The minimum PC requirements for Euro Truck Simulator 2 are 64-bit Windows 10, an Intel Core i5-6400 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 processor, 8 GB of RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660, AMD Radeon RX 460 or Intel HD 630 graphics card with 2 GB of VRAM, and 25 GB of free disk space. For smooth gameplay, SCS recommends an Intel Core i5-9600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 12 GB of RAM and a GeForce GTX 1660 or Radeon RX 590. The game also has macOS and Linux versions. If you plan to use map or traffic mods, expect to need more RAM and more disk space than the store page lists.
Official ETS2 requirements on Windows
These are the requirements published on the game’s Steam page:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-6400 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or similar | Intel Core i5-9600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or similar |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Graphics card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660, AMD Radeon RX 460 or Intel HD 630 (2 GB of VRAM) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 590 (2 GB of VRAM) |
| Storage | 25 GB available | 25 GB available |
Note that the operating system has to be 64-bit. If your PC just meets the minimum, the game will launch and is playable, but you’ll have to lower the graphics quality, especially in big cities and in the rain.
Requirements on Mac and Linux
ETS2 has native macOS and Linux versions on Steam. On Mac, the store page asks for macOS 11 (Big Sur), a quad-core 3.3 GHz processor, 8 GB of RAM and Intel HD 630-class graphics with 2 GB of VRAM at minimum; the recommended specs are a quad-core 4.6 GHz processor, 12 GB of RAM and graphics on the level of a GeForce GTX 1660.
On Linux, the requirements are equivalent (quad-core 3.3 GHz, 8 GB of RAM, Intel HD 630 or similar with 2 GB of VRAM at minimum), and Steam asks for recent binary NVIDIA or AMD drivers. The store page still lists Ubuntu 12.04 as the reference system, an outdated detail that was never updated; in practice, use a current distribution with up-to-date drivers.
How much space Euro Truck Simulator 2 takes up
The base game needs 25 GB free. That figure doesn’t include DLC: every map expansion you buy takes up extra space, and large map mods like ProMods are downloaded as several files that add up too. If you plan to expand the game, leave plenty of extra room and, if possible, install it on an SSD: loading times and texture streaming while driving improve a lot compared with a mechanical hard drive.
How to play on a low-end PC
ETS2 runs well on modest hardware if you adjust the graphics settings. These usually give you the biggest performance boost:
- Scaling (resolution scale): it’s the heaviest setting. If it’s above 100%, lower it; on very weak PCs you can try going below 100% at the cost of some sharpness.
- Shadows and reflections: drop them to medium or low. You’ll barely notice while driving, but your FPS will.
- Anti-aliasing: turn off MSAA or leave it at the lowest level.
- Vegetation and map detail: reducing vegetation distance and density takes a lot of load off your graphics card in wooded areas.
- Traffic density: fewer AI cars on screen means less load on your processor.
- Drivers and background apps: update your graphics drivers and close browsers and RAM-hungry programs before playing, especially if you have 8 GB.
With integrated graphics, start with the lowest graphics preset and raise options one at a time until you find the right balance.
How mods affect the requirements
The official requirements are meant for the unmodded game. Mods can change the picture quite a bit:
- Map mods: ProMods and other large maps add thousands of kilometers, cities and models. They need more RAM, more disk space and longer loading times, and they also require you to own every map DLC they list. If you want to try them, read the guide to installing ProMods in ETS2 first.
- Traffic mods: increasing the number of vehicles mainly loads the processor. Some, like Real Traffic Density, also ask you to set the
-mm_pool_sizelaunch option based on how much RAM you have. - Graphics and weather mods: high-resolution textures, improved lighting or rain increase VRAM usage. With 2 GB of video memory, it pays to be selective.
- Lots of mods at once: the more mods you enable, the longer your profile takes to load and the more memory it uses. If the game crashes or stutters, disable mods in groups to track down the one causing problems.
To install them in an orderly way without breaking your save, follow the guide on how to install mods in ETS2.
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Euro Truck Simulator 2 quick facts: Steam Deck · download size · Nintendo Switch · on mobile · where to download it · PS5 and Xbox · multiplayer.
Frequently asked questions
Does Euro Truck Simulator 2 run on 4 GB of RAM?
The official store page asks for 8 GB at minimum. With less memory the game may not launch or may stutter constantly, and it isn’t a configuration SCS supports.
Can you play ETS2 on integrated graphics?
Yes, the Intel HD 630 is listed in the minimum requirements. Play on low settings with a modest resolution scale, and avoid heavy graphics mods.
Does ETS2 run on Windows 7 or 32-bit systems?
The current requirements call for 64-bit Windows 10. Older or 32-bit systems aren’t supported.
How much space do I need with all the DLC and ProMods?
Quite a bit more than the base game’s 25 GB. Every DLC and every part of ProMods adds to it, so set aside plenty of room before installing large maps.
Does ETS2 have the same requirements as American Truck Simulator?
On Windows, yes: the Steam page for American Truck Simulator asks for the same processor, RAM, graphics card and disk space.