American Truck Simulator News

It's time to take a trip down memory lane! Back in August of 2002, we developed the simulator title "18 Wheels of Steel". Many of our trucking veterans may even remember playing this game when it first released. One of the locations you could go trucking to in one of the sequels (Extreme Trucker 2) was the U.S state of Montana, which happens to be also one of the current map expansions we are working on for American Truck Simulator. With this sort of history, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to revisit some of these iconic areas in our upcoming DLC.



One such location is Thompson Falls, a quiet city in Montana, best known for its charming downtown, natural beauty and its waterfalls! However, as many of our veteran truckers might remember, this location is also known for its logging and sawmill industries, both which were featured in 18 Wheels of Steel; and both which will still continue to operate virtually to this day in our upcoming Montana DLC.



Our map team has recreated Thompson Falls and its industries using similar and reworked assets from the original game. From the street lamps to very road network layout itself, this area has been preserved as a little piece of simulator history.



Our teams have also hidden quite a few 18 Wheels of Steel easter eggs around the map, so we really hope you will take the time to explore and discover them for yourself.



No matter if you're visiting for the first time, or taking a trip down memory lane, we hope you will enjoy visiting some of these special areas which we hold close to our heart. Let us know in the comments if you remember truckin' to Thompson Falls or any of the surrounding areas!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1811080/American_Truck_Simulator__Montana/

We are always trying to improve every aspect of our games and sometimes this progress paves the way for brand new realistic features that will solve any potential issues. One such addition is coming in the 1.44 update for both American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2. Adjustable Suspension Height is on the horizon!



The process of creating models for our games is constantly improving, as nowadays we are receiving extremely detailed reference materials (sometimes CAD files directly), and with it comes the need to make sure that the combinations of trucks/chassis/trailers will all work together without any problems such as visual glitches. That is why we have decided to introduce this new feature which is based on real-life suspension systems, which are important for keeping the vehicle stable and safe. This will solve any difficulties with attaching trailers in our games by allowing the players to adjust the height with a special key.



Please mind that this feature is a realistic addition that the players do not have to necessarily have turned on. However, if you will want to give it a try and start using this new system, make sure to assign the hotkey in the bindings settings, as by default the option will be unassigned.



We hope that many of you will rise up to the challenge and give the Adjustable Suspension Height feature a try. This change that is coming with the 1.44 update represents another step toward our games being much more realistic and we can’t wait to hear your thoughts about it on our forum or social media, where you can tag our profiles and tell us what you think (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).

California reigns as the state of viticulture, producing nearly 90% of all fermented grape juice made in the United States; and the Napa Valley is just one area which is home to many vineyards which produces the fruit needed. Today, we are giving you a look at this famous location which has been reworked in our on-going California rework project for American Truck Simulator.



The growing of grapes and other fruit is a multi-million dollar industry that never stops. All year round, farmers are hard at work, picking fruit, planting new trees and cultivating the land to grow it on. With so much produce, equipment and more needed for these farms, it is no surprise that truckers play a vital part in this area.



The team behind the California rework project have used every inch possible within our map to give this area a complete overhaul. Drivers will be sure to notice a noticeable difference when compared with its current in-game representation. From the winding roads passing between vineyards, to the beautiful nature that surrounds the entire area, drivers will have plenty to explore.



Truckers will also be able to discover an updated vineyard industry, which features a brand new depot and in-game company, Mon Couer, the newest viticulture company in town. You can expect to deliver essential equipment and of course plenty of fruit when taking job contracts in this area.



So what do you think of the Napa Valley? We personally think its grape! We look forward for you exploring this area for yourself, until then however, be sure to to go back and read some of our previous updates from the state, in which we have covered so many upcoming reworked areas here.

Montana enjoys a rich agricultural heritage. Ranching and farming has always been an important part of the State's economy, with livestock and crop production contributing close to two billion dollars to Montana's economy every year! So as you can imagine, truckers play a very important part in this industry.



Whilst the state produces a wide variety of plants and grains, there is one unique crop which players in our upcoming Montana DLC for American Truck Simulator will be able to help deliver. So what's so sweet about farming in this state? Sugar! From the morning teaspoon in your tea to the tasty dusting on top of cakes and cookies, Montana is known for growing Sugar Beet, which is a great alternative to sugarcane; which requires a more tropical climate.



After the roots have grown, stored and deemed ready for processing, they are then transported to a major sugar processing plant, one which players will also be able to deliver to. These processing plants produce about 260 million pounds of sugar and 120,000 tons of agriproducts each season. The end result is then sent across the country, for us to enjoy!



Grain elevators will be another location where drivers can make deliveries. These important storage facilities can store thousands of tons of grain at any one time, which are then further distributed across the country using trains or trucks.



Sugar and grains are not the only farms which drivers in Montana can deliver to. Truckers can expect to discover a wide variety of farms across the state.



So next time you have something sweet on your plate, just think, it could of came from Montana! We look forward to sharing more of Montana with you in the near future. Be sure to check out the official Steam store page and if you wish to support us, be sure to add Montana to your Steam Wishlist.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1811080/American_Truck_Simulator__Montana/