Update 1.44 for Euro Truck Simulator 2 was officially released on May 12, 2022, bringing massive map overhauls and highly anticipated mechanics to the simulator. This free update arrived after a thorough open beta period that kicked off in April 2022. 🗺️ The Star Feature: Austria Rework
The absolute highlight of the 1.44 patch was the complete, ground-up rebuild of Austria.
Complete Overhaul: The SCS Software team deleted the old, outdated map geometry for the country and replaced it with modern high-fidelity assets.
Realistic Alpine Driving: Cities like Vienna, Linz, Innsbruck, and Salzburg were entirely reworked to match their real-world counterparts.
Scenic Routes: Famous highways and mountain passes were reconstructed to offer breathtaking views and challenging inclines. ⚙️ Game-Changing Mechanics
Beyond visual map updates, patch 1.44 introduced mechanical features that drastically changed the gameplay experience:
Adjustable Suspension Height: A heavily requested realism feature that allowed drivers to raise or lower the truck's air suspension. This helped clear low docks or attach trailers more easily. ets2 1.44 download
Mod Refund Feature: Solved the problem where game updates would break active mods and corrupt player save files. The system now recognizes removed mods and refunds players the in-game currency spent on those missing parts.
Unmarked Roads Exploration: Players were finally rewarded for driving down hidden, unmapped roads. Once discovered, these roads show up on the GPS as dashed lines.
Smart Sequential Shifting: Shift calculations were refined to better emulate automatic shifting in real modern trucks. 📥 How to Download This Version
Since Euro Truck Simulator 2 has moved on to much newer updates (such as version 1.58), you cannot get version 1.44 simply by downloading the base game today. To play specifically on version 1.44, you have to use Steam's beta branch system to downgrade your game: Euro Truck Simulator 2 Version history
For fans of long-haul driving, the ETS2 1.44 download represents one of the most significant free updates in the history of Euro Truck Simulator 2. Released by SCS Software, this version introduced deep mechanical overhauls and a massive graphical rework of central Europe. Key Features of the 1.44 Update
The 1.44 update is more than just a patch; it’s a complete refresh of the game’s core experience. Update 1
Austria Rework: The entire country of Austria was rebuilt from the ground up. Cities like Vienna and Salzburg were redesigned, and the Alps were given a massive visual boost to better reflect the mountainous terrain.
Adjustable Suspension Height: A game-changer for realism, drivers can now manually lower or raise their truck's suspension. This makes it much easier to hook up to problematic trailers or navigate tight loading docks.
Unmarked Road Exploration: If you enjoy going off the beaten path, 1.44 adds a feature that tracks your discovery of hidden, unmarked roads. These will appear as dashed orange lines on your GPS once discovered.
Mod Refund Feature: A huge quality-of-life fix for modders; the game now refunds you for parts that are missing or incompatible after a mod has been removed or updated.
Force Feedback Upgrade: New effects simulate gear grinding and tire slip, providing more tactile feedback for those using steering wheel setups. How to Download and Update
The easiest way to get the ETS2 1.44 download is through the Steam platform. Where to download safely
Automatic Update: If you have auto-updates enabled on Steam, your game will likely have already transitioned to the latest version.
Manual Selection: If you need to revert to 1.44 for mod compatibility (like ProMods 2.61), right-click on the game in your Steam Library, select Properties > Betas, and choose temporary_1_44 from the dropdown list. Vehicle and UI Enhancements
Beyond the map, 1.44 refined how you interact with your truck. The Renault T received a major interior update for its 2022 model. Additionally, the UI now clearly distinguishes between "Licensed" and "Aftermarket" parts in the truck browser, helping you keep your rig authentic or fully customized.
Whether you're exploring the reworked Alpine passes or testing the new force feedback, the 1.44 update remains a cornerstone for any ETS2 enthusiast's library.
The "Cargo Market" UI was updated to streamline the experience. Developers tweaked the map interactions and added filters to make finding specific jobs easier without needing to zoom in excessively.
You cannot directly “download 1.44” from official stores as a standalone installer. Instead, you must obtain it via Steam or downgrade using Steam’s beta system.
As of the time of this article, Promods 2.61 is not compatible with ETS2 1.44. The Promods team needs to convert their map to work with the new Austrian rebuild and traffic rules.
This update introduced several significant changes: