American Truck Simulator News & Announcements
Today, we bring good news to our #BestCommunityEver! With the upcoming 1.61 update, the improved material system will be implemented on three additional trucks, so read on to find out more!We first introduced the improved material system with the 1.60 update, when it was added to the DAF NGD and MAN TG3 TGX in Euro Truck Simulator 2, and the Mack Anthem and Western Star 49X in American Truck Simulator. With the next update to our games, we will be expanding this feature to the International LT and International LoneStar in American Truck Simulator, as well as the Volvo FH Series 6 in Euro Truck Simulator 2!But that's not all, as we have also polished a few details in the interior and completely redesigned the seats in the International LT and LoneStar to better match their real-life counterparts. Along with that, we are introducing a new Diamond interior option with leather seats for both trucks!The improved material system significantly enhances the lighting and visual quality of vehicle interiors, with a particular focus on how different interior materials react to light. This results in a more detailed, readable, and visually pleasing cabin environment. It also makes the differences between materials such as leather, fabric, plastic, and metal much more apparent, even in low-light conditions.As promised, we are gradually bringing this feature to more trucks, allowing you to enjoy beautiful cabin interiors across a wider range of vehicles. If you would like to learn more about what the process of implementing this feature on new vehicles looks like, make sure to check out our Under the Hood blog, where we spoke with colleagues working on the improved material system.We hope you will be happy to see the improved cabin interiors in more trucks with this upcoming update! Remember to stay tuned for more news from our games by following us on our X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. We would also appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter, so you can be informed. Until next time, keep on trucking!
Last week, we shared a dedicated blog with you about the Vehicle Configuration & Purchase Process in our upcoming Road Trip module for American Truck Simulator. Today, we're happy to share a new video trailer showing you how it all works!


Our talented video producers have put together a trailer showcasing both the vehicle purchase process and how you can configure and customize your vehicle, which will work a little differently from what you may be used to with trucks in ATS. We hope you enjoy the video and that it gives you a clearer look at what to expect when Road Trip arrives further down the road.

If you're excited about Road Trip, make sure to add its DLCs, the Ford Car Pack and the RAM & Dodge Car Pack, to your Steam Wishlist!Also, remember to follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube for all the latest Road Trip news and other American Truck Simulator updates, or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed. We'll see you on the road! 

Today, we’re excited to introduce you to some of the talented team members behind the upcoming Nevada Rework for American Truck Simulator. This project brings a fresh look to one of the game’s original states, with updated roads, cities, landscapes, and landmarks that better reflect our current standards. In this Meet the Team episode, you’ll hear directly from the developers who have been working on different parts of Nevada and learn more about their experiences, favorite locations, and what they’re most looking forward to players discovering. So, let’s take a closer look at the people helping bring the Silver State back to life!Ella - Senior Map DesignerI’ve been at SCS for close to 7 years, and in that time I’ve worked on many projects, starting my journey with the Utah DLC in 2019. From there, I moved on to work on large cities across several states, such as El Paso, Texas; San Diego, California; and Albuquerque, New Mexico.As our team’s road specialist, I oversee Nevada’s road layout and also do work on some of the truck stops there, which are critical for our gameplay by providing players an opportunity to refuel and rest. Besides that, I’m working on the city of Phoenix, Arizona, which will be included as another part of our Rework project.I’m looking forward to watching players explore the newly added locations and seeing their reactions as well as getting their feedback, which is always appreciated. I love creating maps so many people enjoy driving in; that always feels very rewarding on its own.Johny - Senior Map DesignerI’ve been at SCS for six years. I started out working on sections of Texas and Montana before moving fully into Rework. I’ve been part of the rework team since the very beginning.Over the years, I’ve worked on both roads and cities, including San Jose, Santa Cruz, El Centro, and Grand Canyon. Most recently, for the Nevada Rework, I’ve been working on the roads around Panaca and Las Vegas, as well as Panaca itself and the northern part of Las Vegas.I love working on epic scenery, which is why I really enjoyed working on the Grand Canyon, and I’m having just as much fun working on Las Vegas now. I think Nevada will now meet our current standards, and players can look forward to a faithful recreation of the real-life locations.Pavel - Senior Map DesignerI've been part of SCS for almost four years now. I started my journey with the third phase of the California Rework, where Fresno was the first city I had the opportunity to work on. Since then, I've remained part of the Rework team, working on cities across different projects. As part of the Nevada Rework, I'm currently working on Reno and Fallon.Reno is being completely rebuilt from the ground up, and one of my main goals was to capture the atmosphere and scale of the city. I put a lot of focus on the city's layout, character and recognizable landmarks, while also trying to keep some of the feeling of the original city that players might remember. The area will also feature reworked sections of I-80, which I'm really looking forward to seeing players experience.Fallon is a much smaller city, but its location gives it a character of its own. Surrounded by the vast Nevada desert, it feels almost like a small oasis in the middle of nowhere, with the greenery and farmland around the city standing out against the otherwise dry landscape. There is definitely a lot for players to look forward to, and I hope they'll enjoy exploring these areas as much as I enjoyed working on them. Tom - Map DesignerI'm doing mainly landscape, and I'm in the rework team since California's 2nd phase; my favourite tasks were forests with mountains and lakes, which I haven't seen in a while.Luckily, Nevada offers dry mountains and hills providing interesting tall horizons which diversify the barren desert.Nevada is also unique for long straight roads compared to other DLCs. If you enjoy driving into the distant horizon, you'll most likely enjoy it.Roman - Map DesignerThis October marks my fourth year at SCS. In my time on the ATS rework team, I had the chance to work on multiple phases of the California rework, the Route 66 rework project, and now Nevada. With each rework, I slowly figured out that I enjoy making detailed cities more than anything else, though the cities have never been as large or famous as the one I have been working on now.Las Vegas has been quite a challenge compared to my previous cities, but it also gives many opportunities for fun detail work and making the city feel alive. I hope that the NEW Vegas is fun to explore for new players and even more fun to re-explore for returning trucking veterans.Margo - Map DesignerHi there! It’s been a ride here in the Rework team since I joined the company in 2022. Every year, a new project brings us something new to work on. I had the pleasure of working on the California rework, parts of Arizona, and now Nevada as well. Reworking Nevada brought me something I already knew and made me rethink my working approach, as my perspective changed a lot through the years.Creating for me always comes with a deeper meaning to it. I don’t want my work to be just purely mechanical and soulless; I like hiding fun details in the ordinary. If spotting it makes someone smile or catches their attention - it’s worth it.We really should be cultivating our curiosity and wonder more in our daily lives. So if you are already wondering about the brand new Nevada, that’s a good starting point. There are many cool places to see and some nice UFO references to spot!Filip - Map DesignerHello everybody! My map designer journey began during the fourth phase of the California rework, where I worked on smaller tasks suited for a rookie like me. On the Route 66 rework project, I was responsible for the design of I-191 and Page. I got to experience a bit of everything: a diverse road with settlements, scenic views, beautiful landscapes, and a challenging hilly city.The experience I gained, I can now utilize in a brand new look of Nevada, where I am working on Carson City, its surroundings, and a small surprise. I hope the work of our team will bring a fresh, up-to-date look to Nevada and that players will be able to rediscover this awesome state for a second time!Mykyta - Map DesignerI have been working at SCS Software for two years, and during that time I have worked on projects such as Route 66 around Tucumcari.As part of the Nevada Rework, I am currently working on the towns of Elko and Carlin and their surrounding areas.Players can look forward to driving through the Carlin Tunnel, and if they pay close attention along the way, they may also discover some beautiful and interesting places in the surrounding landscape.Jakub - Map DesignerI have been in SCS for more than a year. I started with reworking the northern part of Arizona and New Mexico. Now, reworking Nevada is another dream project of mine.As a big fan of clean, big open landscapes and amazing mountains, rocks, and other unique hills, I enjoyed every road I've been working on, and now I am happy that Nevada looks like Nevada.Rob - Junior Map DesignerHi everyone, I’m Rob, and I’ve been with SCS for over a year now. The Nevada Rework is my first major project. Before that, I mainly worked on smaller projects in Arizona.My part of the map is located in northern Nevada, where I’ve been working to bring the area as close to reality as possible and capture the atmosphere of sun-baked roads stretching through the endless desert. Players can look forward not only to the rugged, arid landscape, but also to beautiful and highly detailed cities.I’m happy that we can give players a fresh take on familiar content and offer them the chance to experience Nevada in a slightly different and completely new way.Filip - Junior Map DesignerHi, I’ve only been in SCS for four months, but I already feel right at home here. Nevada is a beautiful state, and I’ve really enjoyed exploring it.I was tasked with completing the road from Las Vegas to Panaca. It was a privilege to work on the surrounding mountain ranges and finish the work started by my colleague Johny. There is also a Visitor Center near Panaca, and I think I managed to capture it in all its beauty. So, I’d definitely recommend that players take a little detour from the road and explore the area around it.Samuel - Junior Map DesignerHi, my name is Sam, and I recently passed the five-month mark at SCS Software. Having grown up playing SCS games, being able to contribute to their development is a dream come true for me.On this project, I worked on shorter roads in the western part of Nevada. Hopefully, I managed to capture the authentic feel of the landscape, biomes, and unique character of the area, and you'll enjoy driving through them! I’m really looking forward to showing you even more of my work in future DLCs.That concludes today’s Meet the Team! We’d like to thank everyone featured in this blog for taking the time to share a little about themselves and their work on the Nevada Rework.We always enjoy giving our community a glimpse behind the scenes and highlighting the talented people who help bring our virtual worlds to life. We hope you enjoyed learning more about the team and the passion they’re putting into giving Nevada a fresh new look.As development continues, we look forward to sharing more from the Nevada Rework with you. Be sure to follow us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, YouTube, and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter, so you never miss any updates. Until next time, we will see you on the road!
In today's blog, we are revealing the new routes coming with our upcoming South Dakota map expansion, where owners of the Special Transport DLC will be able to take on the challenge of hauling oversized cargo. So let's take a closer look!As you know, transporting cargo of this size is no small task. Its large scale requires not only escort vehicles and police assistance, but also special routes that are wide and spacious enough for your truck to safely pass through, helping ensure a smooth delivery. Of course, successful drivers are also adequately compensated for the responsibility that comes with maneuvering such a colossal load! Are you one of the most skilled drivers ready to take on the challenge? If so, and you own the Special Transport DLC, you can find jobs offering the opportunity to haul oversized cargo on these three routes: Pierre to Spearfish
Winner to Mitchell
Mobridge to Buffalo
There, you will find industries that play an important role in South Dakota's economy and will be glad to put your hauling skills to work! Support the custom quarry depot in Spearfish by delivering equipment from the mining machine service in Pierre, or haul specialized cargo such as a giant silo or large reservoir tank from the agriculture equipment dealer in Winner to a custom farm depot in Mitchell. You can also load up your trailer with a large tank or pipes at the oil service depot in Mobridge and safely deliver them to the warehouse in Buffalo. We hope you'll enjoy discovering the landscapes of South Dakota as you travel these routes, whether you're hauling oversized cargo or not. But if you do take on a Special Transport job, stay alert - navigating these roads with an extra-large load on your trailer can still get tricky!We hope you are looking forward to trucking in this state as much as we are. If so, make sure to add the South Dakota DLC to your Steam wishlist! And if you don't own the Special Transport DLC yet, make sure to get it on Steam.Also, remember to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube for all the latest news from this map expansion and other American Truck Simulator information, or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed. Until next time, stay safe on the road!
Today, we're happy to bring you another preview from the Road Trip project. This time, we'll be showing you more from the vehicle configuration and purchase process, so let's take a look!Both the purchase process and vehicle configuration in Road Trip will work a little bit differently than what you are used to with trucks. If you want to get behind the wheel of your own Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, or any other car, you will need to head on to the "Car Dealer" tab in the in-game desktop.There, you'll first select your preferred car brand, with the available options depending on which Car Pack DLCs you own. If you own both the Ford Car Pack and RAM & Dodge Car Pack DLCs, you'll be able to choose from Ford, RAM, and Dodge. As you can see, some Car Packs may contain and unlock more than one brand, as is the case with the RAM & Dodge Car Pack DLC. After that, you can choose a specific model, take a closer look at the car, see its light signature, explore its details, and check out its description, technical details, and specifications. You can browse the available models like a catalog, or switch to a table view and easily compare their specifications side by side. Before purchase, you can choose from a variety of unique colours.After purchasing your car, you'll either have the option to drive it straightaway or give it a more personalized look based on your preference. If you decide to make some further customizations, you will need to head to the garage, which can also be found in the in-game desktop under the "My Cars" tab. This is a brand new virtual space where you can view, customize, and manage your cars.There, the layout is similar to the Car Dealer, allowing you to browse the cars you own, view their details, and compare them. But more importantly, this is where the customization happens! Just hit Configure and choose from a variety of different options tailored for each car - from paint jobs to both exterior and interior parts. Selected cabin accessories will also be compatible with Car Pack DLCs. You can also sell your cars here.Now you can hit the Drive button and start exploring the world of American Truck Simulator from a completely new and different perspective.We are still researching further options and are dedicated to continuing our work on bringing new features and customization options to Road Trip vehicles in the future. Stay tuned as we explore new ways to expand and enhance this experience!If you are excited about Road Trip, make sure to add both its DLCs, the Ford Car Pack or the RAM & Dodge Car Pack, to your Steam wishlist!Also, remember to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube for all the latest news from Road Trip and other American Truck Simulator information, or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed. Happy travels!
Today, we’re taking you on a journey to one of South Dakota’s most recognizable landmarks and a true highlight of the upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator: Mount Rushmore! Set among the rugged beauty of the Black Hills, this iconic monument is also the reason South Dakota is officially known as the “Mount Rushmore State,” and it’s sure to be one of the most memorable sights you’ll encounter while exploring the state.Standing high above the surrounding landscape, Mount Rushmore features the monumental granite faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Carved into the side of the mountain between 1927 and 1941, the monument has become one of the most famous landmarks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.Players will also be able to experience the impressive sight of Mount Rushmore from the roads running through the Black Hills. Nearby, you’ll also find the small town of Keystone, a popular gateway to the monument and the surrounding attractions. With its charming downtown, unique Western-style character, and location surrounded by the Black Hills, Keystone makes for a great stop as you explore this scenic corner of South Dakota. The town is also home to a depot for the historic 1880 Train, a steam-powered excursion railroad connecting Keystone and Hill City along an original late-1800s mining route.The journey to Mount Rushmore also gives you the opportunity to experience some of the area's scenic roads. US-16, also known as Mount Rushmore Road, connects Keystone with nearby communities and offers beautiful views as it winds through the Black Hills. Along the way, you’ll pass through several tunnels, some of which offer a unique view of Mount Rushmore framed in the distance. For an even more memorable drive, you can take the scenic US-16A, also known as the Iron Mountain Road. With its winding route, forested surroundings, and carefully designed curves, this road is an adventure in itself.As you make your way through the Black Hills, keep your eyes peeled for the many scenic views and natural landmarks surrounding the roads. The landscape here is quite different from the wide-open plains found elsewhere in South Dakota, with dense forests, rugged rock formations, and curvy mountain roads creating a unique driving experience. The Black Hills are also steeped in motorcycle culture, with the region being a popular destination for riders and enthusiasts. You may spot a few of them parked at some of the area’s parking lots, adding another touch of local character to your journey.Mount Rushmore is just one of the many highlights waiting for you in our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. Whether you’re making a delivery, exploring the Black Hills, or simply taking the scenic route, there will be plenty of opportunities to stop, look around, and enjoy the views!We can’t wait for you to experience South Dakota for yourself. If you’re excited about this map expansion, be sure to add the South Dakota DLC to your Steam wishlist! Don't forget to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube, or sign up for our newsletter. Until then, keep your engines running and stay tuned for more news from the Mount Rushmore State!
Last week, we showed you the new Atlas gameplay feature coming to American Truck Simulator with the release of Road Trip. And today, we are excited to also showcase a video trailer focused on Atlas!This upcoming feature is designed around exploration and encourages players to discover, visit, and learn about selected locations across the world of American Truck Simulator via Tourist Boards. These will then uncover Points of Interest, Viewpoints, and Photo Trophies, which highlight significant spots in the region that you'll need to discover to earn a special postcard reward. You can find out more about Atlas in the dedicated blog.Now, to get you in the mood for the upcoming Road Trip DLCs, we have put together a video trailer where you can see in more detail how Atlas will work in American Truck Simulator. Let's watch it below! Keep in mind that Atlas will only be unlocked for players owning any Road Trip DLC (Ford Car Pack or RAM & Dodge Car Pack), so make sure to add them to your Steam wishlist. However, this feature is not limited to cars, and you will also be able to enjoy it when driving a truck.Don't forget to give our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok a follow to not miss out on any Road Trip news, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed!
We're excited to share that, for the very first time in SCS Software's history, we'll be attending the Tokyo Game Show 2026! We can't wait to meet our community in Japan and be part of one of the world's most iconic gaming events as it celebrates an incredible milestone.This year's edition of Tokyo Game Show is especially significant, marking the event's 30th anniversary. To celebrate this special occasion, TGS 2026 will take place over five full days, from September 17th to 21st, bringing together leading publishers, exciting upcoming games, and countless attractions for visitors from around the world.You'll be able to find us in Hall 09, Booth E86, where our colleagues from SCS will be exhibiting in a compact booth made possible with the support of our friends at Neon Noroshi. Whether you're a longtime fan of our games or discovering them for the first time, we'd love for you to stop by, say hello, and experience what we've been working on.During the first two days, the Tokyo Game Show is dedicated to gaming industry professionals, while the final three days are open to the public. Throughout the event, visitors will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel and try several of our upcoming projects, including the Iceland DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2, as well as the upcoming British Columbia and South Dakota map expansions for American Truck Simulator.We're also doing everything we can to bring playable demonstrations of our upcoming Road Trip and Coaches projects to Tokyo Game Show, along with a PlayStation 5 version of Euro Truck Simulator 2. While we're not quite ready to make any promises, our teams are working hard behind the scenes, and we hope to give visitors an early hands-on look at these exciting new experiences.We're especially happy to share that Japanese-speaking visitors will be able to communicate with our team comfortably, as language interpreters will be available at our booth throughout the event. We hope this will make it even easier for everyone to ask questions, chat with us, and enjoy their time at our exhibit.If you're planning to attend Tokyo Game Show 2026, we'd love to see you there! Be sure to stop by Hall 09, Booth E86, try out our latest projects, meet the team, and share your passion for trucking with us. We look forward to welcoming you to our very first Tokyo Game Show!
Today, we're excited to share a brand-new gameplay preview from our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator! Get a closer look at some of the beautiful roads, landmarks, and industries our map team has been recreating.In the gameplay preview below, you'll follow a journey that begins in the Black Hills before passing by the scenic Pactola Lake and crossing the Spring Creek Memorial Bridge. Along the way, we'll drive through several settlements, including the beautiful city of Hot Springs and part of the historic town of Deadwood, before completing our delivery at a wood processing depot.This route is just a small preview of what South Dakota has to offer, featuring winding mountain roads, charming communities, and diverse scenery. Whether you're taking in the views or making deliveries across the state, there's plenty to discover behind the wheel.We hope you enjoy this gameplay preview and the stunning scenery South Dakota has to offer. As always, please keep in mind that everything you see is still a work in progress and subject to change during development.If you like what you see, be sure to add the South Dakota DLC to your Steam Wishlist. Don't forget to follow us on TwitterFacebookInstagramBluesky, and YouTube, or sign up for our newsletter. Until next time, happy haulin'!
In today's blog, we are excited to show you a new gameplay feature that will come to American Truck Simulator with the arrival of Road Trip. Let's take a closer look at Atlas!


We know many of you have been wondering what new gameplay experiences Road Trip will bring, and today we're excited to introduce Atlas. Designed around exploration, Atlas encourages players to discover, visit, and learn about selected locations across the world of American Truck Simulator. Along the way, you may come across famous landmarks or hidden gems you may have overlooked before - and even learn something about them!



You can access the Atlas interface from your in-game desktop under the Navigation tab. At the heart of this feature are Tourist Boards scattered across the map. By selecting a Tourist Board in the Atlas interface, you'll be directed to the board via your GPS. Once you arrive, several exploration locations will be revealed. These locations are typically spread throughout the surrounding region and showcase some of its most notable highlights.


Your objective will be to visit every exploration location associated with the Tourist Board. These include Points of Interest, Viewpoints, and Photo Trophies.


Points of Interest are a new type of discoverable location. Unlike Viewpoints or Photo Trophies, there's no need to stop or activate a trigger - simply driving through the designated area is enough to mark it as explored. The game also lets you revisit each explored Point of Interest through the Atlas or Gallery, where you can view a live camera feed of the location. If your vehicle is parked there, you'll see it in the live view.


Whenever you've explored a new location, you'll be notified by a new on-screen widget, which can be enabled or disabled in the widget settings. A short celebratory sound effect will play, and the location will be marked as explored. You'll also unlock a brief description with interesting information about the place, which you can revisit at any time through the Atlas interface.


Once you've explored every location connected to a Tourist Board, the board itself will be marked as completed. As a reward, you'll receive a postcard with a unique design inspired by the region you've just explored, which you can display on your vehicle's dashboard. You can also return to the Atlas interface at any time to review the locations you've discovered, read their descriptions, or replay any unlocked cutscenes.


This feature will become available to players owning any Road Trip DLC, so either the Ford Car Pack or the RAM & Dodge Car Pack. However, Atlas is not limited to only cars, as you will also be able to enjoy this feature behind the wheel of a truck!


With the introduction of Atlas, you will be able to find Tourist Boards in California, and in the Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota DLCs. We will then be gradually adding them to all the other states as well.


We hope you are excited about this new gameplay feature! If you are, make sure to add the Ford Car Pack and the RAM & Dodge Car Pack to your Steam wishlist.Don't forget to stay tuned for more news from Road Trip by following us on our X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. We would also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter. Drive safe!

Today, we're excited to showcase some of the remarkable tunnels and snow sheds that await you in our upcoming British Columbia DLC for American Truck Simulator. Whether you're traveling through rugged mountain passes or navigating busy highways near Vancouver, these unique structures are an essential part of the province's transportation network.One of the most recognizable structures you'll drive through is the Great Bear Snow Shed on the famous Coquihalla Highway. Built to protect motorists from avalanches and falling snow, this impressive concrete structure has become an iconic feature of one of British Columbia's most challenging mountain routes. As you make your way through the surrounding peaks, this landmark is sure to stand out during your journey.Further east, along the Trans-Canada Highway (TC-1) in Glacier National Park, you'll come across several more snow sheds that shelter the roadway from heavy snowfall and avalanche hazards. Nestled among towering mountains and dense forests, these structures are an essential part of traveling through one of Canada's most spectacular alpine regions, adding another layer of authenticity to the mountain trucking experience.The winding section of the Trans-Canada Highway near the town of Hope is also home to a remarkable collection of tunnels carved directly through the surrounding mountainsides. As you travel this scenic corridor, you'll pass through several recreated tunnels, including the Yale Tunnel, Alexandra Tunnel, Hell's Gate Tunnel, Ferrabee Tunnel, and China Bar Tunnel. Together, they create one of the most memorable stretches of highway in British Columbia, with dramatic canyon views waiting between each passage.Our journey doesn't stop there. Drivers exploring the Vancouver area will also encounter the Cassiar Tunnel, an important urban tunnel that carries traffic beneath one of the city's major corridors. Meanwhile, another engineering highlight awaits beneath the mighty Fraser River, where you'll drive through a tunnel connecting key parts of the Metro Vancouver region. These additions showcase not only British Columbia's stunning natural landscapes, but also the impressive infrastructure that keeps the province moving every day.From towering mountain passes to modern urban highways, British Columbia offers a wide variety of unforgettable driving experiences. We hope you're looking forward to exploring these tunnels and snow sheds as much as we enjoyed recreating them!If you're excited to hit the roads of Canada's westernmost mainland province, don't forget to add the British Columbia DLC to your Steam Wishlist! Also, be sure to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube, or sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss any future updates. Until next time, keep on truckin'!
Today, we're taking you on a journey through the beautiful Black Hills, one of South Dakota's most iconic regions, which we of course couldn't miss including in our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. From legendary Wild West history to breathtaking mountain highways, let us share some of the work our talented teams have done to faithfully recreate this beautiful region.


Spanning thousands of square miles across western South Dakota, the Black Hills are home to countless landmarks, historic towns, scenic byways & more. There's simply too much to cover in a single blog, so today we'd like to highlight just a small part of what you'll be able to discover. In this preview, we're taking a closer look at the historic town of Deadwood and one of the region's most scenic highways, US-385. 
Deadwood
Founded in 1876 during the Black Hills Gold Rush, Deadwood quickly became one of the American West's most famous frontier towns. What began as a small mining camp rapidly transformed into a bustling settlement filled with prospectors, merchants, and legendary figures such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Today, its fascinating past continues to inspire films, television series, books, and Western enthusiasts from around the world.


As you roll into town, you'll be able to drive along Deadwood's famous historic Main Street, faithfully recreated by our map designers for you to enjoy. Lined with charming storefronts, local attractions, and beautifully preserved architecture, it's the perfect place to slow down and soak in the atmosphere of this historic and famous destination.


Keep an eye out for several recognizable landmarks as you pass through, including the Town Hall, Museum, historic Train Station, and many more carefully recreated buildings that help capture the unique character of this iconic Black Hills town.
US-385
The US-385 is one of South Dakota's most scenic highways. Winding through the heart of the Black Hills, this picturesque route takes you past rolling hills, dense pine forests, towering  igneous and metamorphic rock formations, and spectacular mountain vistas.


If you're lucky, you may even spot herds of bison grazing alongside the road, adding another memorable moment to your journey through this remarkable landscape.


One highlight along the route is the stunning Pactola Lake, the largest reservoir in the Black Hills. Nearby, you'll also find a visitor center overlooking the lake, offering panoramic views, surrounded by forested hills, making it the perfect place to pause before continuing your journey on the road.


Whether you're discovering the rich history of Deadwood or enjoying the scenic beauty of US-385, the Black Hills are certainly a destination you won't want to miss on your travels in South Dakota!


We look forward to sharing even more from this upcoming DLC for American Truck Simulator in the future. If you're excited to be haulin' in the Mount Rushmore State, be sure to add South Dakota to your Steam Wishlist, your support means a lot to us. Until next time, happy truckin’!

We are excited to continue expanding the world of American Truck Simulator as we head further into the Northern Plains. Our map teams are currently working on bringing another unique state to life, filled with sweeping prairies, vibrant communities, and industries that keep America moving:North Dakota for American Truck SimulatorWelcome to the Peace Garden State! Bordering Canada to the north, North Dakota is a land of sweeping prairies, fertile farmland, winding rivers, and skies that seem to stretch forever. Whether you're rolling into the capital city of Bismarck, navigating the busy streets of Fargo, or passing through communities such as Pembina and the Devil's Lake region, every stop offers a different glimpse into the character of this northern state.North Dakota's road network is just as memorable as its destinations. Alongside major highways, you'll travel scenic routes like ND-57 and cruise along parts of the famous Enchanted Highway, where towering metal sculptures line the roadside, creating one of the state's most unique driving experiences. Nature lovers will also enjoy the expansive National Grasslands, whose open prairies perfectly capture the beauty of the Northern Plains.Of course, no trucking adventure would be complete without plenty of cargo to haul. Agriculture remains the backbone of North Dakota, with vast fields producing crops that supply industries across the country. You'll also service facilities such as the sugar processing plant in Wahpeton and support the state's booming oil industry, ensuring there's always another job waiting just down the road.As you explore, don't forget to keep an eye out for some of North Dakota's most distinctive landmarks. You may spot the state's highest TV tower rising above the prairie or encounter Wahpper, the World's Largest Catfish in Wahpeton. From famous landmarks to quiet country roads, North Dakota is full of memorable moments waiting to be discovered.We can't wait to share more locations and information about North Dakota in later blogs! If you're excited to explore the Peace Garden State, be sure to add the North Dakota DLC to your Steam wishlist! Remember to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube for all the latest news about this upcoming American Truck Simulator map expansion, or sign up for our newsletter so you never miss an update. Until next time, we wish you happy travels!
Ready to hit the open road behind the wheel of a true American legend? Today, we're excited to share a new gameplay preview from our upcoming Road Trip module for American Truck Simulator, featuring the iconic 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, which is a part of the Ford Car Pack DLC.


Join us as we go behind the wheel of this timeless muscle car for your very first look at it in action in American Truck Simulator. From its unmistakable fastback styling to its powerful performance, the '67 Mustang embodies the spirit of American driving like few vehicles ever have.
And what better place to take this American legend for a spin than in the West Coast of the U.S! We'll be cruising from Modesto, California and into Yosemite National Park, where we'll not only take in the breathtaking scenery and winding roads, but also put the car through its paces, showcasing its performance and driving dynamics. Along the way, you'll also get a first look at one of the new exploration mechanics coming with the Road Trip, so be sure to watch the whole video!

We're still hard at work on the Ford Car Pack, so please keep in mind that everything shown in this gameplay preview is still very much a work in progress. This includes the vehicle sounds and driving behaviour, all of which will continue to be refined before release. 
We hope you enjoyed this preview of the 1967 Ford Mustang in American Truck Simulator. If you did, be sure to leave a like and a comment on the video, as our team would love to hear your first impressions. Don't forget to add the Ford Car Pack to your Steam Wishlist to be notified when it launches. We thank you for all your support, and we'll see you on the road!

Today, we're taking a closer look at Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota and one of the highlights of our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. Whether you're delivering cargo or simply enjoying the drive, this city offers plenty of memorable sights and destinations to explore. Let's take a closer look!


Located in the southeastern corner of South Dakota, Sioux Falls is the state's largest city. Built around the Big Sioux River, the city has grown from a small historic settlement into a bustling city in the Midwest, while still retaining many of its historic landmarks. Our map team has worked to recreate many of the locations that make Sioux Falls instantly recognisable, giving drivers plenty to discover as they travel through the city.


Upon arriving in the city, you'll be greeted by the Welcome to Sioux Falls sign, and no visit would be complete without seeing Falls Park, where the city's famous waterfalls can be found. These cascading falls on the Big Sioux River are not only the inspiration behind the city's name but also one of South Dakota's top attractions.


Heading into Downtown Sioux Falls, you'll find a vibrant mix of historic architecture, modern businesses, and bustling streets. Keep an eye out for the beautifully recreated Minnehaha County Courthouse, an impressive quartzite building that has stood proudly in the city for well over a century. Nearby, you'll also pass the local bus station, where players can spot a colourful mural that celebrates the city's artistic culture and community spirit.


Through the heart of the city, you'll be able to spot several local landmarks, which include the Arc of Dreams sculpture and Fawick Park. History enthusiasts may also recognise the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial, dedicated to the crew of the famous WWII battleship. The memorial features one of the ship's original main gun barrels alongside displays commemorating those who served aboard the vessel.


Beyond its landmarks, Sioux Falls is a bustling centre of industry, offering plenty of opportunities for hard-working truckers. From delivering to a food processing plant, warehouse, construction site, and rail supply depot, to transporting cargo for a metalworks, wind turbine factory, recreation vehicle dealership, and truck dealership, there's no shortage of work.


You'll also be able to haul materials & equipment to and from the city's impressive quarry, a nod to the region's long-standing quarrying industry that helped shape many of Sioux Falls' historic buildings.


Whether you're making deliveries or admiring its historic downtown, Sioux Falls is a fantastic destination to explore in our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. If you like what you've seen here today, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist! We look forward to sharing more from this work-in-progress map expansion in the future. Until next time, keep on truckin'!

In the 1.60 update, we have introduced the Improved Material System for selected trucks for both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator. And today, we bring you a look behind the scenes at how this feature came to life!The two main people working on this feature are our colleagues Daniel and Martin, who were and still are implementing the system for trucks in both games, and also for cars in the upcoming Road Trip project for American Truck Simulator.Daniel - Vehicle Technical Leader"I've been working at SCS Software for over thirteen years. I started as a 3D Generalist, then worked as a 3D Vehicle Artist and Vehicle Team Lead. Today, my role is the Vehicle Technical Leader.My work bridges the gap between the graphical and technical aspects of development. I collaborate with programmers to implement vehicle features into the engine, while also helping artists establish efficient workflows. I also design new tools and technical improvements.My task on the improved material system was to identify the problem, propose a solution, and collaborate with programmers on its implementation into the engine. Next, we needed to set up a practical workflow for the vehicle team so that the system could be used consistently across other vehicles. The programmers created the necessary support in the engine and shaders. The graphic designers then converted and fine-tuned the materials for specific trucks."Martin - Senior 3D Graphic Designer"I work as a Senior 3D Graphic Designer specializing in vehicles. I also worked as Head of Content for the Road Trip project. I participated in selecting the vehicles and their specific variants, handled research and pre-production, provided expert consultation, and subsequently worked on the actual creation of the vehicles. I also helped Dan fine-tune changes to the material system.Cars have been a long-standing passion of mine, especially sports cars and classic cars - particularly American ones. Thanks to this, I was able to bring my own experience and knowledge of American automotive culture, history, and the technical development of individual models to the project.My main task was the 1967 Ford Mustang and everything related to its visual and content preparation. I was involved in selecting the specific car and its variant, conducting research, gathering references, consulting during data collection, and the actual creation of the model and materials.During the development of the new material system, I prepared and fine-tuned the individual surfaces on the Mustang. Together with Dan, we used this car to verify how the new technical solution behaved in practice and which values provided the most accurate results."How did this project start?"Development began while we were working on the Road Trip project. The interiors of passenger cars are smaller and darker than those of trucks, so the shortcomings of the original system were more noticeable in them.Aside from direct light, the original system had no way to render light within the interiors. In the real world, a large portion of the visuals consists of so-called indirect, or reflected light (GI). However, the game did not work with this concept at all and was not designed for it. We knew we needed to change this somehow.The second problem was that the interiors of the trucks contain many different materials, such as fabric, leather, plastic, painted surfaces, metal, and glass. The original system was unable to render them accurately, especially under indirect lighting; everything looked very flat.Road Trip provided us with a suitable, isolated environment for development and testing. From the start, however, we designed the system so that it could also be used for trucks," says Daniel.What did you have to do before actually starting to implement the improved system? "We needed to map out the actual vehicles and the materials used in their interior in detail through extensive research. I studied magazines, photographs, available documentation, and individual trim levels. While gathering data, we had the opportunity to see the specific car in person, speak with its owner, and document its construction and appearance in detail.It wasn't enough to simply determine that a certain part of the interior was made of, for example, plastic, leather, or metal. We also had to examine the surface texture, the degree of gloss, the way the material reflects light, its wear and tear, the color shade, and the differences between individual parts. This research laid the foundation upon which we could later assess whether the materials in the game corresponded to the actual vehicle," Martin told us. "We also had to decide which direction to take. One of the key requirements was maintaining performance, so we looked for approaches that didn't require complex computational operations and sought techniques that would achieve good results with minimal changes to computational complexity. I believe the result of our efforts is a noticeable improvement in graphics with minimal impact on performance," Daniel shared with us.How did the process of bringing the new system into the game look?"We needed to implement changes to the engine regarding how the game loads and handles reflective textures. A reflective texture is essentially a cube where each face shows a reflection in a different direction relative to the player. Using it is significantly more efficient than calculating actual light reflections using ray tracing. We made several changes to the code to gain direct access to individual mipmaps. A mipmap is a scaled-down copy of the original image, typically used when a textured object is farther away from the player to eliminate unappealing texture aliasing. In our specific case, however, a lower resolution automatically results in a softer reflection, which can be used for materials that do not have a 100% glossy surface but rather a physically rougher surface, causing the reflection on the material to be more diffuse.This way, we created several different levels of reflection smoothness, ranging from perfectly glossy surfaces like chrome, through smoother reflections such as those found on leather seat materials, to rough, nearly non-reflective materials like fabrics, where one side of the reflection cube is only 2x2px. In our case, it replaces the Iradience map, which means it primarily serves to project the surrounding light palette onto the given material (color cast). The game was already calculating the mipmaps themselves, which means this change costs us practically nothing in terms of performance - and that is the main reason we decided to use this approach. Along with the material changes, we also needed to rebalance the contrast and lighting throughout the game to eliminate extremely dark areas and achieve a more realistic sense of lighting.Unlike the original solution, where reflective textures were used only for highly reflective materials, particularly metals, the revised system applies a reflective texture to every single material in the vehicle's interior. However, they differ in how strongly the reflection is visible in the final image and in the softness of the reflection applied. This ensures that even less reflective materials - especially plastics - convey a sense of reflected light, color cast, and improved contrast, particularly in shaded areas of the interior. Players will now notice that the entire interior actually reacts to the truck's surroundings; for example, when driving past trees, the part of the interior near the windows takes on a subtle green tint. This makes the game feel much more realistic than before, even without the computationally expensive global illumination (GI) calculation.Once the technology was ready, we needed to determine how to adjust the individual materials under the new conditions. Since each material now includes a reflective component, we had to completely rebalance all the settings for each material. To ensure that existing textures would function correctly with the new settings, we also had to rebalance their color and specular components to the standard values we had established during our extensive testing.The final step for system-wide deployment was to create a material library so that we wouldn't have to configure each material type separately for every vehicle," Daniel explains.What were the biggest challenges in implementing the system?"The biggest challenge was the diversity of the vehicles. The individual trucks were created at different times and used different source data, textures, and rendering methods. There is no single conversion that works for all trucks. Each completed interior has its own structure and requires a customized approach," says Daniel. "Also, the individual properties of materials influence one another. Changing the reflectance or roughness might improve the appearance of one surface, but at the same time cause the material to behave poorly in a different lighting situation. Or a material that looked right in direct daylight might be too shiny in a dark interior or react unnaturally while driving at night. It was therefore necessary to constantly strike a balance between realism, visibility, and consistent behavior. The goal was not to make all surfaces more prominent or shinier, but to accurately capture the differences between them.We reworked many of these steps several times during development. However, the result was not just materials for one specific car, but also experience and guidelines that will significantly facilitate work on future vehicles.The process wasn't straightforward. It wasn't enough to simply set a few parameters according to a pre-prepared table. We had to figure out many of the values ourselves, and together with Dan, we tested them repeatedly right in the game," Martin added.How did you manage to do the changes without affecting performance?"Our players use a wide range of hardware. We didn't want to create visual enhancements that would significantly reduce the game's performance or even make the game unplayable for some players. Therefore, the system is not based on a new, resource-intensive lighting simulation. It extends the existing rendering pipeline and utilizes already available data more efficiently.Performance was continuously profiled during development. The goal was to achieve a visible improvement with minimal impact on the graphics card and memory. Furthermore, the system is configured to function with a certain trade-off even when set to medium or low - in such cases, while reflections are not rendered in real time and some benefits, such as realistic color cast from the vehicle's surroundings, are lost, the materials themselves still look realistic and can be distinguished from one another," says Daniel.So far, we've implemented the improved material system on four trucks across ETS2 and ATS. Rather than making the community wait until every truck has been updated, we'll continue rolling out the improved material system for other trucks gradually, allowing you to enjoy the improvements on some vehicles already while we complete the rest. As Daniel explains here:"Each truck requires individual adjustments, a visual inspection, and testing of all variants in daylight, at night, in the rain, and in cloudy weather. Therefore, it was not possible to update the entire fleet at once. This smaller initial group will allow us to verify the entire production process, maintain quality, and gather feedback from players."We hope you have enjoyed this in-depth look at how we work on the improved material system. Make sure to also add the Ford Car Pack and the RAM & Dodge Car Pack to your Steam wishlist, so you can enjoy this feature on cars when we release them.Don't forget to give our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok, and YouTube a follow, as you'll receive updates about our games straight to your feed! Or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed. Until next time, safe travels!
If you've been following our rework projects in American Truck Simulator, you may be wondering what's next after our recent focus on Route 66. Today, we're excited to share the answer! Our next major undertaking will be the Nevada Rework Project, where we'll give the Silver State a complete overhaul.As part of this next phase, our map designers will focus on the entire state of Nevada, reworking all of its existing cities and road networks to bring them up to the quality standards of our latest content. Since Nevada was one of the original states released with American Truck Simulator, this rework will allow us to rebuild many locations from the ground up while preserving the character and atmosphere that make the state so unique.In addition to refreshing familiar places, we're also taking the opportunity to expand Nevada with locations and road connections that were missing from the original version. One example is the city of Fallon, located east of Carson City. Alongside it, we'll also add the missing sections of US-95 that pass through Fallon from south to north, creating a more complete and authentic driving experience.Throughout the state, you can also look forward to a variety of brand-new custom depots, offering more diverse delivery destinations and making freight transportation across Nevada feel even more immersive than before.This is just the beginning of the Nevada Rework Project, and we're looking forward to sharing more previews from development as work progresses. Be sure to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTokBluesky, and YouTube, or sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss any future updates. Until next time, keep on truckin'!
Our wheels keep turning, and today we’re ready to share a teaser of another U.S. state currently in development for American Truck Simulator. Let’s see how good your guessing game is!


So, here are your clues! Take a close look at the screenshot and teaser video below. It may seem a little fishy at first, but sometimes the smallest hints can lead to the answer.


This next destination is known for its wide-open spaces, long-haul roads, and a landscape where the horizon seems to stretch on forever. It’s a place shaped by hardworking industries, strong prairie winds, and a pioneering spirit that still runs deep today.
Think you’ve caught on to where we’re heading next? Drop your guesses in the comments below, and when the time is right, we look forward to sharing more about what awaits on the road ahead in this part of the U.S. Until then, be sure to follow our blog and our social channels on X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok so you don’t miss a thing.
Today, we take you on a preview journey to beautiful Rapid City, one of the cities you will find when driving through our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator! Rapid City is located in a picturesque landscape surrounded by some of South Dakota's most popular natural attractions. Heading west opens the way to the Black Hills National Forest and the iconic Mount Rushmore - the reason Rapid City is also known as the Gateway to the Black Hills. Traveling east along Interstate 90 takes you toward the rugged landscapes of Badlands National Park.Beyond its surroundings, Rapid City has a rich heritage, as it celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. It has grown from a small settlement into a thriving regional hub while preserving the character that makes it unique. Today, tourism is one of the cornerstones of the local economy, with visitors drawn not only to the beauty of the region but also to the historic streets, distinctive buildings, and local landmarks.Our asset and map designers have recreated plenty of these buildings and structures to bring Rapid City to life. Among them are two hotels, one of which is located in the heart of downtown, known for its appearance and history dating back to the 1920s. Driving further, you will also find another historic building that once served as the fire station and is now transformed into a local winery.Some of the landmarks can be seen from a distance yet are instantly recognizable, such as the large white "SMD" letters displayed on the hillside above the city. Created by students as a tribute to the South Dakota Mines school and community, it has become one of the symbols of Rapid City. Another smaller landmark you may notice is the gateway entrance to Memorial Park, located in the center of the city along Rapid Creek.You will also find many more landmarks as you explore Rapid City, from larger ones such as the city hall and administration buildings to smaller ones like a roadside windmill, a statue in the downtown, and others. Each of these elements has been recreated to help capture the atmosphere and identity of the real place.And if you are visiting not only for sightseeing but also to take on a job, you will find plenty of depots to choose from. These include a cement works, a gas and chemical distribution facility, a sawmill, a warehouse, a home store, waste management, and even a custom-made grain elevator depot, all ready to load up your trailer.We hope you are excited to discover Rapid City and everything else the Mount Rushmore State has to offer. If you do, make sure to add the South Dakota DLC to your Steam wishlist!Also, remember to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube for all the latest news from not only this map expansion, but also other American Truck Simulator projects, or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed. Until next time, safe travels!
The countdown to one of the biggest gaming events of the year has begun, and we're excited to share that SCS Software will be attending Gamescom 2026! From August 26th to August 30th, you'll be able to find us in the Entertainment Halls, where we'll have our biggest booth yet. We will be located in Hall 10.1, Booth B022-C023.We're looking forward to meeting our #BestCommunityEver once again. Whether you've been trucking with us for years or are just discovering our games, we'd love for you to stop by, say hello, and spend some time with the team. Meeting our community in person is always one of the highlights of the year, and we can't wait to see familiar faces as well as meet new ones.Visitors to our booth will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel and try exclusive demo builds showcasing several of our upcoming map expansions. We plan to bring special preview versions featuring the breathtaking landscapes of the upcoming Euro Truck Simulator 2Iceland DLC, explore the stunning roads and scenery of British Columbia in the upcoming American Truck SimulatorBritish Columbia DLC, and get a first taste of the upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. We're also doing everything we can to bring playable demonstrations of our upcoming Road Trip and Coaches projects to Gamescom. While we're not ready to make any promises just yet, we're working hard behind the scenes and hope we'll be able to let visitors get an early hands-on experience with these exciting new additions as well.To make the experience even more immersive, we're thrilled to be partnering with Thrustmaster once again. They will be equipping our booth with a brand-new product that visitors will have the exclusive chance to test! We can't wait for everyone to get their hands on it and experience what's in store. A huge thank you to Thrustmaster for helping us make our Gamescom booth even more exciting!We'd also like to extend our sincere thanks to Volvo Trucks for helping us prepare something truly special for Gamescom. While we'll keep the details under wraps a little longer, let's just say that fans of Volvo trucks won't want to miss our booth. We'll be showcasing something truly exclusive straight from Volvo that every truck enthusiast will want to see up close.And if that isn't enough, our 4D motion simulator will also be making its return! If you've always wanted to experience the feeling of driving a truck with added motion effects, be sure to give it a try during your visit.We can't wait to see you in Cologne this August! We'll have more information to share as Gamescom gets closer, including our booth location and additional activities, so make sure to keep an eye on our social media channels and give us a follow on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube, or sign up for our newsletter, so you never miss any news. Safe travels, and we'll see you there!