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For casual scenic cruising, Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) is the more direct fit: its official description specifically invites players to cruise European highways for sightseeing. Choose American Truck Simulator (ATS) instead if you prefer American landscapes, want its Driving Academy lessons, or are interested in exploring in personal cars through the separate Road Trip: Ford DLC. Neither game is an established universal winner for relaxation or ease; the better choice depends on the kind of drive you want.
Quick comparison
| What matters to you | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| European scenery and sightseeing | Euro Truck Simulator 2 | Its official purchase page describes cruising thousands of kilometers of highways for sightseeing. SCS Software’s ETS2 purchase page. |
| American states and varied landscapes | American Truck Simulator | The official site describes a growing map with 20+ states and landscapes including deserts, forests, and cities. SCS Software’s ATS site. |
| Built-in driving instruction | American Truck Simulator | Its Driving Academy includes lessons on tasks such as gear shifting and trailer reversing. SCS Software’s ATS site. |
| Exploring in personal cars | American Truck Simulator, with Road Trip: Ford DLC | The DLC adds car mode and Atlas exploration; it is separate downloadable content, not a base-game feature. SCS Software’s ATS site. |
| Company and fleet progression | Either | Both games include company-growth features. The available official descriptions do not establish how much management can be ignored during casual play. |
Choose ETS2 for European highway sightseeing
ETS2 is the clearest pick if you want to settle into a truck and take in the scenery across Europe. Its official purchase page specifically describes cruising thousands of kilometers of highways for sightseeing, alongside taking jobs. The publisher’s features page describes a game world spanning 37 European countries; that is SCS Software’s figure for the game, not an independent map measurement. See the ETS2 purchase page and official ETS2 features.
That makes ETS2 the stronger feature-based recommendation for someone whose casual drive means scenic highway cruising. It does not establish that the game is objectively more relaxing, easier, or more comfortable to control.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose ATS for American landscapes and learning support
ATS centers on driving across American states. SCS Software’s current site describes a map of 20+ states with scenery ranging from deserts and forests to cities. If that setting is the main attraction, ATS is the natural choice. View the official ATS site.
#1 Best Overall
- Run your own haulage business which will continue to expand whilst you complete your freight deliveries overseas
- Build your own fleet of trucks, buy garages, hire drivers and manage our business for maximum profits
- Tune your vehicles to keep them in tip top condition
- Customise your transport fleet with optional lights, bars, horns and beacons
- Thousands of miles of real road networks with hundreds of famous landmarks and structures
Driving Academy
ATS has a clearly described built-in learning option: Driving Academy lessons cover tasks such as shifting gears and reversing a trailer. That is useful if you want structured instruction while learning truck-driving tasks. The cited official pages do not establish an equivalent current tutorial comparison for ETS2, so this does not prove ATS is easier overall.
Car exploration with Road Trip: Ford
If you want to explore without always driving a truck, ATS has a separate option: Road Trip: Ford adds the Ford Mustang, F-150, Bronco, and Crown Victoria, along with car mode and Atlas exploration. SCS Software announced the DLC’s release on September 29, 2026. It is downloadable content, so do not assume it is included with the base game. Check the official ATS site.
Rank #2
- Standard USB-A interface, compatible with laptops or desktop computers
- The microphone is suitable for European truck simulator, American truck simulator and other computer games that require microphone communication. With a PTT design, make your gaming experience more immersive
- Using high-quality materials, the microphone provides clear sound recording, making your communication simple and timely
- Up to four programmable buttons are available, which can facilitate various settings for you, such as one-click combo in games, multimedia control, game voice communication, and fast text input(The package comes with a downloadable QR Code inside)
- The package comes with a self-adhesive backing bracket that doesn't require drilling. This makes it easy for you to install the microphone in a location that is within reach
Both games include progression beyond driving
Casual driving does not mean either game is only a free-roaming road trip. ATS includes company growth, with features such as hiring drivers, buying trucks, and opening garages. ETS2 also lets players grow a company, select drivers and a fleet, and shape career progression. These features are available alongside driving, but the official descriptions do not compare how much business management a player can avoid.
What the feature comparison cannot settle
Official product descriptions help match each game to its setting and named features, but they do not provide a controlled comparison of casual-player difficulty, average session length, relaxation, control feel, or performance. Those are subjective or system-dependent questions, and the cited pages are not comparative gameplay tests.
Rank #3
- The key activates the electrical system ---- With a PTT design, make your gaming experience more immersive.The key supports power activation,It can starting and turning off the ignition. mirroring the functionality of an actual car.Press the hand mic button to communicate; and the hand microphone enables voice transmission.The microphone is suitable for European truck simulator, American truck simulator and other computer games that require microphone communication.
- The central control box Key functions---- 16 input button box for PC Custom lettering, you can choose to leave the basic lettering or have customized lettering done and have a one-of-a-kind button box of your design.When you enter the game and find the function you need to map, Then you can press the button of the central control box you want to map,It finish to complete the customization of the function button.
- The central control box quality and features---- Good quality box, All Sim switch boxes are made with high-quality PLA plastic and metal switches. These are 3-D printed and will have small print lines. Product was extremely easy to setup and map keybindings to. Buttons and switches all feel really good and sturdy. Functions exactly as expected and offers great, solid build quality.It is easy to program, the LED back lighting is great and easy to customize, and combined with the buttons on my steering wheel you don't have to touch your keyboard at all once I start playing.
- Product functions --- USB Simulation Racing Instrument Center Control Button Box for Truck ETS2 Hub To Make the experience immersive PC Sim racing Multi-function HUB Instrument Cluster for Racing Games.Through sim hub software to control the light effect, players can through sim hub software DIY game synchronization light effect, including but not limited to speed light, brake light, steering, double flash, abs, tc, colored flag light, pickup light, etc.
- These boxes are designed to elevate your ATS – ETS experience with life like parking break and real ignition switch. The box works perfectly, and I love its aesthetics and customizable lighting.Supports the following base installation: FANATEC /SIMAGIC /SIMCUBE /MOZA /OSW /IMMS Bracket mounting hole spacing 45-102MM.Such as:For G27/G29/G920/G923; For T248/T248X/TGT/TS-XW/T300/T300RS/T300 RS;For MOZA R3/R5/R9/R12;For PXN V99/ V10/V12 LITE.
For a current detail, SCS Software’s ATS site states that South Dakota DLC arrived on September 24, 2026. That date is useful if you are checking the map’s recent additions, but it does not change the basic choice between American and European scenery.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The ATS Shifter comes with customized button , allows you to use switches to quickly switch between high and low gears. It supports up to 18 gears and also includes custom setting button for personalized preferences, offering a seamless and immersive gameplay experience.
- aikeec USB shifter is designed specifically for Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) and American Truck Simulator (ATS) games or FIA ETRC 18 WOS .Versatile Compatibility: Our USB Gearshift is compatible with popular racing wheel models such as Logitech G25, G27, G29, G920, Thrustmaster TH8A.
- The American truck simulator shifter provide three different sizes of adapter accessories to ensure compatibility with other brand models shifter shalft . If you require a different adapter size, simply replace the 10mm or 12 mm adapter plugs with the appropriate size.
- Easy Installation with Plug and Play: The USB Gearshift comes with an upgraded 2-meter long cable, including an independent USB connection. Plug and play without need of driver , , only supports PC windows system Set up steps: →①Open the game settings in ETS2/ATS: Options → Controls (Keyboard → Select "Add joystick/controller") →②Select "Transmission H-Shifter" →③Choose the "Shifter layout" (Eaton Fuller 10/13/18 speeds) →④Set "Shifter Toggle: 1 Joy Button 1" for the first switch →⑤Set "Shifter Toggle: 2 Joy Button 2" for the second switch →⑥Enable "Shifter Toggle use Switch Mode"
Rank #4
- Developed in collaboration with SCS software, including steam download codes for "Euro Truck Simulator 2" and "American Truck Simulator"
- Original size with faux leather covered truck steering wheel with 40 cm diameter and 1800 degree rotation, placed at extra flat angle
- Dual Motor Force Feedback for a particularly immersive trucking experience
- Shifter lever with H-toggle pattern including keypad and integrated gear lever buttons for range split operation: Enables switching in high/low and up to 18 gears
- A total of 103 controllers including 2 analog sticks and a included app for individual customization of different settings such as input seat and more
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
