What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
There is no free, officially supported, always-on hosted server for Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2). You can still play multiplayer without paying a hosting company in three practical ways: join TruckersMP, run SCS Software’s Convoy dedicated server on your own computer, or use a short trial from a commercial host. Only the first two are genuinely free long term; self-hosting shifts the cost to your electricity, hardware, bandwidth and technical work.
Godlike.Host offers hosted Euro Truck Simulator 2 servers with its own game panel, SFTP access and free DDoS protection, if you would rather not host it yourself.
For a private group, the official dedicated server is usually the most direct free option. Its documented limit is eight players, and a public listing normally requires a public IP address or router port forwarding. TruckersMP is free to join, but its infrastructure is operated by TruckersMP and cannot be rented or self-hosted by players.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What “free ETS2 server hosting” actually means
Hosting and playing are different things. A free multiplayer experience may mean that you join somebody else’s servers, while free hosting means that you operate a server process yourself without paying a recurring provider. ETS2 does not offer a permanent, official, SCS-operated hosting service at no charge.
The realistic choices differ in who owns the hardware, who controls the rules and how long the session remains online:
#1 Best Overall
- [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
- [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
- [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
- [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
- [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.
| Route | What you pay | Where the server runs | Official player limit | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TruckersMP | Nothing to join | TruckersMP infrastructure | Not an SCS Convoy server | You cannot create or rent a TruckersMP server |
| SCS Convoy dedicated server | No software fee; you provide the PC and connection | Your own computer or a machine you control | 8 players | It stops when your machine or connection stops |
| Commercial trial | Free only for the trial period | A provider’s data centre | Depends on the provider and configuration | The server expires or requires payment |
| Paid hosted server | Recurring monthly fee | A provider’s data centre | Depends on the plan | Ongoing cost and provider terms |
Option 1: join TruckersMP for free
TruckersMP is a community multiplayer modification with its own servers. Joining is free, so it is the simplest answer if your goal is to drive online without paying for a private server. You connect to the multiplayer network rather than starting an SCS Convoy server on your home connection.
This does not give you free personal hosting. TruckersMP’s servers are operated by TruckersMP; players cannot install the TruckersMP server software on a home PC, choose a hosting company for it or create a private TruckersMP instance. A GameServerKings knowledge-base description states that TruckersMP “runs its own servers” and is “in no way affiliated with or supported by SCS Software.” Treat that as a description of the community project, not as an SCS service.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →When TruckersMP is the right choice
- You want to join a large public multiplayer environment instead of maintaining a server.
- You do not want to configure a router, expose a home IP address or keep a computer running.
- Your group is comfortable using the rules, map and features provided by the TruckersMP project.
When it is not the right choice
- You need a private session with complete control over access and configuration.
- You specifically need an SCS Convoy dedicated server.
- You want to rent TruckersMP infrastructure for a custom community. That option is not available to players.
Option 2: self-host SCS’s Convoy dedicated server
SCS now documents a dedicated-server tool for Convoy. The software itself is free, but “free” does not mean costless: the host computer must remain powered, your internet connection must handle the traffic, and you are responsible for configuration, updates and troubleshooting.
Rank #2
- 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
- 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
- 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
- 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
- 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.
The official sample configuration states max_players: 8, with the comment “Maximum players in session, limit is 8 players.” The documented default connection port is 27015; the query port is 27016. These values matter when you configure a firewall or router.
What you need
- A computer capable of running the dedicated-server process reliably while you play or while friends connect.
- A stable network connection. A wired connection is preferable for the host, although the exact bandwidth requirement depends on traffic and the number of players.
- Access to the router and operating-system firewall if you want a publicly discoverable session.
- A separate logon token for each server instance. Running two instances requires two sets of ports and tokens.
- The same game content your group intends to use. A hosting provider’s marketing copy may require every player to own ETS2 and matching map DLC, but that requirement is not independently confirmed by the primary documentation available here; verify compatibility in SCS’s current instructions and in your own test.
Basic setup sequence
- Obtain the current dedicated-server package. Use SCS Software’s current dedicated-server documentation and package rather than relying on the 2021 Convoy FAQ, which predates the documented dedicated-server release.
- Create the server configuration. Set a unique server name, the maximum player count and the connection and query ports. Keep the official maximum at eight unless you are deliberately testing an unsupported modification.
- Assign the required logon token. Each instance needs its own token. Do not copy one token across multiple simultaneously running instances.
- Allow the process through the host firewall. Permit the dedicated-server executable on the intended network profile, and create inbound rules for the configured connection and query ports.
- Choose how friends will find the session. If everyone is on the same local network, local discovery may be sufficient. For internet players, configure a public IP or router forwarding as described below.
- Start the server and inspect its log. Confirm that the process binds to the selected ports, loads the configuration and remains running without authentication or map errors.
- Test with one remote player first. A single test exposes firewall, NAT and DLC mismatches before the whole group schedules a convoy.
- Share the session details securely. Give friends the in-game listing or session ID, not your administrative token or configuration files.
Minimal configuration values
max_players: 8
connection_port: 27015
query_port: 27016The exact file format and additional keys can change, so treat these as the documented sample values, not a complete configuration. Preserve the syntax supplied with the current SCS package.
Public listing versus a private session ID
A server intended to appear in the session browser generally needs a public IP address or correctly configured port forwarding. If your internet provider places you behind carrier-grade NAT, ordinary forwarding may not work because the router does not receive a directly reachable public address.
Rank #3
- [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
- [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
- [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
- [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
- [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by
Direct search by session ID can still work behind NAT, according to SCS’s dedicated-server guidance. That makes a private, invitation-style convoy possible even when you cannot publish a publicly discoverable server. It does not make the host permanently reachable: the session ends when the process, computer or internet connection goes offline.
| Goal | Likely network arrangement | What friends experience |
|---|---|---|
| Private group, no public listing | Run the server and distribute its session ID | They search for the ID directly |
| Visible in the browser | Public IP or router forwarding for the configured ports | They can discover the session through the browser |
| Multiple instances | Unique connection/query ports and a unique token per instance | Each server appears as a separate session |
Self-hosting trade-offs
- Availability: A home server is online only while the host machine and connection are working. Scheduled reboots, sleep mode and power cuts end the session.
- Privacy: Public hosting can expose the host’s home IP address to connected players. Use the smallest exposure that meets your needs and avoid publishing more network information than necessary.
- Control: You control the name, access and maintenance, but you also handle updates, backups and recovery.
- Capacity: The supported Convoy limit remains eight. Raising a value in a configuration file does not turn an unsupported setup into an official larger server.
Option 3: free trials from commercial hosts
Some third-party hosts offer a trial period or introductory allowance. This can be useful when you need a data-centre connection, 24/7 availability or a public address but want to test the service before paying. It is not permanent free hosting: the trial ends, the server is suspended or billing begins under the provider’s terms.
Trial length, renewal rules, storage limits and cancellation requirements change frequently. Check the provider’s current checkout page before creating a server, and record the trial’s end date. A provider advertises dedicated Convoy servers from £2.48 per month, but that is an advertised starting price rather than a universal ETS2 price; plan features, region, taxes and future pricing can differ.
Rank #4
- Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
- Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
- All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
- Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
- Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.
Player limits: eight officially, 128 only as an unsupported experiment
SCS’s current dedicated-server documentation sets the maximum at eight players. An older SCS Convoy FAQ from 2021 also says the limit is eight and that a dedicated server was not yet available; that FAQ is outdated on availability but still aligns with the documented eight-player cap.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchCommunity reports describe a workaround that changes the client setting to:
uset g_max_convoy_size "128"The same reports refer to changing the server-side config_ds.cfg. This is not documented or supported by SCS. It may fail to synchronize players, cause instability or stop working after a game update. Do not advertise a 128-player server as an official free ETS2 capability; treat it as an experimental modification, keep backups and be prepared to return to the supported eight-player configuration.
Which route should you choose?
| Your priority | Best fit | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Join online immediately with no server administration | TruckersMP | Free access to an established community network |
| Private convoy for up to eight people | Self-hosted SCS dedicated server | No hosting subscription and direct control |
| 24/7 availability without leaving a home PC on | Paid host after a trial | Data-centre uptime and managed connectivity |
| Test a hosted setup before committing | Commercial trial | Short-term evaluation, not a permanent solution |
| More than eight players | No officially supported free option | The 128-player method is community-reported and unsupported |
Troubleshooting a self-hosted server
The server does not appear in the browser
- Confirm that the dedicated-server process is running and listening on the configured connection and query ports.
- Check the operating-system firewall and router forwarding rules.
- Verify that the router has a genuine public IP. Carrier-grade NAT can prevent inbound connections even when forwarding rules look correct.
- If public listing is unnecessary, give friends the session ID and test direct search.
Friends cannot connect but local players can
- Test from outside the host’s home network; a local test may not exercise the router’s external path.
- Check that the forwarded ports match the values in the configuration and that no second instance is using them.
- Restart the server after changing ports or firewall rules so the log reflects the new settings.
A second server will not start
Every instance needs its own ports and logon token. Assign a different connection port and query port to the second instance, then verify that its configuration points to its own token and files.
The server stops unexpectedly
Look at the server log before changing settings. Sleep mode, automatic updates, power-saving policies, router reboots and internet outages can all terminate a home-hosted session. Disable sleep for the host during scheduled convoys and keep a copy of the working configuration so you can restore it after an update.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Security and maintenance basics
- Expose only the ports required by the dedicated server; do not disable the entire firewall.
- Keep the operating system, ETS2 installation and dedicated-server package updated, while checking compatibility with your group’s game version.
- Do not publish logon tokens, administrator credentials or full configuration files containing private details.
- Tell players that a home-hosted server can reveal the host’s public IP address.
- Back up the configuration before testing unofficial player-cap changes.
Bottom line
For a genuinely free private ETS2 multiplayer server, run SCS’s Convoy dedicated server yourself and plan around the official eight-player limit. Use a session ID if port forwarding or a public IP is unavailable. Choose TruckersMP when you want free access to community-run multiplayer rather than personal hosting. Trials are useful for testing a paid provider, but they are temporary; no option provides a permanent, officially supported, free hosted server with data-centre uptime.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
