Today, SCS Software opened the public beta access for Euro Truck Simulator 2 Update 1.61, giving players an early chance to test the update and share feedback before its full release. The update introduces a new Proximity Exploration feature, a complete rework of the Livestock Trailer, an update to the Schwarzmüller Trailer Pack, and a series of map changes preparing the game for the upcoming Coaches DLC.
Players participating in the Open Beta can help identify bugs, stability issues, and other problems by sharing their feedback through the appropriate section of the official Euro Truck Simulator 2 forums. Players who previously participated in the Experimental Beta should switch to the Open Beta branch; saves created during the Experimental Beta remain compatible with the new version.
One of the main additions in Update 1.61 is Proximity Exploration, a new quality-of-life feature that makes discovering the game’s expansive road network more intuitive. When enabled, the feature automatically reveals a small area around the player’s truck while driving, reducing the need to travel across every small section of road to register it as explored.
The feature should be particularly useful for players trying to reach 100% map discovery, while also revealing nearby accessible roads around locations such as rest stops, toll gates, border crossings, and gas stations. Proximity Exploration will also offer limited help with discovering secret roads by revealing their initial segment when players get close. At the same time, players still need to discover the rest of the route by driving along it.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 Update 1.61 also delivers a complete rework of the Livestock Trailer, rebuilt from the ground up by the game’s vehicle team. Inspired by modern European livestock trailers, the new model replaces the older version and introduces a lowered chassis with dual wheels, replacing the previous belly-axle variant.
Players who own Livestock Trailers will have several customization options, including Straight 3 Axle and Lowered 3 Axle chassis variants, plus Aluminum and fully paintable body options. A selection of accessories has also been added, and new paint customization lets owners configure up to four different color sections across specific parts of the trailer.
The rework also extends beyond player-owned trailers, with Freight Market and AI traffic variants being updated around the new model. Company paint jobs have also been redesigned to reflect realistic transport operations.
The Schwarzmüller Trailer Pack is also receiving an update as part of the game’s ongoing effort to bring its trailers in line with the manufacturer’s modern designs. Euro Truck Simulator 2 Update 1.61 begins that process with a complete rework of one of the pack’s low loader trailers, along with refreshed accessories based on Schwarzmüller’s current equipment and styling.
Although the available cargo options remain unchanged, SCS Software says the work represents the beginning of a larger effort to rework the entire Schwarzmüller Trailer Pack.
Map changes are another major component of Euro Truck Simulator 2 Update 1.61, with SCS Software preparing Euro Truck Simulator 2 for the upcoming Coaches DLC. Nuremberg has received a brand-new bus station, along with remade and newly created landmarks in the surrounding area to accommodate passenger transportation.
Bus stations in Karlstad, Aarhus, and Thessaloniki have also been updated to function with the upcoming DLC. These changes include adjustments to navigation, access, layouts, signage, and surrounding areas, while a previously inaccessible street in Heraklion has been opened to make room for its new bus station.
Border crossings across the map have received additional changes to ensure coaches can navigate them correctly. This includes vehicle-specific navigation, newly accessible sections of border areas, and smaller layout adjustments designed to keep coach routes functioning properly, and additional changes have also been made to bus stops and their surrounding areas throughout the map.
SCS Software cautions that Euro Truck Simulator 2 Update 1.61 is currently an Open Beta rather than a stable public release, meaning players may encounter bugs, crashes, instability, or other unfinished elements. Players who want to avoid these issues can wait for the final version, while those interested in helping with development can access the beta through Steam by selecting Euro Truck Simulator 2, opening Properties, going to the Betas tab, and choosing the public_beta branch.
