Euro Truck Simulator 2 Crashing on Startup: How to Fix It

Quick Answer

If ETS2 crashes on startup, start with safe fixes first: restart Steam, disable recently added mods, verify game files through Steam, check whether the crash started after a recent update, and avoid deleting profile files unless you have a backup. Most startup crashes are caused by broken or outdated mods, corrupted game files, or issues introduced by a recent game update. These safe steps resolve the majority of cases without risking your save data.

Start With the Safest Fixes

When ETS2 crashes on startup, the temptation is to try dramatic solutions immediately. Resist that urge. Start with the simplest, safest fixes and work your way up only if those do not help. This protects your save files and avoids making the problem worse.

The recommended order of safe first steps is:

1. Restart Steam completely (quit, not just close the window), then relaunch ETS2.
2. Disable all recently added mods from the Mod Manager.
3. Verify the integrity of game files through Steam.
4. Check whether the crash started immediately after a game update.
5. Check your graphics drivers and confirm your system meets the minimum requirements.

Each of these steps is reversible and does not put your save data at risk. Try them in order, testing whether the game launches after each step.

Disable Recently Added Mods

Broken, outdated, or conflicting mods are the single most common cause of ETS2 startup crashes. If the crash began after you installed or updated a mod, that mod is the prime suspect. Fortunately, you can disable mods without deleting them.

Launch ETS2 and stop at the profile selection screen. Open the Mod Manager and disable all mods, or at least the ones you added or updated most recently. Confirm and try loading your profile. If the game launches successfully, you have confirmed that a mod is the cause.

From there, re-enable mods one at a time, launching the game after each, to identify which specific mod triggers the crash. Once identified, check that mod's page for updates or known issues. For a deeper mod troubleshooting process, see our ETS2 Mods Not Working guide.

Verify Game Files on Steam

Sometimes game files become corrupted or go missing — this can happen after a failed update, a disk error, or an interruption during download. Steam can check your installed files against the expected versions and repair any that are wrong.

To verify game files:

1. Open your Steam library and right-click Euro Truck Simulator 2.
2. Select Properties.
3. Go to the Installed Files (or Local Files, depending on your Steam version) tab.
4. Click Verify integrity of game files.
5. Wait for Steam to finish the check. It will re-download any missing or corrupted files automatically.

This is a safe, non-destructive process. It does not affect your saves, profiles, or settings. After verification completes, try launching the game again.

Check Recent Game Updates

ETS2 receives regular updates from SCS Software, and major updates can change how the game reads mod files. If your game was working fine and suddenly started crashing right after an update, the update itself may not be broken — but your mods may be.

After a major update, mod authors need time to release compatible versions. Until they do, older mods may cause crashes. If the crash started immediately after an update, disable all mods and try launching again. If the game works without mods, the issue is with a mod that needs updating, not with the game itself.

Check Graphics Drivers and System Requirements

While mods and game files are the most common causes, hardware and driver issues can also contribute to crashes. Keeping your graphics drivers up to date is a safe, general good practice that can resolve stability problems across many games, not just ETS2.

Also confirm that your system meets the minimum requirements for ETS2. The game is relatively well-optimized, but very low-end hardware or outdated operating systems may struggle. You can find the official system requirements on the Steam store page.

Check Profile or Save Issues Carefully

In rare cases, a corrupted profile or save file can cause startup crashes. However, never delete profile or save files without a backup. Deleting saves is a last resort, not a first step, and doing so permanently destroys your progress.

If you suspect a profile issue, first try loading a different profile or creating a new one. If a new profile launches fine but your main profile crashes, the issue is likely tied to that specific profile's data or the mods it has enabled. Back up the profile folder before making any changes, and consider restoring from an earlier backup if you have one.

When Reinstalling Might Help

Reinstalling ETS2 is a more drastic step and should not be your first action. It is worth considering only after you have tried disabling mods, verifying game files, checking for update-related issues, and confirming your drivers and system are fine — and the game still crashes.

Before reinstalling, back up your profiles and saves. A clean reinstall can fix deep file corruption that Steam's verification does not catch, but it takes time and should be reserved for situations where simpler steps have failed.

What Not to Do

When troubleshooting crashes, some common advice from forums and download sites can actually make things worse. Avoid the following:

• Do not download random fix tools. Unofficial fix utilities from unknown sources may contain malware or make the problem worse.
• Do not install cracked files. Cracked or pirated game files are unsafe, often outdated, and can introduce new instability. Always use a legitimate Steam copy.
• Do not delete profile folders without a backup. Deleting saves is irreversible. Back up first, and only consider it as a last resort.
• Do not follow outdated forum posts blindly. Advice from years ago may refer to old game versions and no longer apply. Always check the date of any troubleshooting advice.

Related Guides

• ETS2 Mods Not Working — a safe troubleshooting checklist if mods are causing issues.
• How to Install Mods — the safest beginner-friendly way to install mods.
• Beginner Guide — new to ETS2? Start here.
• Best ETS2 DLCs — learn DLC types, since some mods require DLCs.

This guide focuses on beginner-friendly, safe, and official-resource-based advice. It does not recommend deleting save files, running dangerous system operations, or using unverified startup parameters. Hands-on screenshots and deeper testing may be added later. When in doubt, start with the safest fixes and back up your profile before making changes.