SCS Software is changing the physics engine with the 1.52 update. Both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator have been using Bullet Physics for their physics system, powered by the Prism3D engine. However, it was announced that the new Driving Academy game mode introduced with the update uses Nvidia PhysX. While the main game still uses Bullet Physics, it’s been reported that by adding -physx to the launch options on Steam, you can run ETS 2 and ATS with the PhysX engine as well. However, since this is an experimental feature still in development, the differences may be hard to notice at this stage.

In summary, the SCS team will now transition from Bullet Physics to Nvidia PhysX in their engine. This process will take time, and we’ll see changes in various areas, from driving physics to friction with different objects. This doesn’t necessarily mean that we’ll instantly experience drastically different driving physics. The physics system, which was previously processed by the CPU, is now shifting to the PhysX infrastructure, used by hundreds of games. Initially, we might see performance improvements in physics calculations and perhaps some differences in aspects like load handling, braking, or retarder usage. However, without a detailed explanation, it’s hard to say what the actual impact will be. In custom game engines, physics engine options like Havok or PhysX can be chosen, but what you do with these systems and what you offer still depends on the developers.

SiSL, a developer at SCS Software, mentioned on the forums that the Academy feature is the first to use PhysX, while Morrelo added that PhysX has been present since the 1.51 update.

The community is eager to see whether the shift to PhysX will lead to better suspension flexibility, improved cabin movements, and other physics-related enhancements that impact driving. Let’s see if they get what they’ve been asking for!