SCS Software's blog

ETS2 1.60 Update: Volvo FH Series 6 Update

2026-06-03T17:00:00.000+02:00

Today, we’re excited to share a preview of an upcoming update for owners of the Volvo FH Series 6 arriving in Euro Truck Simulator 2 as part of the upcoming 1.60 update. Let's take a closer look at what's in store!

Players will soon be able to customize their Volvo FH Series 6 with a selection of several new aerodynamic parts. Included in this upcoming update are the newly designed aerodynamic roof deflectors available for the Sleeper Cab, Globetrotter, and Globetrotter XL cab variants. These updated components help create a smoother and more refined roof profile, blending seamlessly into the truck’s overall design.

Alongside these additions, all Aero cabin variants will also have the option to add new distinctive black aerodynamic A-Pillar trim, as featured on the newest generation of Volvo FH truck. These new additions reflect Volvo Trucks ongoing efforts to improve aerodynamic efficiency and optimise airflow around the cab to help enhance energy efficiency and overall vehicle performance.

Some of the aerodynamic developments seen on the real-world truck are even influenced by technologies and concepts used within the aerospace industry!

Our vehicle team has worked carefully to recreate these new parts in detail for this upcoming update, and we hope you enjoy the previews of what you see here. Whether you prefer building a clean factory-spec truck or customizing your rig for long-haul journeys across Europe, these new aero-part accessories will offer even more options for personalising your truck and fleet.

We’d like to extend our sincerest thanks to our good friends at Volvo Trucks for their support and collaboration in allowing us to bring these new additions for our players to explore and enjoy.

We look forward to sharing more news about the upcoming 1.60 update for Euro Truck Simulator 2. Until then, be sure to follow us on our social media channels (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, YouTube) or subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss a single update!

American Truck Simulator: 1.60 Update Open Beta

2026-06-02T09:42:12.056+02:00

We’re excited to share that the 1.60 Open Beta for American Truck Simulator is now available for players to try out. If you decide to join the beta, we’d really appreciate it if you report any bugs or issues you encounter in the appropriate section of our official forums.

Your feedback plays a huge role in helping us improve the game, and we truly value the time and effort you put into testing these new features and changes. Now, let’s dive into what you can expect in the 1.60 Open Beta update:

Game Radio

With Update 1.60, we are introducing Game Radio, a brand-new in-game radio system designed to make every drive feel more immersive and authentic. Rather than just playing music, Game Radio gives you five stations with their own distinct sounds, identities, and moods, each one built to shape the atmosphere of your journey in a different way.

At launch, players can tune into Rust FM, Escape, PUMP IT!, Pop Gear, and Roadio, spanning guitar-driven rock and American roots music to electronic, pop, and lo-fi. Each station features carefully curated tracks, handpicked to hold up across many hours on the road. Escape is also the only stream-safe station at launch, designed to help content creators avoid copyright claims.

Game Radio also introduces a new in-game widget displaying station info, track titles, and artist names while driving. Players can customize widget behavior through the Widget Options menu (F6). This update also brings a range of improvements to the existing radio and music player systems.

Game Radio arrives with its musical foundation in place, with more planned for future updates. You can find out more information about Game Radio in our dedicated blog post.

Improved Material System

The Improved Material System significantly improves the lighting and visual quality of vehicle interiors in selected trucks. Its main focus is to enhance how interior materials react to light, which will result in a more readable, detailed, and visually pleasing cabin environment.

During the development of Project Road Trip, we implemented a wide range of visual and technical improvements. One of the most significant changes was a redesign of the materials used in vehicle interiors. As a result, it makes differences between materials such as leather, fabric, plastic, and metal far more apparent, even in low-light conditions. The new solution uses multiple variants of dynamic cubemaps, allowing all materials to reflect their surroundings more naturally and respond to ambient light in a more realistic way.

The entire system was designed from the start with the interiors of trucks in both games in mind, so the base games and their existing fleets will gradually benefit from these improvements as well. The first trucks to benefit from the Improved Material System in ATS will be the Mack Anthem and the Western Star 49X. With future updates, we will gradually add this technology for other trucks across both games. You can read more about this feature here.

Light Tweaks

We have carried out minor adjustments to the global lighting, primarily focused on exposure and contrast balancing, along with subtle visual refinements for bad weather conditions. The work mainly consisted of smoothing out and polishing the overall visuals to achieve a more consistent and refined look.

Players' Company Paint Jobs

After over a year of development as a passion project for the ATS community, players are now able to customize their trucks and trailers with a brand-new collection of company-themed paint jobs inspired by the selectable company identities available when creating a driver profile. These designs bring a more cohesive and professional visual style to your fleet while fitting naturally into the world of ATS.

One of the biggest focuses during development was ensuring that every paint job feels unique, depending on the type of trailer it is applied to. Rather than simply using one design across all trailer models, our teams carefully adapted each company's paint scheme to match the shapes and details of different trailer types. Whether you’re hauling cargo with a tanker, transporting materials in a dumper, or pulling a traditional box trailer, each variant features its own tailored details and layout. You can find out more in our blog here.

Job Details Widget

Based on feedback from our #BestCommunityEver and upcoming widget designs, the Job Details Widget will be introduced with the 1.60 update. Its primary purpose will be to enable a new, more immediate, and concise way of displaying the relevant job info. Also, in response to community feedback, the GPS will now display the estimated arrival day and time, along with the remaining travel time and distance.

Once added, you'll be able to enable the Job Details Widget through the Widget Options menu (F6). The widget will display key job information, including cargo type and weight, delivery location, job income (colour-highlighted), and the remaining time to complete the job, so players will have this info available immediately without the necessity to pause the game. You can read more about the feature here.

Expanded Rest Mechanic

This new feature gives players greater control over their rest periods by allowing them to choose how long they want to sleep and exactly when they want to wake up, instead of being limited to a predefined rest duration.

Alongside this change, the Fatigue system will now be split into two separate values: Rest State and Mandatory Break, each represented by its own icon in the UI.

The Mandatory Break system, indicated by a "P" icon along with the remaining hours before a required stop, will function more strictly. In American Truck Simulator, drivers can stay on the road for up to 14 hours before they must take a mandatory break, requiring 10 consecutive hours of rest afterward. You can read more about this feature here.

Changelog:

Vehicles

Players' Company Paint Jobs

Visual

Improved Material System
Light Tweaks

Sound

Game Radio

UI/UX

Job Details Widget
Expanded Rest Mechanic

Enjoy all the new additions, but please remember: It's only an open beta, not a stable public version, so you may encounter bugs, instability, or crashes. It's completely okay if you want to wait for the final release. But if you're interested in helping us to get there faster, we'd appreciate all of your feedback on our forum and your bug reports in the dedicated section.

Please check our modding wiki to get details pertaining to mods for the game.

If you wish to participate in this Open Beta, you can find this version in the Experimental Beta branch on Steam. The way to access it is as follows: Steam client → LIBRARY → right-click on American Truck Simulator → Properties → Betas tab → Beta Participation drop-down menu → public_beta. No password is required. Sometimes you will have to restart your Steam client to see the correct branch name there.

ATS 1.60: Players' Company Paint Jobs

2026-06-01T17:00:00.000+02:00

Today, we’re excited to share more details about a feature coming to American Truck Simulator in Update 1.60 - Players’ Company Paint Jobs!

For quite some time, our teams have wanted to expand and improve the way players can represent their in-game trucking companies. After over a year of development as a passion project created especially for the ATS community, we’re happy to finally reveal the results.

With Update 1.60, players will be able to customize their trucks and trailers with a brand-new collection of company-themed paint jobs inspired by the selectable company identities available when creating a driver profile. These designs bring a more cohesive and professional visual style to your fleet while still fitting naturally into the world of American Truck Simulator.

One of the biggest focuses during development was ensuring that every paint job feels unique, depending on the type of trailer it is applied to. Rather than simply stretching one design across all trailer models, our teams carefully adapted each company's paint scheme to match the specific shapes and details of different trailer types.

Whether you’re hauling cargo with a tanker, transporting material in a dumper, or pulling a traditional box trailer, each variant features its own tailored details and layout. Our designers paid close attention to every surface, curve, and accessory to make sure the final result feels authentic and visually balanced across the entire fleet.

Players familiar with the feature in Euro Truck Simulator 2 will also feel right at home with the customization options included in ATS. Every company paint job comes with four pre-made color presets, giving players multiple styles to choose from right away while maintaining a consistent company identity.

We can’t wait for you to hit the road with your newly branded fleet when Update 1.60 arrives for American Truck Simulator. Whether you’re starting a brand-new company or giving your current operation a fresh identity, we hope these new paint jobs help make your journeys feel even more personal.

Until then, be sure to stay connected with us on our social media channels on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, and Instagram, and by subscribing to our newsletter so you don’t miss any future updates! Stay safe and happy truckin'!

1.60 Update: Expanded Rest Mechanic

2026-05-30T17:00:00.000+02:00

Today, we are happy to give you a glimpse at the upcoming 1.60 update for both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator with the Expanded Rest Mechanic feature, which will change how the fatigue system in our games works, so let's take a look!

We are implementing the Expanded Rest Mechanic into our games after a lot of requests from our #BestCommunityEver for this feature. This new feature gives players greater control over their rest periods by allowing them to choose how long they want to sleep and exactly when they want to wake up, instead of being limited to a predefined rest duration.

Alongside this change, the Fatigue system will now be split into two separate values: Rest State and Mandatory Break, each represented by its own icon in the UI.

The Rest State, symbolised by a bed icon, will now gradually deplete rather than recover over time. Extended periods of driving will steadily reduce the Rest State, while resting will restore it at a faster rate. Players will receive a warning notification when their Rest State becomes critically low, and microsleep events will begin occurring once it reaches exhaustion.

The Mandatory Break system, indicated by a "P" icon along with the remaining hours before a required stop, will function more strictly. Players will receive a notification two hours before a mandatory break is required, as well as another warning if they exceed the allowed driving time, which will also result in a traffic violation penalty.

In American Truck Simulator, drivers can stay on the road for up to 14 hours before they must take a mandatory break, requiring 10 consecutive hours of rest afterward. In Euro Truck Simulator 2, drivers may drive for up to 10 hours before taking a mandatory break, which requires 9 consecutive hours of rest.

We believe these additions coming to our games with the future 1.60 update will provide players with greater flexibility and customization while also enhancing realism. However, both systems can be enabled or disabled independently in the settings, allowing you to tailor the experience to your own preference.

Don't forget to stay tuned for more news from the upcoming 1.60 update 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. Until next time, safe travels!

American Truck Simulator: Where Next?

2026-05-29T17:00:00.000+02:00

It has been a few days since the last DLC was released, so it is time for us to begin looking ahead in American Truck Simulator. While today is not quite the official reveal, we do have a small teaser from a brand-new destination currently in development for ATS, and we think some of you may already be able to guess where our journey will lead next.

Development on this project is still in its early stages, so we are not ready to share all the details just yet, including any release timeline. However, we couldn’t resist giving the #BestCommunityEver a tiny glimpse of what our teams have been working on behind the scenes.

From iconic roadside landmarks to stretches of highway surrounded by lush countryside, this upcoming map expansion will offer truckers a brand-new region of the United States to explore, haul through, and discover. Whether you enjoy cruising through bustling urban areas, navigating industrial hubs, or taking in scenic rural drives, there will be plenty waiting for you down the road.

Still unsure? Don’t worry, we have a screenshot for you to examine closely. We know our community is filled with expert detectives, and we are excited to see your guesses rolling in across the comments and social media.

As development continues, our map, asset, and research teams are hard at work recreating the atmosphere, industries, road networks, and landmarks that make this part of the United States unique. There is still a road ahead before we are ready to fully unveil this DLC, but we are already looking forward to sharing more about this journey soon.

We cannot wait to show you more when the time is right. Until then, stay up to date with the latest news, don’t forget to follow our blog, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, and Instagram. Until next time, keep on truckin’!

1.60 Update: Improved Material System

2026-05-28T17:00:00.000+02:00

In today's blog, we bring you another piece of the puzzle from the upcoming 1.60 update for both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator, which we hope will get our #BestCommunityEver very excited. In this update, we will be introducing the Improved Material System for the interior of selected trucks! Let's take a look.

The Improved Material System, which will be introduced in the 1.60 update for both games, significantly improves the lighting and visual quality of vehicle interiors in selected trucks. Its main focus is to enhance how interior materials react to light, which will result in a more readable, detailed, and visually pleasing cabin environment.

This has been requested from our community for some time, as the previous system often made interiors appear too dark and flat, especially in scenes without direct lighting. As a result, it makes differences between materials such as leather, fabric, plastic, and metal far more apparent, even in low-light conditions.

"The main goal of the new technology was to bring more light into shadowed areas of vehicle interiors. The previous system struggled to handle indirect lighting in these situations, causing many details to be lost in darkness. The new solution uses multiple variants of dynamic cubemaps, allowing all materials to reflect their surroundings more naturally and respond to ambient light in a more realistic way. Environmental reflections are no longer limited to highly polished metallic surfaces. This change gives interiors significantly greater depth and readability," says our Vehicle Technical Leader, Daniel.

We have also carried out minor adjustments to the global lighting, primarily focused on exposure and contrast balancing, along with subtle visual refinements for bad weather conditions to achieve a more consistent and refined look.

The development of this system took place in parallel with Project Road Trip, where its importance became even more apparent. Smaller, darker passenger vehicle interiors suffered from a lack of indirect light more than trucks with bright cabs and large windows, which often allow direct light to enter. Road Trip thus served as the ideal environment for developing and fine-tuning these technologies.

The entire system was designed from the start with the interiors of trucks in both games in mind, so the base games and their existing fleets will gradually benefit from these improvements as well. Throughout the entire process, we kept players with lower-end hardware in mind. We aimed to make the visual improvements as impactful as possible while minimizing the performance cost.

The first trucks to benefit from the Improved Material System will be the DAF NGD and MAN TG3 TGX models in ETS2. In ATS, players will see redesigned interiors for the Mack Anthem and the Western Star 49X. With future updates, we will gradually add this technology for other trucks across both games.

We hope this new feature has you looking forward to the 1.60 update even more, as it brings a major enhancement to these truck interiors and makes the view from the driver's seat better than ever! Please note that the Road Trip vehicles are not releasing with the 1.60 update.

Until next time, be sure to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube for all the latest updates. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter as well! See you out on the road, and keep on truckin'!

1.60 Update: Game Radio

2026-05-27T17:00:00.000+02:00

Today, we are excited to share with our community a brand-new feature coming to both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator with the upcoming 1.60 update - Game Radio!

For many drivers, music and the open road naturally belong together. Whether you are cruising through the countryside at sunset, hauling cargo across busy interstates, or relaxing during a long night drive, the right soundtrack can completely change the atmosphere of your journey. With Game Radio, we wanted to take that experience much further than a simple music player.

Game Radio is a brand-new in-game radio system designed to deepen immersion, support roleplay, and make every drive feel more authentic. Rather than approaching radio as just another technical feature, we created a collection of stations with their own distinct identities, philosophies, moods, and sounds. This is Game Radio's first chapter - built on music, with more layers planned for the road ahead.

At launch, Game Radio will feature five unique radio stations:

Rust FM

Rust FM is a guitar-driven station bridging five decades of rock, from the psychedelic garage sounds of the late 60s all the way to modern indie. Built for drivers who enjoy raw riffs, extended solos, distortion, and live energy.

This station features, amongst others, Sorry and SASAMI, both on Domino Records. Sorry is a North London indie band whose debut was co-produced by James Dring of Gorillaz fame, while SASAMI is a classically trained French horn player from the Eastman School of Music who scored films and commercials before going solo. Also on the roster: Holiday Ghosts, a DIY duo from Cornwall who record on their own equipment and have built a devoted cult following in the UK underground.

Escape

Escape is for drivers whose nervous systems are stretched thin, a place to slow down, settle in, and find some quiet. Lo-fi textures, jazzy chords, minimal beats. Escape is ideal for peaceful night drives and calm moments behind the wheel.

Escape is also currently the only stream-safe station available at launch, featuring StreamBeats by Harris Heller, a music library built by a streamer, for streamers. Its music is specifically licensed with streamers in mind, designed to help avoid copyright claims and support content monetization. Players will be able to enable Streamer Mode directly from the game menu.

PUMP IT!

PUMP IT! turns your truck cabin into a dance floor, built on hypnotic beats and precisely engineered production. This station is all about movement and intensity. Don't think it. Just feel it. Featuring Tony Romera, a French producer with official remixes for Calvin Harris and Diplo, and a #1 track on the Beatport Overall Charts, and KIDSØ, a Munich duo known for fully improvised live shows with live visual installations across the European festival circuit.

Pop Gear

Pop Gear runs on hooks, momentum, and dopamine. Designed to capture attention and trigger the irresistible urge for just one more song, the station thrives on the emotional highs of contemporary pop: modern production, catchy melodies, hook after hook. Featuring Palace Winter, a Copenhagen duo the New York Times called "a darkly intoxicating potion," and School of X, a Danish artist whose music moves between orchestral pop and raw electronics.

Roadio

Roadio is dedicated to American roots music that feels grounded, honest, and deeply connected to the spirit of the open road. Inspired by wide landscapes, truck stops, desert highways, and classic Americana, Roadio aims to become the perfect companion for long-distance hauls and quiet moments of reflection. Featuring Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, one of indie folk's most revered voices whose song "I See a Darkness" was covered by Johnny Cash; Grammy nominee and 2021 IBMA Songwriter of the Year Thomm Jutz; and New Zealand singer-songwriter Amber Lynn Nicol.

Game Radio features music from artists across some of the most respected independent labels in the world, including Domino Recording Company, home to Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, and Wet Leg, alongside Drag City, Ninja Tune, and independent artists who record and tour entirely on their own terms. Every track was chosen by hand, built to hold up across hundreds of hours of driving.

Game Radio Feature

Game Radio will expand the existing audio experience alongside the current Radio Stream (Online Radio) and Music Player systems, while also bringing a variety of improvements to music selection, user experience, and overall interaction with the in-game audio players.

In-game Widget

While driving, the Audio Player widget will appear above the navigation interface and display detailed playback information, including:

Unique station name and icon
Current song title
Artist name
Animated audio wave visualization
Favorite station indicator

Players will also be able to customize the behavior of the widget through the Widget Options menu (F6), allowing them to tailor how and when radio information appears during gameplay.

Support for Community-Created Stations

We are also excited to support creative possibilities for our modding community. Players will be able to create their own custom radio stations featuring their own music and share them with the community for playback, just like any other mods.

Game Radio has been designed to become part of the driving experience itself. Different stations can completely change the atmosphere of your journey, whether you are hauling cargo through dense urban traffic, crossing remote deserts, or enjoying scenic roads across Europe and North America.

This feature also brings improvements to the existing music and radio systems, creating a more seamless listening experience while driving.

We are incredibly excited to finally begin sharing more about Game Radio with our community, and we look forward to hearing which station becomes your favorite once 1.60 arrives. The stations you hear at launch are the foundation. Music comes first, and there is plenty more we want to build on top of it in the future!

Be sure to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube for all the latest updates. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter as well! See you out on the road, and until next time, keep on truckin’.

Iceland: Fjords

2026-05-26T17:00:00.000+02:00

We are happy to bring you another preview from the upcoming Iceland map expansion for Euro Truck Simulator 2, as today, we are taking a closer look at the majestic fjords found in this country!

These glacier-carved inlets are an integral part of the Land of Fire and Ice landscape. They can be found in various locations around the island and are filled with wildlife, towering cliffs, and centuries-old fishing villages.

Capturing Iceland's stunning fjords on our scale presented a unique challenge. In reality, these vast landscapes stretch for kilometers, but at a reduced in-game scale, we needed to carefully balance realism with gameplay so they preserve their breathtaking character and don't lose the sense of grandeur that makes them so iconic.

As a result, players can look forward to routes that faithfully recreate the experience of driving on Iceland's coastline, driving long distances along winding coastal roads to reach the opposite side of a fjord that remains constantly in view, towering majestically beside them the entire journey.

What truly brought these landscapes to life was the presence of water itself. Countless waterfalls, winding streams, tranquil lakes, and bays add a sense of movement and atmosphere to the environment, making Iceland's fjords feel far more vibrant and dynamic than ordinary mountain scenery.

Our map designers also shared some insight into the process behind creating these landscapes. "One of the biggest challenges was modeling and texturing the fjords themselves, which took a considerable amount of time. At the same time, though, it was one of the most enjoyable tasks I've ever had the chance to work on. We also used satellite imagery to better understand how the fjord was formed, so we could design it to look natural even when viewed from different angles and distances," Jan explained.

"At first, the fjords made me feel as if I was looking at another planet. It was hard for me to grasp the sheer scale, size, distance, and shape of these natural formations. But after a while, I began to notice that all the shapes in the rocks have their own logic and continuity. That is exactly the feeling I want to convey to the player who will be driving through these routes. At first glance, they'll be amazed by the size and shape of the fjords, but at the same time, they'll have the chance to look around and understand how the landscape connects," says our map designer, Ashley.

Truckers will encounter a variety of unique locations, each with its own atmosphere. Seyðisfjörður, nestled deep within the bay of the same name, serves as one of the main gateways to Iceland thanks to the ferry connection from Hirtshals in Denmark. Further south in the Eastern Fjords lies Reyðarfjörður, home to an aluminum processing plant depot, while nearby Stöðvarfjörður captures the quiet charm of the Austfirðir region and its coastal settlements.

In the remote and sparsely populated region of the Westfjords, players will drive through Álftafjörður, probably the largest and most imposing fjord featured in this DLC. You will also be able to visit Ísafjörður, a small town built on a narrow headland in Skutulsfjörður, which stands as one of the key economic hubs in the western part of the map.

If you are excited to be trucking in this map expansion, don't forget to support us by adding the Iceland DLC to your Steam wishlist.

Also, remember to give our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, and TikTok a follow as you'll receive updates from our games straight to your feed. Or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed. Happy haulin'!

Illinois: Community Spotlight

2026-05-25T17:00:00.000+02:00

Since the release of the Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator, we’ve loved seeing all of your screenshots, videos, reviews, and trucking adventures from across the Prairie State. Watching you explore everything Illinois has to offer has been incredibly rewarding for our team, which is why we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of our favourite community content, as shared by you!

For those of you who may not have had the chance to hit the road in Illinois just yet, we wanted to highlight a few YouTube videos we enjoyed, to give you a glimpse of what awaits in this newest map expansion for ATS. We hope these inspire you to start your own journey through the Land of Lincoln! A big shoutout to everyone featured below, be sure to give them a subscribe and a like!

We’ve also been seeing plenty of amazing screenshots and videos shared across social media on X, BlueSky, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more. Thank you to everyone who has tagged us, shared their adventures, and shown off their favourite areas of Illinois. Our teams genuinely enjoy scrolling through your photos and seeing your unique trucking setups and routes. Here are just a few that we liked!

@Xavior9 - X

u/AmtrakFan3450 - /r/TruckSim

We also want to thank everyone who has taken the time to leave reviews and feedback on Steam. Reading your comments and impressions means a lot to our developers, map designers, artists, and the entire team behind American Truck Simulator. Your support, suggestions, and enthusiasm continue to help shape the future of the game and motivate us every day.

If you’ve been enjoying your time in Illinois, we’d really appreciate it if you considered leaving a review on the Illinois DLC Steam page. If you want to, you can still write a review for the Illinois DLC on its Steam page. We would really appreciate it! You can find the review section if you scroll to the bottom of the Illinois Steam page.

We have also reached out to a few content creators who got the opportunity to try out this DLC in early access to give us their opinion on the Illinois map expansion. It's safe to say they enjoyed it too! We also recommend checking out their channels for more content!

BadMae

"The Illinois DLC absolutely blew us away! Chicago is unlike anything we have experienced in American Truck Simulator so far; the scale, skyline, Lower Wacker Drive, Navy Pier, the L train, the Bears stadium, and even the International Trucks headquarters all made the city feel alive and incredibly immersive. What impressed us just as much was how smoothly the map transitions from the busy energy of Chicago into the farmlands, countryside, quarries, and smaller towns that give Illinois so much character. Thornton Quarry is a massive standout, and players who love exploring may want to do some extra hunting around Marion, too! Overall, Illinois easily ranks as one of our favorite ATS states. SCS truly knocked it out of the park, and we cannot wait to see what comes next with South Dakota!" - Christian and Monique, BadMae

RunawayLobster

"Illinois has now become my favorite American Truck Simulator DLC. The hidden beauty spots, the changing environments, and the pure detail and beauty of Illinois blew me away. With a couple of hidden roads I have discovered already, I had not realised how different the scenery would be. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Illinois and the beauty it had to offer. Hats off to the developers and artists working on this game who, at every opportunity, absolutely blow us away with the attention to detail. Thank you for this great addition to the already incredible American Truck Simulator game!" - RunawayLobster

Prime Simulations

"The Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator is simply fantastic! To no surprise, SCS Software has once again raised the bar for map DLCs with Illinois - recreating cities, landmarks, industries, and more to an impressive level of accuracy. I had the absolute privilege of exploring the Illinois DLC during its early access phase - exploring every corner of the state! From Chicago to Marion, Quincy to Champaign, and every location in between - I can confidently say that the Illinois DLC is a "must have" for all ATS players - especially those who want to complete the Route 66 corridor! I look forward to exploring the Illinois DLC further and for the future of ATS!" - Prime Simulation

DaSimSimma

"The Illinois DLC already feels like a major step forward for American Truck Simulator, especially with Chicago. The city feels explorable and believable, and honestly, this might be the most detailed urban environment ATS has received yet. There’s a real sense of scale and atmosphere here that reminds me of actually visiting Chicago in real life, and I think that familiarity is part of what makes these newer DLCs feel so immersive. As ATS continues moving closer toward my home region around the Great Lakes, I honestly find myself getting more personally invested in every new state release." - DaSimSimma

Project Sim Racing

"SCS Software delivers yet another masterpiece with the Illinois DLC! The attention to detail and the sheer level of immersion make it an absolute joy to drive through. It’s always an honor to showcase your incredible work to my community." - Project Sim Racing

We would like to thank you all for your continued support! Keep on sharing your journeys through the Illinois DLC with us on our social media channels. Until next time, keep on truckin'!

Star Nation 2026 Update

2026-05-24T17:00:00.000+02:00

We’re excited to partner with Western Star Trucks and head back to Bend, Oregon, from June 5th to 8th for the unforgettable Star Nation Experience 2026! Joining us for this incredible all-expenses-paid adventure will be two lucky members of the American Truck Simulator community, who will get the chance to experience the event alongside the Star Nation community and the Western Star team. Ready to meet them?

Hosted by Western Star Trucks, the Star Nation Experience is a one-of-a-kind four day adventure taking place from June 5th to 8th, 2026, packed with unforgettable experiences including world-class dining, whitewater rafting, the X-Series Ride & Drive Challenge at the Madras Proving Grounds, and more. Earlier this week, Western Star revealed the lucky winners selected from both their own community and ours, who have been chosen to join the experience.

We’re also excited to once again be part of this incredible event and capture the journey for a special SCS On The Road episode! So without further ado, let’s meet the two members from our ATS community heading to Star Nation Experience 2026!

Nathan

Nathan is an avid American Truck Simulator player, and full-time Crane Operator and part-time truck driver for a local contractor! His first experience getting behind the wheel of a full sized truck was a 1997 Western Star 4900SF with a CAT C15, and ever since he's been hooked! His passion for trucks and love for Western Star since he was young was what drew him to becoming an avid player of ATS, where he also loves hitting the virtual road with the Western Star 49X!

"My local contractor is also a massive Western Star fan! He has a fleet of older Western Stars and a newer 2019 4900SF that I drive pulling a float, my love of trucks follow me home, with various walls of my home being decorated with die-cast trucks."

Conor

Conor is a huge fan of our games, having racked up countless hours in American Truck Simulator, with much of his time on the virtual road spent behind the wheel of the legendary Western Star Trucks 49X. A recent college graduate with a degree in marketing, Conor is passionate about pursuing a career in the trucking industry, with earning his CDL and getting behind the wheel being one of his biggest goals since he was young.

“While my official degree is in marketing, my passion for obtaining my CDL and driving is my main goal. I think this is such a cool opportunity to live out a dream I’ve had since I was a kid. Additionally, it could also be a potential step toward finding a place in the industry where I can use my academic knowledge.”

We can’t wait to see Nathan and Conor take part in the Star Nation Experience 2026 and follow their journey throughout this unforgettable adventure! We’d also like to give a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to enter this year’s competition. Your passion, enthusiasm, and continued support means alot to us!

We’d like to give a huge thank you to Western Star Trucks for once again giving us and members of our community the opportunity to be part of this incredible adventure. Be sure to keep a close eye on Western Star’s Facebook and Instagram, along with our X, Instagram, YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook channels so you don’t miss any updates from Star Nation Experience 2026, which Oscar, Nemiro & Beny from our team will also be attending. See you there!

1.60 Update: Job Details Widget

2026-05-23T17:00:00.000+02:00

With the upcoming 1.60 update, we are continuing to refine the widget system in both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator based on feedback gathered from our community. Following that, we will be introducing the Job Details Widget, so let's see the changes that will be coming.

Based on the feedback from our #BestCommunityEver and upcoming widget designs, the Job Details Widget will be introduced with the 1.60 update. Its primary purpose will be to enable a new, more immediate, and concise way of displaying relevant job info.

In the current design, this info is spread across multiple screens, most of it displayed as part of Quick Info, which currently shows the place of pick up and delivery, job income, cargo type and weight, the next rest stop, and remaining time to complete the job, which is also displayed under the GPS.

In addition, the remaining job time will no longer appear on the GPS and will instead be shown exclusively in the Job Details Widget.

We hope that, through ongoing community feedback, we can continue to refine the widget system and improve the overall player experience.

Until next time, remember to stay tuned for more news from the upcoming 1.60 update 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. Keep on truckin'!

SCS On The Road: The All-New Volvo VNL

2026-05-22T17:00:00.000+02:00

We’re back with another episode of SCS On The Road! This time, our journey took us across the Atlantic to Dublin, Virginia, where members of our team visited the Volvo Trucks Customer Center to get up close and personal with the all-new Volvo VNL. During our visit, we had the opportunity to gather valuable reference materials, learn more about the truck directly from the experts, and even take it for a test drive!

Join Nemiro, Oscar, Ondřej, and Matěj from the SCS Software team as they explore one of Volvo Trucks North America’s newest and most advanced trucks yet. From detailed photography and video references to capturing authentic sounds and interior details, our team worked hard to ensure that every aspect of the all-new Volvo VNL could be recreated as accurately as possible for our players. We’re also excited that players can already experience this truck for themselves, as the all-new Volvo VNL has officially been released for American Truck Simulator. Find out more in our dedicated blog here.

A major part of the trip was also learning more about the design philosophy, technology, and innovations behind the truck itself. We’d like to give a special thank you to Brian Balicki, Head of Design at Volvo Trucks North America, who took the time to share more details about the all-new Volvo VNL and provided fascinating insights into its development and features.

Of course, no SCS On The Road visit would be complete without getting behind the wheel! Our team had the chance to experience the all-new Volvo VNL firsthand during a test drive around the area surrounding the Volvo Trucks Customer Center. Experiencing the truck on the road gave us valuable insight into its handling, driver comfort, visibility, and overall driving feel, all of which helped us better understand how to bring these experiences into our game.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone at Volvo Trucks North America and the Volvo Trucks Customer Center for welcoming us and making this visit possible. Opportunities like these are invaluable for helping us deliver authentic and immersive trucking experiences to our community.

Make sure to stay connected with all the latest news and upcoming episodes by following us on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, TikTok, and YouTube, or by subscribing to our newsletter. We look forward to bringing you more SCS On The Road episodes in the future, and until next time, keep on truckin'!

SCS Fan Day Experience Vol. 4: Wrap Up

2026-05-21T17:00:00.000+02:00

We had an amazing day on May 15, as we organized SCS Fay Day Experience #4! We welcomed fans of our games from all around the world to our office in Prague, where they had the opportunity to meet our team, tour the studio, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how our games are made.

After receiving a huge number of applications for this fourth edition of our SCS Fan Day, we had to narrow the list down to a smaller group of some of our most dedicated fans, including visitors who traveled all the way to Prague from countries such as Brazil.

As always, it turned into an unforgettable experience meeting and chatting with members of our #BestCommunityEver. Once everyone arrived, they took on the challenge of driving on our 4D motion simulator before heading out on a tour of the office. Along the way, we stopped by several departments where our colleagues gave them a behind-the-scenes look at what they are currently working on and how the development process looks at SCS Software.

Later in the afternoon, we hosted a special Q&A session with our developers and CEO Pavel Šebor, where we discussed the community's thoughts on our games and answered plenty of questions from our guests. The session was accompanied by delicious snacks and coffee before we gathered for a group photo, handed out bags filled with SCS merchandise, and unfortunately had to say goodbye - at least until we hopefully meet again someday!

We would like to thank everyone who took part in this year's Fan Day. We hope it was a memorable experience for you, because it was certainly unforgettable for us as well. Your passion, support, and willingness to travel such long distances just to meet us truly means the world to everyone here at SCS Software, and it continues to motivate us every day. We also hope to meet again with everyone who applied but was not selected or was unable to attend this time around.

We hope we will be able to host another Fan Day in the future and meet even more of our amazing fans. Don't forget to give our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok a follow, as you'll receive news from any upcoming events straight to your feed, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

South Dakota: Hot Springs

2026-05-19T17:00:00.000+02:00

Looking for a mix of nature, history, and relaxation all in one spot? Hot Springs, South Dakota, is calling your name! Located at the southern end of the beautiful Black Hills, this historic town is one of the many destinations you’ll discover in our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. Scroll on down to take a closer look at our recreation of this unique getaway destination!

Known for its naturally warm mineral waters, historic architecture, and outdoor activities, this charming town offers drivers a relaxing yet memorable stop on their journey through the Mount Rushmore State. Our team has been busy at work recreating its virtual counterpart in this upcoming DLC, including several landmarks.

However, the warm water isn’t the only thing producing steam in Hot Springs! The town also holds a unique place in railroad history, once home to what was considered the world’s smallest Union Station. Built in 1891 from locally quarried pink sandstone, this tiny depot became an iconic landmark of the region. While passenger trains no longer run directly into town, the railway heritage of Hot Springs still lives on today, and you’ll even find a representation of it in-game! The beautifully preserved building now serves as the local visitor information center.

Speaking of history, this next landmark goes back a little further.. way further! Hot Springs is home to a Mammoth Site, an active paleontological dig site and museum where the remains of 61 mammoths have been discovered, including Columbian and woolly mammoths. Since the first bones were uncovered in 1974, the site has become one of South Dakota’s most fascinating attractions, featuring an extensive collection of prehistoric remains.

If you’re looking to learn even more about the local area, be sure to take a look at the Pioneer Museum. Originally built in 1893 as a schoolhouse, it later became a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Hot Springs and the surrounding Black Hills region, featuring exhibits on pioneer life, Native American artifacts, and early settlers.

The town’s historic charm is reflected in its distinctive Neo-Romanesque architecture, a style rarely seen in many parts of the United States. Several buildings around Hot Springs almost resemble small castles, giving the downtown area a unique look.

Drivers passing through town can also spot the picturesque Hot Springs Waterfall, located right in the heart of downtown. Nearby, you’ll find shops, restaurants, walking trails, parks, and the Kidney Springs Gazebo. Other local landmarks include the historic public library, the Evans building, the old wooden 1888 jail, and numerous art murals!

We think you’ll enjoy the laid back charm of Hot Springs, but don’t stay too long, there’s still plenty more to discover across South Dakota! If you’re excited to hit the road in this upcoming map expansion for American Truck Simulator, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist using the widget below.

We look forward to sharing more development previews here on our blog and across our social media channels on X, Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky, where you can also catch exclusive video content. Until next time, keep on truckin’!

UK Rework: Stonehenge

2026-05-16T17:00:00.000+02:00

Today, we’re happy to share a closer look at Stonehenge, one of Britain’s most iconic and mysterious landmarks, which will be featured in our UK Rework for Euro Truck Simulator 2. This prehistoric circular megalithic stone structure has stood watch over the rolling countryside for thousands of years, and continues to captivate visitors from around the world with its scale, history, and mystery.

Believed to date back over 5000 years, Stonehenge remains one of the greatest mysteries of the ancient world. Was it a ceremonial site or perhaps even an astronomical calendar aligned with the movements of the sun? While historians continue to debate its true purpose, one thing is certain, it has become a symbol of Britain’s history.

This landmark has been carefully recreated by our talented teams as part of our UK Rework project, and drivers passing by in the future will be able to catch a memorable glimpse of these ancient standing stones. However, if you wish to take a quick break and perhaps enjoy the view a little longer, you can!

Nearby, you’ll also find the modern visitor centre, which welcomes thousands of tourists each year. Built in 2013, this visitor centre houses permanent and temporary exhibitions, including nearly 300 archaeological treasures found buried at the site, from jewellery to pottery to human remains. Complete with a dedicated parking area for buses, there is plenty of room for visitors to stop and learn more!

Set within the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, the area surrounding Stonehenge offers a peaceful glimpse into rural southern England. As you drive through this area, you may notice smaller mounds dotted across the landscape. These are not simply natural features, but Neolithic burial mounds, constructed thousands of years ago. They serve as subtle reminders of the deep history that has shaped this region over time.

We're excited to share more previews and features from the UK Rework, which will arrive as a free update for all owners of Euro Truck Simulator 2 in the future. Be sure to let us know in the comments what UK landmarks you'd love to see! Keep on truckin', cheerio!

Isle of Ireland: Guess Where We Are

2026-05-15T17:00:00.000+02:00

How well do you know Éire? Our team is hard at work creating the Isle of Ireland for Euro Truck Simulator 2, and we’ve got some early work in progress screenshots to share with you!

We know our community has a sharp eye, so we’re putting you to the test to guess where in Ireland these screenshots were taken. They are based on real life locations being recreated in detail for this DLC, so if you know the area, or have some geo-guessing skills, you might just recognise where each one is from.

We’d love to hear your guesses, so be sure to share them in the blog comments below, on our social media channels, or even on our official forum.

Development on the Isle of Ireland DLC is still ongoing, but we hope this glimpse gives you a sense of the beauty and history that awaits you. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the latest development news and previews, and if you like what you’ve seen here today, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist to be notified of its release. Until next time, keep on truckin'!

Illinois DLC Release

2026-05-14T10:00:00.000+02:00

It's so exciting when something you've been working on for quite some time is finally done. Today is the day, as the long-awaited Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator is ready to welcome its first truckers!

The Illinois DLC is now released and available on Steam!

We announced Illinois in February 2025, and since then, our asset and map designers have done some amazing work on bringing it to life for our #BestCommunityEver. As we brought you updates on this DLC in the past year, we have seen your amazing feedback and excitement about this map expansion. We are so happy that today, we are finally able to explore it! And believe us, there's so much to discover.

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

Explore 11 faithfully recreated cities, such as Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, and Peoria!
See iconic landmarks like Chicago’s Buckingham Memorial Fountain, the Springfield State Capitol, or the Rock Valley College, and a meticulously recreated downtown in Rockford.
Deliver cargo to brand-new industries, including a construction equipment factory and dealer, marinas on Lake Michigan and Rend Lake, and Chicago's famous international airport.
Discover 7 scenic towns (settlements) like Macomb or Chenoa.
Drive from the starting point of the legendary Route 66 in Chicago!
Explore stunning natural locations including Rend Lake, the Mississippi River, Shawnee National Forest, and Lake Michigan.
Become the vital link in Illinois’ national rail network, picking up cargo from Chicago’s Intermodal hub and delivering it by truck across the state.
Enjoy varied driving conditions, from wide-open plains, hilly and forested areas to bustling urban streets in big cities.
Uncover hidden gems across Illinois, from hidden roads and viewpoints to easter eggs and more!

From vibrant cities like Chicago, one of the Midwest's most iconic cities, to breathtaking landscapes shaped by the Mississippi River, winding past picturesque towns, there will be no shortage of new and beautiful locations to explore and haul some cargo. If you own some of our already released DLCs, you will also be able to travel the full length of the legendary Route 66 with the release of Illinois!

Release Live Stream

Don't forget about our special Release Live Stream, which is going to start today at 3 pm CEST. We will introduce some special guests, including the CEO of SCS Software, Pavel Šebor, who will tell you more about this new map expansion while we drive through Illinois. Towards the end of the live stream, we will officially release the Illinois DLC together, so make sure to be there!

We are eager for you to start trucking in the Prairie State. Remember to tag us in your photos and videos from this map expansion using the hashtag #CruisingIllinois on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky. If you'll enjoy your time in Illinois, we'd really appreciate it if you left a review on its DLC Steam store page. We thank you for all your support, and until next time, happy haulin'!

ATS Volvo VNL 2025 + Volvo VNR Electric Release

2026-05-13T19:10:00.000+02:00

Today, we’re excited to bring not one, but two new additions to American Truck Simulator! Whether you prefer the power and comfort of long-haul trucking or the cutting-edge innovation of electric mobility, this update delivers something special for every kind of driver. Introducing the all-new 2025 Volvo VNL and Volvo VNR Electric!

From refined aerodynamics and driver-focused interiors to sustainable, zero-emission technology, both vehicles showcase Volvo’s commitment to innovation and performance. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these incredible trucks has to offer.

Volvo VNL 2025

The all-new Volvo VNL arrives in American Truck Simulator as a step forward in long-haul trucking. Designed with efficiency, comfort, and modern styling in mind, this truck is built to conquer the open road.

Players will immediately notice the redesigned exterior, featuring smoother lines and improved aerodynamics. Every detail has been carefully crafted, making it a perfect companion for those long interstate journeys.

Inside the cabin, the VNL focuses on ergonomics and accessibility, with a fully digital dashboard and thoughtfully placed controls ensuring maximum comfort during extended trips.

A wide range of customization options is also available, including chassis configurations, paint jobs, accessories, and much more. This also includes a special paint job for the SCS box trailer.

Under the hood, players can select from a variety of powerful engine options paired with smooth transmissions, delivering the performance and reliability expected from a modern long-haul truck.

Volvo VNR Electric

Alongside the VNL, we’re proud to introduce the Volvo VNR Electric, bringing the first electric truck to American Truck Simulator. While the VNL is a full-size truck that you can own, customize, and expand your fleet with, the VNR Electric is available exclusively through Quick Jobs, giving players a chance to experience electric trucking in a curated way.

This truck represents a modern era of transportation, designed primarily for urban and regional distribution. Its fully electric powertrain delivers smooth, quiet operation, offering a completely different driving experience compared to traditional trucks.

Visually, the VNR Electric stands out with its modern, clean design and distinctive lighting elements. The interior reflects the same philosophy, offering a sleek and functional workspace tailored for urban operations.

We’re incredibly excited to see you hit the road with both the Volvo VNL and the Volvo VNR Electric. Whether you’re hauling across states or navigating city streets, these trucks open up new experiences in American Truck Simulator.

We look forward to your feedback, screenshots, and stories from the road!

Road Trip: Dodge Challenger Hellcat Widebody

2026-05-12T17:18:00.000+02:00

For our Road Trip project in American Truck Simulator, we continue to expand a growing collection of legendary vehicles that feel perfectly at home cruising endless highways and scenic byways across America. Today, we’re excited to share a work-in-progress look at the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody, one of the most iconic American muscle cars of modern times.

Few vehicles represent contemporary American muscle quite like the Challenger. The Hellcat Widebody stands as a bold statement from an era when muscle cars reached new heights of power, presence, and character, while still paying homage to the unmistakable design language that defined generations before it. It is already regarded as a modern legend, a car that proudly carries the spirit of American performance into the present day.

The Dodge Challenger has always been about more than numbers on paper. It’s about attitude, confidence, and the feeling of pointing a long hood toward the horizon. The Hellcat amplifies all of that with its aggressive stance, widened bodywork, and unmistakable road presence.

In Road Trip, this vehicle is about experiencing the vastness of North America from behind the wheel of an automotive icon, cruising historic highways, rolling through small towns, and stopping to admire the diverse landscapes and landmarks that define each state. This is the kind of car meant for memorable journeys, where the drive itself is just as important as the destination.

With every new Road Trip vehicle, our team continues to raise the bar for visual fidelity, and the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Widebody is no exception. From the muscular exterior proportions to carefully crafted interior details, our vehicle artists are paying close attention to materials, lighting, and overall authenticity to ensure the car feels believable and immersive within the world of American Truck Simulator.

Whether parked at a scenic overlook or cruising under changing skies, we want this Challenger to look and feel right in every situation, making each Road Trip experience more atmospheric and visually rewarding.

We’re looking forward to sharing more updates as the Road Trip project evolves. Please remember that this car is still a work in progress, and further refinements are planned as development continues. With legendary vehicles like the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Widebody, we aim to clearly set expectations: Road Trip is about exploration, atmosphere, and celebrating American automotive culture on the open road, one unforgettable journey at a time.

Ready to hit the road in style? Be sure to add the RAM & Dodge Car Pack for American Truck Simulator to your Steam Wishlist today! To stay up to date with the latest development news for Road Trip, don’t forget to follow our blog, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, and Instagram.

British Columbia: Building Canada with Patrix

2026-05-10T17:00:00.001+02:00

Today, we’re taking a closer look behind the scenes of Building Canada, focusing on the creation of British Columbia and what it takes to bring it into American Truck Simulator. We spoke with Patrix, our Map Technical Lead for ATS, who shared his perspective on how this ambitious new region is being brought to life and how the new road networks are being made.

"Hi, my name is Patrik (also known as Patrix). Over the past 15 exciting years at SCS Software, a mix of good fortune and personal dedication has taken me on quite a journey, from starting as a junior map designer on Euro Truck Simulator 2 just months before its release, to my current role as a Technical Lead working on American Truck Simulator."

"It's a pleasure and a big responsibility to be trusted by the company in terms of technical knowledge and pipeline correctness. In my early years, I recall breaking a lot of technical rules to achieve any sort of visual that was (or could be) considered nice. Doing that, I was many times inevitably instructed by experienced senior colleagues about how the game engine works and why I should be careful about overloading hardware with random details or items in map scenes."

"As years flew by, I became more responsible and stood rather rational about the complexity of the map and shaped a pretty exact vision of where the limits are and how the map should be done, so that it works smoothly on any computer and is also accessible to maintenance, which is critical for projects that live on for more than 10 years, just like ATS recently proved to be able to."

"Right now, my responsibility is to set and maintain a certain technical consistency in terms of how our map is being done across the entire ATS, which means syncing the attitude towards map creation across several projects and across different map teams."

"When our CEO, Pavel Šebor, approached us initially with the idea of going north to British Columbia, we immediately knew it would be a challenge. With its significance for the future of ATS, British Columbia reminds me of the times when we worked on Texas. Both were to be bigger than regular DLCs and should also carry a lot of specific new content. Logically, as we are going to another country in ATS for the very first time, we had to prepare a new set of road signage, both vertical and horizontal. Vertical signage are road-side signs, and those in Canada are very similar to the ones in the United States."

"Small things like font differences, dimensions, or rules for placement are exactly those little details we are looking for and following, so that our community of experienced drivers will immediately recognize that they are in Canada, even from unspecified random screenshots."

"Just like we did for the US, we read lots of Canadian documentation to get things right. One of the more complicated decisions was to pick the correct width of road lines. If documentation gives you a variety, what would you pick? The middle, one of the edge cases, or the most common? Also, how would we know from Prague what the most common roadline width is in Canada? When we found answers to these initial questions, even bigger issues appeared with implementation. For our Prism3D engine, different roadlines mean lots of new data that we had to create. Our in-game roads are made from templates of roads and more complex baked segments that we call prefabs. So if we wanted a slightly different yellow and a little wider/narrower lines, it meant making hundreds of road templates and prefabs to be able to bring this detail into British Columbia."

"Another part of my role as technical leader is to check all city layouts and compare their ambitions to the rest of the map, so that we stay consistent in the way we shape the game world."

"Now, British Columbia is actually pretty huge, but just like in many other cases, it is disproportionally balanced in terms of city spacing. The area around Vancouver is surrounded by a huge agglomeration of suburbs, and even cities across the water, like Victoria, were challenging in terms of where to put them on our map scale. Obviously, we had to sacrifice some bridges or interesting road pieces near Vancouver, but on the other hand, we will bring both border crossings from the US to Canada below Vancouver. The one at Interstate 5 is now relevant since we know our car-driving module, Road Trip, is on the way."

"I hope that players will truly enjoy exploring British Columbia and come to appreciate the sheer scale and ambition behind the project. While bringing a brand-new map like this to life comes with its fair share of challenges, it’s also been an incredibly fun and rewarding experience for the team, one we’re excited to share with the community."

We hope you enjoyed this peek behind the curtains of this upcoming expansion. Don't forget to add the British Columbia DLC to your Steam wishlist! Make sure to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube, or sign up for our newsletter for future updates. Until next time, happy haulin'!

Illinois: Chicago + BIG in Illinois

2026-05-09T17:00:00.001+02:00

Chicago, the city that never stops moving, best known for its iconic skyline, hot dogs, and historic architecture. Today, we’re excited to give you a closer look at the Windy City, its unique road network, and the new Special Transport routes coming with our upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator which releases on May 14th. Ready to take a look? Let’s head downtown!

As you can imagine, recreating a city of this size and scale in ATS is no easy task. With so much detail to capture, industries to represent, and road networks to connect, there have been many challenges. We spoke with Lukas, one of our Senior Map Designers who has worked on recreating the Windy City for more than a year, to learn more about our in-game version of Chicago and what players can expect.

"Chicago is a unique city" Lukas shares. "Many people know it from movies and games, even if they’ve never been there. My personal goal was to create a believable version that we could all be proud of, not just for our players, but for locals too."

One of the most visually striking features players will notice is Chicago’s skyline. It's the largest we’ve created to date. Lukas shares more "We tried to make the skyline as accurate as possible in terms of scale, space and optimisation... the fact that you can actually drive right into it is crazy, and I'm really glad we managed to make that possible."

When it comes to trucking through the city itself, players will be able to drive through key downtown areas, including the famous Chicago Loop, parts of Streeterville, and the Near South Side. These districts have been recreated with attention to detail. While certain areas such as Navy Pier are represented creatively within the game’s scale, they remain recognisable and true to their real-world inspiration. Alongside this, iconic routes such as Lake Shore Drive offer stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city panorama.

As you can imagine, for many living in the city, driving isn’t the fastest or most affordable way to get around. For many, the Chicago ‘L’, the city’s rapid transit system, is part of the daily commute, and something we couldn’t miss including in our recreation. Complete with a brand-new train model created by our vehicle team, this iconic mode of public transport weaves through the city with elevated, subway, and surface-level lines. Its distinctive steel elevated structures, dating back to 1892, are a defining feature of Chicago’s streets.

However, there’s more than meets the eye than just what’s on the surface. Our team has also recreated Lower Wacker Drive, an iconic three level underground roadway system in Chicago, running beneath the Loop to help alleviate congestion. Completed in 1926, it serves as a fast-moving, often confusing through-route and key shipping artery for the city. We look forward to you experiencing these unique road networks rarely seen in American Truck Simulator.

A city this big couldn’t run without its truck drivers, and Chicago brings a wide range of industries and delivery opportunities. One notable location is O’Hare International Airport, the sixth busiest airport in the world, handling more than 850,000 aircraft movements each year. Here, players can take on deliveries within the airport and its cargo operations, including transporting goods to and from a cargo warehouse, unloading at a custom fuel depot, and even delivering directly to a specialised large cargo aircraft on the apron.

Beyond the airport, Chicago features a variety of other depots, including a large intermodal yard, and locations such as a car factory and a custom car export depot. Players can also deliver to a construction site located next to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge along Lake Shore Drive. Other delivery locations include the marina, a food processing facility, a heavy machinery service, and a chem oil industry. Some of the most unique deliveries can even take players underground, with the custom-built Undercity storage depo on Lower Wacker Drive, and the Wallbert warehouse situated even deeper below the city.

One industry we could not miss is the iconic Thornton Quarry, one of the largest and most recognisable quarries in the region. This vast, custom-built depot is a standout location for players looking for work, and a landmark in its own right. With its real-life counterpart spanning an immense area, our team has worked hard to bring that same sense of scale and depth into its virtual recreation. Whether you're hauling heavy materials and equipment in or out of the site, or simply passing by, be sure to take a moment to admire this impressive operation located south of Chicago.

Of course, no city would be complete without its landmarks. From towering skyscrapers and historic buildings to well-known attractions such as Buckingham Fountain, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and Soldier Field, there’s plenty to see. Navy Pier is also represented, complete with the Chicago Children’s Museum and Centennial Wheel. Love bridges? Be sure to check out the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge and the William P. Fahey Bridge, both of which are dynamic. And that’s just scratching the surface!

So as you can tell, there's plenty to see, deliver and explore in Chicago, but we will leave the rest to you! However, the city is not the only thing that is BIG in Illinois...

BIG in Illinois - Special Transport Routes

If you're looking for a challenge in Illinois, then maybe our new Special Transport routes are for you! Truckers who are ready to take on these mighty loads will find several new Special Transport job contracts.

Whilst these routes have been carefully pre-planned by our dispatchers, you can expect there to be some challenging manoeuvres and scenic views on the road to your final destination. As always, trained escort teams and local police will assist in guiding you along the correct route, and where necessary, help block traffic to allow safe passage.

Think you've got what it takes? Special Transport DLC owners will find contracts on offer between the following cities:

Peoria to Chicago
Moline to Quincy
Springfield to Marion

So whether you're taking on Special Transport routes or hauling cargo through the busy streets of Chicago, we truly hope you enjoy all that the Illinois DLC has to offer in American Truck Simulator when it releases on May 14th! If you like what you see, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist, and until next time, keep on truckin'!

Iceland: Custom Depots

2026-05-07T17:00:00.001+02:00

In today's blog, we bring you a glimpse at some of the custom depots featured in the upcoming Iceland map expansion, which is currently in development for Euro Truck Simulator 2. So let's take a look at what our map designers are working on!

The largest one is a landmark depot of a silicon metal factory, which is an accurate 1:1 copy of the real-world facility found in this location. This will be the home of a new virtual company called Kísilverksmiðja, producing silicon metal, which is used in a wide variety of applications in the chemical industry, production of silicones and silanes, or high-strength aluminium alloys for the automotive industry.

Truckers will be able to drive to nearly every corner of the complex and load or unload their truck in various locations within the complex based on the type of cargo they are hauling. The depot will also feature dynamic cargo loading of logs, which play a key role in this industry. The entire location is positioned near the coast, so in addition to the tunnel connecting the depot and the city, drivers will also get to enjoy some beautiful views of the sea.

Then, you will find three custom-made quarries located in the towns of Selfoss, Patreksfjörður, and Blönduós. Quarrying of aggregate materials, both rock and sediment, is an important industry in Iceland, since aggregates are needed for a wide range of building and road construction projects.

All of these quarries are branches of the well-established MS Stein company that truckers can already know. Set within Iceland's iconic landscapes, these unique depots offer striking surroundings: the first two lie at the foot of towering cliffs, with the second one also boasting sweeping views of the sea.

Truckers will also come across six custom farm depots, each reflecting the characteristic Icelandic rural way of life. These are usually smaller, family-owned homesteads, often situated at the foot of mountains and shaped by the surrounding landscape. Their architecture is adapted to Iceland's demanding climate, using practical materials such as concrete and corrugated metal.

On these farms, you will often see livestock typical of the region, particularly Icelandic sheep and cattle. Some, like those in Þórshöfn and near Reykjavík, are tucked into the landscape, while others are located right beside the road.

With these farms, our map designers tried to convey the narrow Icelandic roads, deep valleys, charcoal-colored rocks and soil, and farmsteads appearing as clusters of modest farm buildings nestled against the base of rugged mountains. Beyond them, you will see just vast stretches of land that extend far into the rocky highlands, with roaming sheep.

And that's all for today! If we got you excited about this map expansion, don't forget to support us by adding the Iceland DLC to your Steam wishlist.

Remember to give our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok 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, keep on trucking.

Euro Truck Simulator 2: 1.59 Update Release

2026-05-06T09:12:00.002+02:00

We are excited that the 1.59 update for Euro Truck Simulator 2 is now officially released and available on Steam! We hope you will enjoy all the new features, which you can read about in more detail below.

As always, we would like to thank everyone who took part in the open beta phase and reported possible issues or any kind of feedback on our forum, as it helped us fine-tune everything for a smooth transition to the full update!

Benelux Rework Release

We are happy to reveal that the long-awaited Benelux Rework project is released with this update! Our assets and map designers have completely rebuilt the whole original map of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg from scratch, delivering a richer, more detailed experience.

Truckers can explore a wide range of revamped major cities and their surroundings, including Amsterdam, Groningen, Rotterdam, Brussels, Liège, and Luxembourg City. Each location has been carefully redesigned to highlight its unique character with plenty of landmarks and details!

You can also look forward to hauling cargo through entirely new locations. These include Antwerp, home to one of Europe's largest container ports; the DAF Trucks facility in Eindhoven, which has been recreated with remarkable detail in close cooperation with our partners at DAF Trucks; as well as key transport corridors - the busy E40 and A2 motorway.

You'll be able to drive from the beautiful hilly landscapes of the Belgian Ardennes to the flat polders and picturesque coastal roads in the northern Netherlands - the reworked Benelux offers a diverse and varied environment that truly reflects the region's look and feel.

Whether you're cruising through dense city centers, navigating busy highways, or discovering scenic country routes, the Benelux region now offers a far more immersive and authentic journey. You can see more from what is coming in our already released blogs on this topic.

Volvo Trucks Experience Center

In partnership with our friends at Volvo Trucks, we are adding the renowned Volvo Trucks Experience Center, situated in Gothenburg, Sweden, to the map, where you can test your trucking skills.

The center's standout feature is its dedicated driving circuit, which incorporates sweeping bends, tighter technical corners, elevation changes, downhill stretches, and varied road layouts. This allows drivers to assess vehicle behaviour in a controlled environment, highlighting stability, braking precision, handling characteristics, and overall driving comfort in ways that go beyond everyday road conditions.

The Volvo Trucks Experience Center has been recreated almost entirely on a 1:1 scale in our map with a strong attention to detail. You can drive the full circuit and explore the surrounding areas of the facility.

To find this amazing facility, you need to venture around the roads near Gothenburg to discover an entrance that will initially not be shown on your GPS. And remember, since it is located in Sweden, you need the Scandinavia DLC to be able to visit it. You can read more about this addition here.

Thermo King Update

Thermo King, a global leader in transport temperature control, is coming to Euro Truck Simulator 2 with their trailer refrigeration units! These replace all the unbranded units we had on our base game and DLC reefer trailers so far. This adds an extra touch of realism when you are hauling temperature-sensitive cargo and spot a famous real-world brand on your trailer.

With this update, you can see the Thermo King A-360, A-400, A-500, SLXi-300, and SLXi-400 refrigeration units on the front of your single trailers, which deliver a range of trailer refrigeration performance to suit different transport needs. On top of that, we also added the UT-1400R unit, designed for double-trailer configurations and mounted beneath the trailer. Find out more about this update here.

Advisor Update - Finances & Damage Widgets

We've been closely listening to feedback from our community, and one of the most common points raised in the new route advisor was that many players missed having quick access to information on vehicle damage and finances. While our teams are actively working on the next steps in our broader vision for a redesigned UI in this area, we didn't want to make you wait until that work is complete. Instead, we've prioritized implementing some of the most frequently requested improvements as soon as possible.

Based on that, we've implemented the Damage and Finances widgets. These widgets are designed to restore easy access to information about truck damage, plus trailer and cargo damage, if you are currently driving with a trailer and cargo, as well as your current bank balance, with an average profit over the last seven days displayed too.

These widgets can be turned on and off in the Widget Settings Menu, and if enabled, they will be displayed in the bottom right corner above your GPS.

Tow to Road

The Tow to Road feature was designed to improve the overall quality of life for players by reducing frustrating situations during gameplay. It allows drivers to quickly recover if their truck overturns or gets stuck in a ditch or uneven terrain. It also helps prevent disruptions in multiplayer sessions, enabling players to continue with their convoy when they find themselves stuck, without the need to be towed to a service location, which could cause unnecessary delays.

So when you are in a difficult situation, you can simply find the new "Tow to Road" button under the Service menu (set to F7 by default). After paying a small fee for the towing service, you will be transported to your last safe location on the road. You can read more about this feature here.

Skills UX Redesign

The Skill Screen has received a visual rework while remaining in its original place within the interface. This update focuses on improving clarity and overall user experience without changing its core functionality.

You can now view both your current skill level and the next step in its progression. Tooltips also allow you to explore other ranks within each skill. Selecting a skill provides improved readability and clearer visual feedback, including a better indication of how many steps remain in that skill's progression path.

Each skill is represented as a clickable button, making it easy to access more detailed information. The redesign also improves navigation when using a controller.

QoL UI/UX Changes

We're continuing to refine the overall user experience with updates focused on readability, clarity, and smoother controller navigation.

The in-game news banner has received a visual refresh to better align with our newer UI style while improving readability. When hovering over a news item, a tooltip will now display a longer excerpt along with a clear call to action. Deactivated news items now feature a clearer status indicator, which also doubles as an activation button.

We're making navigation on the world map more intuitive for controller users. A new "undo last pin" feature has been added, along with remapped controls for adding, removing, setting avoid areas, and resetting pins.

Save handling has also been improved, with new saves now using the standard save icon instead of a black screenshot and overwriting clearly labeled as "Overwrite". Garage upgrade cutscenes can now be skipped more consistently using the (B) button, and the controller navigation has been further refined with improved D-pad accessibility across UI.

Traffic Sound Rework

We've also made some adjustments to traffic audio as part of this update. Sounds have been softened and rebalanced to better match real-world perception, with less emphasis on distant engine noise and more on the subtle "road hiss" of tires. Honking behavior has also been slightly randomized to reduce repetition. Overall, traffic should now feel less intrusive and better integrated into the ambient soundscape.

Height Blend Improvements

We've also made a few improvements to the Height Blend feature. Derived normal maps can now be enabled to help conserve GPU memory, and we've also addressed several graphical issues to ensure more consistent, visually accurate results.

Detour Feature Maintenance

We've decided to temporarily disable the detour feature to focus on maintenance and further development. We've received numerous reports of Detours not functioning as intended, and the current system no longer meets our needs.

As a result, we'll be shutting down detours while we work on improving and upgrading the feature in the background to make it more stable and reliable. Please note that this change only affects detours - random road events will continue to be available in the game.

Changelog

Map

Benelux Rework Release
Volvo Trucks Experience Center

Vehicles

Thermo King Update

Gameplay

Tow to Road Feature

UI/UX

Advisor Update - Finances & Damage Widgets
Skills UX Redesign
QoL UI/UX Changes

Improved News Banner Readability
World Map Pin Enhancements
Save Icon Update
Garage Cutscene Skipping
D-pad Accessibility Improvements

Visuals

Height Blend Improvements

Sounds

Traffic Sound Rework

Other

Detour Feature Maintenance

Don't forget to also 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. Safe travels!

American Truck Simulator: 1.59 Update Release

2026-05-05T09:54:00.000+02:00

We're thrilled to announce that the 1.59 update for American Truck Simulator has officially been released and is now available on Steam!

First of all, we would like to thank everyone who took part in the Open Beta and reported any issues or provided general feedback on our forum. This makes it much easier for our team to fine-tune everything and helps ensure a smooth transition to the full update release.

Advisor Update - Finances & Damage Widgets

Based on that, we've implemented the Damage and Finances widgets. The widgets are designed to restore easy access to information about truck damage, plus trailer and cargo damage, if you are currently driving with a trailer and cargo, as well as your current bank balance, with an average profit over the last seven days displayed too.

These widgets can be turned on and off in the Widget Settings Menu, and if enabled, they will be displayed in the bottom-right corner above your GPS.

Tow to Road

The Tow to Road feature was designed to improve the overall quality of life for players by reducing frustrating situations during gameplay. It will allow drivers to quickly recover if their truck overturns or gets stuck in a ditch or uneven terrain. It will also help prevent disruptions in multiplayer sessions, enabling players to continue with their convoy when they find themselves stuck, without the need to be towed to a service location, which could cause unnecessary delays.

Skills UX Redesign

Each skill is represented as a clickable button, making it easy to access more detailed information. The redesign also improves navigation when using a controller.

QoL UI/UX Changes

We're continuing to refine the overall user experience with updates focused on readability, clarity, and smoother controller navigation.

Traffic Sound Rework

We’ve made some adjustments to traffic audio as part of this update. Sounds have been softened and rebalanced to better match real-world perception, with less emphasis on distant engine noise and more on the subtle “road hiss” of tires. Honking behavior has also been slightly randomized to reduce repetition. Overall, traffic should now feel less intrusive and better integrated into the ambient soundscape.

Height Blend Improvements

We’ve also made a few improvements to the Height Blend feature. Derived normal maps can now be enabled to help conserve GPU memory, and we’ve addressed several graphical issues to ensure more consistent, visually accurate results.

Detour Feature Maintenance

Changelog:

Gameplay

Tow to Road Feature

UI/UX

Advisor Update - Finances & Damage Widgets
Skills UX Redesign
QoL UI/UX Changes

Improved News Banner Readability
World Map Pin Enhancements
Save Icon Update
Garage Cutscene Skipping
D-pad Accessibility Improvements

Visuals

Height Blend Improvements

Sounds

Traffic Sound Rework

Other

Detour Feature Maintenance

We hope you are also excited to try out all the new features! Make sure to keep up to date with the future updates by following us on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, and Instagram, and by subscribing to our newsletter! Until next time, happy haulin' and we'll see you on the road!

ATS Road Trip - Ford Car Pack: Bronco Badlands

2026-05-03T17:00:00.001+02:00

Today, we're excited to give you a closer look at the 2023 Ford Bronco Badlands, one of the vehicles that you'll be able to get behind the wheel of in our upcoming Road Trip module with the Ford Car Park DLC for American Truck Simulator.

Few vehicles have captured the spirit of American adventure quite like the Ford Bronco. Its legendary status comes from decades of exploring the wild, built on a foundation of rugged capability, a good mix of abilities, and open-air freedom.

It became an easily recognizable vehicle by people all over the world in the past decades, featured in some popular movies, too. The 2023 Bronco Badlands, which you will be able to drive with the Ford Car Pack, is a part of its sixth generation.

First introduced in the mid-1960s as a revolutionary 4x4, the Bronco quickly achieved cult success, with more than 1.1 million cars manufactured across multiple generations over 31 years of production. With a long-awaited return in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, it has reclaimed its reputation as a vehicle that can handle almost anything, from technical rock crawling in the desert to scenic coastal cruises and everything in between.

Over the years, the Bronco has grown and evolved alongside its drivers. What started as a simple, utilitarian off-roader has transformed into a lineup featuring advanced EcoBoost powertrains, cutting-edge G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any type of Terrain) modes, and performance-focused suspension, all while staying true to its iconic boxy roots.

This ability to master any surface is a big reason why the Bronco remains a symbol of outdoor exploration, equally at home as a daily driver or a hardcore companion for those who love to venture far off the beaten path.

Players can also look forward to a selection of factory-inspired exterior colours from the 2023 lineup, including striking options such as Azure Gray, Cactus Gray, Eruption Green, Pepper Red, Velocity Blue, or Yellowstone paint.

We would like to thank Ford for their support in bringing this car to our game. If you are excited to hit the road in the beautiful Bronco Badlands, don't forget to add the Ford Car Pack for American Truck Simulator to your Steam Wishlist!

Also, remember to stay up to date with the latest Road Trip news by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, and Instagram. Until next time, drive safe!