ETS2 & ATS: 1.61 Experimental Beta

Even though the 1.60 update for both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator was released just last week, we are already working on features for future updates. And since we want to gather as much feedback from our #BestCommunityEver, we are starting an experimental beta way in advance of the actual update release, with focus on two upcoming features - the Multi-Function Display and In-Game Menu. To make sure we get it right, we need your help!

As mentioned above, this time, we are starting the beta cycle from an early stage. The level of polish and stability in this release might not yet be on the same level as with our typical Open Betas. However, we recognize the importance of involving our community in the development process and need to gather feedback early to help us identify any imperfections.

With the Experimental Beta, we would like to invite our dedicated players to join us in fine-tuning, testing, and providing feedback on the upcoming Multi-Function Display and In-Game Menu features for both games. We appreciate all of your feedback on our forum and your bug reports in the dedicated section for ATS and ETS2.

The MFD has been part of our vision to improve the overall in-game driving interface and accessibility of vehicle systems. Our goal is to create a more unified and intuitive way to access vehicle functions directly in-game, without the need to interrupt your experience or remember dozens of keybinds.

The MFD is an in-game interface accessible from both interior and exterior camera views. From there, you can quickly navigate through various categories and vehicle systems such as driving assists, lighting controls, vehicle adjustments, media functions, trip information, and more.

One of the main goals of this feature is to reduce interruptions while accessing vehicle systems and information. In most situations, opening the MFD will not pause gameplay, and vehicle controls will remain responsive during interaction.

Another key goal of this feature is discoverability. Over the years, ETS2 and ATS have accumulated many functions and controls that players may never encounter. The MFD helps make these features easier to find by presenting them in context and displaying their associated key binds directly within the menu.

The MFD is designed to support keyboard, mouse, wheel, and controller (both on PC and consoles in the future) users alike, with customisable navigation controls. You can read more about this feature here. Please note that for the purposes of Experimental Beta, the controllers will only support In-Game Mapping Mode (which is the recommended default). The support for Steam Client Input Mode will be added only for the full release.

The In-Game Menu is a new quick-access overlay presented as a compact horizontal bar at the top of the screen, providing players with instant access to essential functions.

In the new design, the In-Game Menu, accessible via F1, includes two roles: it provides access to functions exclusive to it, while retaining quick access to selected functions that were previously available through F4 and F7. In-Game menu now consolidates what was previously spread across F1, F4, and F7, providing more immediate access to important system and gameplay functions.

From this bar, players can quickly access controls, photo mode, widget options, services, vehicle adjustments, and the quick info menu.

In single-player mode, opening the In-Game Menu will pause the game. For now, the In-Game Menu will not be accessible while driving in the convoy, but we are exploring ways in which players can use some of the menu's functions while driving in multiplayer.

Don't forget that both of these features are still in a work-in-progress phase and are undergoing internal and external testing and adjustments, so your feedback is crucial in helping us polish them before the final release.

We hope you'll enjoy these new additions, but please remember: It's only an experimental beta, not an open beta yet or even a stable public version, so you may encounter bugs, instability, or crashes - which is where we need your input the most to solve any of these issues. The new features for both games will also be available only in English, so it's completely okay if you want to wait for the open beta or the final release. But if you're interested in helping us get there faster, we'll appreciate all of your feedback on our forum.

If you wish to participate in this Experimental Beta, you can find this version in the Experimental Beta branch on Steam. The way to access it is as follows: Steam client → LIBRARY → right-click on Euro Truck Simulator 2 or American Truck Simulator → Properties → Betas tab → Beta Participation drop-down menu → experimental_beta. No password is required. Sometimes you will have to restart your Steam client to see the correct branch name there.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication and feedback. We believe the Experimental Beta will be a valuable stepping stone towards Open Beta and the 1.61 version. Don't forget to stay connected with us and all the latest information through our social media channels, make sure to follow us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok. Happy trucking!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/227300/Euro_Truck_Simulator_2/