How to Hide Route Advisor in ETS2 (Dashboard & Screen)

Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) is a popular truck driving simulation game known for its realistic gameplay and expansive open world. One of the key features of ETS2 is the route advisor, which acts as an in-game GPS navigation system. It shows the planned route on the map and dashboard and provides turn-by-turn directions to reach your destination.

For some players, the route advisor makes deliveries too easy by eliminating the need for manual navigation. Using road signs and your own knowledge of the map adds an extra challenge. Fortunately, ETS2 includes several options to disable or hide the route advisor for a more hardcore trucking experience.

How to hide route advisor on screen

To remove the route advisor at the bottom left of the screen, follow these steps:

1. Run the game. It’s advised to park your truck first.
2. Press the F3 key. You may need to press it two or three times.
3. The route advisor has been removed.
4. To bring back the feature, press F3 again.

How to hide route advisor on truck dashboard

Many trucks have a dashboard screen that displays a map in a similar fashion to route advisor. If you wish to remove it as well, follow these steps:

1. Pause the game (Esc).
2. Go to Options and then click Keys & Buttons.
3. Under Truck Controls, find Dashboard Map Mode.
4. Assign a key for it. I personally use Num Del because it’s not used by other functions.
5. Go back to the game and press the assigned key to turn off the dashboard map display.

Why Disable the Route Advisor?

Here are some reasons ETS2 players prefer to turn off the route advisor:

• Realism – Truck drivers rely on road signs, not GPS directions. Driving without the route advisor is more realistic.
• Immersion – Constant GPS directions can be immersion-breaking. Looking at signs and maps is more engaging.
• Challenge – Navigating manually takes more skill and planning. It adds difficulty and challenge.
• Focus on Driving – The advisor can be distracting. Removing it lets you focus more on the road.
• Exploration – Planning your own routes encourages exploring the map and finding new paths.

Best Practices for No-GPS Navigation

Driving without the route advisor requires more attention and planning. Here are some tips:

• Check the map – Plan your high-level route before departing. Take notes if needed.
• Watch for signs – Keep an eye out for signs indicating upcoming exits, cities, and intersections.
• Use landmarks – Note landmarks like large towers or buildings to orient yourself.
• Pull over if needed – Safely pull over and check the map if you get seriously lost.
• Start with short jobs – Tackle easier local deliveries before long hauls to hone your manual navigation abilities.
• Explore the world – Learn the locations of cities, highways, and landmarks organically through free-roaming.
• Roleplay – Immersing yourself as a professional trucker relying on road signs and maps adds to the experience.

Final Thoughts

Disabling ETS2’s route advisor provides a more hardcore, realistic trucking simulation but requires patience. While not yet possible to permanently remove the GPS, the options covered in this guide allow limiting it in most cases. With practice, navigating Europe’s roads manually can be incredibly rewarding.

The advisor is a helpful crutch for casual players, but removing it offers a whole new level of immersion and engagement. If you find the GPS directions distracting or desire a more challenging ETS2 experience, give these tips a try. Just be ready for the occasional wrong turn as you embrace old-school trucking navigation.