Showing posts with label Nordic Horizons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nordic Horizons. Show all posts

Saturday, August 23, 2025

In Case You Missed It: Find Your Next Game

Recently, we had the exciting opportunity to be a part of the Find Your Next Game online showcase, a digital event that runs alongside Gamescom which highlights upcoming titles and projects across the gaming industry. We imagine some of you may have caught our special feature there, but just in case you didn't, let us share with you more about it! 

This year, we are proud to have our upcoming Nordic Horizons DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2 selected to be part of this year’s FYNG lineup! One of the conditions on being part of this digital showcase is that all featured video content has to be exclusive to the show and not seen before on any other platforms. So, our talented video team got to work and created a fresh, extended trailer made especially for this showcase, offering viewers a glimpse of the stunning roads, cities, towns, landscapes, landmarks, and industries that await you in this upcoming expansion.

Now that the show has concluded, we are happy to release the trailer publicly, which you can now watch on our official SCS Software YouTube channel. Take a watch of it below, and if you enjoyed it, make sure to leave a like, and comment! It really helps support our channel and future releases.



We’d like to thank the Find Your Next Game team for featuring us in this year’s event and for providing a platform where we could share this new content with a wider audience. We’re looking forward to showing you even more from Nordic Horizons in the near future. If you like what you see, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist. We'd like to thank you all for your support so far, and until next time, keep on truckin'! 

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Nordic Horizons: Kiruna

Välkommen till Kiruna! In today's blog, we have another glimpse of what's coming for the Nordic Horizons DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2. Get comfortable and enjoy this little preview of the city of Kiruna, before you head there yourself in this upcoming map expansion.

Situated 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Kiruna is actually Sweden's northernmost town! This location is unique as people living there experience two months of midnight sun in the summer, and it's also an ideal place to watch the magical northern lights from the beginning of autumn to the end of winter.

While the town is not the largest in terms of population, it has so much to offer. Not far from it, visitors can find the country's highest mountain, Kebnekaise. It's also home to the world's largest underground iron ore mine. And let's not forget about the stunning beauty of the nature surrounding Kiruna, with forests, tundra, rivers, and an uncountable number of lakes.

The iron ore mine will be featured in our game as a massive depot where players can deliver cargo, both at ground level and deep underground. The Kiruna mine will become the largest custom depot in ETS2 and also the first to be located underground. It's a truly fascinating operation, with over 130 years of history. Each day, the mine produces enough iron ore to build six Eiffel Towers. The depot is complex, so players will need to rely on a full diagram of the area and custom signs placed throughout the mine.

Mining lies at the heart of Kiruna's economy, and its impact is so significant that parts of the city are being relocated to ensure the safety of its residents. This includes the construction of a new city centre three kilometres east of the original one.

This beautiful new city centre is being recreated by our asset and map teams through detailed landmark buildings. This includes the city's new town hall, featuring the original historic clock tower that has been carefully restored and relocated from its former site, along with several other notable buildings surrounding the new town centre.

In addition, truckers will be able to deliver cargo to the local railway terminal, a construction site, a recycling depot, and various other industries located around the town.

We hope we got you excited to visit this city when the Nordic Horizons DLC is released. If we did, make sure to add this map expansion to your Steam Wishlist! Remember to stay tuned for more updates from the world of Euro Truck Simulator 2 by following us on TwitterFacebookInstagramBluesky, and YouTube, or by signing up for our newsletter. Happy haulin'!

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Building Nordic Horizons with Ivo

In today’s special blog post, we’re excited to take you behind the scenes of the upcoming Nordic Horizons DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2. We sat down with Ivo, our ETS Map Lead, to talk about the creative and technical process behind bringing the Nordic landscapes to life. From intricate road networks to iconic landmarks, Ivo shares how the team is crafting an immersive experience for players exploring the northern reaches of Europe.

Ivo plays a key role in shaping both the big picture and the fine details of the project. When asked what his work involves, he explained, "As one of the Map Leads on Nordic Horizons, I’m responsible for both large and small components of the project — its overall shape as well as the day-to-day progress." His current focus is on monitoring progress and offering feedback, though his involvement has evolved over time: "Before that, I worked on the foundational layout of the urban and road networks, and earlier still I was involved with the research team, cooperating on time estimates, asset lists, and similar tasks."

Reflecting on his experiences during development, Ivo shared that he had the opportunity to see the real-life inspirations firsthand. When asked whether he had visited Norway, Sweden, or Finland, he replied, "Yes, I was actually part of the research trip during the early stages of the project’s development. It was a fantastic experience, and I’m very glad I had the opportunity to visit many of the locations we’re recreating." The team ensured they covered all countries included in the DLC and took note of the diverse landscapes — a crucial step in capturing the spirit of the region.

Describing the research process behind Nordic Horizons, Ivo emphasized its significance: "Research is a fundamental part of every project we do, and it starts well before any actual map creation begins." The team relied extensively on online resources to gather information about everything from road laws and industries to cultural and natural highlights, all of which, together with our internal rules, influenced the project’s scope and planning.

When asked what stands out most in terms of map design or architecture, Ivo highlighted the sheer scale of the region: "The vast distances, without a doubt. We’re covering an ambitiously large area, rich in stunning natural scenery but — apart from parts of the coast — very sparsely populated." He noted that these realities required difficult choices, saying, "To make our in-game world work, we had to make some compromises. In some places, a few towns had to be cut, while in others, we added smaller but important settlements at strategic points to maintain the economic flow. Without them, some areas might not offer any jobs to players due to the sheer distances. Such compromises are sometimes necessary due to the scale of our game world."

In response to what he’s most looking forward to seeing finished in the Nordic Horizons map, Ivo responded, "I’m lucky enough to be able to watch our talented Map Designers bring beautiful scenes to life, and although some of them still need a bit of polish, many of my personal 'wish list' locations have already come true, which is very satisfying. If I had to name one in particular, I’m especially happy that players will be able to drive all the way to Nordkapp — as far north as it’s possible to go in mainland Europe."

Looking back at his career, Ivo explained how his role has changed compared to past projects. In response to a question about similar work he’s done, he said, "I used to work as a map designer, and Nordic Horizons is my first project in a Map Lead role. It’s a big shift." While he occasionally still contributes small scene designs, his focus is now broader: "My 'signature' is present in much of the city and road layout, even though the final visual result is a collaborative effort involving many talented people."

As for the experience itself, Ivo shared what has brought him the most satisfaction: "I’ve enjoyed watching the map evolve and seeing our team’s hard work gradually take shape into an impressive expansion." He added that each development phase has its own hurdles but also its own rewards: "The scale of the project has exceeded my expectations in many ways, and every stage of development brings new challenges."

When asked about the landmarks players can look forward to, Ivo offered a rich preview: "If we count natural scenery as landmarks, then there are countless ones! But in terms of man-made landmarks, we’ve included quite a few: the majestic Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, picturesque town centres with churches, town halls, and train stations; industrial landmarks like the mines in Kiruna, and quirky tourist spots like Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi."

Finally, when asked what he believes players will enjoy most in Nordic Horizons and what they shouldn't miss, his answer was clear: "Definitely the landscapes themselves, the distances and the solitude." He described the journey through the DLC as something transformative: "I’d suggest you travel from the south all the way up north, and you’ll experience a gradual transformation of vegetation, longer daylight hours, and vast stretches of beautiful, almost untouched wilderness." Says Ivo.

We can’t wait to share more about this upcoming map expansion as development progresses. Stay connected with us for the latest news by following our social media channels on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok or subscribing to our newsletter. If you’re excited to explore the Nordic regions, be sure to add the Nordic Horizons DLC to your Steam Wishlist!

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Nordic Horizons: Settlements

On your journey across the upcoming Nordic Horizons DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2, you’ll encounter far more than iconic cities and majestic landscapes. Scattered throughout Norway, Sweden, and Finland are numerous smaller settlements, each with its own unique charm, history, and character. Today, we’d like to give you a closer look at some of the destinations that await you along the road.

From quiet fishing villages nestled along the Norwegian coastline to peaceful inland communities in Sweden and Finland, our teams have worked hard to capture the atmosphere and natural beauty of these locations. Whether you're hauling cargo, taking a break, or simply passing through, we hope these places leave a lasting impression.

Norway

Located in the heart of a stunning southern fjord region lies Skei, welcoming drivers with its picturesque views and tranquil surroundings. This small settlement offers a restful pause before heading into the more mountainous terrain to the north.

You’ll also come across Åndalsnes, a town surrounded by steep mountains. This settlement is known as the "Alpine village by the fjord." It marks the start of scenic routes and offers stunning views, making it a memorable stop for any driver passing through western Norway.

In the wide-open tundra of Finnmark lies Kautokeino, a cultural heartland of the Sámi people. It’s a quiet stop on your journey, featuring traditional red wooden houses that offer a glimpse into the region’s distinctive character.

Perched on Norway’s rugged western coast is Myre, a small fishing town surrounded by scattered islands and stormy seas. The winding road that leads here passes through breathtaking landscapes, rewarding drivers with views and a sense of isolation rarely found elsewhere.


Sweden

Our first stop in Sweden is Vittangi, tucked away deep within Swedish Lapland. Founded by Henrik Mickelsson Kyrö in 1674, the village sits amid boreal forests, offering peaceful drives through nature and glimpses of wooden cottages scattered across the landscape.

Next is Dorotea, known as the “Southern Gateway to Lapland”. Though small, it is a proud community situated by lakes and surrounded by wilderness—an ideal resting point before venturing further north.

Lastly, we highlight Ytterhogdal, a charming spot in central Sweden that invites drivers to slow down and take in the serenity of the countryside. With its pine forests, calm lakes, and peaceful village life, it offers a welcome contrast to busier roads.


Finland

In the heart of Finland lies Viitasaari, where quiet roads, expansive lakes, and a strong local identity come together. It’s a common stop for drivers travelling north or south, providing not only fuel but also a refreshing pause amid Finnish nature.


Another Finnish destination to look forward to is Siilinjärvi, which offers a slower pace of life. Surrounded by forests and lakes, this town combines natural beauty with essential services for travellers. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the calm of central Finland.

While these are just a handful of the settlements featured in this blog, rest assured that many more await discovery. Each has been carefully crafted by our map, asset, and art teams to reflect the spirit of its real-world counterpart, from architecture and layout to the surrounding nature and terrain.

Alongside these communities, you’ll drive along countless scenic byways and rural landscapes that define the Nordic experience. We encourage every trucker to pause, pull over, and take in the breathtaking world that stretches far beyond the cities.

Eager to hit the Nordic roads? Be sure to add Nordic Horizons to your Steam Wishlist! Stay connected with us on XFacebookInstagramBlueskyand YouTube, or by subscribing to our newsletter for all the latest updates. See you on the road!

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Nordic Horizons: Kristiansund

On the western coast of Norway, you will find the city of Kristiansund. Let's take a look at how our map designers are recreating this beautiful town for the upcoming Nordic Horizons map expansion for Euro Truck Simulator 2!

The landscape of this city is really unique as it is situated on four different islands, which makes it stand out. While it is not one of the largest metropolitan hubs in Scandinavia, with over 24,000 citizens, it has a lot to offer and should not be missed.

Let's start with a bit of trivia. Kristiansund isn't just a feast for the eyes - it's also a hotspot for food lovers. The city's history is deeply tied to the sea, particularly through the production of klippfisk - split, salted cod traditionally dried on coastal rocks. This iconic dish is so important to the region that it has its own museum and even an annual festival in Kristiansund. But the culinary delights don't stop there - the city also boasts some award-winning cheeses, including a blue cheese that's been crowned the best in the world!

Now, back to what you can expect while hauling cargo through the area.  As the city is located on an island, you can get there either from the west through the Atlanterhavstunnelen (Atlantic Ocean Tunnel), which is part of the Norwegian County Road 64, or from the south via the Omsundbrua (Omsund Bridge).

When in Kristiansund, keep an eye out for the Kirkelandet Church, widely regarded as Norway's first truly modern church. Consecrated in 1964, it's often hailed as the country's most daring piece of church architecture. Naturally, our map and asset teams made sure to include this striking structure. The city is also full of colorful houses, typical of Scandinavian architecture.

Regarding industries, there will be a number of depots that truckers can deliver cargo to or from, such as a car dealer, a warehouse, a waste transfer station, and the local airport, also faithfully recreated to represent its real-world counterpart.

If you liked this preview, make sure to add this map expansion to your Steam Wishlist! Stay tuned for more updates from this map expansion by following us on TwitterFacebookInstagramBluesky, and YouTube, or by signing up for our newsletter. Safe travels!

Friday, June 20, 2025

Nordic Horizons: Road Network

There's something uniquely captivating about the open roads of the north - the dramatic coastlines, winding mountain passes, and the quiet charm of remote towns. Today, we would like to show you some of the roads in development for the Nordic Horizons DLC, and where they will take you!

The European route E6 begins in southern Sweden before crossing into Norway, where it becomes one of the country’s most important north–south highways. It runs the entire length of the Land of the Midnight Sun, all the way to North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe accessible by car.

About halfway along the route, truckers will pass through the Nordlandsporten gate. Further north, the journey continues across the 300-meter-long Kåfjordbrua bridge.

    
Running like a spine along the eastern coast of Sweden, the European route E4 stretches from the south all the way up to the city of Haparanda on the Finnish border. It's one of the country's most vital routes, passing through bustling cities, dense forests, and long stretches of open countryside.

Drivers will also cross the beautifully recreated Högakustenbron, one of Sweden's longest suspension bridges, standing high above the Ångerman River, and the Sundsvall Bridge, curving across the water just outside the city center.

Cutting through the heart of Finland from south to north, the European route E75 begins in the capital, Helsinki, and winds its way deep into the Arctic. It takes drivers through ever-changing landscapes - from the forested hills around Jyväskylä, known for its lakes and lively university town atmosphere, to the quiet, rugged beauty of Ivalo, above the Arctic Circle.

We hope we got you excited to cruise along the Nordic Horizons' road network. If we did, make sure to add this map expansion to your Steam Wishlist! Remember to stay tuned for more updates from the world of Euro Truck Simulator 2 by following us on TwitterFacebookInstagramBluesky, and YouTube, or by signing up for our newsletter. Safe travels!

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Nordic Horizons: Tornio and Haparanda

One border, two countries, and a seamless connection! In our upcoming Nordic Horizons DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2, you’ll experience one of Europe’s most successful examples of cross-border cooperation. Join us as we take a closer look at this unique area!

Welcome to Tornio, a Finnish city located directly on the Swedish border and closely tied to its twin town, Haparanda. While in the real world these are two distinct municipalities, in ETS2 they will appear together under the single in-game name of Tornio due to scale limitations. However, players can expect to see and experience defining elements from both sides of this shared region.


When travelling through these cities, you’ll be able to drive across a bridge that connects Finland and Sweden, which also offers views of the river and the town plaza. Not far from this bridge, players will also encounter a special landmark, appropriately named the “Engagement Rings”, a sculpture positioned on a small roundabout. This artwork symbolizes the unity between the two towns and stands as a tribute to their ongoing cooperation and shared identity. It is one of three small roundabouts in the area that we’ve recreated to reflect the local road network.



Looking for work? Tornio will feature a logistics hub with a depot, fuel station, and service station for truck maintenance. To the south, drivers can travel to a large industrial zone that includes a steelworks facility, a river port depot, and a wind farm! Across the border in the Haparanda-inspired part of town, players will find a large Ika depot to deliver to and from. So no matter which city you're in, there'll be no shortage of job contracts.


Beyond the roads and depots, this part of the map also comes with a bit of charm and trivia. Tornio and Haparanda sit in different time zones, with Finland an hour ahead of Sweden. This has led to fun cultural quirks, such as people crossing the border on New Year’s Eve to celebrate midnight twice, once in Finland, then again an hour later in Sweden, just a short walk away.


We hope you enjoyed this look at Tornio and Haparanda, an we look forward to you exploring them both for yourself in the future. If you're excited for the Nordic Horizons DLC, then be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist. And don't forget to stay up to date with all the latest development news, previews and more by following us on our social media channels, or by subscribing to our newsletter! Until next time, keep on truckin'.