on an exciting journey to the hypermarket, filled with sunny emotions and joy. I derived immense pleasure from the process. This particular design was especially enjoyable and inspiring for me relished the opportunity to create a friendly and welcoming logo.
Railway Company - Balkan Loco (Adel)
This design is a redesign of the old "Balkan Loco” logo. While creating, I drew inspiration from existing railway companies in Europe. My goal was to design a logo that would be minimalist. sleek, and suitable for printing on trains and employee uniforms.
The process of creating the logo was relatively quick. I conducted research and analyzed the market to understand which design solutions would be most effective and fitting for the railway industry. I then began creating different logo variations, experimenting with shapes, colors, and composition.
In the end, the chosen logo combines minimalism and strictness.
Shuttling Company - Shuttle Cola (Adel)
The idea of space came to me as a great concept to make the product more appealing to the American market. U thought that it would be a great idea to make an advert with an astronaut, drinking cola in orbit and longing for home. So I decided to use the space theme while creating the brand.
The main element of the logo features an illustrated space shuttle, symbolizing the nor-earth richness of flavor and the allure of the product. This element complements the overall concept of the space theme and adds visual interest.
To convey a touch of retro style, I used a font with nostalgic undertones, emphasizing the authenticity and cultural significance of the brand. This creates an association with classic colas and adds.
“Shuttle Cola" is my favorite brand that I created, I really enjoy using this brand in my works.
Light Industry - Eumefa (Adel)
When creating the logo for "Eumefa,” a company in the light industrial sector, I wanted to emphasize the industrial sphere and incorporate scientific motifs into the design. I came up with the idea of visualizing an atom or a crystalline lattice to convey a sense of scientific exploration and technological progress.
If you’d like to know more about Karina and Adel or the concept art at SCS in general, make sure to visit our Under the Hood blog post about this very topic. That being said, we can’t wait to show you more from the upcoming West Balkans DLC, so follow us on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) to always stay in touch with all the latest news.
Please mind all the concepts are currently a "work in progress" and they might be different in the final version of the project.