SCS Software has opened an experimental beta for Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator, giving players an early look at two 1.61 features that are still being tuned: the Multi-Function Display and a new in-game menu. The studio said it wants feedback before those features move closer to a wider release.
That comes just after the 1.60 update for both games went live, but SCS said this beta starts earlier than its usual open test. The tradeoff is simple. Players who jump in should expect rough edges, instability, and crashes while the team gathers reports.
The new MFD
The Multi-Function Display is meant to pull more of the truck’s systems into one place. From inside or outside the cab, players can check driving assists, lighting, vehicle adjustments, media functions, trip information, and other tools without hunting through as many menus or memorizing as many keybinds.
SCS also said the MFD should keep the action moving in most cases instead of stopping gameplay every time it opens. The feature supports keyboard, mouse, wheel, and controller input on PC, with console support planned for the future. For this beta, controller support is limited to In-Game Mapping Mode, while Steam Client Input Mode will come later in the full release.
A cleaner in-game menu
The new in-game menu is a compact bar across the top of the screen that brings several common actions into one place. It folds together functions that used to sit across F1, F4, and F7, and now gives quick access to controls, photo mode, widget options, services, vehicle adjustments, and the quick info menu.
In single-player, opening the menu pauses the game. For convoy driving, it is not available yet, though SCS said it is still looking at ways to let players use some menu functions while driving in multiplayer.
Anyone who wants to try the beta can opt into the experimental_beta branch through Steam’s Betas tab for either game. No password is required, and the client may need a restart before the branch appears. The new features are also English-only for now, so anyone who prefers to wait can hold out for the open beta or the final release. Feedback can be posted on the forum, with bug reports going to the American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2 sections.
It is still early days for the 1.61 work, but this beta gives fans a clear look at where SCS is heading with in-cab controls and the game’s menu layout. Tell us what you think in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram for more.
Source: Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Developed by SCS Software
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a vehicle simulation game and a direct sequel to the 2008 game Euro Truck Simulator. Travel across Europe as king of the road, a trucker who delivers important cargo across impressive distances! With dozens of cities to explore from the UK, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and many more, your endurance, skill and speed will all be pushed to their limits. If you’ve got what it takes to be part of an elite trucking force, get behind the wheel and prove it!
- Genre: Racing, Simulator
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac, Xbox One
- Modes: Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
- Release: 2012-10-19
- Publisher: SCS Software
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Age Rating:
ACB G / GRAC ALL / PEGI 3 / USK 0
- IGDB Rating: 78.9/100
