Euro Truck Simulator 2’s 1.56 Update: A Game-Changer for Virtual Truckers

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As a longtime fan of Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2), I’m thrilled to dive into the details of the newly released 1.56 Update, which SCS Software has packed with exciting features, visual enhancements, and quality-of-life improvements. From revamped DLCs to a slick new career system, this update is a love letter to the trucking community. Let’s hit the road and explore what’s new!

A Big Thank You to the Community

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, SCS Software deserves a shoutout for acknowledging the players who participated in the Open Beta. Their feedback on the forums helped polish this update, ensuring it’s ready for the open road. It’s a reminder of how much SCS values its dedicated community.

Stunning Visuals with Height Blend

One of the standout features of the 1.56 Update is the Height Blend effect, which makes terrain transitions look more realistic than ever. By using height map textures, this technique creates seamless blends between surfaces like grass, dirt, and stone. Imagine a grassy hill sloping into a rocky cliff—no more harsh edges, just natural, eye-catching transitions. SCS Software converted over 1,300 materials to make this happen, and the best part? It comes with minimal memory usage and no noticeable performance hit. Map designers will also save time, as they no longer need to rely heavily on decals to achieve believable terrain.

HS-Schoch Tuning Pack Gets a Major Upgrade

For those of us who love customizing our trucks, the HS-Schoch Tuning Pack DLC is getting a massive refresh. New accessory finishes like chrome, paintable, and matte paintable options let you tailor your rig’s look in any color you want. The update also includes new LED and non-LED roof and front light bars, strobe versions, and updated bottom grilles with slot-based and LED options. Two new paint jobs add even more flair, and the pack now supports trucks added to ETS2 since its original release. Plus, big auxiliary lights are getting a free upgrade for all players in the base game. I can’t wait to see how the community styles their trucks with these new options!

Special Transport DLC: Hauling Heavy with CZ LOKO

The Special Transport DLC is expanding with some serious heavy-duty action, thanks to new cargoes from CZ LOKO, a real-world locomotive manufacturer. In the base game, you’ll haul the MUV 75 (14 tonnes) and EffiShunter 300 (36 tonnes). But for Special Transport owners, the star of the show is the massive EffiShunter 1000—an 80-tonne locomotive (plus a 10-tonne trailer) that’s 5.3 meters tall, 16 meters long, and 3.1 meters wide. Hauling this beast on routes like Berlin to Szczecin or Kassel to Hamburg, with two escort vehicles in tow, will test your skills. Precision is key to keep this monster scratch-free!

Schmitz Cargobull Trailer Pack: Bigger and Better

The Schmitz Cargobull Trailer Pack DLC is also getting a boost. The highlight is the new High Capacity Transport (HCT) configuration, featuring two trailers connected by a dolly—a 32-meter setup that’s only the second of its kind in ETS2. The S.KO City chassis, with a steering axle for better maneuverability, is perfect for tight urban spaces (though you can take it anywhere). New lighting options with the Schmitz Cargobull logo add authenticity to your trailers. This update makes hauling feel more versatile and immersive.

Accessibility and Convenience Upgrades

SCS Software has added a small but impactful accessibility feature: the interior camera zoom can now be set to toggle mode instead of the default hold. This makes it easier to inspect your cab, mirrors, or surroundings, especially for players who need a more comfortable control scheme. You’ll find this option in the Gameplay and Accessibility settings.

A Smarter DLC Browser

The new DLC Browser redesign is a game-changer for exploring additional content. With improved categorization (Featured, Bundles, Map, Cargo, Trailer, Accessories, and Paint Jobs) and a modern layout displaying four items per row, it’s easier to browse and discover DLCs. SCS Software sees this as a foundation for future growth, and I’m excited to see how it evolves based on player feedback.

Revamped Career System

The career system has been overhauled with a cleaner, card-based UI that replaces the old table-style list. Your active career stays at the top, and switching between careers is as simple as a double-click. The new Truck Preference screen lets you preview trucks in a rotating 3D view, complete with a “random” button for surprises. The career creation and editing processes are now streamlined, focusing on key options to make starting or managing a career smoother. The Driver Details screen adds convenience by letting you view career stats and change your avatar without returning to the title screen.

Management UI/UX Improvements

The Company tab on the Desktop has been revamped with a polished subscreen showing your company’s name, logo, a seven-day profit graph, and top-performing assets. A new economy summary pop-up offers a quick performance overview, and you can now relocate a driver and their truck to the same garage slot with a single checkbox. The Driver Manager and Garage Manager are now unlocked from the start, and the Driver Manager subscreen includes an XP bar for NPC drivers and a simplified job and skills overview. These changes make managing your trucking empire feel more intuitive and engaging.

Final Thoughts

The 1.56 Update for Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a testament to SCS Software’s commitment to keeping the game fresh and exciting. From the visually stunning Height Blend to the expanded DLCs and smarter UI, this update enhances every aspect of the trucking experience. Whether you’re hauling a massive locomotive, customizing your rig, or managing your company, there’s something here for every trucker. SCS Software encourages players to share feedback and stay connected via their socials and, of course, ours as well. For now, it’s time to fire up the engine and hit the European highways. Keep on truckin’!

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