American Truck Simulator News & Announcements
We’re excited to bring you another edition of our Community Stories series, where we highlight passionate members of our community and their unique journeys. Today, we’re featuring The Sim Simma, a talented content creator, live streamer and simulation enthusiast with a passion for immersive experiences and creative projects!


Born and raised in Romania, The Sim Simma’s early life was shaped by creativity and imagination. Despite growing up with limited access to entertainment and material possessions, his inventive spirit flourished. Painting and drawing became his window to the world, a way to transport himself to amazing places, imagining and creating what reality could not offer.


"My childhood wasn’t very different from that of any other child. I always did my best to have fun, to play, to invent, and to build things! Since we didn’t have a TV while I was growing up, I spent a lot of time painting and drawing. It was my way of imagining and transporting myself to different places. I loved cars and trucks as a kid, and sometimes just drawing them made me feel like I actually owned one."

Later in life, he moved to the United States, where his perspective expanded as he discovered video games. “Every time I played a video game, I felt like I was being transported somewhere else. It wasn’t necessarily the gameplay or objectives that captivated me, it was the feeling of being in a completely different place,” he shares. "I was never drawn to action or first-person shooter games. Instead, I was fascinated by simulations, anything that let me do things I couldn’t do in real life, like driving fast or flying a plane. For me, those were incredible opportunities to explore and imagine."






Art remained a central theme in The Sim Simma’s life, eventually leading him to a career in automotive design and a decade spent teaching industrial design. "This lifelong passion led me to pursue a career in automotive design. I also spent 10 years teaching industrial design at a university, where I helped students learn how to draw and bring cars and products to life from their imagination. For me, art was more than just expression, it was a tool for communicating ideas clearly and effectively."


"Like any hobby that truly draws you in, my focus has been on enhancing the realism of the simulation experience. Whether through software or hardware, everything I do is aimed at adding more real-life immersion to the simulation. It’s true that this kind of game can be equally enjoyed by a beginner with a basic setup or a dedicated enthusiast who has invested thousands of dollars. But if it’s something you're truly passionate about, it feels only natural to pursue the best and most immersive version of the experience."



From this passion, he also started DSS Sim Racing Innovations, a venture born from his desire to enhance his own immersion. “I build gear for my sim rig that enhances my experience. If I enjoy it, I build more of them to list on my website so others can enjoy it too. The fact that it grew into a successful business was never the goal, just a rewarding outcome of doing what I love.”



DSS Sim Racing Innovations creates custom displays and dashboards designed for simmers who demand the best. One of the projects The Sim Simma is most proud of is his Triple Screen Dash, a key piece in many sim rigs within the community. "While I’m not the inventor of the round digital display, I was the first to market with a solution that brought true immersion to a wider audience. Knowing that something I created brings joy and realism to so many users is incredibly rewarding."


"One of my popular products is the Shift Plate, which serves a dual purpose: it blocks off unused shift gates and clearly marks gear positions. This helps new drivers learn how to split gears more accurately. I offer Shift Plates tailored to replicate the most common trucking transmission patterns, making them ideal for serious sim truckers. Another successful product is the HornPad, a simple yet immersive add-on that mounts to any standard 70mm wheel rim. Many sim racers upgrade to real-world truck steering wheels for authenticity, but these often lack a proper center cap. The HornPad completes the look with a modern truck-style 'faux airbag' design, complete with stitching for realism."


For new users checking out The Sim Simma's content or live streams, one standout feature is his incredibly detailed simulation rig. "It all begins with a powerhouse PC, featuring an RTX 4090 GPU and the latest Intel CPU, built to experience every game exactly as intended. I switch between a MOZA and Fanatec direct drive system depending on the mood, full-on racing or a laid-back trucking session. The experience is elevated by a motion simulator from E-Motion Labs and a range of modern accessories to maximize immersion. When off-the-shelf solutions fall short, I create my own, from custom triple-screen gauge clusters to detailed shifter plates that match the exact pattern of the vehicle I’m driving. If it enhances realism, I build it."




The inspiration to create such an elaborate simulation rig came from the game itself, Simma tells us. "Modern sims offer incredible immersion, but no matter how realistic, they remain trapped behind the screen. That’s where the journey begins. By creating custom accessories, I bring that virtual world into my physical space, blurring the lines between digital and reality."



"Through my streams, I've met so many like-minded people, many of whom have become friends. When they return to the streams or videos, it reinforces that we’re all having fun together. The best part is when they end up joining us in convoys regularly. That’s where the real fun happens, and that’s where lasting memories are truly made."



One of the most memorable moments was when his dog, Uno, who usually appears in pre-recorded segments, unexpectedly joined an SCS Software live stream. It was a delightful surprise, reminding him that the community’s support and shared enjoyment make the experience special.

“I always remind my viewers that it’s not about likes or subscriptions, it’s about having fun together. That’s what makes it worth doing.” Through his streams, The Sim Simma has met amazing people, many of whom have become friends, joining convoys and sharing unforgettable experiences. He has also been inspired by others.


"There are a few familiar faces we all follow or aspire to match in terms of simulation quality, but Armstrong Gaming has been a staple in my YouTube journey for years. I suspect he may have influenced just how deep I’ve dived into this hobby. Another creator I truly appreciate is Silent Scotty, known for his amazing attitude and chill vibe. Watching guys like this feels like hanging out with friends, and that’s what makes the experience so special."




Looking ahead, The Sim Simma’s goal is simple, to keep enjoying the hobby, share his passion with others, and inspire fellow sim enthusiasts to dive deeper into the immersive world of simulation. He leaves us with these words of wisdom: "You hear this all the time, so it must be true: FOCUS ON HAVING FUN, JUST BE YOURSELF!"

We’re grateful to The Sim Simma for sharing his story with us and being an inspiration in our #BestCommunityEver. Be sure to check out his content on YouTube, and stay tuned for more Community Stories coming soon! Until next time, keep on truckin'.
As we continue to work on the upcoming Iowa DLC for American Truck Simulator, we’re excited to share more about a new and important industry that will be featured in this upcoming map expansion. Let's take a closer look, shall we?


Did you know that Iowa is the largest producer of ethanol in the United States, making around 4.5 billion gallons each year? That’s nearly a quarter of all the ethanol produced in the country! So, what is ethanol used for? A lot more than you might realize, including solvents, perfumes, toiletries, disinfectants, preservatives, and polishes. It’s also used in the manufacturing of plastics, rubber, and pharmaceuticals, and it is increasingly being used as a biofuel.



Ethanol is made from corn, and this industry uses about 40% of Iowa’s corn supply. That’s why trucking is so important here! Drivers bring corn to the plants and then deliver the finished product to many other industries across the states. Also with recent rule changes allowing ethanol-blended fuel to be sold all year in several states, the demand for ethanol, and truck transport keeps growing.

On your travels across Iowa, you’ll be able to deliver to three new large ethanol plants located near the cities of Burlington, Fort Dodge, and Mason City. Each one has been faithfully recreated with buildings, silos and equipment modelled after their real life counterparts. Each has its own layout and style, with tall tanks, pipes, and loading zones.



At the ethanol plant located in Mason City, you’ll find the world’s largest free-span grain bin, it’s huge! Measuring in at over 155 feet tall and 165 feet wide, it can hold a whopping 2 million bushels of corn. It’s so big that you could fit a whole Boeing 767 airplane inside! And recently, they built another one right next to it!

The creation of this new industry was no small feat, either! In fact, 12 new chemical-related assets, such as large tanks, silos, and more, were created just for these locations. That’s the largest number of unique assets made for a depot in this DLC!



This depot will also feature our dynamic unloading feature of bulk corn inside the large unloading shed. Speaking of cargo, the main category delivered here is ADR cargo, followed by large structural parts for the plant, and of course, bulk corn.



Additionally, we’ve taken our depot scenes technology to the next level with these ethanol plants. All the assets at the depot are inserted separately, allowing them to adjust their level of detail (LOD) independently. This greatly helps with optimization and performance and helps our map designers use these assets around the depot to create a more immersive and seamless connection between the plant and its surroundings.



We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about this new industry coming to the Iowa DLC! If you’re excited to hit the road in the Hawkeye State, be sure to add Iowa for American Truck Simulator to your Steam Wishlist. Your support truly means a lot to us. Until next time, keep on truckin'!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3025440/American_Truck_Simulator__Iowa/
Today, we have a special blog for you! We interviewed Lukáš, our DLC Asset Producer, who is currently working on the Louisiana map expansion for this American Truck Simulator state. Let's jump straight in!


"Louisiana is one of the most interesting projects I've been a part of. Its architecture stands out for its rich blend of cultural influences, vibrant history, and distinctive styles. From the elegant French Quarter in New Orleans to the charming Creole cottages and plantation homes along the Mississippi River, the state showcases a fascinating mix of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean elements. One of the most notable architectural features of Louisiana is its impressive bridges. Louisiana is also home to several unique technical landmarks related to water management, including the flood barriers around New Orleans," Lukáš told us about the Pelican State.





Truckers driving through Louisiana will find that the classical and modern architecture in this southern state blend perfectly together, creating its unique atmosphere. "New Orleans and Baton Rouge have also embraced modern architectural styles, including striking skyscrapers and contemporary buildings that define their urban landscapes. Louisiana, therefore, is not just home to historical architectural gems but also a space for innovative modern constructions that address the challenges posed by its natural environment. And this is exactly the feel we would like to bring to our players. Finding the right balance between an optimized asset and a visually appealing one is never easy, and it has been especially challenging in the case of large bridges within cities featuring prominent skylines and complex surroundings," he says.




Lukáš has been working in SCS Software for six years now, and he explains why he likes it here: "I have been playing video games since my childhood, so when I needed a change in my life, SCS seemed to be a perfect place to go. Now I can say that was the best decision. I've not only been given the opportunity to work on interesting projects, but I've also met cool people. Although the company has grown a lot since I joined, I can still feel that SCS preserves its unique atmosphere, and I probably won't find another place like this. This atmosphere allows great freedom in personal time management, which helps me reduce stress. This autonomy allows for better focus, more effective work, and a healthier balance between professional and personal life."




Since his first days in our company, he has worked on multiple projects, as he shares here: "I started with larger industrial areas for the Iberia DLC. Later, I was asked to take care of our externally produced procedural rocks and the rework of our huge deposit of ground textures. I've contributed to many projects, including map reworks, Colorado, Iberia, Montana, Nebraska, the West Balkans, Wyoming, and Texas, and I have always had a drive to improve things and move things forward. Nebraska was the first DLC for which my role changed, and instead of rocks and ground textures, I've been asked to manage the production of landmark assets while overseeing deadlines for other types of assets like generics and depots. Currently, I'm responsible for assets for four simultaneously running projects - Iowa, Louisiana, and two other, not yet announced projects."




And what are his tasks now? "My main responsibility is the on-time delivery of all assets. During the initial project phase, this includes asset list finalization and processing of new tasks, which means that I have to approve every single task for production, and subsequently, to distribute tasks internally and externally. During the production phase, I'm constantly in contact with all the teams involved in the DLC production, solving any issues that may arise, coordinating technical solutions if needed, and identifying any possible risks that could endanger deadlines. During the later stages of every project, I have to check every single asset from both the asset and map perspectives, and provide feedback on anything that doesn't meet our standard or has not been fixed during the production phase," Lukáš says, and continues:


"Due to the fact that every project needs hundreds of new assets and the vast majority of our assets are being produced externally, I have to closely cooperate with our outsourcing department led by Václav P. and his growing team, currently composed of Andrej, Inga, Kevin, Marek, Radek, Tomáš, and Veronika. They do an astounding job controlling and giving feedback to all the externally produced assets from landmarks and generics to vehicles and depots. Without them, it wouldn't be possible for us to run so many projects simultaneously," he says about our outsourcing department.




Creating assets can be a challenge as we are not only trying to recreate real places, but we are also limited by the map scale, which allows us to choose only a limited number of places and a limited number of landmark assets. "Our responsibility is to choose assets that will make every place recognizable by players who are familiar with the area and visually interesting for every player. Before a final asset list is approved for every DLC, in cooperation with our map and research teams, we have to spend hundreds of hours researching the whole area and considering what will be possible within our limitations. This is not easy, as we do our best to recreate the feel of every region and make it as interesting for our players as possible," Lukáš has told us.




It makes sense that he also collaborates with Davido, our map DLC lead for Louisiana, as they have to coordinate assets and map production. "Not only due to the necessity to meet deadlines, but also in order to support our marketing team. Marketing presentations are one of the most important parts of every DLC production, as they allow us to show all the love and care we put into the projects, and it's one of the keys to success. Davido is a true professional, and I always look forward to collaborating with him and his great team on new projects," Lukáš says. You can read about Davido and his team in a separate blog post.




As we near the end of today's blog, Lukáš has a short message for our #BestCommunityEver. "We truly enjoy working on the project, giving it our maximum effort and passion. We believe that with the same energy and dedication we put in, players will enjoy it just as much as we do."

And that's it for today! Remember to add the Louisiana DLC to your Steam Wishlist and don't forget to give our X/Twitter, Instagram, FacebookBluesky, and TikTok a follow as you'll receive updates about our games straight to your feed! We look forward to sharing more with you down the road.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3012580/American_Truck_Simulator__Louisiana/
The first preview from the upcoming Illinois map expansion for American Truck Simulator has just arrived! Today, we would like to show you some truck stops that our map designers have been working on, so let's take a look.


Truck stops are an essential part of the trucking industry, serving as more than just places to refuel. They offer long-haul drivers a convenient place to take a break and fulfill the mandatory rest period required after eight hours on the road.


These first three truck stops are all located in close proximity to the city of Bloomington, right in the center of the Prairie State. Each one is inspired by their real-world counterpart and our map team is making sure to recreate them with as much detail as possible.

One of these is located by the I-55 with a big gas station, parking for both trucks and personal vehicles and even a small dog park! The other one can be found along US-150 and while it is not as big, it offers everything you may need on the road including a supermarket and a restaurant. If you travel northwest from Bloomington, you can discover the third one near the city of Peoria with a large truck parking area.




Moving to the northern part of Illinois, you may come across another truck stop near the city of Rockford on I-39 - you will surely find a place to rest there as there is a huge amount of parking spaces for trucks.



We wouldn't want to leave out the south of the Prairie State either, so if you are traveling on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, make sure to stop by a truck stop near Rend Lake, as you will surely like to spend some time there to soak in the Illinois surroundings. When you travel further north on this road, you will find another nice stop near the city of Effingham.




We hope you will enjoy your stay at these accommodations in the Prairie State! Just remember this DLC is still in its early stages of development so everything you see here may be changed before the release. 

If you are looking forward to trucking there, make sure to add this map expansion to your Steam wishlist! Don't forget to stay connected with us for all the updates by following our Twitter, Facebook, InstagramBluesky, and YouTube. We'd also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter to stay informed, even when you're not able to check out the blog or our socials. We will see you on the road!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3486960/American_Truck_Simulator__Illinois/
Two weeks ago, we announced that we have assembled a special team that is now working on the Road Trip project for American Truck Simulator. Now, we would like to ask our community for some help to bring this project to life.


How can you help? If you have access to any of the vehicles listed below and would be willing to let us record sounds with them, we would truly appreciate your support!

We understand that these cars are cherished by their owners, and they may feel hesitant about letting someone else handle them. But don't worry, as we treat every vehicle with care and respect. All we do is attach a few small microphones, take the car for a short drive, and record sounds like the engine at different RPMs, the gearbox, the exhaust, etc.

We'll only use one microphone near the exhaust, which will be attached with duct tape that won't damage the paint. The other mics will go inside the engine bay and the cabin. Also, to record these sounds as close as possible to how the car left the factory, we need them the cars to be unmodified.

Ford

  • 1967 Mustang with 390 Thunderbird Special V8
  • 2023 F-150 with 5.0 V8
  • 2023 F-150 Raptor with 3.5 V6
  • 2023 Bronco with 2.7 V6
  • 1998-2012 Crown Victoria with 4.6 V8

Dodge

  • 1970 Charger with 426 Hemi V8
  • 1996-2002 Viper with 8.0 V10
  • 2023 Challenger with 6.2 V8
  • 2025 Ram 1500 with 3.0 I6

Toyota

  • 1984-1987 Corolla GT-S with 1.6 I4
  • 1993-2002 Supra with 3.0 I6
  • 2024 4Runner
  • 2024 Sequoia
  • 2024 Tacoma
  • 2024 Tundra

Nissan

  • 1970 Datsun 240Z with 2.4 I6
  • 1998 240SX with 2.4 I4
  • Nissan GT-R
  • 2024 Frontier

If you have access to any of the vehicles and would be willing to help us out, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We're happy to discuss possible compensation.

Also, make sure to follow us on our Twitter, Facebook, InstagramBluesky, and YouTube so you don't miss out on any upcoming information, or you can sign up for our newsletter. Until then, keep on truckin'!
We're back on the road in Iowa to share with you more of the Road Network you can see whilst trucking through this upcoming DLC for American Truck Simulator. If you haven't read Part 1 of this blog, you can take a read of the blogpost here. Without further ado, let's see what lies ahead!


As many of you are likely familiar with them, weigh stations are a common sight across the U.S., and Iowa is no exception! These checkpoints ensure that a cargo meets legal weight limits, helping to prevent road damage and verifying that truckers have the correct paperwork. You’ll come across weigh stations both large and small in Iowa, so be sure to pull in when required.


Another important stop truckers should make regularly are rest stops, which are plentiful throughout Iowa. These facilities offer amenities and outdoor areas for drivers, ensuring safe and comfortable breaks during long journeys.


Intersections come in all shapes and sizes, and Iowa features some pretty unique ones! A great example is the iconic gateway into Iowa and the City of Council Bluffs. Named Paley’s Odyssey, it features four individual sculptures, towering up to 61 feet high which are constructed from bronze, Cor-Ten steel, and stainless steel. It’s definitely a landmark that drivers can’t miss.



Construction sites are a testament to Iowa’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure, industry, and housing development. You’ll find plenty of job contracts offering the chance to deliver much-needed equipment and materials. While travelling through the Hawkeye State, you’ll also spot various construction sites and road works along the way.


Bridges in Iowa are not just functional, they’re icons! One that many Iowa residents may be familiar with is the standout blue Mormon Bridge, which spans the Missouri River. Another notable structure is the Arsenal Bridge, a unique double-deck bridge that carries two railroad lines on the upper level and vehicular/pedestrian traffic below. It also crosses one of the largest rivers in the U.S., the Mississippi!





We hope you enjoyed hittin' the road with us and checking out some of the landmarks, interstates, junctions, rest stops, and more you'll come across in Iowa. Be sure to keep up to date with the latest development news by following us on our socials or subscribing to our Newsletter! Until then, if you like what you see, add the Iowa DLC to your Steam Wishlist. Until next time, keep on truckin'!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3025440/American_Truck_Simulator__Iowa/
We are excited to announce a very special addition to American Truck Simulator, The Kenworth W900 Legacy Edition! This limited-edition truck pays tribute to the long-standing heritage of the W900, a true icon that has been a staple of the North American highway since its debut in 1963.


With over 280,000 units produced since its release, the W900 has left a significant mark on the industry. The Legacy Edition celebrates that rich history, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to recreate this special edition of the W900 for American Truck Simulator for all players to experience and enjoy.

Inside the cab, you’ll find a luxurious Black Diamond VIT interior, featuring platinum accents and vintage tuck-and-roll upholstery on the sleeper’s back wall. Ravenwood trim on the dash and doors is paired with legacy Kenworth logos and elegant platinum stitching.



We’ve also recreated the new vintage-style interior options for the Day Cab, 72" Flat Roof Sleeper, and 86" Studio Sleeper configurations. These include legacy seats, period-correct trim, and a legacy badged steering wheel with platinum accent stitching.


On the exterior, the W900 Legacy Edition features several design elements inspired by the original 1963 model, including classic Kenworth hood badges and special paint schemes that reflect the truck’s origins. In addition, we’ve introduced a range of new customization options.


These include a heritage-style bumper, a new hood with painted extensions, legacy-style exhausts, rear mudflaps featuring the original Kenworth logo, and modern air filters available in both painted and chrome variants. Players can also equip mirrors with integrated blinkers, new horn options, and cabflares.



Through the years, the Kenworth W900 has made its mark with a variety of special edition trucks, each of which featured its own unique paint job. We're excited to share that we have faithfully recreated each of these for you to use on the W900 in American Truck Simulator, including:

  • Midnight Sun
  • Gold Nugget
  • Liberty VIT 200
  • Shasta
  • Yukon
  • Icon
  • Yosemite
  • Comet
  • VIT Edition
  • VIT Edition Metallic
  • Oh Canada!

Each one is designed to highlight the unique spirit of this legendary truck. We hope you enjoy customising your rig with these iconic paint jobs!





As part of this update, we’re adding a new cabin variant for the Kenworth W900, the 72" Flat Roof Sleeper, as well as featuring the classic split windshield. These new additions are compatible with all existing paint job DLCs and the W900 Tuning Pack, ensuring players have full freedom to customise their truck.




We’d like to thank our good friends at Kenworth Trucks for allowing us to bring this special, limited edition to the virtual roads of American Truck Simulator. We know how much our players enjoy trucking with the W900, and we’re proud to be part of this farewell to an icon of the American highway.

Be sure to share your screenshots, videos, and more with us and Kenworth Trucks on social media using the hashtag #W900Legacy, we’d love to see and share them! We hope you enjoy hitting the road in American Truck Simulator with the Kenworth W900 Legacy Edition. Until next time, keep on truckin’.
Happy Easter to everyone celebrating! This holiday is widely celebrated around the world and is often connected to an Easter egg hunt. Since we wanted to celebrate with you, we prepared a little egg hunt for you as well!


In a traditional Easter egg hunt, which is a popular celebration during Easter, people typically hide eggs for others to find. When it comes to games, Easter eggs can encompass a wide range of elements, from hidden jokes and references to movies, celebrities, memes, and other clever surprises. These are usually hidden so not everyone discovers them too easily and feels rewarded if they stumble upon one of them. Our game is not any different - our map designers also add Easter eggs to our maps both in ETS2 and ATS with various references.

As a small gift to you this Easter, we wanted to spread a little joy by sharing some of the Easter eggs hidden in our games. When you take a look at the photos, you may be able to find a few hints that will help you to find them and, hopefully, inspire you to uncover even more, as there are plenty waiting to be discovered!

Across both ATS and ETS2 maps, our map designers have incorporated a lot of easter eggs with popular movie or TV show references such as this nod to filmmaker David Lynch, or another one depicting a legendary scene from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.



If you are cruising in ATS, make sure to keep an eye out on clotheslines as there are some small easter eggs hidden there - on the screenshots below, you can see one referencing Superman, and the other the famous NBA player Scottie Pippen.



And then we have plenty of other ones referencing art, literature, other video games, or history - like this old road on Route 66. Some are also purely for fun like this recreation of a famous supercar, or a group selfie from our research trip.




We hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek at hidden easter eggs in our games. Make sure to find not only the ones we showed you, but also the rest of them, and share your photos or videos with us on our Twitter, Facebook, InstagramBluesky, and YouTube. We'd also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter to stay informed, even when you're not able to check out the blog or our socials. We'll see you on the egg hunt!
We are back with another SCS On The Road episode with the second episode of Mark's Trucking Trip! Our Vehicle Production Coordinator returns to his trucking roots in Canada and takes you behind the wheel to experience what it takes to be a real trucker hauling from Canada to the USA.


Mark decided to take a short vacation to visit his home country, where he went trucking and recorded two episodes of SCS On The Road. You can watch the first one where he drives from Whitby, Ontario, to Fort Worth, Texas, here. In today's episode, his journey takes him to Omaha, Nebraska, with a stop at the famous Iowa 80, the world's largest truck stop, using the beautiful Peterbilt 389. So without further ado, let's watch Mark as he experiences all the ups and downs of a trucker's life!


We would like to thank Mark who put in the work to record this episode for our #BestCommunityEver! We hope you enjoyed seeing what it takes to be a trucker. If you did, make sure to stay tuned for more SCS On The Road episodes by following us on our Twitter, FacebookInstagram, Bluesky, and, most importantly, YouTube. We'd also really appreciate if you could sign up for our newsletter to stay informed, even when you're not able to check out the blog or our socials. Keep on truckin'!
We're back with Part 2 of our showcase on the settlements you'll be able to travel through on your upcoming journey in Iowa for American Truck Simulator. If you missed the first part of this blog, we highly recommend giving it a read here.


As we mentioned previously, more than 15 settlements have been created for the Iowa DLC. Each one features its own landmarks, unique charm, and opportunities for drivers to refuel or take a much-needed break. Our talented map, art, and asset teams have carefully recreated each location to capture the essence of its real-life counterpart. Let's take a closer look at the rest of them, shall we?

Our first stop is Atlantic, a historic town in southwestern Iowa. Often referred to as the "Cola Capital of Iowa," Atlantic boasts a well-preserved downtown with charming architecture. Whether you're passing through or stopping for a break, this town offers a glimpse into Iowa’s rich commercial heritage.


Next up is Clear Lake, a charming town known for its scenic waterfront along, you guessed it, Clear Lake! A popular destination for boating and fishing, it’s a peaceful place to pause before getting back on the highway, offering a refreshing break from the road.


In Wapello County, you'll come across the settlement of Eddyville, a small but welcoming town. Here, the streets are lined with beautiful 19th-century homes and buildings. There are plenty of green spaces and recreation areas, as well as a nearby lake, where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery. We’re sure drivers will appreciate the peaceful surroundings.

New Sharon, Iowa, is often described as a 'small and colourful town' known for its tight-knit community and peaceful atmosphere. Residents and visitors alike enjoy its charming main street and nearby natural spaces, including the North Skunk River, a tributary of the Mississippi.


Conveniently located off I-35, you'll find the settlement of Osceola, named after a famous Seminole Native American Chief who fought to preserve his people's land and rights. Truckers passing through will be able to spot a traditional wooden totem statue of Chief Osceola as they travel through the area.


The settlement of Oskaloosa also holds a historical significance. The town was named after a Creek princess, Ouscaloosa, whose name means "last of the beautiful." She later married Osceola, the Native American Chief mentioned above. Much like Osceola, Oskaloosa honors its heritage with a statue that stands as a silent sentinel, adding a touch of history to your journey. Here you'll also find some other notable landmarks including the City hall, the town square, and art murals which are found across town.


Traveling west, you'll come across the settlement of Spencer, known for hosting the Clay County Fair, one of the largest county fairs in the state, which draws visitors from across the region. Here, you'll find numerous artistic statues and other art pieces scattered throughout the area, along with old-fashioned streetlamps adorned with flowers and flags along the main road that runs through the center of town.





Last but not least, located in eastern Iowa along U.S. Route 61, you'll find the small settlement of Welton, population 121. While not much happens here, it’s home for a few, and its tiny-town charm and welcoming community make it a pleasant stop for travellers passing through.


We hope you've enjoyed learning more about the settlements that will be featured in our upcoming Iowa DLC for American Truck Simulator. Our teams have worked hard to bring as much detail into these areas as possible, making your journey as immersive as possible. We hope you enjoy the effort that went into crafting them!

Can't wait to explore Iowa? Be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist! You can also stay up to date with the latest development news on X/Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, or by subscribing to our newsletter. Until next time, keep on truckin'!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3025440/American_Truck_Simulator__Iowa/
We know many of you were curious about our recent teaser titled "Hear us out." Today, we're excited to finally reveal what it's all about! Our teams are in the early stages of developing the Road Trip concept for American Truck Simulator.


In the past, we've shared our ambition to expand the ways players can engage with the game world—not just through driving Class 8 trucks and hauling cargo, but by exploring that same world through different types of vehicles and experiences. Road Trip represents a step in that direction. Once introduced, it should allow players to enjoy the vast landscapes of ATS not only from the cab of an 18-wheeler but also from behind the wheel of, say, a powerful pickup or even a sports car. We hope this new perspective will appeal not only to long-time players but also to those who may be discovering the world of ATS for the first time.















While we're not ready to share every detail just yet—some are still being shaped internally—we're excited about where this is headed. Development is still in the early stages, but the possibilities are opening up in exciting ways.



















Our vision for Road Trip goes well beyond simply introducing new types of vehicles. We're also exploring fresh gameplay opportunities—ways to give players a reason to drive them. That might mean taking on new kinds of tasks and jobs, or simply enjoying the open road, discovering landmarks, and soaking in the scenery.




















If you'd like a deeper dive into Road Trip, be sure to check out our vidcast featuring Pavel, Nemiro, Mark, and Anton as they talk through the concept and our aspirations for it.


And if trucking is your passion, rest assured—this new direction won't slow down our development of core trucking content. We've assembled a dedicated team to focus solely on Road Trip, which means our ongoing roadmap for new map expansions, trucks, trailers, and other updates remains unchanged.





We're excited to be testing new waters with Road Trip, and we're eager to hear your thoughts. If you have ideas or suggestions, please share them with us. And as always, we ask for your patience and support—this is a big experiment for us, and much will evolve over time.

We hope this blog completed with the work-in-progress screenshots from the work of our colleagues got a little excited. If it did, make sure to follow us on our Twitter, Facebook, InstagramBluesky, and YouTube so you don't miss out on any upcoming information. We'd also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter to stay informed, even when you're not able to check out the blog or our socials. Until then, keep on truckin'!
Today, we're excited to release a new episode in our SCS On The Road series, and this time, we're on home turf! Join us in both Mohelnice in Czechia and Bočovce in Slovakia as we are given the special opportunity to shine a light on the work of the international automotive supplier FORVIA HELLA, one of the world's biggest producers of headlamps and other light-related products and technology.


The team at FORVIA HELLA invited us to have a tour of their facilities and to learn about the process of designing headlamps for various vehicles, including trucks. This was such an interesting insight for us that we knew we had to create an SCS On The Road episode for our community to enjoy and learn about. We thank the team at FORVIA HELLA for their kind hospitality and for giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the process of designing light technology products for their clients.


We had the opportunity to speak with multiple members of their team, a few of which are players from our #BestCommunityEver, and we can say with complete confidence that we can never look at a headlamp the same way again, since learning about the amount of technology and work that goes into each product.

Don't leave us in the dark! Let us know if you enjoyed this in-depth episode. If you did like the video, then please consider subscribing, liking, or leaving a reply, as it really helps support our channel. We will see you soon for the next episode, until then, keep on truckin'!
Looking forward to trucking in Louisiana? When driving to this upcoming map expansion for American Truck Simulator, the first thing you'll encounter when crossing in or out of the Pelican State might be its welcome centers - ready to provide visitors with all the essential information. As you explore, you'll also come across convenient rest areas and weigh stations along the way. Let's take a look at what's waiting for you!


Welcome Centers
If you are driving to or from Texas, you can reach two welcome centers on Interstate 10. The Orange Travel Information Center is on the Texas side of the border and features picnic tables, separate truck and passenger parking, restrooms, and other accommodations travelers may need.


The other one is just a few miles away across the Sabine River in Louisiana. Truckers who stop by will find similar accommodations there, so they can have a well-deserved rest and admire the beautiful surroundings.


When you are hauling cargo further north on Interstate 20 from Louisiana to Texas, you can enjoy a stay at the Travel Information Center at Waskom. With a group picnic facility, plenty of room for parking, and even a movie theater, you will surely recharge and be ready to take on the road again!



Rest Areas
If you are already in the Pelican State, both Interstate 10 and 20 have big rest areas you can stop by for your required 30-minute break. Make sure to visit the one on the Atchafalaya River between Baton Rouge and Lafayette with its beautiful swamp surroundings. In the northern part of the state, you will also find the Tremont rest area.





Weigh Stations
As you know, you may be legally required to pull into a weigh station which ensures heavy vehicles comply with state weight regulations for both road safety and to prevent damage to infrastructure. One of those is located on Interstate 12 not far east from Baton Rouge - make sure to stop there if you are required to or you may be looking at a big fine!


And that's it for today! Remember to add the Louisiana DLC to your Steam Wishlist and don't forget to give our X/Twitter, Instagram, FacebookBluesky, and TikTok a follow as you'll receive updates about our games straight to your feed! We look forward to sharing more with you down the road.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3012580/American_Truck_Simulator__Louisiana/
We don't need to show you more of the Show-Me State - now you can explore it yourself because it officially releases today! Power up your engines and get ready to explore everything that Missouri has to offer.

The Missouri DLC is now available!

It has been over a year since we announced that our teams are working on the Missouri map expansion and we are so excited to be able to finally bring it to our #BestCommunityEver. There is plenty of new content waiting for you. And along with the map expansion, we are also updating the Heavy Cargo Pack and Special Transport DLCs so read until the end to find out more!


Make the most of your visit to the wonderful Show Me State and enjoy every moment as you discover:

  • 12 meticulously recreated cities including St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Joseph, and Jefferson City.
  • See beautiful landmarks scattered across Missouri such as the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, the City Hall in Cape Girardeau and many more!
  • Deliver new cargo and discover fresh industries such as a superstructure factory, feedmill and a historic beverage factory.
  • Enjoy trucking through 9 scenic towns (settlements).
  • Drive across the impressively large Bagnell Dam.
  • Visit Springfield, the birthplace of Route 66.
  • Transport goods to four unique underground warehouses.
  • Stop by the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks and explore the vast Ozark Mountains.
  • Uncover the hidden treasures of Missouri's countryside, forests, viewpoints, road network and more.








Cruise through huge buzzing cities or quiet little towns. Explore the state's diverse landscapes, from the rolling Ozarks to vast farmlands. New depots & cargoes, iconic landmarks, beautiful nature, and stunning underground warehouses bring the state's rich character to life and add realism to your trucking adventures. Whether you're navigating urban streets in St. Louis or cruising through serene countryside, Missouri offers a diverse and exciting trucking experience.









Special Transport DLC Update
With the release of Missouri, we're updating the Special Transport DLC as we do with every new map expansion! This update brings three new routes for oversized cargo deliveries across the Show Me State. If you own this popular DLC, you'll be able to transport heavy hauls along these routes: Kansas City to Rolla, Cape Girardeau to Springfield, and St. Louis to Kirksville.


But that's not all as we are also adding a brand new cargo for this DLC - a huge underground electric loader which is used in the underground mining industry where it can operate quickly in tough conditions. If you think you've got what it takes to take on the challenge of transporting these cargoes, make sure to get the Special Transport DLC on Steam now!

Heavy Cargo DLC Update
Our Heavy Cargo Pack is getting an upgrade as well with three new cargoes - a Mobile Screener, a Mobile Crusher, and a Mobile Stacker which are all used in material processing mainly in mining.





Enjoy this upcoming map expansion to the fullest and amplify your trucking experience with new loads from the Heavy Cargo Pack DLC which you can get on Steam.

Missouri Mighty Haul Bundle
If you plan to get the Missouri DLC and enjoy hauling heavy and oversized cargo, be sure to check out our new Missouri Mighty Haul Bundle which we will release along with the map expansion. It includes not only the Missouri DLC but also the Heavy Cargo Pack and Special Transport DLCs. But that's not all! This bundle also comes with the Classic Stripes Paint Jobs Pack, allowing you to decorate your truck with stunning paint jobs.

Plus, the bundle operates on a "Complete the Set" basis, meaning you'll only pay for the DLCs that you don't already own. Get it now on Steam!


Release Live Stream
Don't forget about our special Release Live Stream which is going to start today at 4 pm CEST. We will introduce some special guests, including Pavel, who will tell you more about this new map expansion while we haul cargo in Missouri. Towards the end of the live stream, we will officially release the Missouri DLC together, so make sure to be there!


Cruising Missouri Event
Right with the release of this map expansion, we are also introducing the #CruisingMissouri World of Trucks Event in which you can participate! We challenge our #BestCommunityEver to achieve a collective goal of driving 125,000,000 miles while delivering cargo to or from any city in Missouri. The personal goal is to deliver cargo to or from all 12 cities in the Show Me State, with each job being 100 miles or more. You can read more about the event here.

Unique rewards await those who accomplish this feat! Truckers who complete their personal goal will be awarded the Beast of Burden ATS truck paint job.


When the community goal is met, and if the player has also achieved their personal goal, then they will receive the Striking Mule ornament and Show-Me Pillow for their cabin.



But that's not all as we also have a very special reward for truckers who complete any job using External Contracts or External Market, to or from the city of Columbia - this cute Tom Hopper cabin plushie to accompany you on your travels.


We cannot wait for you to start trucking in the Show Me State. Make sure to get the Missouri DLC on Steam right now! Remember to follow us on our Twitter, Facebook, InstagramBluesky, and YouTube for all the latest news, and share your experiences from this map expansion by tagging us there or using #CruisingMissouri. We'd also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter to stay informed, even when you're not able to check out the blog or our socials. Happy travels through the Show Me State!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2730870/American_Truck_Simulator__Missouri/
Join us on Thursday, the 3rd of April, as we celebrate the release of our new Missouri DLC, by taking part in our World of Trucks event – Cruising Missouri! Set out on a journey through the Show-Me State, experiencing its varied and beautiful landscapes while you're on the job.



We challenge our #BestCommunityEver to achieve a collective goal of driving 125,000,000 miles (201,168,000 km) while delivering cargo to or from any city in Missouri.

While #CruisingMissouri you'll experience landscapes from rolling hills and meandering rivers to dense forests and expansive plains. The state parks and Ozark Mountains offer breathtaking views, and are home to a diverse range of wildlife including deer, foxes, raccoons, salamanders, and the iconic American black bear. The skies are home to a variety of birds, including the American Bald Eagle, making their migratory stops.

Missouri has transformed from its agricultural beginnings into a bustling industrial center, drawing major businesses with its strategic location and robust logistics infrastructure. The state's economy thrives on diverse industries, from a booming aerospace sector and automotive factories to renowned wine regions and more. Truckers are vital in sustaining Missouri's economic vibrancy.

During your travels, you can look forward to spectacular highlights of the Show-Me State such as:

  • St. Louis, with its iconic Gateway Arch and vibrant cultural scene
  • Lake of the Ozarks, offering picturesque scenery and recreational activities
  • Kansas City, celebrated for its jazz heritage and world-famous barbecue
  • Mark Twain National Forest, providing lush greenery and scenic drives


As with past cruising events, you can use your own trailer and experience all these in the external market!

The Missouri DLC introduces 12 incredible new cities for you to explore. Complete your personal goal by delivering jobs to or from all 12 cities, with each job being 100 miles (161 km) or more. Unique rewards await those who accomplish this feat!

Prepare for the newest addition to the American Truck Simulator and support Missouri's thriving economy while enjoying the stunning views of its varied landscapes and ecological treasures.


Rules

Using External Contracts or External Market, with a World of Trucks-connected profile in American Truck Simulator, the community goal is to drive 125,000,000 miles (201,168,000 km) while delivering cargoes to or from any city in Missouri.

When a player completes a delivery to or from 12 different Missouri cities, they will achieve their personal goal. Note that the in-game city of Kansas City spans both the Missouri and Kansas DLCs. Only jobs to or from the Missouri portion of the city, shown as 'Kansas City (MO)' on the External Contracts job screen, count towards this event.

All jobs for the event need to be at least 100 miles each (161 km), or more.

You can check if your recent deliveries met these conditions using your Log Book in your World of Trucks profile.

Rewards

  • Personal: Players that deliver cargo to or from 12 Missouri cities will gain a personal World of Trucks Achievement and a Beast of Burden ATS truck paint job Steam inventory item.



  • Community: When the community goal of driving 125,000,000 miles (201,168,000 km) during deliveries to or from any city in Missouri is met, and if the player has also achieved their personal goal, then they will receive a Striking Mule ornament and Show-Me Pillow Steam inventory items.



Note: In order to qualify for any community reward, you must complete at least your personal goal in American Truck Simulator. Each reward will be a Steam inventory item for American Truck Simulator. Once completed, claim your reward in the Events page on your World of Trucks profile.|

The event will be concluded on Sunday, the 8th of June at 23:59 UTC.

We look forward to hearing from you about your travels and we're convinced you'll love cruising the beautiful Show-Me state! So, please share your screenshots and videos with us using the hashtag #CruisingMissouri on our Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram profiles and we will share our favourite ones (we may even feature some of them in a future blog post!).

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2730870/American_Truck_Simulator__Missouri/
A few weeks ago, we announced another state that is currently in development for American Truck Simulator - Illinois. Now, before we have enough material to share glimpses of this upcoming map expansion, we would like you to meet the team working on it!


They all have a short message for our #BestCommunityEver and cannot wait to start bringing you updates from the Prairie State.

Dubak


"I've been with the company for over seven years and in that time I've worked on some amazing DLCs like Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Texas, Kansas and, now as a Team Leader, on Missouri, which I took over from Patrik. After the sensational Missouri, we're diving into Illinois with the team, which everyone is really looking forward to. Players can look forward to beautiful landscapes, stunning cities, precise depots, and most importantly Chicago! I hope all our players will be impressed and relocate their HQ to Chicago!"

El


"I've been working for SCS as a map designer for almost 5 and a half years. In that time I have worked on DLCs like Idaho, a bit of Wyoming, Texas, Kansas, Missouri and now Illinois. Outside of creating the map, one of my main responsibilities is selecting generic models that would be the best for our DLC, which are later created by our amazing 3D graphics team. I really enjoy seeing the different types of architecture and other unique things. In Illinois, I'm working on one of the bigger cities, which really caught my eye during our business trip to the USA. The city is fascinating, both for its visuals and industry, and I can't wait for you to see it."

Ilona


"I have been working at SCS for about six and a half years, during which I have contributed to several map DLCs, including Utah, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, and Missouri. In Missouri, I was involved not only in map creation but also in designing viewpoints and cutscenes, and I hope players will enjoy them! Currently, I am working on a city in Illinois, which I had the opportunity to visit during a business trip to the USA. This experience provided me with great inspiration for its development. This will be my last project for now, as I will soon be going on maternity leave. I will be eagerly awaiting the release of the DLC and cheering for my team from afar through the screen!"

Jakub


"I've been in SCS for almost 2,5 years now, and Illinois is the third project I've been a part of. While I fondly look back on Missouri, it's time to move on and get Illinois right. With each project, I learn more and more and I hope that my progress will be seen through the screen by our players. All the work done under the hood looks very promising and I can't wait to see the DLC in its finished state."

Jan


"I began working in SCS a little under a year ago and since then I have done some work on the Missouri DLC, where I was tasked with creating a part of US-136 and some additional work on Springfield in later development stages. I enjoy pretty much everything about this job, but I like the technical aspect of it the most. That includes cities, settlements, industrial zones or truckstops. Illinois is the first big project that I have been part of from the start. My main task will be creating the southernmost part of Illinois. It's a more forested and hillier part of the state with many water bodies as well and I am really looking forward to creating these parts. I hope you'll be excited to haul in this DLC, just as much as I am to be part of it!"

Jirka


"I have been working as a map designer for a year and a half and Illinois is the second project that I'm contributing to. My first project was the Missouri DLC, where I enjoyed building cities the most. Every project is a new challenge for me, and I always look forward to the new skills I will gain while working on it. At first glance, Illinois may seem like a state full of fields, but if you take a closer look, you'll find that it also has plenty of beautiful places, which I look forward to our players discovering. I'm currently working on a charming city in the east of the state and I'll continue with a new road up north."

Lukáš


"I have been working at SCS for over five years and have gradually worked on several projects, gaining valuable experience along the way. Besides the usual map work, I also design custom depots, which I really enjoy. I love bringing players challenges and unique locations. After working in Missouri, I have moved further east, where a great challenge awaits me, and I am really looking forward to it—just as much as the moment when we can all explore this part of the map."

Majk


"Illinois is my first project as a map designer at SCS, and I’ve been working on it for four months now. My main focus is one of the cities in Illinois. It’s a challenging task, but since I enjoy the technical aspects of the work, it has been a rewarding experience. I really hope that I will capture the distinctive character of my town for our players and create a city that feels both authentic and enjoyable to explore in the game."

Martin


"I have started working on the California Rework project and then continued with Texas, Kansas, and Missouri. Now, my fifth project is Illinois. In our team, I am responsible for the map as well as all vegetation related to the new states such as trees, shrubs, flowers, weeds, grasses and so on. In Illinois, I have been working on a city, and in this location, I will also be in charge of 3 settlements and the surrounding adjacent road network and maybe also a hidden road. Who will find it?"

Ranx


"Following Missouri, Illinois is the second state I will be working on. In the last project, I created mostly natural scenery, country roads and a few highways. This time, I am looking forward to the more urban challenge of building one of the cities and its surroundings, as well as the depiction of the northern part of the state amidst beautiful green uplands. Hopefully, our team can deliver another great DLC so that every player can experience a piece of Illinois."

Macík

"Yo! My name is Martin, but I usually go by my nickname, MTX or Macík. I joined SCS and their shenanigans about six months ago, and I’m currently developing my first expansion for all of you to enjoy: the state of Illinois. Right now, I'm mostly working on rural sections located in the western part of the state. To say that I was terrified of creating landscapes instead of focusing on urban areas would be an understatement, but I’ve managed to get the hang of it by now. It’s definitely an experience that will come in handy in the near future. Our team is looking forward to giving you the best possible way to experience this beautiful state – it really has a ton to offer!

Michael

"Hi, my name is Michael and this is my first project at SCS. I am working on the highways in southwestern Illinois. I am really enjoying working on this project and I hope you enjoy it too. You can look forward to landscapes full of forests, fields and rivers. Each route I create is designed with realism and a smooth gameplay experience in mind, so you’ll feel like you’re actually driving through the American countryside. Get ready to explore places you’ve probably never seen before – all from the comfort of your own cabin! I look forward to you trying my work and embarking on a journey that will keep you entertained. Buckle up, we’re off!"

Pavel

"I am Paul aka PJ and I have worked on projects like California, Texas, Kansas, and Missouri. Illinois is the fifth project I am working on. My speciality is truckstops, rest stops and truck scales. I am more of a technical type of person, but I like to play around with landscaping as well. In Illinois, I have work coming up in east St. Louis, on some settlements, and with lots of truckstops, and some depots."

Quinten

"I have been around since Colorado working as a map designer on everything from roads and their environments to small and medium-sized towns and settlements. For Illinois, I will be focused mostly on roads and environments, lots of farm fields with a small forest section here and there. Each DLC brings a new challenge, be it a new type of city or landscape that I never made before. I am looking forward to bringing Illinois to life in a way that our players will find interesting."

We hope you enjoyed meeting the team behind the Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator. If you did, make sure to add this map expansion to your Steam wishlist! Don't forget to stay connected with us for all the updates by following our Twitter, Facebook, InstagramBluesky, and YouTube. We'd also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter to stay informed, even when you're not able to check out the blog or our socials. Until next time, drive safe.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3486960/American_Truck_Simulator__Illinois/
It's time to hit the road and explore what can be found in Iowa's road network! In this blog, we're excited to share with you some of the interstates, junctions, bridges, and more we've been recreating virtually for our upcoming Iowa DLC for American Truck Simulator. Let's get truckin'!


First stop, near Iowa City, drivers will encounter the recently constructed interstate 80 interchange, a significant infrastructure project completed in 2024. This modern junction features innovative design elements, including distinctive bridges and pillars, that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. It features colourful vegetation, improved traffic flow for exit 242, and a uniquely designed matching road and pedestrian bridge.




Given that many Iowan cities are situated near rivers, bridges play a pivotal role in the state's road network. Our team has recreated many of the unique bridges large and small found across Iowa, quite a few of which are illuminated in various colours at night. One such bridge is the Women of Achievement Bridge in Des Moines. This elegantly designed pedestrian bridge spans the Des Moines River, honouring notable women from Iowa's history.


Drivers will also be able to cross the Centennial Bridge in Davenport, which spans the Mississippi River and is renowned for its distinctive arches and nighttime lighting. One unique and famous bridge we could not miss is the wooden Madison Bridge, which was famously featured in The Bridges of Madison County, a well-known American romantic drama movie.



We already covered some of the truck stops in Iowa where you can refuel and rest, which you can read about here. However, one rest stop that drivers are big fans of is located on I-80 westbound near Adair! Best known for its towering wind turbine blade sculpture, standing approximately 148 feet tall, it serves as a tribute to Iowa's leadership in wind energy production. Be sure to check it out on your travels!



The state of Iowa continues to grow, so as you drive across the state, you'll be sure to find plenty of construction along the way too! Be sure to check out your Job Market for any contracts that will help deliver needed equipment or machinery to these construction sites.


We hope you enjoyed hittin' the road with us and checking out some of the landmarks, interstates, junctions, rest stops, and more you'll come across in Iowa. But there's still more to come, so be sure to keep an eye on our blog for future updates! Until then, if you like what you see, add the Iowa DLC to your Steam Wishlist. Until next time, keep on truckin'!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3025440/American_Truck_Simulator__Iowa/
We are excited to share with our community that the 1.54 update for American Truck Simulator is now officially released! This update features implementations, fixes, quality of life improvements and more. Let's dive in and take a look at what's in store.


Before that, we have to give a huge shoutout to everyone who participated in the Open Beta phase, shared feedback, and reported bugs. Your invaluable contributions have allowed us to fine-tune content and eliminate bugs that slipped through the cracks initially. We hope that you will enjoy the new features, changes, and more that come with this update.

Cargo System Redefined

Until now, what seemed like the game combining a trailer with cargo, such as a piece of machinery, was actually a manually created model, with each trailer-cargo pair stored separately on disk. This approach required an enormous number of unique models, making it harder to add new content efficiently and taking up disk space.


In the redefined cargo system, the code automatically merges cargo and trailers based on simplified rules. This means that each cargo will define its own model, loading methodology, and lashing method. This will make the work of our vehicle team much easier as it no longer requires our 3D artists to manually create pre-baked trailer-cargo pairs.




While there may be issues in the first iteration, it's a worthwhile goal to refine the system, as it not only improves efficiency but also saves disk space and memory by eliminating the need to store countless pre-made combinations. This project may also lead to other possibilities for both of our games, especially with dynamic cargo (un)loading and more. You can read about how this project was executed in our recent Under the Hood blog.

Truck Adjustment Menu Redesign

The Truck Adjustment Menu has been completely redesigned to provide a more user-friendly experience. Previously, each option for adjusting your driver's FOV, seat, mirrors etc had separate menus with different layouts. Now, they share a cohesive interface, making adjustments much more intuitive and easier. The new design also takes on a similar design from our previous UI overhaul and is optimized for both mouse and controller, ensuring accessibility for all users.


For keyboard and mouse users, adjustments are now more streamlined with the use of the WASD keys for navigation, along with buttons for finer tuning. Meanwhile, controller users will find the new system much smoother, with the left stick controlling adjustments, the right stick handling camera movement for mirror positioning, and the D-pad or shoulder buttons navigating the menu.

The addition of shoulder button support makes menu navigation more fluid for controller players. This update makes adjusting mirrors and seats much easier, particularly for those using controllers, ensuring a more seamless and enjoyable driving experience. Accessing the Truck Adjustment Menu remains the same. You can use the F4 by default, a custom assigned key of your choice, or through the adviser services menu.


We hope you enjoy this redesign, and that you find it easy to use and navigate through whilst you are out hauling on the road!

PhysX System Implementation

In 1.54, we are adopting the NVIDIA PhysX physics engine as an alternative to the current Bullet physics engine for low-level simulation of physics in the game world that players interact with. This shift allows players to experience more precise collision detection results and more robust behaviour during scenarios involving collisions between vehicles and obstacles or other vehicles. PhysX also offers our teams better debugging tools, which indirectly benefits players by helping resolve bugs more efficiently.

One of the most noticeable improvements brought by PhysX can already be experienced in our recently introduced Driving Academy game mode. For example, collisions with cones and obstacles are now more accurate and objects no longer appear to "levitate" slightly above the ground after interaction, a flaw that occurred with Bullet. While players may not see drastic changes, certain interactions should exhibit slightly improved behaviour.

During the Open Beta, many players expressed concerns about hardware limitations due to recent news that 32-bit version of PhysX would no longer be supported by certain GPUs. However, the PhysX implementation we use runs entirely on the CPU, meaning players can enjoy PhysX without worrying about graphics card compatibility.

With the release of version 1.54, PhysX is now the default physics engine for all gameplay. Players who prefer the previous Bullet physics engine can switch back by using the "-bullet" command line argument in their Steam launch options.

Driving Academy Rewards

Everyone who has already completed or will complete the entire first module of Driving Academy will receive special rewards to use inside the game on the same profile they completed the academy with - a hanging blue traffic cone cabin accessory and a customizable Driving Academy paint job for your truck. So make sure to complete your scenarios and grab your rewards, there will be more to come!





Changelog

Gameplay

  • Cargo System Redefined
  • Driving Academy Rewards
Visual

  • Truck Adjustment Menu Redesign
  • First Launch Screen Flow Refresh

Vehicles

  • Lode King & Prestige Trailers Pack bug fixes
Other
  • PhysX Implementation

https://store.steampowered.com/app/270880/American_Truck_Simulator/

More news from Missouri has just arrived! In today's blog, we would like to show you the new routes for Special Transport in the Show Me State along with one brand-new oversized cargo. Do you have what it takes to take on this challenge?


Only the most skilled drivers will dare to handle these massive hauls. With Special Transport coming to Missouri, our map designers prepared three routes specifically chosen to suit the huge cargo you will be able to haul there. But don't be fooled, it won't be an easy drive!




Think you have what it takes? Let's check out the cities where you'll be delivering these oversized loads to. The owners of the Special Transport DLC will be able to take on these jobs along the following routes:

  • Kansas City to Rolla
  • Cape Girardeau to Springfield
  • St. Louis to Kirksville



But that's not all! We are also updating this DLC by giving you a new free cargo to deliver - a huge underground electric loader. This machinery is used in the underground mining industry where it can operate fast in tough conditions. You will not only be able to transport it in Missouri but also in the ATS base map and some other map expansions.



Make sure to enjoy this upcoming map expansion to the fullest and explore new challenges with the Special Transport DLC which you can get on Steam!

If you are excited about Missouri, make sure to add this map expansion to your Steam wishlist. For more ATS news, make sure to follow us on our Twitter, Facebook, InstagramBluesky, and YouTube. We'd also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter to stay informed, even when you're not able to check out the blog or our socials. We'll see you on the road!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2730870/American_Truck_Simulator__Missouri/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/962750/American_Truck_Simulator__Special_Transport/
Are you ready to explore the Show Me State? Mark your calendars and get ready to hit the road, because we're excited to announce that the...

Missouri DLC for American Truck Simulator will be released on April 3rd, 2025!


We're just as excited as you are, and to keep the anticipation going, we've released the official video trailer for the Missouri DLC on our YouTube channel! Created by our talented Video Team, this trailer will give you a preview of the beautiful landscapes, natural gems, cities, historic landmarks, industries and more that await you in this map expansion. Have a watch of it below!


We cannot wait for you to haul your first load into Missouri. Our teams are working in top gear to ensure everything is running smoothly for its release. From bug smashing to putting in additional polish on the map, we're on the final stretch!









Whether you choose to deliver to iconic cities like St. Louis or take the back roads to explore the state's stunning natural landmarks, including the Mississippi River and the Ozark Mountains, Missouri has something for everyone. From custom farm and quarry depots to underground warehouses, truckers will find a variety of unique industries to deliver to and from. Be sure to keep an eye out for roads that may not appear on your map or shortcuts around industries.








Excited to get trucking? There's not long to wait! In the meantime, be sure to add the Missouri DLC to your Steam Wishlist! It really helps support our work and notifies you of its release. We thank you for all your support! We look forward to seeing you on the road in Missouri on April 3rd, until then, keep on Truckin'.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2730870/American_Truck_Simulator__Missouri/