Ets2 135 To 136 Patch New [exclusive] [ Fully Tested ]
This guide is useful for players wondering about the technical changes, map compatibility, or why older mods might have broken during this transition.
The Invisible Revolution: Why the 1.35 to 1.36 Update Was a Turning Point for Euro Truck Simulator 2
In the world of live-service gaming, patch notes are often mundane affairs—lists of bug fixes, typo corrections, and minor tweak adjustments that the average player glosses over. However, in the ecosystem of Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2), the transition from update 1.35 to 1.36 was not merely a routine maintenance check; it was a foundational shift. While casual observers might have simply seen a new UI or a different launcher, the move to version 1.36 represented a massive technical overhaul that future-proofed the game, laid the groundwork for the highly anticipated "Heart of Russia" DLC, and fundamentally changed how the simulation communicates with its players.
The most significant change in the 1.36 update was one that many players likely missed at first glance: the introduction of the DirectX 11 (DX11) renderer as the default setting. For years, ETS2 had relied on the aging DirectX 9 standard. While reliable, DX9 was becoming a bottleneck, limiting the game’s graphical potential and causing performance issues with modern hardware. The shift to DX11 was akin to replacing the engine of a car while it was still driving. It allowed developers SCS Software to implement more advanced rendering techniques, improve memory management, and significantly boost frame rates for many users. This was not just a graphical upgrade; it was a survival mechanism, ensuring that the 2012 title could continue to compete with modern simulators.
Coupled with the graphical engine overhaul was the introduction of the new, native screen resolution scaling feature. For a game that is often lauded for its chill, meditative qualities, visual clarity is paramount. The scaling slider allowed players to customize the sharpness of the image to match their monitor's capabilities without the heavy performance tax of downsampling. This change made the "job" of driving feel more immersive, reducing the jagged edges on distant mountains and making the cabin mirrors—the driver's most vital tool—crisp and readable. It was a quiet quality-of-life improvement that made the long hauls across the digital autobahn significantly more beautiful.
Visually, the 1.36 update also marked the debut of the Helvetica UI. For years, ETS2 had utilized a functional but somewhat outdated user interface. The move to the clean, minimalist Helvetica font style modernized the game's menus and in-cabin navigation. While it may seem purely aesthetic, this change signaled a maturation of the game's identity. It moved the game away from a rugged, niche simulator look toward a sleek, professional product presentation. It unified the design language, making the GPS, the route advisor, and the job market screens feel like integrated parts of a modern digital dashboard rather than disjointed windows.
Finally, it is impossible to discuss the 1.35-to-1.36 transition without acknowledging the road it was paving. While 1.35 introduced the "Road to the Black Sea" DLC, version 1.36 was the technical preparation for the next frontier. It introduced rigid vehicle AI and updated assets that would eventually be utilized in future map expansions. The update acted as the bridge between the "old" ETS2, which was a slightly smaller, more contained experience, and the "new" ETS2—a sprawling, technically robust platform capable of supporting the massive map expansions that followed.
In conclusion, the jump from version 1.35 to 1.36 was a subtle revolution. It did not add a new country to explore or a fleet of new trucks to drive, but it did something arguably more important: it rebuilt the stage upon which those future additions would sit. By embracing modern graphical standards, refining the user interface, and optimizing the core engine, SCS Software proved that they were not just maintaining a game, but evolving a platform. For the dedicated trucker, 1.36 was the moment ETS2 truly entered the modern era.
Here’s a review of the ETS2 update from version 1.35 to 1.36, focusing on what’s new and how it impacts gameplay.
Quick Tips After Updating
- Back up your profile and mods before applying the update, then verify game integrity if you use Steam.
- Update popular mods (map mods, trucks, trailers) after the patch — many modders release compatibility updates quickly.
- Restart external telemetry or companion apps to ensure they reconnect cleanly after the patch.
- Test long routes first if you run long-haul delivery chains or autoplayer services to ensure no regressions appear with your specific modlist.
- Report issues to the official support/forums with crash logs and repro steps if you encounter new problems.
10. What Came After 1.36?
While 1.36 was a visual milestone, later patches built on its foundation:
- 1.37: Full FMOD mandatory (all trucks, all sounds).
- 1.38: New lighting system + graphical rework of Germany Phase 3.
- 1.39: Convoy multiplayer mode.
But for many players, 1.36 remains the last “pure” version before the audio engine became too strict for lightweight modding. It strikes the perfect balance: modern DX11 graphics without the mandatory sound overhaul of 1.37.
Final Verdict: Is the ETS2 1.36 Patch "New" Worth It?
Yes—with one caveat. If your hardware supports DX11 (and 99.9% of gaming PCs built after 2012 do), the 1.36 patch is superior in every measurable way: visual fidelity, frame timing, and future mod support.
The "new" part of this patch isn't a feature; it's a relay race handoff. SCS handed the torch from the legacy DX9 engine to the modern DX11 engine. Drop the old mods, update your GPU drivers, and enjoy a smoother, better-looking Europe.
Still have issues? You can always revert: Steam → Properties → Betas → temporary_1_35 - 1.35.x for legacy hardware.
Searching for specific mods that work with the 1.36 patch? Check our forum thread: "ETS2 1.36 Mod Compatibility List (October 2024 Update)."
Keywords used naturally: ets2 135 to 136 patch new, ETS2 1.35 vs 1.36, DX11 update, Road to Black Sea, mod compatibility.
The transition from Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) version 1.35 to 1.36 marked a pivotal shift in the simulator's technical foundation, primarily through the mandatory move to DirectX 11. This update was not just a minor patch; it was a fundamental "engine" upgrade that paved the way for future expansions like Road to the Black Sea. Core Technical Evolution: DirectX 11 Only
The most significant change in the 1.36 patch was the full implementation of DirectX 11 (specifically version 11.1) and the complete removal of DirectX 9 support.
Performance Gains: Players on compatible hardware generally experienced increased FPS, smoother gameplay, and improved long-range Level of Detail (LOD). Hardware Requirements : The minimum requirement moved to GPUs like the nVidia GTS450 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or Intel HD4000
; older cards limited to DX9 can no longer run the game on this version or higher.
Development Efficiency: By dropping DX9, SCS Software reduced the need to maintain multiple codebases, allowing for faster implementation of modern graphical features. New Map Content and World Features
While technical under the hood, 1.36 also expanded the playable world:
Corsica Island: Added as a free update for owners of the Vive la France! DLC, featuring approximately 160km of new roads and six cities including Ajaccio and Bastia.
Detours: A dynamic feature where the GPS may reroute you due to accidents or road closures, adding a layer of unpredictability to long-haul deliveries.
Manager Map Visibility: A long-requested UI feature allows you to see your hired drivers, owned trucks, and trailers directly on the manager map. Gameplay and AI Improvements
Avoidance Navigation Pins: Users can now place pins on the GPS map to avoid specific road segments, allowing for better route customization. ets2 135 to 136 patch new
New AI Vehicles: The traffic pool was updated with fresh AI vehicle models to increase variety on the road.
Anti-Aliasing: Implementation of SMAA (Subpixel Morphological Anti-Aliasing) helped sharpen visuals, particularly for thin objects like electrical wires.
Non-Latin Character Support: Improved input for Chinese and other character sets through IME support. Critical Warning: Save Compatibility
It is vital to note that save files created or loaded in 1.36 are not backwards compatible with version 1.35. Before updating, it is highly recommended to manually back up your Documents/Euro Truck Simulator 2 folder. If you use significant mods like ProMods, ensure you are using a compatible version (e.g., ProMods 2.43 for ETS2 1.36) to prevent game crashes.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) transitioned from version 1.35 to 1.36 in late 2019, marking one of the most significant technical shifts in the game's history. This update primary focused on modernising the game's engine and adding dynamic gameplay elements to make the simulation more unpredictable and immersive. The Move to DirectX 11
The headline feature of the 1.36 update was the transition to full DirectX 11 support. This shift allowed SCS Software to officially remove support for DirectX 9, overcoming its long-standing technical limitations. Players generally experienced:
Performance Gains: Improved FPS and smoother overall gameplay.
Visual Enhancements: Better long-range Level of Detail (LOD) and anti-aliasing improvements through SMAA.
Infrastructure for Future Growth: Moving to DX11 paved the way for advanced lighting and weather effects that appeared in subsequent versions. Dynamic World: Detours and Navigation
Update 1.36 introduced the Detours system, a feature previously tested in American Truck Simulator.
Dynamic Roadblocks: Players can now encounter unexpected road closures or police waving traffic away from accidents, requiring them to find alternative routes.
Custom Frequency: For those who prefer a more predictable journey, the frequency of these events can be adjusted or completely disabled via a slider in the options menu.
Avoidance Pins: To help manage navigation, new avoidance pins were added to the GPS, allowing players to manually mark locations they wish to avoid on their route. Map Expansion and Management
The update included a free map addition and better fleet oversight:
Corsica: Current and future owners of the Vive la France! DLC received the island of Corsica as a free expansion, accessible via ferry from Marseille or Sassari.
Manager Map Visibility: A long-requested feature allowed players to finally see their hired drivers, trucks, and trailers moving in real-time on the manager map. Additional Enhancements
New AI Traffic: Several new AI vehicles were added to diversify the traffic on European roads.
Non-Latin Character Support: Implementation of IME support allowed for Chinese and other non-Latin character input, making the game more accessible globally.
Modding Updates: Significant changes were made to sun profiles (HDR) and AI license plate data, which initially caused some older mods to break. 36 for a "legacy" playthrough? ETS2: Update 1.36 - The Truck Simulator Wiki
7. References
- SCS Software. (2019). ETS2 Update 1.36 Open Beta. Blog Post. Prague.
- SCS Software. (2019). Germany Reskin: The Journey Begins. Developer Stream Notes.
- DX11 Migration Log. (2019). Game Engine Architecture for ETS2. Internal SCS Documentation (Abstract).
Euro Truck Simulator 2 : Everything New in Update 1.36 Released as a major stepping stone for the "Road to the Black Sea" DLC, the Euro Truck Simulator 2 Update 1.36
marked one of the most significant technical shifts in the game's history. This update focused heavily on modernization, performance, and player-requested quality-of-life features. truck-sim.club 1. The Technical Leap: DirectX 11 Support The headline feature of 1.36 was the full transition to DirectX 11 Performance Boost:
Users reported smoother gameplay and a notable FPS increase on modern systems. Visual Improvements:
The upgrade allowed for better long-range Level of Detail (LOD) and improved anti-aliasing (SMAA). End of an Era:
This update officially removed support for DirectX 9, meaning older graphics cards that don't support DX11 can no longer run the game on this version. 2. Free Map Addition: Corsica Players with the Vive la France! DLC received a major free expansion: the island of This guide is useful for players wondering about
You can reach this Mediterranean island via ferry from Marseille, France, or Sassari, Sardinia.
It offers unique island terrain and scenic coastal roads that contrast with the mainland European highway system. 3. Gameplay Mechanics: Detours and Navigation
Borrowing a popular (and sometimes frustrating) feature from American Truck Simulator , SCS Software introduced Unpredictability:
Players may encounter road closures or police waving traffic away from accidents, forcing mid-route improvisation. Customization:
For those who prefer a predictable commute, a slider in the options menu allows you to adjust the frequency of these events or disable them entirely. Avoidance Pins:
To help manage navigation, players can now place "Avoidance Pins" on the GPS to prevent the route from passing through specific areas. 4. Management Enhancements Running a trucking empire became more visual in 1.36: Asset Tracking: You can now see your hired drivers, trucks, and owned trailers directly on the manager map. AI & Input:
The update added new AI vehicles to the roads and introduced support for Chinese and other non-Latin character inputs (IME). Steam Community Update Summary Table Description DirectX 11 Full support added; DX9 support removed. New Territory added as a free update for Vive la France! Road Events Detours added to increase realism and unpredictability. UI Updates Drivers, trucks, and trailers visible on the manager map. SMAA anti-aliasing and sun profile (HDR) changes.
The transition from version 1.35 to 1.36 in Euro Truck Simulator 2
marked a significant technical shift, primarily moving the game to a full DirectX 11 foundation
and removing support for DirectX 9. This update provided better performance, smoother gameplay, and improved long-range level of detail. SCS Software's blog Key New Features in Update 1.36 Corsica Island Expansion : A free addition for owners of the Vive la France!
DLC. It features new roads and coastal cities accessible by ferry from Marseille or Sardinia. Detours System
: Introduced random road closures and emergency events (like accidents or construction) that force you to improvise and find alternative routes, adding unpredictability to long hauls. Avoidance Navigation Pins
: New GPS functionality that allows you to set specific pins on the map to tell your navigation system which areas to avoid. Enhanced Manager Maps
: Drivers, trucks, and trailers are now visible as icons on the manager maps, making it easier to track your fleet's current positions. Anti-Aliasing Improvements
: The implementation of SMAA (Subpixel Morphological Anti-Aliasing) specifically improved the rendering of thin objects like electrical wires. New AI Traffic
: Added several new AI vehicles to the roads to increase environmental variety. trucksimulator.wiki.gg Summary of Technical Changes Change in 1.36 Graphics API Full DX11 support; DX9 support completely removed Corsica added for Vive la France! Added "Avoidance Pins" for custom routing Support for Chinese and non-Latin character input (IME) Management Drivers/Trucks/Trailers visible on the manager map or more information on the Corsica ferry routes ETS2: Update 1.36 - The Truck Simulator Wiki
Summary. Update 1.36 for Euro Truck Simulator 2 brings DX11 support, new AI vehicles, detours and more additions. trucksimulator.wiki.gg
The transition from version 1.35 to 1.36 in Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) marked a significant technical and gameplay milestone for the simulator. Released in late 2019, this update shifted the game's foundation to DirectX 11, phasing out legacy support for DirectX 9 to allow for modern visual and performance optimizations. Key Features of the 1.36 Patch
The 1.36 update introduced several major features that altered how players interact with the world and manage their logistics empire:
Full DirectX 11 Support: The most critical technical change was the switch to DX11. While it improved performance for modern hardware, it also meant the complete removal of DX9 support, potentially impacting users on very old systems.
Corsica Island Expansion: A free addition for owners of the Vive la France! DLC, introducing the island of Corsica with six new cities and unique coastal roads.
Detours: Bringing a feature over from American Truck Simulator, detours introduce unpredictable road closures and police diversions, forcing players to improvise their routes.
Avoidance Navigation Pins: Players can now place "avoidance pins" on their GPS map to mark specific road segments they wish to bypass during route generation.
Enhanced Manager Map: For the first time, your hired drivers, trucks, and owned trailers are visible as icons on the manager map, providing a better overview of your company's global reach. Visual and Technical Improvements The Invisible Revolution: Why the 1
Beyond the core features, the patch refined existing systems to enhance immersion:
Anti-Aliasing (SMAA): Improved SMAA implementation provided smoother edges on truck models and environment objects.
New AI Traffic: The update added several new AI vehicles to the road, including specialized service vehicles.
Chinese/Non-Latin Input (IME): Support for IME was added, allowing for easier character input in languages like Chinese. Comparison: 1.35 vs. 1.36
While version 1.35 was celebrated for introducing voice navigation and the island of Sardinia, 1.36 focused heavily on technical modernization. Version 1.35 offered "experimental" DX11 support, but 1.36 made it the mandatory standard. Version 1.35 Version 1.36 Graphics API DirectX 9 (Standard) / DX11 (Exp.) DirectX 11 (Full Support / DX9 Removed) New Map Area Sardinia (Italia DLC) Corsica (Vive la France! DLC) Navigation Voice Navigation Added Avoidance Pins Added Road Hazards Detours Feature Added Mod Compatibility and Updating Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com
The 1.36 Update for ETS2 has arrived & includes: 🇫🇷 Corsica as part of Vive la France! 🚧 Detours 💻Full DirectX 11 Support 🗺️Drivers Visible on Map 🛠️ Anti-Aliasing Improvements ➕ Much More! Read or watch the changelog at our blog: https://blog.scssoft.com/2019/12/euro-truck-simulator-2-update-136.html
The transition from Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) version 1.35 to 1.36 marked a pivotal moment for the simulator, primarily due to the introduction of a new graphics API that fundamentally changed the game’s performance and future potential. The Shift to DirectX 11
The headline feature of the Update 1.36 was the full implementation of DirectX 11. While 1.35 had offered DX11 as an experimental opt-in, 1.36 made it the standard, officially dropping support for DirectX 9. For players, this transition meant:
Performance Gains: Many reported a significant FPS increase and overall smoother gameplay.
Improved Visuals: The new API allowed for better long-range Level of Detail (LOD) behaviors and paved the way for more complex lighting systems seen in later updates.
Mod Compatibility: Because of the architectural shift, many older mods—especially those relying on DirectX 9-specific shaders—required updates or became obsolete. New Map Content: Corsica
While 1.35 focused on a massive overhaul of Germany and the addition of Sardinia, Update 1.36 expanded the Vive la France! DLC by adding the island of .
Players could access the island via ferry from Marseille or Porto-Vecchio. The expansion featured 6 new cities ( L’Île-Rousse Porto-Vecchio
) and narrow, winding coastal roads that provided a unique driving challenge compared to mainland highways. Management and AI Enhancements
Beyond graphics and geography, 1.36 refined the "living" world of ETS2:
Detours: Following its introduction in American Truck Simulator, the Detours feature was brought to ETS2. This system generates random road closures or accidents, forcing players to find alternate routes using their GPS.
AI Driver Map Locations: A major quality-of-life update allowed players to see the locations of their hired AI drivers directly on the world map.
New AI Vehicles: The update added several new vehicles to the traffic pool, increasing the variety of cars and trucks seen on European roads. Summary of Key Changes (1.35 vs. 1.36) Update 1.35 Highlights Update 1.36 Highlights Graphics Experimental DX11 support Full DX11 support; DX9 removed New Territory (France) Gameplay Voice Navigation added Detours system implemented Management Online Garage Purchase AI drivers visible on map
For those looking to manage their game version or troubleshoot issues after an update, the SCS Software Blog and community hubs like the Truck Simulator Wiki remain the best resources for detailed technical changelogs.
3. The Sound Engine Overhaul (A Taste of Things to Come)
Version 1.36 introduced FMOD middleware in a limited capacity. While 1.37 later made FMOD mandatory for all sounds, 1.36 started the transition.
- In 1.35: Sounds used the old, rigid internal engine. Truck engines sounded flat, and tire noise was repetitive.
- In 1.36: The first trucks (e.g., Volvo FH, Scania R/S) received experimental FMOD audio. This enabled:
- Dynamic load noise: The engine pitch changes realistically with gearbox load.
- Reverberation: Driving through tunnels or under bridges now produces a muffled echo.
- Turbo spool: Audible turbo whistle on lift-off.
Note: Many sound mods broke in this update. If you use popular sound packs (e.g., Zeemod, Kriechbaum), you had to wait for 1.36-compatible versions.
Surprisingly Safe Mods:
- Sound mods (FMOD 2.0 is backwards compatible with most 1.35 sound banks).
- Trailer skin packs (just DDS textures).
- Economy mods (as long as they don't reference removed 1.35 map sectors).
Diagnostic Tip: If your game crashes on launch after patching, look for a file called game.log.txt. If you see "*** buffer overflow ***" or "Texture is not compatible with DX11," that mod is dead.
7. How to Update from 1.35 to 1.36
Updating is automatic on Steam unless you’ve pinned a beta version.