Viral clips featuring role-playing streamers and bespoke gaming setups that cost thousands of dollars have become commonplace, enhancing the immersive experience of gaming. With a plethora of downloadable content (DLC) expansions and competitive community tournaments, it may come as a surprise that the game in question is none other than Euro Truck Simulator 2. Thirteen years after its initial release, the enthusiasm surrounding ETS2 continues to grow, recently culminating in its highest peak of concurrent players on Steam, following the launch of two new DLC packs and a significant discount.
Enduring Popularity and Expansive Content
In the realm of simulation games that feel like a second job, Euro Truck Simulator 2 stands as a titan. Its blend of relaxing yet intricate road trips, an extensive array of content from both official sources and modded creations, and the potential for viral moments—often featuring streamers navigating their 20-ton trucks at breakneck speeds—has contributed to its remarkable longevity. The game has evolved beyond just trucks, with plans to introduce driveable coaches in the near future.
Last week, the release of two new DLC packs further enriched the game’s offerings. The first, Nordic Horizons, is a significant expansion that introduces a vast network of roads connecting 40 brand new cities across Scandinavia. Players can now traverse from the west coast of Norway to the serene Swedish wilderness, even reaching Santa Claus Village in Finland’s Lapland region. Notably, this DLC allows players to drive to the northernmost point in Europe, the iconic Nordkapp globe, while potentially witnessing the breathtaking Northern Lights along the way.
The second addition, the Forest Machinery pack, is a smaller DLC inspired by features from ETS2’s sibling, American Truck Simulator. This pack introduces a variety of forestry equipment as new cargo options, including wood chippers, log harvesters, and mulchers, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay.
The combination of these new expansions and the current promotional pricing has led to a remarkable surge in player engagement. While ETS2 has flirted with peak player counts of around 70,000, it recently achieved a new record of 72,686 concurrent players on Sunday, November 30. This achievement is particularly noteworthy for a game that has been around for over a decade.
Currently, the entry point for new players is exceptionally low, with Euro Truck Simulator 2 available at a 75% discount, bringing the base game price down to just .99 / £4.22 until Thursday, December 11. Additionally, there are substantial discounts on bundles that include various DLC packs and expansions, all of which can be explored on its Steam page.
However, attributing the recent surge in player numbers solely to the discount would be a miscalculation. While ETS2 frequently enjoys price reductions, the real driving force behind its record-breaking success lies in the unwavering support from its community and the excitement generated by the expansive Scandinavian DLC. With no signs of this momentum slowing down, it seems likely that Euro Truck Simulator 2 will continue to reach new heights in the gaming world.
