Anatolian Soul: Building Intersections with Pavel

Today, we invite you to take an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey into the development of the Soul of Anatolia DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2. We are spotlighting the intricate artistry and engineering required to weave together the roads, highways, and intersections that breathe life into this breathtaking region. We sat down with Pavel, one of our seasoned Map Designers, to discuss his integral role in shaping the expansive road network.

Hello everyone! My name is Pavel, and I have proudly been part of the SCS Software family as a Map Designer for over seven years.

For the past two years, my focus has shifted heavily toward the intricate ecosystem of roads and highways.

On the Soul of Anatolia project, my responsibilities include architecting massive highway interchanges and drafting detailed specifications for other teams regarding prefabs, tunnels, and traffic signals. Working in tandem with my talented colleagues, we strategically place these components across the terrain to ensure a seamless and immersive driving experience for our community.

What comparable projects have you contributed to previously, and how does the Soul of Anatolia expansion differ in scope?

The endeavor most similar to my current work was the Greece DLC. There, I gained valuable hands-on experience refining the geometry of complex interchanges and standardizing roadside fixtures like toll plazas.

However, Soul of Anatolia presents a distinct shift primarily due to the sheer magnitude of my responsibilities. The team has entrusted me with a much broader creative mandate, giving me significant influence over the overall road architecture.

How expansive is this upcoming map expansion, and what unique hurdles does it present?

From my vantage point—viewing the world strictly through the lens of asphalt and transit—this DLC is monumental. To put it into perspective, we are crafting more than a hundred massive highway interchanges for the map.

The primary challenge lies in balancing our strict design standards with the geographical constraints of fitting such a massive infrastructure seamlessly into the terrain.

Could you walk us through the lifecycle of designing and implementing a highway interchange?

Because the broader map development is usually well underway by the time I step in, I typically assemble and test my interchanges independently within a dedicated sandbox environment, which also allows me to test newly minted prefabs.

I always begin with a hand-crafted rough prototype, concentrating heavily on lane counts and intersection archetypes. From there, I iterate relentlessly—adjusting curve radii, optimizing road lengths, and adhering to strict engineering parameters such as bridge clearance heights, banking angles, and maximum gradient limits.

My goal is to mirror real-world counterparts as closely as possible while keeping the footprint compact and the driving physics smooth and intuitive.

Once a prototype meets my rigorous standards, it is exported directly into the main project file and positioned at its intended geographic coordinate, where only minor polishes are applied. At that stage, my core work on the interchange is complete.

You mentioned prefabs; what is the workflow behind generating brand-new prefab assets?

First, I evaluate whether a completely new asset is genuinely required, or if an existing prefab can be cleverly repurposed with minimal compromise.

If a bespoke asset is deemed necessary, the design phase begins. I construct a preliminary mockup using standard road segments, employing fundamental geometric principles—such as calculating circle radii and sector angles—to map out the layout.

It is vital to strike a balance: avoiding bloated asset sizes while ensuring both human players and AI traffic can navigate the space without friction. Once the footprint is finalized, I draft a comprehensive blueprint detailing exact road markings and AI navigation paths.

Armed with this documentation, I submit a formal specification request to our dedicated road asset department, complete with precise coordinates, blueprints, and narrative descriptions.

From there, I hand over the baton and await the finished asset. Upon its return, I either offer constructive feedback or grant final approval for integration into the master map.

Looking ahead, what aspect of the Soul of Anatolia map are you most eager to see fully realized?

Speaking with a hint of personal bias, I am simply thrilled at the prospect of seeing every single highway interchange and prefab fully polished. As we approach the final milestones of development, I will layer on the finishing touches, such as integrating intelligent traffic signal systems.

Following that, my time will be dedicated to micro-detailing—adding those subtle, authentic flourishes that bridge the gap between our virtual recreation and its real-world inspiration.

What has been your absolute favorite part of working on this DLC so far?

I am particularly proud to have introduced an entirely new style of interchange alongside a heavily modified legacy prefab. I have wanted to implement these specific designs ever since I joined the company, and seeing them finally brought to life—waiting for players to conquer them out on the open road—is immensely gratifying.

What elements do you believe our community will fall in love with, and what should no trucker miss?

Naturally, waiting patiently at endless traffic-light intersections!

All jokes aside, it will undoubtedly be the stunning vistas and iconic landmarks. Even at this relatively early stage of production, certain locations continuously amaze me with their staggering level of detail and picturesque beauty.

We hope you enjoyed this exclusive peek behind the curtain of road design for Soul of Anatolia. A sincere thank you goes out to Pavel for pulling back the curtain on his craft. If you are eager to embark on this upcoming journey, please show your support by adding the Soul of Anatolia DLC to your Steam wishlist!

To stay updated on all our latest developments, make sure to follow us across our social channels on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok, or subscribe to our official newsletter. Until next time, keep the rubber on the road and enjoy safe travels!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/4400930/Euro_Truck_Simulator_2__Soul_of_Anatolia/