American Truck Simulator News

Last year, a few members of our American Truck Simulator map team traveled to the USA to explore the state of Missouri and its surroundings. Along the way, they were gathering references and insights for our upcoming Missouri DLC. In this blog post, we'll offer you a peek into the team's exciting adventures.


The team consisting of Patrik, Pavel, Ilona, El, and Annie visited not only Missouri but also the neighboring states. "Every time we go to a state we will work on, it gives us a new perspective on what is typical for that area, what the atmosphere and the character of the state is," Patrik tells us.

What is the purpose of visiting the state in person when you can just find reference pictures or use street view? "One gets a quicker and more accurate view of what might be considered generic, so by visiting a state we shorten the research time and refine the results so that we can order from our asseters what best describes the area. Missouri is considerably hillier compared to Kansas, the landscape is more rolling and the whole state looks greener," says Patrik.


Captivated by the city's rich history and vibrant culture, Pavel found himself drawn to St. Louis' unique charm. "I liked St. Louis the best. I was intrigued by the Gateway Arch, right in the heart of downtown. I had the privilege of looking up at the very top of the Gateway Arch, and the city's view from 200 meters up was phenomenal. I will be creating this city for our players and the fact that I was there makes my job a lot easier, as it made me realize what the real landmark of the city is and what definitely needs to be in our game," Pavel shares with us.

"Since I've seen American cities live, I've decided to build more of them in our game. Building cities in our engine is a challenge I like to take on. Besides the cities, I loved the local nature as well. America is absolutely amazing and hides a lot of beauty," says Pavel.


St. Louis was probably the favorite city of the whole team, as it captivated Patrik as well. "My favorite city in Missouri is St. Louis, a city with an amazing atmosphere and a unique skyline due to the arch," he says.

"I also liked Cape Girardeau where we mapped the bridge with a drone. We like to take a drone with us on trips to get to places inaccessible to humans with a camera and see things from angles not visible from the road, which helps us model them better in the 3D world. Most often these are bridges, dams, and road construction on hillsides. In Colorado, our team used the drone to map out the terrain outside the road and were able to better model the Million Dollar Highway, which is a success according to the reactions of the players, so we want to do the same thing here", says Patrik.


The team has to get ready ahead of the trip to take as many insights as they can from their journey. "We already knew which towns and roads we would be doing before our trip, and this allowed us to better prepare for it. I focused on Jefferson City, the Ozark lakes area, a beautiful road from Springfield to Branson, and a little bit of Branson as well. Branson fascinated me with its atypical architecture and the beautiful surrounding nature. Ozark Lakes appealed to me with their natural beauty and the vast array of boats. In Jefferson City, I had a funny incident at a car wash, where the change machine took $20 and wouldn't give it back," Ilona tells us.


El shares the highlights of the journey, from the bustling streets of Kansas City to the scenic beauty of St. Louis and Joplin. "My favorite places we explored were Kansas City with its underground warehouses, St. Louis and its brewery, Branson, and Joplin. Joplin, the city I will be recreating in our game, was particularly exciting to see in person. I was especially impressed by the landmarks and wall paintings at the Route 66 mural park. Another aspect of Joplin that I am eager to recreate is the large truck stop along I-44, where we took a brief break," says El.


The team also recorded some videos on their trip to the USA which we compiled into one short clip for you to enjoy!

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We hope you've found this journal of our trip to Missouri interesting. Don't forget to follow us on our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok so you won't miss out on news about the Missouri DLC and our other projects.

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

We have another update regarding the third phase of the California Rework project for you, our #BestCommunityEver! This time, we will give you a glimpse of the reworked cities of Oakland and San Jose in the Bay Area.


San Jose presented us with a delightful challenge with its diverse districts and lively neighborhoods. We did not have this city in ATS until now, but could not leave it out. Driving through the city, you can see the bustling airports and thriving commercial zones, the busy industrial sectors, and cozy residential areas; the city pulses with the heartbeat of American life.


At the heart of our rendition lie the dynamic intersections of US-101 and I-880, where the city's spirit truly shines. We couldn't resist including two standout airports, each with its own unique flair, including an aviation museum that adds a touch of history. Another prominent site in San Jose is the large Voltison car factory placed on the edge of the city.


The Oakland port is what this city is important for in the real world and will be the main attraction for truckers in our game. There are several depots and a lot of new assets, as well as amazing views of the San Francisco skyline on one side and Oakland's downtown on the other.


The downtown, full of tall skyscrapers, is connected to the port by a winding series of underpasses under the railroad and the highway. This connection and multi-level traffic arrangement offers unique views and adds to the character of the area.


Truckers will be able to drive through Oakland on Interstate I-880, which goes near the downtown and separates it from the harbor. This interstate then heads north to a huge freeway interchange - the so-called McArthur Maze. From there it's just a short drive to the tollgate and the Bay Bridge, which connects Oakland to Treasure Island and, of course, San Francisco.


We hope you are excited about the release of the third phase of the California Rework project and to visit the reimagined cities of Oakland and San Jose. Stay tuned for more updates, as we continue to cultivate a virtual California that mirrors the real thing on our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok.

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

Ready for another preview of the Arkansas DLC? This time, we bring you a closer look at the truck stops you will discover in this upcoming map expansion for American Truck Simulator. Explore the heart and soul of truck stop culture in this vibrant state!


Picture yourself rolling into a bustling truck stop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, as you share stories with fellow drivers and soak in the sights and sounds of the Arkansas landscape. From small roadside establishments to larger, modern facilities offering all the essentials for a smooth journey, Arkansas' truck stops are as diverse and inviting as the state itself.


Experience the convenience of over twenty truck stops ready to cater to both you and your rig as you traverse through Arkansas. Among these, two bigger trucker hubs can be found in Bald Knob and West Memphis, offering a variety of amenities including refueling stations, top-notch truck services, and even a car wash.


These essential stops are thoughtfully scattered across the state, nestled in charming cities like Prescott, Harrison, Springdale, and Pine Bluff. Whether you're cruising through lively urban centers or traversing serene highways, rest assured, convenient services are strategically placed near or at these truck stops to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for every trucker.


Are you excited to travel on the roads of Arkansas in American Truck Simulator? Add the DLC to your Steam Wishlist! Remember to follow us on our social media channels (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) to not miss any news about this DLC or other projects we are working on. Until next time, we'll see you on the road!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2585150/American_Truck_Simulator__Arkansas/

Today we're happy to share with you a preview into some of the cities you will be able to visit, and deliver cargo to in our upcoming Nebraska DLC for American Truck Simulator. Each one has their own unique character about them, which our team has worked hard to try best recreate in this map expansion. Let's take a look at some of them, shall we?

[h3]Grand Island[/h3]
Situated in the heart of the state, Grand Island is a vibrant city with a small town charm, home to a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Here you'll find a unique blend of urban amenities, including a marketplace where many folks from neighbouring States travel to visit. From its bustling downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions to its picturesque parks and scenic riverfront, there is something for everyone here.


Why not take a moment to enjoy the scenery and check out Landmarks such as The Hall County Courthouse, City of Grand Island Townhall and more. You will be also able to visit one of the most famous Truck Stops around, best known for its unique displays featuring a racing car, a tank and more.


Located in the State's Agriculture Region, Grand Island is also known for its fertile soil and production of crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat. Around the city, you'll find a variety of different industries, including a large Food Processing Plant which you'll be able delivery to and from.


Grand Island also has a history with Highways, being the second city in the United States to build a concrete roadway in 1915! With its proximity to the I-80, it surely is a must stop destination for any traveller young or old.

[h3]Norfolk[/h3]
Located in Northeastern Nebraska, Norfolk as a hub for agriculture and manufacturing. One such depot you'll be able to deliver jobs to and from is the Nucor Steel factory, located North of the city.


Here you can also find landmarks like the Elkhorn Valley Museum and the Memorial Park. Norfolk's welcoming atmosphere and diverse attractions make it an ideal stopover for truckers in the area.


Don't forget to stop by the Karl Stefan Memorial Field Airport, named after a Karl Stefan who was originally born in the Czech Republic, who immigrated with his parents to Nebraska in 1885, and eventually moved to Norfolk in 1909.

[h3]Columbus[/h3]
Beckoning truckers with a unique mix of industry and charm, Columbus is known for its robust manufacturing and agricultural sectors. In the east of the city, you'll find a large ADM industrial zone, which is almost as big as another city! Here you'll be able to find several different depots to deliver to and from.


On your travels, you'll surely come across the Platte river, which stretches for over 1,050 miles. Other notetable landmarks in the area include the War Memorial, which honours the men and women who gave their lives.

[h3]North Platte [/h3]
Located North of the River Platte near the I-80, this city is somewhat similar to Grand Island. Here you can find the the largest railroad classification yard in the world! If you want to learn specifically more about this industry, check out our recent blog here.


This city is surrounded by fields, used for agriculture of all kinds. You may even spot quite a few Sandhills on your travels, a region of grass-covered, stabilized sand dunes in the High Plains. They really are quite unique, and make for a certainly interesting drive through the area.


There will also be plenty of Landmarks to discover, from memorials to several significant buildings in the city. Be sure to look out for them!


Our teams hope they have been able to capture the spirit and charm of each city represented here. We hope that you'll take the time to check out all the cities of Nebraska when it is made available to you. We look forward to sharing more on the development of this DLC for American Truck Simulator, in the mean time, if you like what you see, be sure to add Nebraska to your Steam Wishlist!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2543810/American_Truck_Simulator__Nebraska/

Over the past couple of weeks, we have certainly felt the devotion of our community, who has been 'Haulin' Hearts' across Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator. Whilst this event has quickly come to an end, we can still strongly feel the love in the air!



We'd like to thank everyone who took part and helped deliver an incredible 600,000 loads of Valentine Presents cargo across our trucking territories. It was great to receive so many screenshots and videos from all of you enjoying this event across our Social Media Pages. We hope that during this time, you were able to share your love of trucking with a friend or perhaps someone closer.

So without further ado, let's take a look at some of the statistics from the event. You managed to complete the Community Goal on the 14th of February (which we think you planned..), and in total completed 922,487 jobs by the event's end! Check out our official infographics below.



Seeing so many of you take part in this event brought a lot of joy to our World of Trucks team, who worked hard to bring this event to life so quickly after the end of the previous ones. We'd like to thank all the teams involved for their dedication, beautiful artwork and rewards, which we hope you enjoyed!



If you did manage to complete your personal goal in-time, be sure to collect your rewards via the World of Trucks website, under the 'Events' tab on your page. However, the love doesn't have to stop there! You can continue to haul with hearts any time you like with our Valentines Paint Job Packs for both ETS2 and ATS.



Once again, we are grateful for all your effort and the love you showed us during this event. We really hope you enjoyed it and we look forward to showcasing our next event to you in the future. Until then, remember love isn't just for Valentine's, but for anytime of the year. Happy Truckin'!