Update 1.36 was a foundational performance and graphics upgrade for ETS2, sacrificing backward compatibility (DX9) for modern rendering. It prepared the engine for future lighting overhauls (1.40 in 2021) and map DLCs. No 1.35→1.36 patch occurred in 2021 – by then, the game was on version 1.41.
If you need a report on the actual 2021 updates (1.40 or 1.41) , let me know.
While updates 1.35 and 1.36 were technically released in 2019, their impact resonated through 2021 as they established the modern technical foundation for Euro Truck Simulator 2
. This era marked the critical transition from DirectX 9 to DirectX 11, which revolutionized the game's visuals and performance. Update 1.35: The "Quality of Life" Foundation
Released in mid-2019, version 1.35 focused on expanding the map and refining core gameplay mechanics. Map Expansions:
Added Sardinia (Italy DLC) and new roads in France (A10-A6 and A6-N44). ets2 135 to 136 patch 2021
Improved signage in Scandinavia and the second stage of the Germany rework. Gameplay Improvements: Introduced GPS Voice Navigation.
Enabled Online Garage Purchase and emergency refueling services.
Allowed the use of ownable trailers for External Contracts (World of Trucks). Vehicles and Trailers:
Expanded ownable trailers to include container and logging types. Added double trailers for Germany and the Netherlands. Hardware Support: Added support for Razer Chroma Go to product viewer dialog for this item. and Tobii Eye Trackers. Update 1.36: The DirectX 11 Milestone
Released in late 2019, 1.36 was a technical turning point that officially removed DirectX 9 support, forcing a move to DX11. Technical Overhaul: Update 1
Full DX11 support became mandatory, improving anti-aliasing (SMAA) and general performance.
Added Chinese and non-Latin character input (IME) for the first time. New Map Features:
Introduced Corsica as a free addition for Vive la France! DLC owners.
Added Detours, a dynamic event system that forces players to reroute due to road closures. UI and Management:
Drivers, trucks, and trailers became visible on manager maps, allowing for better fleet tracking. If you need a report on the actual 2021 updates (1
Added avoidance navigation pins to the GPS, allowing players to mark specific roads to stay away from. Summary of Major Changes (1.35 vs. 1.36) Update 1.35 Update 1.36 Graphics API Experimental DX11 Full DX11 (DX9 removed) New Map Territory , Germany Rework Key Mechanic GPS Voice Navigation Detours & Avoidance Pins Fleet Management Copy truck/trailer configs Visible assets on manager map
For those still needing to transition between these versions for mod compatibility, you can manage your game version through the Steam Library under Properties > Betas. Guide :: What's new in Update 1.35 - Steam Community
* Can buy container trailers. * Can buy logging trailers. * Can buy Schwarzmüller curtain, reefer and log trailers; also traffic ( Steam Community Changelog for ETS2 Update 1.35
While this article focuses on 2021, if you are reading this in the future, the answer is: No, unless you have a specific need.
The most critical change in the 1.36 update was the phasing out of legacy support. Update 1.36 officially ended support for the 32-bit version of the game and the older DirectX 9 rendering API.
For the modding community and regular players, this was a major shift. By moving exclusively to DirectX 11 (DX11), SCS Software paved the way for better performance, more stable memory management, and improved visual effects. While this initially caused issues for players with older hardware or those using outdated mods in 2020, by 2021, the move was celebrated for allowing developers to push the game's graphics further than ever before.