New physics for Euro Truck Simulator 2 as v1.54 Open Beta launches

As American Truck Simulator ‘s v1.54 Open Beta began yesterday, SCS Software’s other trucking title, Euro Truck Simulator 2, has now followed suit.

Unsurprisingly, many of the improvements are exactly the same across both titles, with the full run-down of the game’s Open Beta contents listed below.

Cargo system redefined

ETS 2’s cargo system has been overhauled and simplified, with the game code amended to make joining cargo to trailers easier. 

The new system should save disk space and memory as the game no longer requires separate cargo and trailer models, allowing the two to merge seamlessly.

Considering the number of cargo and trailer combinations in-game (and still to come in future in the form of DLC), this could well be a vital addition to ETS 2.

Truck Adjustment Menu Redesign

Previously, factors like FOV and seat and mirror position were only accessible via separate menus. For the v1.54 Open Beta, however, these now reside as part of the same menu and are optimised for both mouse and gamepad use.

On keyboard, navigating the menu can be performed using the WASD keys with mouse-adjustable sliders. Gamepad players use the D-pad to navigate, while the left stick changes values and the right stick moves the camera for mirror adjustments.

PhysX System Implementation

Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the v1.54 Open Beta is the implementation of Nvidia’s PhysX physics engine to the game, phasing out SCS’s own Bullet engine.

Physx is now the default engine in ETS 2, and is said to offer the developers better debugging tools as well as improve in-game collisions. This is especially true in the game’s Driving Academy mode, where cones would exhibit odd behaviours when knocked over.

Players who prefer the Bullet engine can still switch back to it by entering the ‘-bullet’ command line in the game’s Steam launch options.

Driving Academy Rewards and additional trucks

ETS 2’s Driving Academy will see the introduction of the Volvo FH Series 5 and Series 6 trucks, plus the Iveco S-Way. These will be available to try across a whole host of the mode’s driving challenges.

Additionally, players who have completed the first part of ETS 2’s Driving Academy mode will receive a special in-game accessory and a new paint job. The livery is a customisable Driving Academy-themed scheme, while the accessory is a small blue traffic cone to hang from your virtual mirror.

To sample ETS 2’s v1.54 Open Beta, right-click on the game icon in your Steam Library, select ‘Properties’, then ‘Betas’ and pick the ‘Public Beta 1.54’ option.

Which part of Euro Truck Simulator 2’s Open Beta are you most looking forward to? Let us know 

in the comments below.

Source: SCS Software

Euro Truck Simulator 2 v1.54 Open Beta changelog

Gameplay

• Cargo System Redefined
• Driving Academy Rewards

Vehicles

• Volvo FH Series 5, Volvo FH Series 6, and Iveco S-Way added to Driving Academy

Visual

• Truck Adjustment Menu Redesign

Other

• PhysX Implementation