The centerpiece of the 1.36 update was the upgrade to , which brought numerous benefits:
The headline feature of the 1.36 update was the full transition to the . Previously, ETS2 ran on an older DirectX 9 backend.
: By dropping DX9, SCS Software reduced the need to maintain multiple codebases, allowing for faster implementation of modern graphical features. New Map Content and World Features ets2 135 to 136 patch new
Beyond the major graphical changes, patch 1.36 added several highly requested features that made the game more immersive and easier to manage.
Up until version 1.35, the roads of Europe were completely predictable. The 1.36 patch changed that entirely by bringing the notorious over from American Truck Simulator . The centerpiece of the 1
Let’s look at the visible changes you will experience after updating from 1.35 to 1.36.
Drivers can board a ferry to reach Corsica, opening up tight coastal highways and dangerous, narrow mountain cliff-side routes. New Map Content and World Features Beyond the
In retrospect, the patch from ETS2 1.35 to 1.36 was less about exciting new features and more about essential architectural health. By removing the crutch of DirectX 9, SCS Software cleared the runway for the game’s second decade. This update did not add a new country or a revolutionary gameplay mechanic, but it enabled every subsequent update—from the graphical flourishes of Iberia to the lighting improvements of later versions. For the player, patching to 1.36 meant accepting a temporary loss of legacy mod compatibility in exchange for a future of smoother performance, better visuals, and a platform capable of growing for years to come. It was a testament to the principle that in software development, the most important updates are often the ones the player barely notices—until they look back.
