Euro Truck Simulator 2 vs American Truck Simulator: Which is Better?
Introduction
The world of truck simulation games has grown from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon, attracting millions of players who enjoy realistic driving experiences, long-haul deliveries, and the freedom of open roads. Two of the most popular and highly acclaimed truck simulator titles are Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) and American Truck Simulator (ATS). Both are developed by SCS Software, and both share similar gameplay mechanics — driving trucks, transporting cargo, managing a trucking business, and exploring expansive maps.
However, despite their similarities, ETS2 and ATS each have their own unique charm, features, and fan bases. This raises a common question in the trucking community: Which game is better? The answer isn’t as straightforward as naming a winner — it depends on the player’s preferences, goals, and playstyle.
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore both games from every angle: graphics, realism, trucks, maps, modding community, gameplay variety, multiplayer experience, and overall replay value. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which simulator might be the better choice for you.
1. Overview of the Games
1.1 Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2)
Released in October 2012, ETS2 has become the gold standard for truck simulation games. It focuses on trucking across Europe, offering an immersive experience with a vast map spanning dozens of countries. ETS2 is known for its diverse landscapes, rich modding community, and extensive truck selection.
Key highlights:
- Large map covering countries like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and more.
- Numerous official map expansions (DLCs) such as Scandinavia, Iberia, Road to the Black Sea, and West Balkans.
- Real truck brands including Scania, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, DAF, MAN, Renault, and Iveco.
- Strong modding support, with thousands of custom trucks, maps, and skins.
1.2 American Truck Simulator (ATS)
ATS launched in February 2016 and focuses on trucking across the United States. The game captures the American trucking culture with iconic long-nose trucks, wide open highways, and diverse US landscapes — from deserts to forests to mountains.
Key highlights:
- Map starts with California, Nevada, and Arizona, with ongoing expansions for other states.
- Features iconic US trucks like Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, International, Mack, and Western Star.
- Distinct American road design and signage.
- Wide, open landscapes with longer highways and fewer urban obstacles.
2. Graphics and Visual Presentation
Both games use the Prism3D engine, but they have different artistic styles that reflect their respective regions.
ETS2 Visual Style
ETS2 offers dense urban areas, green countryside, and European-style roads with frequent intersections, roundabouts, and narrow lanes. Lighting and vegetation are designed to match European climates.
ATS Visual Style
ATS features vast, open roads, arid deserts, coastal highways, and towering mountains. American truck stops, billboards, and roadside details give it an authentic US feel. The landscapes often feel more “grand” due to the sheer scale of US geography.
Verdict: If you enjoy variety and tight driving challenges, ETS2 excels. If you love wide-open roads and scenic drives, ATS wins.
3. Trucks and Driving Experience
ETS2 Trucks
- Primarily cab-over-engine (COE) designs.
- Compact and maneuverable, perfect for narrow roads and city deliveries.
- More common in Europe due to length regulations.
ATS Trucks
- Mostly long-nose (conventional) designs.
- Larger turning radius but offer a classic American trucking feel.
- Engines often feel more powerful, suited for long hauls across vast terrain.
Driving Feel:
- ETS2’s COE trucks give you better visibility in cities but feel less “heavy” on highways.
- ATS’s long-nose trucks feel more relaxed and comfortable for long-distance cruising.
4. Map Size and Expansion
ETS2 Map
- Currently covers much of Europe, with expansions adding new countries.
- Roads are more intricate, with frequent towns and varied terrain.
- Driving distances are shorter between cities, so you get more variety per trip.
ATS Map
- Covers fewer states but with larger-scale landscapes.
- Long stretches between destinations give a sense of endurance trucking.
- Each new state expansion is large and detailed.
5. Realism and Immersion
Both games focus on realistic physics, truck sounds, and accurate road networks, but there are regional differences:
- ETS2: More complex traffic situations, roundabouts, and varied road widths.
- ATS: Longer straight roads, bigger intersections, and more relaxed speed limits.
Weather and lighting updates have improved both games, but ATS often feels slightly more “cinematic” due to its grand landscapes.
6. Business Management
Both ETS2 and ATS feature:
- Truck purchasing and customization.
- Hiring AI drivers.
- Expanding garages.
- Managing fuel, repairs, and maintenance.
However:
- ETS2’s dense cities may require more careful route planning.
- ATS’s long-haul nature favors bulk shipments and endurance driving.
7. Modding Community
Both games have massive modding scenes, but ETS2 is the king of mods simply due to its longer history and larger player base. You can find:
- Custom trucks and trailers.
- Real company logos.
- Map expansions (ProMods is a fan favorite).
- Realistic weather packs.
ATS also has great mods but fewer total options — although many mods are extremely high quality.
8. Multiplayer Experience
Both games now support Convoy Mode, allowing players to drive together in the same world without third-party mods. ETS2 often has more active multiplayer servers due to its popularity, but ATS sessions can feel more relaxed due to less crowded roads.
9. Accessibility and Controls
Both games support:
- Keyboard, mouse, and gamepad.
- Steering wheels with force feedback.
- VR mode for maximum immersion.
The driving physics are similar, but ATS can be slightly easier for beginners due to wider roads.
10. Replay Value
ETS2:
- Huge map.
- Variety of short and long trips.
- Endless modding potential.
ATS:
- Beautiful, scenic drives.
- Relaxed, cross-country trucking.
- Detailed state expansions.
11. Which is Better?
The answer depends on your preferences:
Choose ETS2 if you:
- Love European cities and roads.
- Want a massive map with frequent expansions.
- Enjoy complex routes and shorter hauls.
Choose ATS if you:
- Love American culture and trucks.
- Prefer long, scenic drives.
- Want a calmer, more open-road experience.
Conclusion
Both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator are masterpieces in their own right. ETS2 offers variety and density, while ATS provides scale and relaxation. Since they share the same engine, control scheme, and DLC style, the best choice often comes down to whether you prefer Europe or America as your trucking backdrop.
