Euro Truck Simulator 2 - West Balkans stands out as a trucking simulation expansion that brings fresh territories to the core game, letting you navigate detailed routes across eight countries in southeastern Europe.
Gameplay
In this expansion, you take control of licensed trucks to haul cargo across diverse landscapes, managing deliveries while building your trucking business. The core loop involves picking up jobs, driving through realistic road networks, and handling vehicle physics that emphasize careful maneuvering on highways, mountain paths, and urban streets. New elements include crossing detailed border points, visiting industrial sites like aluminum plants and oil wells, and exploring ports along the Danube River. Truck handling feels refined, with mechanics that reward precise control during long hauls or tight turns in scenic areas.
You can customize your rig with various options, upgrade your fleet, and hire drivers to expand operations. The simulation captures real-world driving challenges, such as fuel management and rest stops, set against backdrops of national parks, hills, and coastal views. Exploration plays a big role, with opportunities to stop at viewpoints and landmarks for photo moments that add to the relaxed pace.
Game Modes
The expansion integrates into the base game's single-player career mode, where you start as a freelance driver and grow your company through contracts and investments. This mode focuses on progression, with goals like unlocking new areas by completing deliveries to cities such as Split or Belgrade.
Online co-op allows you to team up with others for shared trucking experiences, coordinating deliveries in a connected world. While the emphasis remains on solo play, this mode adds social elements for group runs across the new regions.
New Regions and Features
This DLC introduces Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia, each offering unique environments from rugged mountains to lively towns. You'll drive through 14 major cities and 30 smaller settlements, encountering historical centers in places like Mostar and Sarajevo.
Special additions include three industrial ports in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Osijek, plus over 20 border crossings that simulate real international travel. Nature highlights feature Durmitor National Park and Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, with 15 viewpoints and 20 landmarks encouraging exploration beyond standard routes.
Is It Worth Playing?
For fans of relaxed simulation titles, this expansion delivers substantial value by extending the map with authentic, detailed locations that enhance the trucking experience. Released in October 2023, it has earned a Very Positive rating from 1,727 reviews, with 85 percent approval, though recent feedback from 15 reviews sits at Mostly Positive with 73 percent.
If you enjoy methodical driving and business management in a vast open world, it's a strong addition to the base game, especially with ongoing support through the developer's updates. Those seeking high-action gameplay might look elsewhere, but simulation enthusiasts will find the new content engaging and replayable.
