These specific versions are historically significant in the ETS2 community for two main reasons:
If you redeem your key on Steam and allow the game to update to version 1.35 (and beyond), you unlock a suite of features that fundamentally change how the game looks and plays.
1. Lighting and Visuals The most immediate difference jumping into 1.35 is the lighting engine. SCS implemented HDR (High Dynamic Range) support in updates leading up to this. The sun feels brighter, shadows are more dynamic, and the overall atmosphere shifts from a "video game" look to something far more photorealistic. Driving through France or Italy in 1.35 feels distinctively different than it did in 1.31; the mood of a rainy evening is palpable. Euro Truck Simulator 2 Version 1.35 1.31 Product Key
2. The Physics Overhaul This is where the "simulator" aspect shines. Version 1.35 introduced further refinements to truck physics. The suspension feels weightier, and the tires have more tactile feedback. In 1.31, trucks could sometimes feel like they were floating slightly; in 1.35, every bump in the road and the heavy lag of a full trailer is felt through the steering wheel. It makes the driving experience significantly more immersive.
3. The Rhein-Ruhr Map Upgrade For German logistics fans, 1.35 was a landmark update. It brought a complete rework of the Rhine-Ruhr region, including the cities of Dortmund, Düsseldorf, and Cologne. If you are coming from 1.31, the difference is night and day. The cities are no longer generic collections of buildings; they are distinct, recognizable locations with unique landmarks and more complex road networks. It brings the base map up to the quality standards of the newer DLCs. These specific versions are historically significant in the
4. Features and QoL Version 1.35 also saw continued improvements to the in-game GPS and route advisor, as well as updates to the UI and UI scaling for higher resolution monitors—something that 1.31 players on 4K screens will greatly appreciate.
If you own the game, you do not need a new key to play version 1.31 or 1.35. You simply need to downgrade your installation via Steam. SCS implemented HDR (High Dynamic Range) support in
The Downgrade Procedure:
It is a common misconception that different game versions require different product keys.