Yes. As of October 23, 2026, Euro Truck Simulator 2 has Valve’s «Verified» rating for Steam Deck, the highest one: it’s fully playable with the device’s controls, the text is easy to read and the default settings perform well. The Deck runs the native Linux version, and mods work just like on PC: through Steam Workshop or by copying the .scs files into the mod folder, which on SteamOS is at /home/deck/.local/share/Euro Truck Simulator 2/mod.
ETS2 on Steam Deck: the official facts
| Item | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck rating | Verified | Valve (Steam) |
| Default controls | All functionality is accessible | Passed Valve’s test |
| On-screen text | Legible | Passed Valve’s test |
| Performance with default settings | Good | Passed Valve’s test |
| Version the Deck uses | Native Linux (Steam lists Windows, macOS and Linux) | Steam |
| ProtonDB | Platinum, 502 reports | Community, unofficial |
| Storage required | 25 GB for the base game | Steam |
| Game version | 1.61 stable; 1.62 in open beta since Oct 22, 2026 | SCS Software |
Data checked on October 23, 2026. ProtonDB collects reports from players testing the Windows version with Proton; since ETS2 has a native version, you normally don’t need it on the Deck. Valve’s ratings can change if the game is updated.
What SCS has done for the Steam Deck
SCS Software explained on its official blog on February 24, 2022 that it prepared ETS2 and American Truck Simulator for the device with dedicated button mappings, an on-screen legend showing what each controller button does and basic touchscreen support for pressing menu buttons. It also confirmed that Convoy multiplayer is cross-platform, so you can play from the Deck with friends on PC.
SCS hasn’t published recommended graphics settings for the Deck, and we’re not going to make any up: Valve considers the default settings to perform well already. If you want to stretch your battery life, the Deck’s Quick Access menu (the ··· button) has a Performance section where you can cap the FPS.
How to install ETS2 mods on the Steam Deck
Option 1: Steam Workshop (the easiest)
- Subscribe to the mod on the Euro Truck Simulator 2 Workshop. You can do it from the Deck or from any PC or browser with your Steam account: subscriptions are tied to your account and the Deck downloads the mod.
- Launch the game, choose your profile and open the Mod Manager.
- Move the mod to the active list, put it in the right position and confirm the changes.
Steam stores those files in ~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/workshop/content/227300, or in the microSD card library if you installed the game there. You don’t need to touch them.
Option 2: manual mods (.scs) from Desktop Mode
- Press the Steam button, open the Power menu and choose Switch to Desktop.
- Download the mod from its author’s page. If it comes as a .zip, .rar or .7z with .scs files inside, extract them with Ark, the desktop’s archive tool.
- Open the file manager (Dolphin) and press Ctrl + H to show hidden folders: .local is one of them.
- Go to
/home/deck/.local/share/Euro Truck Simulator 2/mod. If the mod folder doesn’t exist, create it with exactly that name. - Copy the .scs files there, go back to Gaming Mode with the desktop shortcut and activate them in the Mod Manager.
That’s the ETS2 user folder on Linux that SCS points to on its official forum: it also holds your profiles and the game.log.txt file, which is handy if something goes wrong. To type (for example, in the Workshop search), bring up the on-screen keyboard with Steam + X.
What if you force Proton?
If you force Proton under Properties, Compatibility, the Windows version runs and mods move to ~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/227300/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/Documents/Euro Truck Simulator 2/mod. They’re separate folders: when you switch from one version to the other, your manual mods and local profiles won’t show up until you copy them over. Unless you have a specific reason, stick with the native version.
Mod limitations on the Deck
- Storage. A graphics mod like Ultimate Graphics Mod takes up about 34 GB, more than the game itself. On a Deck with little internal storage, choose carefully or use a microSD card.
- Performance. Valve’s test is done with the game unmodded. Large maps like ProMods, dense traffic packs and heavy graphics mods push the Deck harder: the more you enable, the longer the loading times and the lower your FPS.
- Windows programs. In-game mods (.scs) work on Linux, but external .exe tools won’t run as-is on the SteamOS desktop.
- Versions. If you enable the 1.62 beta under Properties, Betas, many mods made for 1.61 will break. To play with mods, stay on the stable version.
- Battery. More traffic, more map and more graphical effects mean more power draw.
More Euro Truck Simulator 2 guides: how to install mods, mod load order, how to install ProMods and PC requirements.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 quick facts: download size · Nintendo Switch · on mobile · where to download it · PS5 and Xbox · multiplayer · requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is Euro Truck Simulator 2 Verified for Steam Deck?
Yes. Valve rates it «Verified»: it passed the tests for controls, text legibility and performance with default settings. That’s the Steam data as of October 23, 2026.
Where is the ETS2 mod folder on Steam Deck?
With the native version, in /home/deck/.local/share/Euro Truck Simulator 2/mod. It’s a hidden path: in Dolphin, press Ctrl + H to see it.
Can you use ProMods on Steam Deck?
Its packages are .scs files, so they go in the same mod folder, along with the map DLC its version requires. Expect it to take up a lot of space and to perform worse than the original map.
Can I play Convoy from the Steam Deck?
Yes. SCS confirmed that multiplayer is cross-platform, so you can play with friends on PC. If the session uses mods, everyone needs the same ones.
Do you need Proton to play ETS2 on the Deck?
No. The Deck uses the native Linux version. If you force Proton, the Windows version runs and your mods and profiles go in a different folder.