ETS2 Multiplayer Guide: Convoy, TruckersMP, Rules, and Safe Profiles

ETS2 multiplayer is not one single thing. Built-in Convoy is the safest place to start with friends, while TruckersMP is a third-party multiplayer environment with its own launcher, rules, version support, and server behavior.

Use this guide with the ETS2 Beginner Roadmap, profile backup guide, and ETS2 Update Checklist before using a profile you care about.

Convoy vs TruckersMP

Option	Best For	Watch Out For
Convoy	Private sessions, friends, controlled pace, lighter setup	Smaller scale than public multiplayer communities
TruckersMP	Large public servers, community driving, long multiplayer routes	Third-party launcher, strict rules, version support checks, limited mod use

Start with Convoy if you are still learning controls, parking, lights, fatigue, or money management. It keeps the session closer to normal ETS2 and is less punishing when someone makes a beginner mistake.

Try TruckersMP when you specifically want public-road multiplayer and are ready to follow external rules. Check the official TruckersMP download and knowledge base pages before installing or switching versions.

Before Your First Multiplayer Session

Do this first:

1. Finish several clean single-player deliveries.
2. Tune your steering, braking, mirrors, and camera.
3. Back up your ETS2 profile.
4. Create a separate multiplayer profile if you use heavy single-player mods.
5. Check the current ETS2 version and the multiplayer service's supported version.
6. Read the rules before joining a public server.

If you are using TruckersMP, version support can lag behind ETS2 updates. Do not assume it supports the newest ETS2 build on the same day SCS publishes an update.

Safe Profile Setup

Use a separate multiplayer profile when possible. That gives you a cleaner place for:

1. Vanilla or lightly modded driving.
2. TruckersMP-compatible settings.
3. Economy progress that is not tangled with map mods.
4. Testing version changes without risking your main career.

This is especially useful after updates such as ETS2 1.60 or during experimental beta periods. ETS2Hub tracks 1.60 as the stable update line as of July 1, 2026; SCS is testing 1.61 features in an experimental beta, not a stable public release.

Public Server Driving Habits

Treat public multiplayer like a stricter version of single-player:

1. Leave more braking distance than usual.
2. Use indicators early.
3. Keep headlights and wipers mapped.
4. Avoid sudden lane changes.
5. Slow down before cities, tolls, service stations, and company yards.
6. Park or pull over before using menus.
7. Do not block roads while checking the map.

If your route requires reversing across a busy entrance, pick a quieter delivery or practice parking in single-player first.

Common Multiplayer Mistakes

Problem	Fix
"Unsupported game version"	Check the official multiplayer support page before changing Steam branches
Main profile has incompatible mods	Use a clean multiplayer profile
Getting kicked or reported	Read the server rules, drive predictably, and avoid blocking
Lag or stutter near cities	Lower graphics, mirrors, and traffic-heavy settings before joining busy servers
Panic in traffic	Practice braking and route advisor checks in single-player first

What To Read Next

Before public multiplayer, read How to Back Up ETS2 Profiles and Saves. If your driving still feels twitchy, fix controller settings or wheel settings before joining a busy route.