If 1.35 gave you the tools to drive, 1.36 gave you reasons to pay attention. Migrating from its sister game, American Truck Simulator Detours feature
While some players with older systems initially mourned the loss of DX9, the move was widely praised as a necessary step forward.
The stands as one of the most critical turning points in the history of Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) . Released by SCS Software , this patch delivered a massive structural shift that fundamentally changed how the simulator looks, performs, and plays. By shifting entirely away from aging legacy systems, patch 1.36 modernized the engine while laying down the technical groundwork required for all modern DLC expansions. 1. The Core Upgrade: Full DirectX 11 Support
While detours existed previously, the 1.36 update improved the algorithm, making unexpected road closures more realistic and forcing drivers to use the GPS to find alternative routes.
This made trips less predictable and encouraged exploration of alternative routes. 5. Better Navigation and Map Visualization
The technical changes in 1.36, particularly the removal of DirectX 9, had a major impact on the game's modding scene.
Despite being a major update, version 1.36 was known for its solid stability, though it did cause mod compatibility issues. Popular truck mods like the were updated to version 2.2.5 to include new tuning options, fix errors, and ensure compatibility with the 1.36 patch. However, major map mods, such as ProMods , faced temporary incompatibility with the new version, though an update was released to fix the issues.
This comprehensive breakdown covers the top map extensions, technical modifications, and gameplay enhancements introduced during this era-defining patch. 🛠️ The Technical Core: Upgrading to DirectX 11
Let's address the elephant in the cab. The single most significant change in the list is the complete removal of DirectX 9 support .
Many users complained that 1.36 ran slower than 1.35 on mid-range PCs. Here are the proven tweaks to optimize the performance.
Before diving into the specifics, let’s establish the context. Version 1.35 was a stable, content-rich update focusing on German reworks and trailer ownership. However, 1.36 was the "future-proofing" update. SCS Software used this patch to cut ties with legacy technology.
Updating between these versions was known to break many mods due to the fundamental engine changes.
The update also brought Local Market back to the job market screen and included improved support for color-blind users, making the game more accessible to a wider audience.

