American Truck Simulator News

[p]Louisiana's lakes, rivers, swamps, bayous, and forests showcase a remarkable variety of landscapes. Today, we will take a look at the beautiful nature you will find in the Pelican State while on the road in this upcoming map expansion for American Truck Simulator![/p][p][/p][p]Louisiana's warm, subtropical climate, thanks to its location within the Gulf of Mexico, sets the stage for some truly one-of-a-kind scenery. It's a big shift from some of the landscapes in our previous map expansions. The Pelican State's terrain is broadly divided into three distinct regions: dense forests, sweeping prairies, and expansive marshlands, each offering its own unique scenery and atmosphere. The state offers 22 national parks as well as many impeccable nature trails, paddling routes, fishing areas, and more. [/p][p][/p][p]The Mississippi River has played a big role in shaping Louisiana's landscape. For thousands of years, it carried huge amounts of dirt and sand from all across the country and slowly built up the southern coastline, pushing it miles out into the Gulf of Mexico. As the river shifted its path over time, it left behind old river branches that slowly sank and wore away, forming the mix of marshes, lakes, and winding bayous that make this area so unique today. You may follow the river upstream if you are traveling U.S. Route 65, which winds along the Mississippi border. [/p][p][/p][p]If you want to experience more of the bayou region, head down to the southern coast. From shadowy swamps with cypress trees to sunlit marshes, the bayous are home to unique wildlife, including diverse species of birds and alligators. This area is also vital for harvesting shrimp, oysters, and fish. For a scenic drive through this natural wonder, follow the LA-82. [/p][p][/p][p]However, the lowlands are not the only type of landscape found in Louisiana. If you venture further north, you will discover the Red River valley, which has a low-elevation relief and typically features red soil. In the northern part of the state, you will mainly find some rolling hills, which you may come across while driving along I-20. [/p][p][/p][p]And that's it for today! Remember to add the Louisiana DLC to your Steam Wishlist and don't forget to give our X/Twitter, Instagram, 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. We look forward to sharing more with you soon. [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]A few weeks back, we announced that the work had already begun on the South Dakota map expansion for American Truck Simulator. Now, before we are ready to share more in-game news, we would like to show you an interview with the map lead, Saimon, who will tell you more about their research trip to the Mount Rushmore State![/p][p][/p][p]In August 2023, members of the South Dakota map design team set out on an exciting road trip across Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. "At the time, South Dakota was still a potential future destination for American Truck Simulator, but deep down, we had a strong feeling we'd be building it one day. So we decided to get ahead of the game and hit the road. And let me tell you, seeing the landscape with your own eyes changes everything. You start to notice subtle details that maps, photos, and videos just don't capture. The trip was absolutely worth it," says Saimon.[/p][p][/p][p]The road trip crew was made up of four dedicated team members from the original Nebraska map team. Since then, they've successfully finished Iowa and are now diving into South Dakota. Leading the team is Saimon, the project lead. Alongside him are Vacky, a seasoned senior with leadership ambitions; Tony, another senior who specializes in rocks and terrain formations; and Draky, whose keen eye for vegetation and terrain materials makes a significant impact in crafting believable landscapes. [/p][p][/p][p]"We entered South Dakota via US-385, coming up from Chadron, NE, and our first stop was the area around Black Hills. One of the first places we hit was Maverick Junction, where the gently rolling forested hills of the Black Hills welcomed us. We continued along US-18 into Hot Springs, and it took only a few minutes for us to fall in love with this charming town. With its historic buildings, public murals, sculptures, and unique atmosphere, we immediately knew it deserved a spot in the game," Saimon shares his team's first impressions.[/p][p][/p][p]"Driving through the Black Hills left us in awe. The region's vastness, hilly terrain, and breathtaking vistas felt almost otherworldly. Wildlife was everywhere - bison, pronghorns, prairie dogs - you name it. We stopped at several settlements, including Keystone, Three Forks, and the iconic Deadwood. Of course, we couldn't miss one of America's most famous landmarks - Mount Rushmore," says Saimon.[/p][p][/p][p]"What surprised us about Mount Rushmore is how much more there is beyond the famous faces of the four presidents. The approach to the memorial includes dramatic tunnels, winding roads, and scenic loops that are memorable on their own. The site itself is expansive, with a massive entrance plaza, countless parking areas, several distinct buildings, and a striking Avenue of Flags. We were genuinely impressed - and we're treating this location with great respect to ensure it's represented in the game as monumentally as it feels in real life," Saimon told us.[/p][p][/p][p]From the Black Hills, the team continued their journey eastward, heading toward Rapid City and neighboring towns. "Rapid City took us by surprise with its sprawling layout and how the city is embraced by tall hills. The town features some unique buildings and sculptures, along with a beautiful park and several industrial zones that we’re excited to showcase in future blog posts!"[/p][p][/p][p]Another place that made an impression on the team was Sturgis. Known far and wide for its legendary motorcycle rally and western saloons, the town had a distinct charm that was impossible to ignore. "At first, we weren't sure we'd be able to fit it into the game world at our scale, but after scouting the area, we found a way, and we're so glad we did," says Saimon.[/p][p][/p][p]"Further down I-90, we kept seeing these bold, frequent billboards for a place called Wall. Every mile or so, another sign popped up. Eventually, we couldn't resist - we had to see what all the hype was about. Wall turned out to be more than just a town - it's a gateway to Badlands National Park and home to a true roadside icon: Wall Drug. What started in the 1930s as a small drugstore offering free ice water to travelers has since grown into a massive shopping complex. With quirky attractions, souvenir shops, restaurants, and even animatronic dinosaurs, Wall Drug is the kind of place you remember forever. It perfectly captures that larger-than-life roadside Americana we love bringing into ATS." [/p][p][/p][p]After that, the team ventured into Badlands National Park. "The dramatic landscapes - rugged rock formations, steep canyons, and vibrant layers of sediment - are like something from another planet. Driving through the park gave us a real appreciation for the geological history and scale of South Dakota's natural beauty. The shifting light, deep colors, and sense of quiet made it one of the most awe-inspiring parts of our entire journey," Saimon shares.[/p][p][/p][p]"Before continuing eastward, we made a final stop in the small town of Murdo, another picturesque settlement with a unique vibe. But we'll save the stories from the rest of our trip - and the towns along the way - for future blog posts," Saimon concludes.[/p][p][/p][p]We hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes view of how the team behind this upcoming DLC gathers inspiration. Make sure to add the South Dakota DLC to your Steam wishlist! Remember to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube for all the latest news from this map expansion and American Truck Simulator, or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed. Until next time, we wish you happy travels![/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]You don’t need the eyes of a hawk to see what’s coming, the Iowa DLC for American Truck Simulator officially releases today! Get ready to explore everything that the Hawkeye State has to offer.
[/p][h3]The Iowa DLC for American Truck Simulator is now released!
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It’s been quite the journey since we first revealed that Iowa was in development, and today, we're thrilled to finally share it with our #BestCommunityEver. With expansive road networks, charming towns, and plenty of jobs across the heart of the Midwest, there’s a lot to look forward to behind the wheel. We're also updating the Farm Machinery DLC and launching a new World of Trucks event, so be sure to read the full blog to catch all the details surrounding this release.
[/p][p]Make the most of your visit to the Hawkeye State and enjoy every moment as you:
[/p]

• [p]Truck through 12 cities including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Burlington, Iowa City, and more![/p]
• [p]Discover beautifully recreated landmarks like the Iowa State Capitol, Historic Cedar Covered Bridge, Tree in the Middle of the Road, or the world’s largest grain bins.[/p]
• [p]Deliver cargo to or from new depots – the agricultural factory and agricultural dealer.[/p]
• [p]Visit the biggest truck stop we have ever built in ATS on Interstate 80![/p]
• [p]Become a vital part in transporting farm produce from the Hawkeye State all over the USA.[/p]
• [p]Explore more than 15 scenic towns (settlements) on your travels such as Spencer, Clear Lake, Dyersville, Oskaloosa, or Traer![/p]
• [p]Pick up and deliver equipment and goods to the Aluminum Factory, a brand-new prefab depot featuring custom-designed assets.[/p]
• [p]Admire the state’s stunning expansive hills with terraced fields and picturesque farms.[/p]
• [p]Keep goods flowing in and out of Iowa’s huge ethanol plant depots, supporting its lead in U.S. ethanol production.[/p]
• [p]Uncover Iowa’s hidden gems, find hidden roads, viewpoints, and more!
  [/p][p][/p][p]Cruise through lively river cities and quiet farming communities as you discover the diverse scenery of Iowa, from elevated prairie hills to expansive fields lined with silos and wind turbines. This map expansion brings detailed landmarks like the Iowa State Capitol and iconic bridges spanning the Mississippi. With a road network featuring major interstates, rural highways, and small-town streets, Iowa offers a unique and immersive journey for any driver![/p][p][/p][p] Farm Machinery DLC Update
  
  With the 1.55 update, we introduced a new cargo addition to the Farm Machinery DLC, the Windrower! This essential piece of agricultural equipment is used to gather and align crops into neat rows for drying and harvesting, and now it’s your job to haul it where it’s needed most. The Windrower will be available on the job market in two color variants: a classic green and a yellow version branded with OWL, one of our in-game farming equipment manufacturers. Designed for lowboy trailers, it’s a wide and impressive load that brings more variety to your agricultural deliveries.
  [/p][p][/p][p]You can find the full details about this update here.
  
  [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Iowa Freight & Fields Bundle
  
  
  Get ready to haul big cargo in style with the Iowa Freight & Fields Bundle for American Truck Simulator! Celebrate the release of the Iowa map expansion, the heart of America's agricultural industry - with this special bundle which includes four DLCs: Iowa, Special Transport, Farm Machinery, and the Retrowave Paint Jobs Pack.[/p][p]Haul farming equipment across Iowa with the Farm Machinery DLC, from the iconic I-80 to the capital city of Des Moines, and through charming towns along the Mississippi River, and put your driving skills to the test with oversized cargo from the Special Transport DLC.[/p][p]Top it all off with bold, retro flair drive in vibrant ‘80s style with the Retrowave Paint Jobs Pack as you cruise through the Hawkeye State.[/p][p][/p][p]Cruising Iowa World of Trucks Event
  
  Right with the release of this map expansion, we are also introducing the #CruisingIowa World of Trucks Event for you to enjoy! We challenge our #BestCommunityEver to achieve a collective goal of driving 125,000,000 miles while delivering cargo to or from any city in Iowa. The personal goal is to deliver cargo to or from all 12 cities in the Hawkeye State, with each job being 100 miles or more. You can read more about the event here.[/p][p][/p][p]Unique rewards await those who complete the challenge! Truckers who achieve their personal goal will earn the Golden Flight ATS truck paint job and a World of Trucks Achievement.
  [/p][p]When the community goal is met, and if you’ve also completed your personal goal, you’ll receive the beautifully crafted Porcelain Wild Rose hanging ornament for your cabin.
  
  But that’s not all, truckers who complete a job using External Contracts or the External Market TO or FROM Iowa City will be rewarded with the Happy Hog cabin plush! Soft, snuggly, and full of Midwestern charm, this cheerful piglet pays tribute to Iowa’s proud farming heritage and is sure to keep you company on your travels! 
  
  We can’t wait for you to start trucking through the Hawkeye State. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos and videos using the hashtag #CruisingIowa on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram,and Bluesky. If you’re enjoying your time #CruisingIowa, we’d really appreciate it if you left a review on the Iowa DLC Steam store page. We thank you for all your support and until next time, keep on truckin'! 
  
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[p]Join us on Thursday, the 10th of July, to celebrate the release of our new Iowa DLC, by taking part in our World of Trucks event - Cruising Iowa! Get ready for an unforgettable ride through the heart of the Midwest and explore the rural beauty of the Hawkeye State, while on the job.[/p][p] We're calling on our #BestCommunityEver to achieve the goal of driving 125,000,000 miles (201,168,000 km) while delivering cargo to or from any city in Iowa. [/p][p]While #CruisingIowa, you'll enjoy losing yourself in beautiful scenic farms and crop fields. But don't forget to also visit Iowa's biggest cities Des Moines, Cedar Rapids or Davenport - especially at night, when the city lights create a magical atmosphere as you drive across its iconic bridges.[/p][p]The Hawkeye State is well known for its agricultural wealth and stands at the top in production, especially of corn, hogs, eggs, and ethanol. As you contribute to the state's economy by hauling not only farming goods but also machinery, you'll have the chance to explore new agricultural factories, dealerships, and ethanol plants along the way.[/p][p]While travelling through Iowa, you'll encounter breathtaking views and memorable highlights, including: [/p]

• [p]Burlington, offering riverfront charm and historic streets in beautiful scenery[/p]
• [p]Dubuque Lock & Dam 11, vital to navigation and water control on the Upper Mississippi[/p]
• [p]Cedar Rapids, where innovation meets Midwest charm in the City of Five Seasons[/p]
• [p]Baseball Field, a legendary Iowa ballfield where dreams and nostalgia still echo[/p]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]As with past cruising events, you can use your own trailer and experience all the fun using the external market![/p][p]Explore 12 incredible cities in the Iowa DLC, and unlock a uniquely crafted reward by achieving your personal goal of delivering to or from every one of them. All event jobs need to be 100 miles (161 km) or longer.[/p][p]Are you ready to hit the road? Join us in #CruisingIowa and let's explore the Hawkeye State's endless prairies, crop fields, unspoiled nature and historic cities.[/p][p] [/p][p]Rules [/p][p]Using External Contracts or External Market, with a World of Trucks-connected profile in American Truck Simulator, the community goal is to drive 125,000,000 miles (201,168,000 km) while delivering cargoes to or from any city in Iowa.[/p][p]When a player completes a delivery to or from 12 different Iowa cities, they will achieve their personal goal.[/p][p]All jobs for the event need to be at least 100 miles each (161 km), or more.[/p][p]You can check if your recent deliveries met these conditions using your Log Book in your World of Trucks profile.[/p][p]Rewards[/p]

• [p]Personal: Players that deliver cargo to or from 12 Iowa cities will gain a personal World of Trucks Achievement and a Golden Flight ATS truck paint job Steam inventory item.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Community: When the community goal of driving 125,000,000 miles (201,168,000 km) during deliveries to or from any city in Iowa is met, and if the player has also achieved their personal goal, then they will receive a Porcelain Wild Rose hanging ornament Steam inventory item.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Note: In order to qualify for any community reward, you must complete at least your personal goal in American Truck Simulator. Each reward will be a Steam inventory item for American Truck Simulator. Once completed, claim your reward in the Events page on your World of Trucks profile.[/p][p]The event will be concluded on Sunday, the 14th of September at 23:59 UTC.[/p][p]We can't wait to hear about your discoveries as you cruise through the beautiful Hawkeye state! So, please share your screenshots and videos with us using the hashtag #CruisingIowa on our Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram profiles and we will share our favourite ones (we may even feature some of them in a future blog post!).[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]Nestled along the majestic Mississippi River, the city of Quincy is full of rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant arts, and beautiful nature. Let's see what it looks like in our upcoming Illinois map expansion for American Truck Simulator![/p][p][/p][p]The seat of Adams County is located on the western side of the Prairie State, right on the border with Missouri. Quincy is also called the Gem City, and it's no wonder, as it features beautiful parks, a scenic riverfront, historic neighborhoods with some of the most stunning houses in the country, and a vibrant downtown.[/p][p][/p][p]We just couldn't leave out some of those wonderful buildings found in Quincy and decided to make them as landmarks, recreating them to faithfully represent how you can find them in the real world. These include the historic boat club building, the architecturally stunning church in the city center, the local community center, the museum, the marina, and the water treatment facility. As previously mentioned, the town is home to some lovely parks, so our map team has made sure to include Washington Park right in the heart of the city.[/p][p][/p][p]And of course, both the Bayview Bridge and the Memorial Bridge which span the Mississippi River and connect the city to Missouri have also been recreated. Near those bridges, you can also come across a sculpture, a small detail breathing in a little more realism into our recreation of Quincy.[/p][p][/p][p]Regarding the industries that truckers can find in this city, there will be plenty to choose from when you are looking for a job! You will be able to deliver in and out of a home improvement store, a parking lot construction site, a garden center, a factory producing superstructures for pickup trucks and similar vehicles, and a grain elevator. You'll also come across two other depots, one of them brand new and currently in development, specifically for this map expansion. We won't spoil the surprise just yet, so stay tuned for future blog posts![/p][p]If you enjoyed this preview of the Illinois DLC, make sure to add this map expansion to your Steam wishlist! Remember to stay tuned for more American Truck Simulator news by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. We would also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter. We will see you on the road![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]