Hosting a Euro Truck Simulator 2 server
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is SCS Software's long-running trucking simulator, and its official multiplayer mode, Convoy, lets a group drive and deliver together in one shared world with synced AI traffic, time and weather. A normal Convoy session lives on the host player's PC and ends the moment they quit, which is why many groups use the ETS2 dedicated server instead.
SCS publishes the dedicated server as a free tool for Windows and Linux. It does not load map or mod files itself. Instead you export a server_packages file pair from the game on your own PC, with the map, DLC list and mod list of the profile you want to use, and upload it to the server.
What to compare
- File access for server packages. Every change to the map, DLC or mod list means exporting new server_packages.sii and server_packages.dat files and uploading them. Look for easy file access and a quick restart.
- Config access. Session name, password, player limit and moderator list live in server_config.sii, so you want to edit it directly or through a panel that exposes those settings.
- Mods that match. Players must run the same mods the session was exported with. Keep the mod list stable between sessions.
- Player count. SCS supports up to 8 players per Convoy session. Some communities raise max_players in the config, but SCS does not support or test sessions above 8.
- Fast updates. The server must match the game version. A host that updates the server promptly after a patch saves you from locked-out drivers.
- Location. Pick a datacentre near most of your drivers.
See the current Euro Truck Simulator 2 hosting deals for offers from listed providers. For a whole machine, see dedicated servers.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 server hosting FAQ
How many players can join an ETS2 Convoy server?
SCS supports up to 8 players per session. Higher limits can be set in the config, but they are unsupported and may cause desync.
Do players need the same mods and DLC?
Players need the mods the session was exported with. Map DLC is not required to join, but drivers without it cannot enter those regions.
Is this TruckersMP?
No. TruckersMP is a separate community multiplayer mod with its own servers. This page is for SCS's official Convoy dedicated server.
Can I host an ETS2 dedicated server for free?
Yes. The Euro Truck Simulator 2 Dedicated Server is a free download through Steam or SteamCMD for Windows and Linux. The session is only online while that machine is running, so groups who drive at different times often rent one.
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