Unleash Your Inner Racer: How to Drift in ETS2

Are you tired of the mundane, straight-line driving in Euro Truck Simulator 2? Do you yearn for the thrill of controlled chaos, the adrenaline rush of pushing your truck to its limits? Then you need to learn how to drift in ETS2. Drifting, the art of intentionally oversteering a vehicle to maintain control while sliding, adds a whole new dimension to your trucking experience. It’s a skill that takes practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Why Drift in ETS2?

Before we dive into the techniques, let’s explore why drifting in ETS2 is so appealing:

• Fun and Excitement: Drifting injects a dose of adrenaline and excitement into the usually predictable world of long-haul trucking. It’s a way to break free from the monotony and embrace the thrill of controlled chaos.
• Skill Development: Mastering drifting requires precise control and understanding of your truck’s physics. It’s a challenging but rewarding skill that improves your overall driving abilities.
• Unique Gameplay: Drifting adds a new layer of complexity and strategy to ETS2. You can use it to navigate tight corners, overtake slower vehicles, or simply enjoy the spectacle of controlled slides.
• Community Engagement: Drifting is a popular activity within the ETS2 community. Sharing your drifting skills and watching others perform impressive maneuvers can be a fun and engaging way to connect with fellow truckers.

The Essential Tools: Your Truck and Mods

While you can technically drift with the default ETS2 trucks, certain vehicles and mods enhance the experience:

• Powerful Engines: Trucks with high horsepower and torque make drifting easier. Look for engines with high torque values for better acceleration and control during slides.
• Limited Slip Differentials: These differentials help distribute power more evenly to the rear wheels, making it easier to initiate and maintain drifts.
• Suspension Mods: Mods that adjust suspension stiffness and dampening can help you fine-tune your truck’s handling for optimal drifting.
• Drifting Assist Mods: Some mods simplify drifting by automatically adjusting your throttle and steering, making it easier for beginners.

Setting the Stage: Choosing the Right Environment

Not every road is ideal for drifting. Consider these factors when choosing your drifting location:

• Wide Open Spaces: Look for roads with wide curves or long straightaways where you have plenty of space to maneuver and correct mistakes.
• Low Traffic: Drifting can be dangerous in heavy traffic. Choose areas with minimal traffic to focus on your technique.
• Dry Conditions: Wet roads make drifting more challenging and unpredictable. Stick to dry asphalt for a smoother experience.

Learning the Basics: Mastering the Drifting Technique

Now, let’s break down the core principles of drifting in ETS2:

1. Initiate the Drift:

• Throttle Control: Apply a moderate amount of throttle to build up speed before entering the turn.
• Steering Input: Turn the steering wheel sharply in the direction you want to drift.
• Clutch Control: If you’re using a manual transmission, you can use the clutch to momentarily break traction and initiate the slide.

2. Maintain the Drift:

• Steering Corrections: Use small steering adjustments to control the drift angle and prevent the truck from spinning out.
• Throttle Management: Adjust the throttle to maintain the slide. Too much throttle will make you spin, while too little will cause you to lose momentum.
• Counter-Steering: As the truck begins to straighten out, gently counter-steer in the opposite direction to maintain the drift.

3. Exiting the Drift:

• Throttle Reduction: Gradually reduce the throttle to slow down the truck.
• Steering Correction: As the truck slows, steer back towards the center of the road to regain control.

Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Drifting Skills to the Next Level

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore these advanced techniques:

• Handbrake Drifts: This technique involves using the handbrake to initiate and control the drift. It’s a more aggressive method that requires precise timing and control.
• Power Slides: Power slides involve using the engine’s power to maintain the drift, requiring skillful throttle management.
• Chain Drifts: These involve linking multiple drifts together in a continuous flow, creating a visually impressive spectacle.
• Reverse Drifts: This technique involves drifting in reverse, requiring precise control and understanding of the truck’s rear-end behavior.

Safe Drifting: Respecting the Rules of the Road

While drifting is exhilarating, remember to always prioritize safety:

• Practice in Safe Environments: Avoid drifting on public roads or in areas with high traffic. Find safe, closed-off spaces to practice your skills.
• Respect Other Drivers: Be mindful of other vehicles and pedestrians when drifting. Never endanger anyone else.
• Control Your Speed: Drifting at high speeds can be dangerous. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence.
• Be Prepared to Correct Mistakes: Drifting can be unpredictable. Always be ready to correct mistakes and regain control of your truck.

Drifting Beyond the Road: Exploring Creative Opportunities

Drifting in ETS2 isn’t just about mastering techniques. It’s also about expressing your creativity:

• Creating Drifting Videos: Capture your best drifts and share them with the community.
• Developing Drifting Challenges: Challenge your friends to outdo your best drifts.
• Building Drifting Courses: Create custom maps with challenging drift tracks.

The Final Lap: Unlocking the True Joy of Drifting

Drifting in ETS2 isn’t just about mastering a skill; it’s about embracing the joy of controlled chaos, the thrill of pushing your limits, and the satisfaction of mastering a challenging technique. So, buckle up, embrace the slide, and discover the true joy of drifting in the world of Euro Truck Simulator 2.

What You Need to Know

Q: What is the best truck for drifting in ETS2?

A: While every truck can be drifted, trucks with powerful engines, limited slip differentials, and adjustable suspension are ideal. Popular choices include the Scania R Series, the Volvo FH16, and the MAN TGX.

Q: Do I need any mods to drift in ETS2?

A: While drifting is possible without mods, mods can enhance the experience. Mods that adjust suspension, engine power, and differential settings can improve your drifting capabilities.

Q: How do I practice drifting safely?

A: Practice in safe environments like empty parking lots or closed-off roads. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence. Never practice drifting on public roads or in areas with high traffic.

Q: What are some good resources for learning more about drifting in ETS2?

A: There are numerous online resources available, including YouTube tutorials, forums, and dedicated drifting communities within the ETS2 community.

Q: Is drifting in ETS2 realistic?

A: While ETS2’s physics engine allows for drifting, it’s not as realistic as in dedicated racing games. However, it provides a fun and engaging way to experience the thrill of controlled slides.