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How to Show FPS in ETS2 and Test Settings Properly

Use an FPS counter in ETS2 and test graphics settings in real driving situations instead of changing sliders randomly.

UpdatedJul 1, 2026

Read6 min

LevelBeginner

ByETS2Hub

#fps#performance#settings#steam#graphics
Euro Truck Simulator 2 city motorway traffic used for FPS testing

Quick answer

Use Steam's FPS counter or another trusted overlay to check ETS2 performance, then test settings on the same short route with city traffic, mirrors, and one delivery yard. Average FPS matters, but smooth frame pacing and readable mirrors matter more for driving.

An FPS counter is useful only if you test ETS2 in the places that actually cause problems. A quiet road at noon tells you less than a city, mirror-heavy depot, rain, or dense traffic.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 city motorway traffic used for realistic FPS testing
Use repeatable routes so you know which setting actually helped.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 urban delivery traffic used as a repeatable FPS counter test route
Use the same busy route when comparing FPS changes.

Simple Ways To Show FPS

Common options:

  1. Steam in-game FPS counter.
  2. GPU driver overlay.
  3. Trusted performance overlay software you already use.

Use one overlay at a time. Multiple overlays can create confusion or performance issues.

What To Test

Build a short route with:

  1. City traffic.
  2. A motorway section.
  3. A delivery yard.
  4. Cabin view with mirrors visible.
  5. One turn that requires mirror checking.

Then use the same route after each setting change.

Settings To Change First

If FPS is low, test these before lowering everything:

Setting areaWhy it matters
Mirror distance and qualityMirrors can be expensive
ShadowsHeavy in cities and yards
ScalingVery costly above native resolution
SSAO and reflectionsCan reduce smoothness
Traffic and heavy modsCan hurt CPU and frame pacing

Read ETS2 Graphics Performance Settings for the full order.

FPS Is Not The Only Metric

A stable 50 FPS can feel better than unstable 70 FPS. Watch for:

  1. Stutters at intersections.
  2. Hitching when entering cities.
  3. Mirror lag.
  4. Auto-save pauses.
  5. Frame pacing that feels uneven.

If the game feels rough on a strong PC, the issue may be stutter rather than raw FPS.

Testing Rule

Change one setting, drive the test route, write down the result, then move to the next setting. Random changes create random conclusions.

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Continue through the next task instead of jumping to a random tag page.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 cabin mirror view in a garage area for checking graphics and performance settings
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Euro Truck Simulator 2 city traffic scene where low-end PC settings are tested
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ETS2 Low-End PC Settings for 30 to 60 FPS

Tune ETS2 for low-end PCs by lowering the settings that affect driving smoothness most: mirrors, scaling, shadows, traffic, and heavy mods.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 cabin mirrors used for performance and visibility settings
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ETS2 Mirror Settings and FPS: What To Lower First

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