Euro Truck Simulator 2

Euro Truck Simulator 2 on Apple Silicon Macs: The 2026 Compatibility Guide

As of February 2026, Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) remains one of the most enduring and beloved simulation games on the market. For Mac users, especially those with modern Apple Silicon machines (M1, M2, M3, and M4 series), the question of compatibility and performance is paramount. This guide provides a detailed, data-driven analysis of running ETS2 on macOS in 2025, drawing from verified sources and user reports to help you decide if this immersive trucking experience is right for your Mac.

Compatibility Status: Rosetta 2 Translation

Euro Truck Simulator 2 is not natively compiled for Apple Silicon. It runs using Apple's Rosetta 2 translation layer, which dynamically translates the game's x86_64 code to run on ARM-based Apple Silicon processors. Despite this layer of translation, the compatibility status is confirmed as positive.

• Verification Source: The game is listed as "Confirmed working" on the authoritative tracking site Apple Silicon Games (rel="nofollow"). This indicates widespread user success across the Apple Silicon lineup.
• What "Rosetta" Means for You: You can install and launch the game directly from Steam or other storefronts. The first launch will trigger a one-time Rosetta 2 installation process. Performance will be very good, though inherently slightly less efficient than a native Apple Silicon app due to the translation overhead.

Performance Analysis & Benchmarks

Performance on Apple Silicon Macs is generally excellent, capable of delivering a smooth and enjoyable experience at high settings, though it varies by specific chip and graphical load.

• General Performance: On base-model M1, M2, and M3 Macs (8-core GPU), the game typically runs at 60+ FPS at 1080p resolution with high graphical settings. More demanding setups with multiple high-resolution monitors, high scaling, or extensive mods will require more GPU power.
• Chip Comparison: An M3 Pro or M3 Max chip will easily handle 1440p or 4K resolutions at max settings while maintaining high frame rates. The efficiency cores on Apple Silicon help manage background tasks, ensuring stable performance during long hauls.
• Key Consideration - Single-Threaded Nature: ETS2's game engine is historically more dependent on single-core CPU performance. Rosetta 2 translation adds some overhead here. However, the powerful performance cores (P-cores) in Apple Silicon chips, especially from M2 onward, mitigate this effectively. Users rarely report CPU-related bottlenecks as the primary limiter; the GPU is more often the determining factor for frame rates at higher settings.
• Memory (RAM) Usage: The game is well-optimized but can use 3-5 GB of RAM under normal play. Using high-resolution texture mods or many map DLCs can increase this. 16GB of unified memory is the recommended sweet spot for a hassle-free experience in 2025.

System Requirements for Mac (2025 Recommendations)

While the official minimum requirements are dated, here are the practical, recommended specs for a great experience on Apple Silicon Macs:

• Minimum (Playable):
• Chip: Apple M1 (7- or 8-core GPU)
• Memory: 8 GB Unified Memory
• macOS: Ventura (13.0) or newer
• Storage: 15 GB available space (more for DLCs/mods)
• Expectations: 1080p, Medium-High settings, ~45-60 FPS.

• Recommended (Ideal Experience):
• Chip: Apple M2 (10-core GPU) or Apple M3 (any)
• Memory: 16 GB Unified Memory or more
• macOS: Sonoma (14.0) or newer
• Storage: 25 GB+ on an SSD
• Expectations: 1440p/4K, High-Ultra settings, 60+ FPS stable.

• For Enthusiasts (Max Settings, Multi-Monitor):
• Chip: M3 Pro, M3 Max, or M4 series
• Memory: 36 GB Unified Memory or more
• Storage: Fast SSD (1TB+ recommended for mods)

User Experiences & Community Feedback

The consensus in the Mac gaming community is that ETS2 runs surprisingly well. Here are some paraphrased insights from recent Steam user reviews (rel="nofollow") that highlight the experience:

• Positive Report (December 2025): "Playing on an M2 MacBook Air with 16GB. Runs flawlessly at 1080p on high settings. Rosetta installation was seamless. After hundreds of hours, it's been perfectly stable."
• Performance Note (November 2025): "M1 Max, 32GB. Pushes 4K on ultra with SSAO enabled. Fans spin up but temps are fine. It's not native, but you'd never know from the smoothness."
• Modding Comment (January 2026): "Most ProMods and graphic mods work without issue on my M3 Pro. Just follow the standard Windows mod installation guides; the file structure is the same in the macOS Steam library folder."

These reports reinforce that the Rosetta 2 implementation is mature and provides a highly playable experience.

Essential Tips for Mac Users

To get the most out of ETS2 on your Mac, consider these platform-specific tips:

1. Manage Expectations on Entry-Level Models: If you have a base M1/M2 with 8GB RAM, consider lowering "Scaling" (resolution scaling) and "Mirror Quality" first for a significant FPS boost without drastically reducing texture quality.
2. Monitor Thermals on Laptops: The game can be demanding during long sessions. Using a laptop stand for better airflow is advised. macOS is generally good at thermal management, but sustained high FPS on a laptop will generate heat.
3. Controller Support is Excellent: The game has native support for many controllers. PlayStation DualSense, Xbox Wireless Controllers, and steering wheel peripherals (like Logitech G series) work seamlessly via Bluetooth or USB. Configure them in the game's Settings > Controls.
4. Accessing Game Files for Mods: Your game installation folder is located at ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/Euro Truck Simulator 2/. The "mod" folder for placing .scs files is inside this directory. Use Finder and press Cmd+Shift+G to paste this path.
5. Use "Borderless Window" Mode: For best compatibility with macOS's Mission Control and Spaces, set the display mode to Borderless Window instead of Fullscreen. This often prevents minor switching glitches.

Conclusion & 2025 Recommendation

Yes, Euro Truck Simulator 2 is absolutely worth playing on your Apple Silicon Mac in 2025.

The combination of a well-optimized game engine and Apple's highly efficient Rosetta 2 translation layer results in a premium experience. Whether you're on an M1 MacBook Air for casual gaming or an M3 Max MacBook Pro for a full simulator setup, ETS2 delivers the serene, expansive trucking journey it's famous for. The ongoing developer support through updates and DLC ensures compatibility remains solid. For any simulation fan with a Mac, this title comes highly recommended, just ensure your system meets the recommended memory guidelines for the smoothest journey across Europe.