American Truck Simulator News

[p]Today, we’re excited to give you a closer look at one of the key cities featured in our upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator. Situated on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, Moline is a destination where industry, history, and scenic beauty all come together. Let's see what's happening in Moline! 


Founded in the mid-1800s, Moline grew quickly thanks to its location along the river, which provided both transport and power for early manufacturing. Over time, the city became an important part of the Quad Cities region. Today, it remains a vibrant community that blends its history with the modern role it plays in the Midwest.

As some may know, Moline is home to one of the world’s largest agricultural machinery production facilities, which has been central to the city’s growth. In-game, this is represented by the harvester works depot, a major hub where players can pick up and deliver jobs tied to agricultural equipment. The company’s presence has shaped the region with multiple factories and facilities, making this landmark an essential part of the city’s economy and our in-game representation.



Moline also features a number of landmarks and points of interest that add to its character. One of these is Bridge Point 485, originally constructed as a testing facility for the Montgomery Elevator Company. Its distinctive tower was once used for high-speed elevator trials, which still stands as a recognizable feature on the city’s riverfront. 

Drivers will also be able to spot the Western Illinois University Quad Cities campus, which occupies a former tech center located right along a small road which runs parallel to the Mississippi River unsurprisingly called River Drive. 


Speaking of rivers, we’ve also included a stretch of the Great River Road, an officially designated All-American Road recognized for its cultural and scenic significance. Bringing this route into the game allowed us to highlight a nationally important roadway that carries one-of-a-kind features and history along the Mississippi River.

From a cultural and historical perspective, you’ll also find two notable churches included in our recreation of Moline. One of these, a former Scottish Rite Cathedral, has since been converted into a local theater, reflecting the city’s evolving identity and community use of its historic architecture.



Bringing Moline into the game "was like an interesting puzzle." Quinten, one of our Map Designers tells us. With Davenport, Iowa right across the river, we needed to carefully scale and adapt the city so the two would feel connected yet distinct. The focus was on what makes Moline special, its industrial heritage, riverfront character, and recognizable landmarks, without causing conflict or overwhelming the area. [/p][p]

We hope you enjoyed this look into Moline and what you can expect to see on your future visits to the Prairie State. If you like what you see, don’t forget to add Illinois to your Steam Wishlist. Until next time, keep on truckin’! [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]This past Sunday marked the conclusion of the #CruisingIowa World of Trucks event, which ran for over two months in celebration of the Iowa DLC release for American Truck Simulator. Today, it’s time to take a look back and share the final results with you all![/p][p][/p][p]First and foremost, we’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone in our #BestCommunityEver who joined in #CruisingIowa, as well as to the dedicated team who helped bring this event to life. The passion, support, and enthusiasm from our community always make these events truly special.[/p][p]At the beginning, we set two goals for you. The community objective was to collectively drive 125,000,000 miles (201,168,000 km) by hauling cargo to or from any city in the Hawkeye State. Thanks to your incredible efforts, this milestone was already reached by the end of August, well before the conclusion of the event! And by the end, together you logged an impressive 138,480,798 miles (222,863,241 km).[/p][p][/p][p]The personal goal challenged players to deliver cargo to or from 12 different cities across Iowa, with each qualifying delivery covering at least 100 miles (161 km). In total, you completed 433,189 deliveries, with 27,962 dedicated truckers successfully achieving their personal goal. Congratulations to everyone who unlocked the special rewards: the Golden Flight ATS paint job and the Porcelain Wild Rose hanging ornament Steam inventory item![/p][p][/p][p]Even if you didn’t manage to complete the event, we hope you enjoyed exploring Iowa and being part of the journey. As always, it’s not just about the destination, it’s about the roads traveled and the experiences shared along the way.[/p][p]Don't forget to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube for all the latest news about upcoming events and other news from our games. You can also sign up for our newsletter to stay informed. Until then, keep on trucking'[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]We have good news for all American truckers. The 1.56 Update for American Truck Simulator is officially released! Let's see what's in store for you.[/p][p]Before we take you through all the new features this update brings to the game, we would like to thank everyone who took part in the Open Beta and reported issues on our forum. This really helped us fine-tune the update and make it ready for the full update release.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Height Blend[/p][p]The Height Blend effect is a technique used to create more realistic and visually appealing transitions between different types of terrains or surfaces, like grass, dirt, or stone. It works by utilizing a height map texture, a grayscale image that represents the elevation of a surface, to determine how different textures blend together.[/p][p][/p][p]For example, where a grassy hill slopes into a rocky cliff, the height blend effect ensures the textures mix naturally based on the terrain's height and slope, avoiding harsh or unnatural edges. For map designers, it eliminates the need for many decals, which previously had to be added to achieve a believable look, saving time and effort.[/p][p][/p][p]Under the hood, our team has converted, tweaked, and visually checked over 1,300 materials from our library to ensure seamless integration. During our testing, we didn't observe any significant impact on performance. There is only a minimal increase in memory usage, caused by the newly added texture.

Dynamic Cargo Improvements[/p][p]We have expanded the dynamic loading and unloading feature to cover more cargo types. Truckers using their own logger or chipvan trailers can now see a material handler dynamically managing their loads at selected depots across the USA. The logger's cargoes - large tubes, logs, and utility poles - as well as the chipvan's metal scrap, are now included in this feature to make your trucking experience more immersive.[/p][p][/p][p]Camera Zoom - Hold/Toggle[/p][p]The 1.56 update also brings a small but welcomed accessibility feature. Players can now choose whether the interior zoom function requires holding the key (the default) or can be switched to a toggle mode. This option not only adds convenience but also improves accessibility, offering a more comfortable way for all players to take a closer look at the details inside their cab, in the mirrors, and around their truck. Players can find this feature in "Options → Gameplay and Options → Accessibility".[/p][p][/p][p]DLC Browser[/p][p]We are also introducing a brand-new design for the DLC Browser. This redesign aims to make browsing and discovering additional content for your game easier and more enjoyable.[/p][p][/p][p]The updated browser now features improved categorization, with clear sections such as Featured, Bundles, Map, Cargo, Trailer, Accessories, and Paint Jobs. The main layout has been completely redesigned, increasing the number of items displayed per row from three to four for a cleaner and more modern look.[/p][p][/p][p]The DLC browser is just the beginning of a feature with the potential to grow and evolve further. While it may take time and further development to see how far it can go, the vision is to make it possible for players to explore and enjoy all our DLCs without ever leaving the game. We plan to continue gathering feedback, and this feature might get some future adjustments.[/p][p]Career Creation and Start-up Flow[/p][p]We gave the career system a big refresh, which includes a new UI design and improved navigation. The old table-style list of careers has been replaced with larger, card-like slots that give a cleaner and more modern look. Your active career will always appear at the top, with your other careers sorted by most recent playtime. The first slot is reserved for starting a brand-new career, and switching between your careers is now quicker; simply double-click on a card to jump right in.[/p][p][/p][p]Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran, the career creation process has also been redesigned to be simpler and clearer, focusing only on the most important options and selections needed when starting a new career.[/p][p][/p][p]A new Truck Preference screen has also been added between selecting your headquarters and the opening cutscene. Here, you can preview all available trucks in a rotating 3D view that spins automatically, or you can rotate them yourself. You'll be able to cycle through brands, switch between different models, or even press a “random” button to let the game surprise you. We hope this new preference screen gives both new and experienced players a detailed look at each truck and its key specifications.[/p][p][/p][p]We've also refreshed the Edit Career screen, which now focuses only on details that really matter for your career. Many of the older fields have been moved elsewhere, keeping the editing process simple and uncluttered. To make things more convenient, clicking on your career from the desktop top bar now opens a new Driver Details screen, where you can view all the important info about your career and even change your avatar without having to return to the title screen.[/p][p]This redesigned approach not only makes career navigation smoother but also gives the whole experience a cleaner, more modern feel. Whether you're starting your very first trucking journey or managing multiple careers, we hope this update makes your career management more streamlined and accessible. As we gather more input, this feature could see further improvements down the road.[/p][p]Management UI/UX Improvements[/p][p]In the Company tab on the Desktop, the Driver, Trailer, Truck, and Garage Manager screens now feature a redesigned company subscreen. The refreshed company subscreen shows the company name and logo alongside key statistics, a redesigned seven-day profit graph, and highlights of the most profitable assets. It also introduces an economy summary pop-up for quick performance review and a company properties option for editing the name and logo. [/p][p][/p][p]We've also added a quality-of-life improvement to the relocation screen: when both a driver and their truck can be placed in the same garage slot, a checkbox allows relocating them together in one step. To improve accessibility, the Garage Manager and Driver Manager are now unlocked from the very start of the game, rather than only after purchasing a truck. [/p][p][/p][p]Finally, the Driver Manager subscreen has been polished with a clearer layout, including a new XP bar that lets players track their NPC drivers' progress, and a simplified job information and skills overview, where you can assign a collective preferred training policy for newly hired drivers. Our plan is to keep gathering feedback, so in the future, this feature might be further refined. [/p][p]Changelog[/p][p]Gameplay [/p]

• [p]Dynamic cargo improvements[/p]
• [p]Camera zoom - hold/toggle[/p]

[p]Visual [/p]

• [p]Height blend[/p]

[p]UI[/p]

• [p]Career creation – redesigned UI/UX and start-up flow[/p]
• [p]Management UI/UX improvements[/p]

[p]Other [/p]

• [p]DLC browser - redesigned[/p]

[p]Make sure to stay tuned for more updates from American Truck Simulator by following us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok, or by subscribing to our newsletter! Until then, we wish you safe travels![/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]On your travels across American Truck Simulator, you’ll experience everything from major industrial hubs to quieter rural communities. Today, we’re highlighting some more of the unique towns and smaller settlements that you’ll see and be able to pass through as part of our upcoming Louisiana DLC. Let's hit the road![/p][p][/p][p]Ferriday[/p][p]Located near the Mississippi River, Ferriday offers a glimpse into small-town Louisiana life. Known historically for its agricultural roots, drivers passing through will find a quieter pace compared to the state’s larger cities. One of its most recognizable landmarks is the First Baptist Church, which has long stood as a centerpiece of the community. With its rural surroundings and connections to nearby road networks, Ferriday makes for a nice stop on your journey.[/p][p][/p][p]Ruston[/p][p]Moving north, Ruston is often recognized as a hub for education and local culture. It’s home to Louisiana Tech University, which gives the town a lively atmosphere despite its modest size. Truckers will also notice the surrounding farmlands and industries that rely on steady transport connections. Along the way, you may pass by notable local landmarks such as the Bridge Community Church and one of the town’s historic banks.[/p][p][/p][p]New Iberia[/p][p]As one of the more prominent towns in southern Louisiana, New Iberia is rich with history and character. Situated not far from the Gulf Coast, this settlement is surrounded by sugarcane fields and waterways, making it a vital part of the region’s agriculture and shipping industries. Drivers will also spot the New Iberia Fire Station, a civic landmark serving the community since 1991.[/p][p][/p][p]Bastrop[/p][p]Further north, you’ll encounter Bastrop, a community shaped by forestry and agriculture. The area has long been connected to paper and wood products, and players will surely notice the industrial influence when passing through. Landmarks such as the Morehouse Parish Courthouse, a local bank, and the community health clinic are featured.  While smaller than some of Louisiana’s larger towns, Bastrop shows a lot of character![/p][p][/p][p]Abbeville[/p][p]Known as a gateway to the coastal wetlands of Louisiana, Abbeville is full of charm and Southern spirit. Drivers will find it surrounded by fertile farmland and waterways, with a town center that highlights its Cajun roots. Among its standout landmarks are the Vermilion Parish Courthouse, the First Baptist Church, the historic Caldwell House, and the Methodist Church, all of which reflect the town’s cultural and architectural heritage. Its proximity to the coast and surrounding agricultural industries makes it a notable addition.[/p][p][/p][p]Excited to hit the road in Louisiana? Be sure to add the Pelican State to your Steam Wishlist today! Don't miss out on all the latest news from our upcoming DLCs and projects by following us on our official social media channels (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok) or by subscribing to our newsletter. Until next time, keep on truckin’!
[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p]

[p]We're excited to announce that we’ll be continuing our SCS Fan Day Experience for the third time! On the 14th of November 2025, we will be inviting a selection of fans from our #BestCommunityEver to visit our offices in Prague, Czechia, for a memorable afternoon together. Interested? Continue reading to find out what you’ll get up to, how to apply, and the terms and conditions.


Our previous SCS Fan Day Experience, which took place on the 28th of March 2025, saw 20 passionate fans from our #BestCommunityEver, visiting our studio. During their time with us, they were given an in-depth guided tour of our building, a look into our live development, and even a sneak preview of some unreleased content. They also got some hands-on time with our 4D Motion Simulator, a look at our live‑streaming studio, and a chat with some snacks and hot drinks with our CEO, Pavel Šebor. They also didn't leave empty-handed, with our guests each receiving a special gift bag with official merch to remember their visit. 

We are proud that everyone enjoyed the afternoon and had a great time! The whole group was full of virtual trucking enthusiasts, and some of them travelled a very long distance to visit us, which we are really honoured by. You can check out a short video recap of their visit with us here: 
[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]
Interested in being part of our next Fan Day Experience? If you haven’t participated in the first or second SCS Fan Day, you’re welcome to apply for the upcoming event by filling out a simple application form, available until the 14th of October. This helps us give more fans the chance to visit us. From all applicants, SCS Software will personally select 20 community members, and we reserve the right to make the final choice.


Before applying, please keep in mind a few important details. Unfortunately, SCS Software cannot cover your travel or accommodation costs, so selected participants will need to arrange and cover these expenses themselves. Additionally, the event date is fixed and cannot be changed. If chosen, you will need to be at our offices in Prague on the 14th of November, 2025.


If you’re excited and agree with the terms mentioned above, we’d love for you to apply! We encourage you to share as much information about yourself as possible, maybe even include a photo or a short video introducing yourself and your passion for our games. The more we know about you, the better your chances of being selected! Be sure to also check your email inbox regularly, as we’ll use it to contact you with further details if you’re chosen.
[/p][p]You can apply here until the 14th of October, 23:59 CET.[/p][p]
We can’t wait to select twenty lucky participants, meet them in person, and spend a memorable afternoon together at our offices! So don’t wait, fill out that form today. In the meantime, stay up to date with the latest news by following us on our social media channels: X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube. Good luck, and we hope to meet you soon! [/p]