American Truck Simulator News

[p]Since the launch of the Iowa DLC in American Truck Simulator, we’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible feedback, photos, videos, and comments pouring in across our official social media channels. It’s always a highlight for our team to see how you’re enjoying the roads, landmarks, and landscapes we've worked hard to recreate. [/p][p][/p][p]Just like with previous expansions, we’re excited to highlight some of the creations from our #BestCommunityEver as you explore everything Iowa has to offer.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Have something exciting to share from your journey through Iowa? Be sure to tag us with #CruisingIowa on X/Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, or post your thoughts on the official SCS Forum. A huge thank you to everyone who's already shared their adventures with us. Keep those posts coming, we love seeing what you're up to out there on the road![/p][p]Source: @ArnVtc[/p][p] Source: @P_Nezzie[/p][p]Source: @xavior09[/p][p] Source: @GenadijOv[/p][p]We also connected with a variety of content creators across the web to hear what they think about the Iowa DLC. Take a look at some of their impressions below! We really appreciate their insights and the time they put into creating content about our games. Be sure to check out their channels and give them a follow to show your support! A. P. 101 Gaming[/p][p][/p][p]"SCS has done it once again! I really enjoyed the contrast of driving through small, remote towns and larger, bustling cities. It made the whole state feel alive and diverse. Trucking along peaceful country roads and then jumping onto major interstates like I-80 was super fun. Of course, one of the first places I had to check out was the largest truck stop, and SCS didn’t disappoint; it is HUGE! The new and unique industries are fantastic. Plus, there are so many small and big landmarks across the map. The attention to detail is absolutely incredible."- A. P. 101 Gaming[/p][p] DaSimSimma[/p][p] [/p][p]"I’ve always dreamed of visiting the world’s largest truck stop, but never thought a game would get me there first. The Iowa DLC surprised me with how personal it felt—pulling off at the biggest truck stop in the game and just soaking it in was one of those moments that remind you why ATS is so special. It’s more than a game—it’s a way to explore the country in ways you didn’t think were possible." - DaSimSimma [/p][p]Arrow's Realm[/p][p][/p][p]"The Iowa DLC for American Truck Simulator is another stellar addition to the game’s line-up of expansions. As a detail enthusiast, I began my journey in Des Moines, where I spent over an hour marveling at the meticulously crafted cityscape. From iconic buildings and monuments to the vibrant flowers that brighten the surroundings, the attention to detail is impressive. Eager to explore further, I set out across the state, driving from city to city and uncovering real-world landmarks beautifully recreated by the development team. Kudos to SCS Software for making Iowa—a relatively flat state—visually engaging and far from monotonous. Even after hours of gameplay, I’m still soaking up new details like a sponge, though I’ve yet to spot that elusive Amish horse and cart. If you’re seeking hours of immersive exploration and fun, the Iowa DLC is a must-have. SCS Software continues to raise the bar with their commitment to realism and technical excellence. I’m already excited for what they’ll deliver next." - Arrow's Realm[/p][p] Kworey[/p][p] [/p][p]"DLC after DLC, the quality standards always increase. Iowa DLC's small details are outstanding. I am not familiar with the United States since I am from Europe, but when driving in American Truck Simulator, I can really feel the vibe of what it would be like in real life. Congratulations to everyone involved in the development of the DLC."  - kworey [/p][p]As we close out this post, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Your thoughtful feedback, generous reviews, and helpful suggestions truly matter to us. Our team is always striving to bring you the best possible content, and your encouragement drives us forward. Thank you!
[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]We're back with another unforgettable episode of SCS On The Road! Join Oscar and Beny as they take you back to Oregon for the Star Nation Experience 2025. Partnering once again with our friends at Western Star, the event brought together eight lucky contestants from across North America for a weekend packed with adrenaline, adventure, and—of course—trucks![/p][p][/p][p]Among the group were two members of the American Truck Simulator community, Tyler and Alex. Tyler, a seasoned truck driver, brought his real-world experience to the challenge. Meanwhile, Alex, despite it being his first time ever behind the wheel of a real truck, was brimming with excitement to test drive the powerful Western Star 49X! You can find more information about the two ATS participants in our previous blog.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Kicking off the action-packed weekend was a team-based competition designed to test both skills and spirit. Tyler and Alex found themselves on opposing teams, turning friendly rivalry into pure entertainment.[/p][p]One of the highlights of Saturday was a test track experience. But before participants got behind the wheel of a real truck, their first challenge was to complete a course on the SCS Motion Simulator running American Truck Simulator. Once completed, they moved on to driving real trucks on the test track, taking on a series of driving challenges that brought the in-game experience to life.[/p][p]Another exciting moment came during a challenge at the High Desert Proving Grounds. Participants had to reverse trucks downhill, then stop precisely at a marked zone to score points. Next, they tackled another challenge at a quarry – guessing the weight of a gravel-loaded trailer and spreading it evenly between two cones. [/p][p]The adventure didn’t slow down on Sunday. With the sun barely rising over Oregon, the group kicked things off with a fly fishing session. Then came ATV riding, where the drivers embraced the dust, speed, and freedom of the Deschutes wilderness. We were once again blown away by the skill and dedication of our American Truck Simulator community. Watching Alex transition from virtual to real trucking with such confidence and enthusiasm was especially moving – a true example of how games can spark real-world aspirations. Tyler’s journey was just as inspiring, as American Truck Simulator played a big role in helping him choose his future path in trucking and earning his CDL. [/p][p]We’re incredibly proud of Tyler, Alex, and all the participants who made this year’s Star Nation Experience unforgettable. Whether behind a wheel or in front of a monitor, the passion for trucking runs deep in the #BestCommunityEver. [/p][p]A huge thank you goes out to Western Star for hosting and organizing this amazing event, and for continuing to believe in the powerful connection between simulation and reality. Until next time, keep on truckin’, and we’ll see you out there on the road! [/p]

[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!
[/h3][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]
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'! 
  
  [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]