How to Install Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) Mods

Euro Truck Simulator 2 has one of the largest modding communities in all of PC gaming — new trucks, trailers, maps, sounds and physics tweaks are released every week. Installing them is straightforward once you understand the .scs file format and the in-game Mod Manager. This guide covers both the automatic and manual methods, plus the load-order rules that prevent most problems.

Where ETS2 mods go

ETS2 mods live in your Documents folder, not the game’s install directory. On Windows the path is:

C:\Users\<YourName>\Documents\Euro Truck Simulator 2\mod\

If the mod folder does not exist yet, create it manually — the name must be exactly mod (lowercase, singular). Most ETS2 mods come as .scs files, which is the game’s own archive format. Like BeamNG, you do not unzip these; the .scs file goes in as-is. Some downloads arrive inside a .zip or .rar — in that case extract the archive first, then move the .scs file(s) into the mod folder.

Method 1 — Steam Workshop (automatic)

If a mod is published on the Steam Workshop, this is the easiest route:

1. Open the mod’s Workshop page and click Subscribe.
2. Steam downloads it in the background.
3. Launch ETS2, and the mod appears in the Mod Manager ready to enable (see below).

Method 2 — Manual .scs install

1. Download the mod. If it is inside a .zip or .rar, extract it to reveal the .scs file(s).
2. Move every .scs file into Documents\Euro Truck Simulator 2\mod\.
3. Start the game and open the Mod Manager from the main menu (before loading your profile’s game world).
4. Find the mod in the left-hand list and move it to the active panel on the right, then click Confirm changes.

Load order — the rule that fixes most problems

In the Mod Manager, mods at the top of the active list override mods below them. This matters when two mods touch the same thing. The reliable rule of thumb:

• Trucks, trailers and standalone vehicles — near the top.
• Maps — below vehicles.
• Map definition / background files (some large maps ship two parts) — the “def” file goes above the “map” file, exactly as the author specifies.
• Sound and graphics tweaks — usually near the top so they take priority.

If a map mod loads to a black screen or throws an error, a wrong load order is the number-one suspect. Always read the author’s description — serious map mods tell you the exact order and any required DLC.

Dependencies and DLC

Many large map mods require specific map DLC (such as Going East!, Vive la France! or Road to the Black Sea) or other base maps to function. If a map mod refuses to load, check whether it lists a dependency you are missing. The game’s log file will usually name the missing component.

Updating and removing mods

To update a manual mod, delete the old .scs from the mod folder and drop in the new one. To remove a mod, deactivate it in the Mod Manager first, then delete its file. Removing a map mod that your current save depends on can corrupt that save, so keep a profile backup before major changes — ETS2 stores profiles in Documents\Euro Truck Simulator 2\profiles\.

Common issues

• Mod not in the list: the .scs is in the wrong folder, or you left it inside a .zip.
• Game crashes on load: usually a version mismatch — the mod was built for an older ETS2 patch. Wait for the author to update it.
• Black screen on a map mod: wrong load order or a missing DLC/dependency.
• “Mod is out of date” warning: the mod still works in most cases, but expect occasional glitches until it is updated.

Frequently asked questions

What is an .scs file?

It is the archive format ETS2 uses for both the game’s own data and for mods. You place .scs files directly into the mod folder without extracting them.

Do I have to enable mods every time?

No. Once a mod is active in the Mod Manager and you confirm the changes, it stays enabled for that profile until you remove it.

Can I use mods in multiplayer (TruckersMP)?

TruckersMP only allows a small, approved set of mods. Most local mods must be disabled before joining a TruckersMP server.

Why does the game warn that mods can break my save?

Removing a mod your save relies on (especially a map) can leave the save unable to load. Keep a backup of your profile folder before adding or removing major mods.

Ready to load up? Browse the full Euro Truck Simulator 2 mods collection on CrashMods.