Multiplayer in ETS2 and ATS - Update 1.41 Brings Many New Features
Fans of ETS2 and ATS truck simulators have just received the perfect gift. Update 1.41 introduces a multiplayer mode to both games. Finally and officially we can form a convoy with friends.
- The biggest novelty of patch 1.41 for ETS2 and ATS is the multiplayer mode;
- In addition, a refreshed photo mode, a new route in ETS2 and the first phase of changes to the California area in ATS.
Official multiplayer - this term alone would be enough to bring fans of Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator to their screens. It's a groundbreaking feature that wa firsts available to those who participated in the open beta. SCS Software made improvements based on testers' suggestions, and multiplayer mode has become the highlight of update 1.41 (via ETS2, ATS blogs). From now on, there is no need to use unofficial mods to play together with friends when delivering goods.
Multiplayer mode
The new Convoy mode enables up to eight people to play together. This may not seem like much compared to the fan-made TMP mod which enabled us to encounter thousands of players on the road. In Convoy, we are accompanied by the traffic known from single-player gameplay.. It is synchronized for all users, just like the time of day, weather conditions and DLCs. Each player in a convoy can carry out the same orders - in a special window it is possible to preview the contracts of other participants.
The participants' window in multiplayer mode. Source: SCS Software
We have control over who participates in our game. We can host a session (being the admin) or join the games of other players. The game provides three ways of communication for the participants of a convoy: chat (in the traffic advisor window), voice conversation activated by a key (like in a CB radio), or a menu of quick replys (customizable). After the completed adventure we can choose whether we want to keep our progress (earnings, experience) or restore the previous game state.
The Convoy mode has some disadvantages. There is no possibility to use mods or stationary drawbridges, which may be due to obvious limitations of multiplayer. The possible disappearance of traffic when one player is disconnected or the interference of voice communication with typing in chat are, on the other hand, things that look like early version bugs and should be fixed with updates.
Other news
Of course, the new update is not only the Convoy mode. Both simulators gained a refreshed photo mode. Now it enables us to change time of day and weather conditions (only for the purpose of taking screenshots). There is also a new function for the players, fast travel.
New options in photo mode. Source: SCS Software
Both titles have also received changes to the maps. In ETS2, Iberia DLC owners can travel on the new A24 motorway that passes through the picturesque Duero river area. Attentive ATS players will notice the first signs of the announced refresh of the California area. The update introduced agricultural inspection stations on the state border, and the layout of some roads has been upgraded. Patches for both games are now available for download. See you on the road!
