Many newcomers to ETS2 spend their skill points randomly, without thinking about the long-term benefits. This is a mistake, because there is no quick way to reset your skills in the game, and every point you invest directly affects the number of available orders and your earning speed.

Experienced players know that proper leveling from the very beginning makes a trucker's career much more effective.

This guide will help you distribute your points so that by the middle of the game you have maximum opportunities and a stable income.

Start: priority on long distances

The first thing to level up is long-distance transportation. The first four points in this branch are mandatory, as over 90% of all orders in the game are long-distance. The fifth and sixth levels, which open routes over 2200 km, are less common, so you can leave them for later.

When long distances are upgraded to the fourth level, move on to skills that open up access to special cargo. The optimal sequence is one point each in urgent orders, expensive cargo, and fragile transportation.

This expands the list of offers and increases profits early on.

Maximum variety of orders: ADR cargo

After basic leveling, take the ADR skills. These cargoes are not found everywhere, but they provide a good income. First, take category 3, which includes frequently encountered dangerous cargoes, such as gasoline. Then ADR 2, after which you can evenly invest points in ADR 4 and 6.

Next, according to the residual principle, come ADR 1 and ADR 5, as cargoes in these categories are the rarest. With this approach, all types of transportation are unlocked for only 13 points. It is better to spend the remaining points on increasing bonuses for urgent, expensive, or fragile cargo, depending on what you encounter most often in your work.

The fuel economy skill is the last to be developed — in the current game economy, it provides minimal benefits, since a full tank pays for itself on almost any trip.