Three keys become one menu: ETS 2 receives a completely new quick-access bar with version 1.61!

Euro Truck Simulator 2 is receiving a new In-Game Menu with version 1.61. It is a compact horizontal bar displayed at the top of the screen. The menu is opened through F1. Its special feature is not only the new design: The bar also takes over selected functions that were previously divided between F1, F4, and F7.

Until now, we had to open different menus depending on the situation. Anyone wanting to change a vehicle setting used F4. Roadside assistance, towing, and certain services were accessed through F7. F1 was mainly responsible for pausing the game. The new menu is intended to simplify this structure and make the most important areas available from one location.

The new bar provides access to controls, Photo Mode, widget options, services, vehicle adjustments, and the Quick Info Menu. This creates one central interface for functions that were previously located in several different places. The existing options are not simply disappearing, but are being brought together within a new structure.

The menu could be particularly useful to players who do not know every keyboard shortcut from memory. ETS 2 has grown over many years and now contains a large number of settings and systems. Even experienced drivers may not always remember which key opens a particular function. The new bar displays the main categories directly and reduces the number of steps required.

In single-player mode, the game pauses as soon as the In-Game Menu is opened. We therefore do not have to continue controlling the truck while changing settings or selecting a service. This distinguishes the feature from the new Multi-Function Display, where driving continues in many situations.

The new menu is currently still restricted in Convoy mode. It cannot be opened while driving there for the time being. However, SCS is exploring ways to make at least some of its functions available during multiplayer. The exact solution has not yet been decided. A running Convoy session cannot simply be paused for every participant at the same time.

The new interface is also likely to be relevant to controller users and the planned console versions. A keyboard provides many individual keys, while a controller has a limited number of buttons. One central menu bar makes it possible to access several functions without reserving a separate button for every action. At the same time, the menu remains available to keyboard and steering-wheel users.

The In-Game Menu is still at an early stage of development. It is currently available exclusively through the Experimental Beta of version 1.61. This test build is not yet a normal Open Beta and may contain bugs, instability, or crashes. The new interfaces are also initially available only in English. Anyone wanting to use their main profile as safely as possible should create a backup or wait for a later testing phase.

The Experimental Beta can be activated directly through Steam. Open your library, right-click Euro Truck Simulator 2, and select Properties. Under “Betas”, choose experimental_beta from the Beta Participation menu. No password is required. If the branch does not appear, restarting Steam may help.

Do you think it makes sense to combine the existing F1, F4, and F7 functions within one shared bar? Do you find F1, F4, and F7 confusing at the moment? Which function do you use most often?