American Truck Simulator News

Please join us on Thursday, the 16th of May, as we celebrate the release of our new Nebraska DLC, by taking part in our World of Trucks event – Cruising Nebraska! Through expansive plains, past golden fields and tranquil rivers, you'll explore the rich landscape and economy of the amazing Cornhusker state.



We are asking our #BestCommunityEver to achieve the community goal of driving 125,000,000 miles (201,168,000 km) while delivering cargoes to or from any city in Nebraska.

As you're #CruisingNebraska and taking in the sights and sounds of this historic state, you'll enjoy the opportunity to view the famous Oregon Trail railway line, or roll through the peaceful streets of some delightful towns such as Ansley, Auburn, Alma and Barnett to name but a few. Nebraska also proudly hosts beautiful wildlife such as the white-tailed deer, ornate box turtle, sandhill crane and is where you can find the stunning blue agate gemstone. And, don't forget, it is also famous for the world's largest Columbian mammoth skeleton, affectionately named 'Archie'.

As you participate in the Cornhusker state's booming economy, you'll get to see some interesting new industries, such as recreational and utility vehicle dealerships, agriculture processing factories, and a wide array of train yards, farms and construction warehouses.

And, during your travels, you can look forward to many spectacular views and highlights such as:

• Lake McConaughy, Nebraska's largest reservoir, referred to as "Big Mac" by locals.
  
• Golden Spike Tower, iconic landmark in North Platte, adjacent to the Union Pacific's Railroad Bailey Yard, one of the largest rail yards in the world.
  
• Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, architectural landmark symbolizing the gateway to the American West.
  
• Scotts Bluff National Monument, offering panoramic views of the North Platte River Valley.
  

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
As with past cruising events, you can use your own trailer and experience all these in the external market!

Nebraska DLC offers 12 fabulous new cities to explore, and we're offering a special reward for completing your personal goal, which will require you to deliver a job to or from all of them. All jobs for the event need to be 100 miles each (161 km) or more.

Take part in this breathtaking journey through the Great Plains and cruise through Nebraska's diverse landscapes while contributing to its robust and historic economy of agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. All aboard for a trip through the Cornhusker state!


[h3]Rules[/h3]

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 Nebraska.

When a player completes a delivery to or from 12 different Nebraska cities, they will achieve their personal goal.

All jobs for the event need to be at least 100 miles each (161 km), or more.

You can check if your recent deliveries met these conditions using your Log Book in your World of Trucks profile.
[h3]Rewards[/h3]

• Personal: Players that deliver cargo to or from 12 Nebraska cities will gain a personal World of Trucks Achievement and a Mighty Mammoth themed ATS truck paint job Steam inventory item.

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

The event will be concluded on Sunday, the 14th of July at 23:59 UTC.

We look forward to hearing from you about your adventures and we're sure you'll love cruising the amazing Cornhusker State! So, please share your screenshots and videos with us using the hashtag #CruisingNebraska on our Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram profiles and we will share our favorite ones (we may even feature some of them in a future blog post!).

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

Exciting news! The 1.50 update for American Truck Simulator has officially rolled out and is ready for download on Steam. Packed with bug fixes, adjustments, and fresh content, this update promises an enhanced experience for all players. Check out the detailed features below and dive right in!


A huge shoutout to all who contributed, shared feedback, and reported bugs during the Experimental Beta phase. Your invaluable contributions have enabled us to fine-tune, refine, and eliminate bugs that slipped through the cracks initially. Now, it's time to reap the rewards of your collective efforts and release the 1.50 update as we have other projects (like the Nebraska DLC) coming that will be based on this version of the game. Happy trucking!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h3]Renderer Changes - (still based on DirectX 11 API for now)[/h3]
We're consistently working on improving our rendering system. It's been a key focus for us lately, and although it's a project for the long run, we already have some new content available for you. So in version 1.50, we are introducing these highly requested improvements to the graphics of our games:

• TAA, or Temporal Anti-Aliasing, which sets itself apart from other anti-aliasing techniques that aim to smooth images to reduce jagged edges or flickering through higher resolution rendering. Instead, TAA harnesses the timeline, particularly previous frames, to calculate color values as if from a higher resolution, providing a smoother result.
  
  
• Cascaded shadow changes: Smooth transition when blending between cascades, smoother and better-stabilized shadow edges.
  
  
• Soft particles: Particles and light flares smoothly fade out when near geometry, eliminating harsh intersections for a more seamless visual experience.
  
  
• Lit/shadowed smoke: Smoke particles with enhanced volume perception and shading from sunlight, providing a more realistic and immersive atmosphere.
  
  
• Far shadows: Ever-present shadows from distant large objects like factory halls, skyscrapers, and road overpasses, with the option to toggle them off in the Options menu.
  
  
• Optimized light computation: Dynamic lights are evaluated in a single pass, known as clustered lighting, improving performance in night scenes.
  

[h3]User Interface Rework[/h3]
We are introducing substantial UI updates to enhance player interaction and accommodate more features. The redesign adopts a flatter, minimalistic design with tooltips and layered navigation, ensuring easier accessibility. For most UI screens, the visible changes are just an evolution of the previous look, though functionally, a lot of work was invested into making them work more comfortably with a gamepad or a steering wheel, requiring less time reaching for a keyboard.


The biggest change is the Home screen redesign, a new Status Bar sitting atop many various UI screens, the Quick Menu shortcuts, new fonts, icons, and much more. This results in a clearer look on 2K and 4K resolutions, with all the changes contributing to a more streamlined gaming experience. You can read about the new UI in more detail in a dedicated blog post here.


[h3]California Rework - Phase 3[/h3]
The third phase of the California rework makes its debut in the 1.50 update for American Truck Simulator, with a primary focus on central California. This region encompasses key cities starting from the north, such as San Francisco, Oakland, and Stockton, and extends southward to Santa Maria and Bakersfield, although the latter two are not included in this rework phase.


Six cities have undergone a complete rework: San Francisco, Oakland, Stockton, Santa Cruz, Huron, and Fresno. We have also added two brand-new cities, San Jose and Modesto, which will replace Oakdale in our game.


All roads in the area have received a complete overhaul, including major routes such as CA-1, US-101, I-5, CA-99, US-395, and more. The beautiful Yosemite National Park also underwent significant enhancements as part of this update! You can watch our trailer for this phase of California rework below.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h3]International LT S13 & International LoneStar[/h3]
With the 1.50 version, the International LT receives revamped interior and exterior options, and the LoneStar gets a refreshed interior. The International LT's exterior sees significant enhancements with new features, customizable options, and adjustments to existing parts, including the addition of the S13 model with its Integrated Powertrain. Additional accessories such as new chassis fairing extenders, bumper and grille options, FlowBelow fairings, blindspot detectors, and a shorter day cab chassis have been introduced.


The interiors of both trucks have also undergone a complete overhaul with new models, updated textures, customizable interior cabinets, and functioning cabin physics, fulfilling a highly requested feature. We already released a separate blog dedicated to this topic which you can read here.


[h3]Options Tooltips[/h3]
Placing your mouse over each setting option will display helpful information, including explanations of what the options do. You will now effortlessly grasp the purpose of every adjustable option in the settings, enabling you to easily fine-tune your experience.


[h3]Lane Assistant[/h3]
After implementing various driver assistance features, developing a lane assistant was the next step for us. This system features different modes that make it work well with various ways people control their vehicles, including steering wheels with force feedback. Now, truck drivers can enjoy simply turning it on along with adaptive cruise control, and letting the truck do more of the driving.



[h3]Western Star 49X - New Exhausts[/h3]
The Western Star 49X now boasts an exclusive edition featuring specially crafted official exhaust systems for both the daycab and sleeper variants. Elevating its premium status, these exhaust shields are intricately engraved with striking Western Star lettering, ensuring your truck makes a bold statement on the road.


[h3]Changelog[/h3]
Map

• California Rework – Phase 3
  

Vehicles

• International LT S13
  
• International LoneStar (interior) and LT (exterior & interior) rework
  
• Lane assistant feature added
  
• New exhausts added for Western Star 49X
  

UI

• Substantial UI design update (Home screen redesign, persistent Status Bar, Quick Menu, new fonts, icons and more)
  
• Settings options show information about what they do
  

Visual

• Improvements in the rendering system
  
• Temporal Anti-Aliasing feature added
  
• Cascaded shadow updates
  
• Soft particles
  
• Lit/shadowed smoke
  
• Far shadows
  
• Optimized light computation
  
• Frame rate limiter added
  

Sound

• Brake squeaking sounds added
  

We hope you are excited to try out all the new content! Remember to follow us on our social media (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) so you won't miss out on any news from the world of American Truck Simulator. We'll see you on the road!

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

Are you ready to ride through the Cornhusker State? Mark your calendars and get ready to hit the road, because we're excited to announce that...

[h3]Nebraska DLC for American Truck Simulator will be released on May 16th, 2024![/h3]


We're just as excited as you are, and to keep the anticipation going, we've released the official trailer for the Nebraska DLC on our official YouTube channel! Created by our talented Video Team, this trailer will give you a preview into the beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, cities & towns, landmarks, and industries that await you in this map expansion. Take a watch of it below!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
We cannot wait for you to embark on your first journey into Nebraska. Our team has been working hard to ensure everything is running smoothly for its release. From bug smashing to putting in additional polish on the map, we're on the final stretch!


From cities large and small to the handcrafted unique agricultural industries found across the region, Nebraska has something new to explore around every corner.


Are you ready? If so, be sure to add Nebraska to your Steam Wishlist! It really helps support our work and notifies you of its release. We thank you for your support and we look forward to welcoming you across the state border very soon. Until then, keep on Truckin'!

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

Are you ready for another preview of the upcoming Arkansas DLC? Today, we want to show you some glimpses of the beautiful city of Hot Springs that truckers will be able to explore in this map expansion coming to American Truck Simulator!


Hot Springs, Arkansas, nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, boasts a captivating history intertwined with its natural thermal springs. Revered for their healing properties, the springs drew European settlers in the 19th century, transforming the area into a bustling resort town. The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked its peak, with Hot Springs earning the moniker American Spa.


Today, Hot Springs remains a haven for relaxation, anchored by the splendid Hot Springs National Park. Perfectly restored bathhouses now provide modern spa experiences in the Bathhouse Row, the city's historic and well-preserved downtown. Beyond its thermal springs, Hot Springs draws adventurers with plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking through the national park to leisurely cruises on nearby lakes. An array of events and festivals throughout the year ensures there's always something to captivate visitors in this enchanting Arkansas gem.


Truckers are in for a treat as they traverse the city's historic streets, passing by iconic landmarks steeped in history and charm. The journey might begin with a glimpse of the majestic Arlington Hotel, the city's most iconic historical landmark that has welcomed guests for over a century. Then you can spot the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum, and the Maurice Bathhouse, a testament to Hot Springs' heyday as a premier spa destination.


Not to be missed are the picturesque Central Baptist Church, the stately Hot Springs High School, the former U.S. Navy Hospital, and the historic First United Methodist Church. But that’s not all, you will surely discover more landmarks in this city once the Arkansas DLC is released! This beautiful spa resort is full of historical monuments, fountains, promenades, parks, and many depots for you to deliver into.


Keep in mind that this DLC is still a work in progress. If you are excited about the Arkansas DLC, make sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist! Stay tuned for more updates by following us on our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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

Today, we are happy to share with you a look at two of the biggest cities (by population) that will be featured in our upcoming Nebraska DLC for American Truck Simulator. While both of them share some similarities, each are unique in their own way. Let's take a closer look, shall we?

Omaha

Welcome to Omaha, Nebraska, a bustling city with a variety of industries, landmarks, and sights waiting to be explored by truck drivers traversing America's heartland. Situated at the crossroads of major highways and surrounded by key industries, Omaha offers a unique blend of urban excitement and Midwestern charm for drivers passing through or making a stop.



As the largest city in the State, Omaha will offer drivers a range of depots to deliver to and from. You'll find several different industries such as a large Cement Plant south of the city and a mill which may be a little tricky for some truckers to find. You'll also find a lovely view of the Missouri River & Omaha's Zoo from the Train Yard, which is located in the urban area of the city, where several other in-game depots and companies are based.


Drivers navigating around the city will be able to travel on some pretty major Interstate and Highway routes including the I-80, I-680 and US-75. As you navigate Omaha's streets, keep an eye out for a number of landmarks that showcase the city's vibrant culture and heritage! Whether you're passing through or making a pit stop, Omaha welcomes truck drivers from across the US to come and visit.

Lincoln

With its blend of Midwest charm, rich history, and diverse industries, Lincoln beckons visitors from across the State and beyond. As the Capital City of Nebraska, it has a lot to offer for truck drivers. In the North of the city you'll find a Vehicle Factory to deliver to and from, and in the East, you'll find a variety of industries and in-game companies including a Rail Yard and Agriculture Depot.


As you navigate Lincoln's streets, you'll encounter a mix of modern architecture and historic landmarks, along side the famous Memorial Stadium located in the heart of the city. You'll be able to experience all of them up-close as you travel on the US-6, which travels right through the centre of the city.


From its bustling highways to its cultural gems, Lincoln offers something for every traveller on the road. We hope you'll take the time to explore all that this Capital City has to offer. Be sure to let us know what you're looking forward to seeing the most!


We're looking forward to sharing more news on Nebraska in the near future. You can keep up-to date with all the latest news and announcements right here on our blog, or on Twitter/X, Facebook or Instagram. If you are excited to about checking out this State, then also don't forget to add it to your Steam Wishlist! Until next time, keep on truckin'

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