> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Manage Player DLC Requirements in ETS2

> Master the complexities of DLC compatibility. Learn how map DLCs and cosmetic assets affect your Euro Truck Simulator 2 server's accessibility.

## Navigation & Content Dependencies

Unlike traditional multiplayer architectures where dependencies are often handled through automated asset streaming, Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) uses a strict validation model tied directly to each player's local Steam library. If your server initializes a region or map sector originating from a specific DLC (such as *Iberia*, *West Balkans*, or *Beyond the Baltic Sea*) that a joining participant does not own, the game engine will reject the connection handshake due to data synchronization failure.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Beginner
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    4 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Maximizing Server Accessibility

To ensure your server remains accessible to the broadest possible audience, including players who only own the base game, you must generate your package manifest using a "clean" environment.

### The "Base Map" Synchronization Protocol

<Steps>
  <Step title="Deactivate Map DLCs">
    On your local PC, right-click ETS2 in your Steam Library, select **Properties** -> **DLC**, and uncheck all entries related to map expansions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export Package Manifest">
    Launch the simulator and use the integrated **Export Server Packages** utility. This generates a `server_packages.sii` file that reflects only the base world sectors.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deploy to Hosting">
    Upload the resulting `server_packages.sii` to your FREAKHOSTING instance via the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com) File Manager.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Visual Content Synchronization

While map DLCs are mandatory for connectivity, cosmetic modifications are handled with greater technical flexibility by the Source engine.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Cosmetic Handling">
    Assets such as specialized **Paint Jobs**, **Cabin Accessories**, and **Wheel Tuning** do not impact server compatibility. If a player uses a DLC asset that another participant does not own, the observer's engine will render a fallback "Plain" texture (typically gray or white). This ensures visual integrity without restricting access.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Mod-Related Exceptions">
    If your server uses **ProMods**, the dependency rules become absolute. Every driver **must** possess the identical ProMods version and the specific map DLCs required by that ProMods iteration (e.g., ProMods v2.70 requires all current official map expansions to initialize).
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

<Note>
  ### Troubleshooting Connection Rejections

  If players are receiving "Missing DLC" errors despite your base-map configuration, verify that you have not inadvertently included any **Cargo DLCs** (such as *Heavy Cargo* or *Special Transport*) in your active job list or server mod manifest, as these also require ownership for synchronization.
</Note>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

  If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
  * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
  * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **ETS2:** Compatibility verified.
</div>