SCS Software has unveiled a brand new project eagerly awaited by its community: the arrival of long-distance coaches in Euro Truck Simulator 2. Presented in a video conference with key members of the studio (Dominik, Jarda and Pavel Sebor, the CEO), this expansion opens the way to a new gaming experience, complementary to heavy goods vehicle driving.
A new way to travel around Europe
This expansion will allow players to take on the role of a long-distance bus driver, with the ability to make multi-stop journeys between major European cities. A radical departure from traditional truck journeys, it will still take advantage of the vast existing map.
Main features announced:
Three licensed bus models upon release.
- Scania Touring
- Volvo 9700 DD
- MAN Lion's Coach
Built-in passenger satisfaction system: driving too roughly will reduce experience gains.
Multi-stage journeys with scheduled stops at completely redesigned bus stations.
Modeled and animated passengers, visible in the cabin with reading, telephone, etc.
A technical challenge met behind the scenes
To make this project possible, the developers had to extensively adapt the game engine, which was initially designed for articulated trucks only. The economy, tolls, AI management, and routes all had to be reworked to support more complex vehicles, such as double-decker buses with passengers and animated doors.
Internal models are much more detailed than those for trucks, with each bus requiring 6 to 7 months of complete development.
Goal: immersion and diversity, not ultra-realistic simulation
This is an accessible expansion, designed to offer a different way to discover virtual Europe. Trucks remain the heart of the game, but buses are now a natural addition.
This development also opens the way to new types of destinations: seaside resorts, historic town centres, mountain hotels... all places inaccessible to heavy goods vehicles, but perfect for a tourist coach route.
“Our goal is to expand the driving experience, not transform it. Coaches are a new way to enjoy the world we've created.” – Pavel Šebor, CEO of SCS Software
An open door to the trucks?
Although the “Coaches” DLC focuses on coaches, it marks a crucial technical milestone in the evolution of the game engine. This overhaul now allows for the management of multiple vehicle types, which revives hopes for the official arrival of rigid trucks in ETS2.
📅 Key dates to remember:
2014 : SCS first discusses the carriers in a blog post, with screenshots of prototypes.
2016–2019: Several interviews confirm that the project is “on hold” due to lack of resources.
2023–2025: The development of coaches and cars in ATS pushes SCS to generalize its engine to accommodate other types of vehicles.
In 2025: The “Coaches” DLC introduces a modular architecture that could facilitate the integration of carriers in a future update.
Although no official announcement has been made, the foundations are now in place. And with a growing community demanding these vehicles, the moment seems closer than ever.
Release date
A release date has not yet been announced. The DLC is in active development, and the visuals presented are still in the work phase.
Announcements are good, but actions speak louder.
PROMISE FROM THE CARRIER - WE'RE STILL WAITING
PROMISE TO RELEASE DIRECT X 12 STILL NOTHING
SCS says nothing before the release of what the new content will be made for, because a lot of things are done, but a lot of it is useless.