How to Install ETS2 Mods: Complete Guide for 2025
If you’re new to modding Euro Truck Simulator 2, or you just want to ensure everything works smoothly, this guide will walk you through step by step. We’ll also cover common pitfalls, tips, and how to mod a server.
1. Prepare Your Game & Version Compatibility
Before downloading or installing mods:
- Make sure your ETS2 game is updated. Many mods are tied to a specific game version, so mismatches can cause crashes or mods not loading.
- Always check the mod page for the version it supports (e.g. v1.55, v1.56, etc.).
- Back up your save game and profile settings. If a mod behaves badly, you can restore.
2. Download Mods from Trusted Sources
For safe and reliable ETS2 Mods download:
- Use well-known mod repositories (e.g. www.ets2modding.com).
- Choose ETS 2 Mods free ones (if free is what you want), or follow license/instructions if paid.
- Avoid obscure sources that may include malware.
When downloading, mods often come as:
- .scs files (the standard mod file format).
- Compressed archives: .zip, .rar, .7z.
- Folders containing .scs or other mod assets.
3. Extract / Unpack the Mods (if compressed)
If the mod is in .zip / .rar / .7z, you need to extract it. Use tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR.
Important: After extraction, you should see .scs files (or sometimes a folder with .scs inside). Do not leave .scs buried in nested subfolders. If the .scs file is in a subfolder under mod, the game will not detect it. (This mistake is often made.)
4. Place the Mod Files in the Correct Folder
On Windows, the default path is:
C:\Users\\Documents\Euro Truck Simulator 2\mod\
- If there is no mod folder, create one.
- Copy or move the .scs (or .zip if you know it’s directly usable) files into the mod folder.
- Do not put them into subfolders (e.g. mod\somefolder\myMod.scs will often fail).
- If a mod came already as .scs, you can often place it directly.
Some users mistakenly put the mod directory inside the Steam game installation folder (e.g. under Steam\steamapps\common\Euro Truck Simulator 2\mod\) – that is incorrect for non-Workshop mods. The game reads from the Documents path.
5. Activate the Mods In-Game via Mod Manager
Once the files are placed:
- Launch ETS2.
- On the main menu, select your profile.
- Click “Mod Manager”.
- In the left pane, you’ll see all available (detected) mods. Double-click or use arrow buttons to move mods to the “Enabled / Active” list.
- Click “Confirm Changes” (or similar) to apply.
After confirming, start the game. The mods should now be active.
6. Manage Load Order & Mod Conflicts
With multiple mods, order matters:
- Some mods override others (maps, AI traffic, sounds). You may need to adjust the load order in Mod Manager.
- Community threads (e.g. on SCS forums) publish optimal load orders, especially for map combos.
- If the game crashes or a mod doesn’t show, disable recently added mods and test one by one.
Also, some mods have dependencies, read the mod’s documentation (README) for instructions or required companion mods.
7. Handling Mod Updates & Removing Mods
- Periodically revisit the mod’s download page for updates (e.g. for new ETS2 versions).
- To remove a mod, disable it in Mod Manager, then delete the .scs file from your mod folder.
- If you updated, always replace both .scs (and companion files) rather than layering conflicting versions.
8. Installing Mods on an ETS2 Multiplayer / Server Setup
If you’re running or joining a multiplayer server, the process includes additional steps:
- Enable the mods locally in Mod Manager.
- Start a drive session (i.e. hit “Drive” to load into the world).
- Open the developer console (press the grave accent ` key). You may need to enable console in the config.cfg (set uset g_developer “1” and uset g_console “1”).
- In console, type:
export_server_packages
This generates server_packages.sii and server_packages.dat in your Documents/Euro Truck Simulator 2 folder. - Upload those files to your server via FTP (or control panel). The server path is typically .local/share/Euro Truck Simulator 2.
- Restart the server so that connected players download the same mods. All players must have identical active mods to avoid mismatch errors.
9. Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Possible Cause / Fix |
| Mod does not appear in Mod Manager | .scs file is in a subfolder; placed in wrong folder path (e.g. Steam folder instead of Documents) |
| Game crashes or CTD (Crash to Desktop) | Incompatible mod version; conflict with other mod; wrong load order; missing dependency |
| Multiplayer mismatch error | Player has a different set of mods; server didn’t export server packages |
| Assets not showing (e.g. map parts missing) | Incorrect version or missing companion map fix; mod override issues |
When facing issues, disable mods one by one to isolate the culprit. Always check the game.log.txt (enable unlimited log) to spot mod errors. Community forums are helpful in diagnosing load order or compatibility conflicts.
10. Summary & Best Practices
- Always use a trusted source to download ETS2 Mods and ensure version compatibility.
- Extract compressed files properly and ensure .scs files are directly in your Documents\Euro Truck Simulator 2\mod folder.
- Use Mod Manager to activate, and adjust load order if needed.
- For multiplayer / server, export server packages and synchronize mods across all players.
- Backup before changes; update responsibly; troubleshoot via disabling mods one by one.
By following these steps, you can install Euro Truck Simulator 2 Mods confidently, enjoy new trucks, maps, sounds, and more, all while keeping your game stable. Happy trucking and enjoy your modded ETS2 experience!
