Euro Truck Simulator 2 And American Truck Simulator Will Get Easier Controls In A Future Update

Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator are getting a new Multi Function Display menu that should make both games easier to learn for new players. The feature is being developed by SCS Software and is meant to simplify access to the many truck controls without replacing the traditional control system longtime players already use.

Both games have built large and loyal communities because they offer calm, detailed, and surprisingly deep trucking experiences. But they can also feel overwhelming at first. Players can drive with a keyboard and mouse, controller, or steering wheel setup, but the number of buttons and functions can be difficult to remember.

The new Multi Function Display is designed to solve that problem. It will act as a small pop up interface that gives players access to key truck features in a more organized way. For beginners, that could make the games feel much less intimidating. For experienced players, it should remain optional rather than a forced replacement.

Why the new Multi Function Display matters

Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator include a large number of functions. Players can manage lights, mirrors, cruise control, wipers, indicators, camera views, dashboard tools, trailer controls, route information, and more. That depth is part of the appeal, but it also creates a learning curve.

SCS Software has acknowledged that many players may never fully discover or use every control. The Multi Function Display gives the studio a way to expose more of those features without asking new players to memorize a long list of keybinds.

This is especially useful for players using controllers or handheld systems such as Steam Deck, where button space is limited. A simple on screen menu can make complex controls easier to reach without removing the simulation feel.

The feature will support different control setups

SCS Software says the new display will support keyboard, mouse, wheel, and controllers. Navigation controls will also be customizable, which is important for a game with such a wide range of hardware setups.

Control setup	How the new display could help
Keyboard and mouse	Reduces the need to remember many shortcuts
Controller	Makes more truck functions easier to access
Steering wheel	Keeps extra controls available without many buttons
Steam Deck	Helps with limited input space
Future console versions	Could make the games easier to use on Xbox or PlayStation

This flexibility matters because truck sim players use many different setups. Some play casually on a laptop. Others use full racing wheels, pedals, shifters, button boxes, and multiple monitors. The new menu needs to help beginners without frustrating serious sim fans.

It does not mean the games are becoming less serious

Some players have reacted with concern, suggesting that easier controls could mean the games are being simplified for consoles. That fear does not seem supported by what SCS Software has described.

The Multi Function Display is not meant to remove existing control options. It is meant to make hidden or hard to remember functions easier to use. Longtime players who prefer direct keybinds should still be able to keep their current setup.

That balance is important. Accessibility does not have to reduce depth. A game can be easier to learn while still keeping the detailed systems that make it satisfying over hundreds of hours.

The update could help new players discover both games

Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator are already popular on PC, and both run well on Steam Deck. But their control depth can make them look more complicated than they actually feel once you settle in.

A better interface could help new players get past the first few hours. Instead of pausing to search keybinds or ignoring truck features entirely, players will have a cleaner way to interact with the vehicle.

That could also help if the games eventually expand further beyond PC. Store listings and past hints have led to discussion about console versions, and a controller friendly interface would be important for that audience.

SCS Software is taking the right approach

The best part of the Multi Function Display is that it appears to be additive. It gives players another way to control the truck without taking away the old methods.

That is the right way to modernize a long running simulator. Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator work because they are relaxing, detailed, and flexible. Making them easier to learn should bring more people in without weakening what existing fans enjoy.

SCS Software has not confirmed a final release date for the feature yet. The studio says it will collect feedback during later development, which should help refine the menu before it arrives in a future patch.

For new players, this could make both truck simulators much more approachable. For veterans, it should be another optional tool in games that already reward careful customization.