The transition from Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) version 1.35 to 1.36 was one of the most significant technical updates in the game's history, primarily due to the switch in graphics technology. Update Overview: Core Technical Changes

2.2. Full Transition to DirectX 11

While DX11 support was introduced experimentally in 1.35, 1.36 marked its official maturity.

100% Must-Update Mods:

1. Map Mods (Promods, RusMap, etc.): Map mods are NOT compatible. Promods required a complete rebuild for 1.36 because the Road to the Black Sea DLC shifted the map origin point. You need Promods 2.45 or higher.
2. Graphics/Weather Mods (Reshade presets aside): Any mod that uses OpenGL shaders (like early versions of Realistic Brutal Weather) will crash. You need DX11-compatible shaders.
3. Truck Mods with Custom Gauges: If a truck mod used old DDS texture formats or DX9 dashboard reflections, the gauges will appear black.

was a major technical milestone, primarily focused on modernizing the game's engine SCS Software's blog Key Version Comparison: 1.35 vs. 1.36 Version 1.35 Version 1.36 (Update) DirectX Support Experimental DX11; DX9 Primary Full DX11 Support ; DX9 Removed Map Additions Sardinia (Italy DLC addition) (Vive la France! DLC addition) Gameplay Mechanics Standard Navigation Avoidance Navigation Pins UI / Management List-based driver management Drivers, Trucks, & Trailers visible on Map Major New Features in 1.36 DirectX 11 Transition

How to Safely Update from 1.35 to 1.36 (Step-by-Step)

Do not just click "Update" if you value your save file. Follow this protocol:

The 1.36 patch was the compatibility update for this major map expansion, which added Romania, Bulgaria, and the European part of Turkey to the game. Corsica (Vive la France! expansion):

Note on Mods: Because of the shift to DirectX 11 and changes to internal assets (like "movers" replacing "walkers"), many older mods from version 1.35 may be incompatible or cause crashes. 

Avoidance Navigation Pins: Players can now set specific "avoidance pins" on their GPS to bypass certain roads or areas during navigation.