Alaskan Road Truckers News

Hey Truckers,

Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping Alaskan Road Truckers, and we can't thank you enough for your ongoing support. As Patch 1.4 settles in, we're eager to hear your broader sentiments and experiences with the latest update.



[h2]Patch 1.4[/h2]
We've been working hard to address some of the key issues affecting gameplay, including AI behaviors, performance optimization, controller fixes, UI enhancements, and more. Your input is crucial in helping us prioritize these improvements.

[h2]Survey[/h2]
If you haven't already, please take a moment to fill in our questionnaire. Your detailed responses will provide us with valuable insights into your experience with Patch 1.4 and help shape the future of Alaskan Road Truckers!

SURVEY LINK



[h2]Consoles[/h2]
While we're focused on addressing main issues on PC, we want to reassure our console players that development for Alaskan Road Truckers on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S is still underway. Stay tuned for more updates!

[h2]Review[/h2]
Lastly, if you've been enjoying your adventures in Alaska, we'd greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to review the game on Steam. Your reviews help other players discover the game and support our continued development efforts.



Keep on trucking!

The Alaskan Road Truckers Development Team

[h2]Stay in Touch[/h2]
Buy Alaskan Road Truckers on Steam:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/849100/Alaskan_Road_Truckers/

Grab the free Ice Roads Expansion:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2704590/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Ice_Roads/

Get badass cosmetics with the Mother Truckers Edition:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2600800/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Mother_Truckers_Edition/

Become a post-apocalyptic warrior with the Trucking Hell Edition:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2709680/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Trucking_Hell/

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/7nzKkAVgN4
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaskanroadtruckers
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/alaskantrucksim
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alaskanroadtruckers/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alaskan.road.trucker
Check out the Alaskan Road Truckers wiki:
https://alaskanroadtruckers.wiki.gg/wiki/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Wiki

Last month we brought you patch 1.3, our biggest single update since launch, and the response from the community was as inspiring as it was heartwarming. The development team has carried that energy through to patch 1.4 which is out now.

We fixed over 100 bugs last time and made improvements to a range of areas, and we’re not slowing down. We’re optimising the game to deliver a smooth experience, improving visuals and updating the AI to make the roads feel more realistic than ever, based on the steady stream of feedback from the community.



[h2]Optimisation[/h2]

• Optimisation of textures, materials and light maps
  
• Optimisation of trailers, buildings and animals
  
• Optimisation of towns: Fairbanks, Palmer, Delta Junction, North Pole, and Paxson
  

[h2]Visual[/h2]

• Art improvements to Northern Alaskan terrain
  
• Reworked the user interface on the map screens
  
• Added the possibility to switch between light and dark UI themes
  
• Added trailer preview graphics to job descriptions
  
• Improved the look of fog and made it less dense on lower visual settings
  
• Improved the cable connecting animations
  
• Improved pop-in / draw-distance management (GPU and CPU optimization)
  
• Added company logos to container trailers
  
• Reworked the texture on dirt roads
  
• Improved the look of reflections on wet grass
  
• Made all truck skins available on all current models
  
• Lightened up all the logistic location offices during daytime
  
• Reduced the color difference between birch trees seen from afar and closer
  
• Reduced the brightness of light sources
  
• Improved the colors of traffic lights
  
• Improved the contrast and brightness on selected textures
  
• Balanced the overall contrast of the game
  
• Replaced some NPCs with better models
  
• Fixed some trucks having incorrectly applied customization components
  
• Fixed the flag flickering
  

[h2]Controls[/h2]

• Increased the speed of map zoom
  
• Added new controller preset and renamed presets for more clarity (Controller steering type determines the general speed and sensitivity of truck steering. Steering correction curve determines the sensitivity and dead zones of thumbsticks)
  
• Added the possibility to bind and use the radial menu on a controller
  
• Enabled scaling truck decals when using a controller
  
• Enabled switching workshop menu tabs with L1/R1/L2/R2 when using a controller
  
• Enabled using the truck shop with a controller
  
• Tweaked controller vibrations
  
• Improved the communication of binding conflicts
  

[h2]Gameplay Changes[/h2]

• Adjusted the speed of AI cars around dangerous turns
  
• Improved the overtaking behavior
  
• Fixed traffic and navigation near Fairbanks
  
• Added 35 and 45 mph speed limit signs
  
• Added a new type of AI car
  
• Added one new trailer (cement tank trailer) and new jobs
  
• Made more jobs available during the early stage of the game
  
• Made it impossible to die of exposure inside the truck when the heater is on
  
• Fixed the collision problem with the big-boy military chopper trailer
  
• Reworked the traffic ticket calculation system to make the fines more realistic
  
• Improved the placement of traffic police patrol cars
  
• Oil overfill is now communicated to the player in the workshop and via a HUD icon
  
• Added auto parts stores in Prudhoe Bay and Valdez
  
• Added bulbs to stores and enabled the player to manually fix the headlights
  
• Fixed the problem where discovering new cities would not work
  
• Enabled previewing trucks in the truck store even without having the required license
  
• Adjusted the fuel capacity of trucks in higher classes
  

[h2]Sound[/h2]

• Added the sound of swaying grass and twigs breaking when driving on grass surfaces
  

[h2]Other[/h2]

• Fixed a rare instance of trucks disappearing from the parking spot
  

If you want to chat with us in more detail about ideas or issues, our discord is a great way to keep in touch and we love to hear from our players, and you can help shape the future of Alaskan Road Truckers with your input.

If you’re returning after a long absence, take a look around, kick the tyres, see what’s new in the world. We’ve worked hard to address the feedback at every stage and we’re immensely proud of how the game has grown, so if you previously gave us a negative review, see how things stack up now. Maybe you’ll be inspired to write a new review and let us know how we’re doing.


[h2]Stay in Touch[/h2]
Buy Alaskan Road Truckers on Steam:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/849100/Alaskan_Road_Truckers/

Grab the free Ice Roads Expansion:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2704590/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Ice_Roads/

Get badass cosmetics with the Mother Truckers Edition:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2600800/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Mother_Truckers_Edition/

Become a post-apocalyptic warrior with the Trucking Hell Edition:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2709680/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Trucking_Hell/

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/7nzKkAVgN4
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaskanroadtruckers
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/alaskantrucksim
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alaskanroadtruckers/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alaskan.road.trucker
Check out the Alaskan Road Truckers wiki:
https://alaskanroadtruckers.wiki.gg/wiki/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Wiki

Attention, Truckers!
We're thrilled to announce that the frosty roads of Alaska are about to heat up with the Steam Spring Sale, and Alaskan Road Truckers is revving up to be a part of the excitement!

📅 Event Date: March 14th - March 21st
🏷️ -20% discount!

Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the icy landscapes of Alaska as you tackle challenging terrains, deliver vital cargo, and conquer the untamed wilderness. Alaskan Road Truckers is not just a game; it's a test of your skills, endurance, and nerves of steel.

[h2]Special Offer[/h2]
For a limited time during the Steam Spring Sale, Alaskan Road Truckers will be available at an exclusive 20% discount! It's your chance to grab the wheel and experience the adrenaline-pumping adventure at a wallet-friendly price.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/849100/Alaskan_Road_Truckers/

[h3]Grab the free Ice Roads Expansion:[/h3]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2704590/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Ice_Roads/

[h3]Get badass cosmetics with the Mother Truckers Edition:[/h3]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2600800/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Mother_Truckers_Edition/

[h3]Become a post-apocalyptic warrior with the Trucking Hell Edition:[/h3]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2709680/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Trucking_Hell/

[h2]Stay in Touch[/h2]

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/7nzKkAVgN4
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaskanroadtruckers
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/alaskantrucksim
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alaskanroadtruckers/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alaskan.road.trucker
Check out the Alaskan Road Truckers wiki:
https://alaskanroadtruckers.wiki.gg/wiki/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Wiki

We asked for feedback and you delivered. You asked us to listen, and today we’re delivering. Since launch, the dev team has worked hard to collate and address the community’s requests and tomorrow, Wed 6th, we’ll set live Update 1.3, our biggest QoL patch to date. The patch notes are below and this marks the first of two planned updates, with the second targeting early April, which will tackle vehicle physics, optimisation and graphics, and many other areas.



With 2023 in the rearview mirror, we’ve reflected on the highs and lows and we’re truly excited about what we can all achieve together.

Also, because you all keep asking, console is still happening. Things are progressing nicely and we’re all excited to discuss it in detail a little later. For now, just know that we’re still targeting an H1 24 release.

[h2]Controls[/h2]

• New “Console” controller preset with analog steering
  
• Prevented disconnecting the wheel when using a different input type
  
• Added option to increase or decrease steering speed on keyboard and controller
  

[h2]AI[/h2]

• Faster cars
  
• Smoother turning
  
• No sudden stops
  
• Overtaking slow players
  
• Cars honk in traffic jams
  
• Traffic ticket system improvements
  

[h2]Performance[/h2]

• Part 1 of planned work
  
• Focus on improving the stability of the framerate
  
• Optimized memory usage
  
• Improved autosave system to reduce hitches, the game now saves smoothly
  
• Added option to disable animals rendering to increase frame rate
  

[h2]Visuals[/h2]

• Generally less visual pop-in (part of ongoing improvements, more to follow)
  
• Better level-of-detail transitions
  
• Improved the look of snow tracks
  
• Improved the look of rain
  
• The third-person camera is not blocked by objects anymore
  

[h2]Gameplay[/h2]

• Improved the position of multiple logistic location parking spaces
  
• Improved the parking scoring system
  
• Improved GPS pathing
  
• Reduced the backward pull when moving forward from full stop
  
• Fixes to 100+ reported issues
  

[h2]Important Information[/h2]
Help us test DX 11 & DX 12: If you're able to switch between DX11 and DX12, we encourage you to try DX12 and share your feedback with us on Discord. Your input will be invaluable in making further improvements to enhance your gaming experience.

Regarding Installation: Due to the substantial size of the patch, installation may have been heavy. If you encounter any issues after updating, try the following steps:

• Restart your system.
  
• Verify files with Steam.
  
• Consider reinstalling the entire game if problems persist. This should resolve most issues.
  

Need Further Assistance? If you continue to experience issues, please don't hesitate to reach out to us on Discord. Our team is here to assist you and ensure you have the best possible gameplay experience.

A Request from Us: If you previously left a negative review and find that the new patch has improved your experience, we kindly ask you to reconsider your review and support us with a positive rating. Your feedback means the world to us!

[h2]Stay in Touch[/h2]
Buy Alaskan Road Truckers on Steam:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/849100/Alaskan_Road_Truckers/

Grab the free Ice Roads Expansion:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2704590/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Ice_Roads/

Get badass cosmetics with the Mother Truckers Edition:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2600800/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Mother_Truckers_Edition/

Become a post-apocalyptic warrior with the Trucking Hell Edition:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2709680/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Trucking_Hell/

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/7nzKkAVgN4
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaskanroadtruckers
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/alaskantrucksim
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alaskanroadtruckers/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alaskan.road.trucker
Check out the Alaskan Road Truckers wiki:
https://alaskanroadtruckers.wiki.gg/wiki/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Wiki

Hi everyone!

I know we haven't talked for a long time, but we had reasons. Do you know those stories about people who "lock themselves in the garage" and work on something until they finish it? That's us. For the past two months, we've been updating Alaskan Road Truckers to address the community feedback.



[h2]AI[/h2]
First up was AI, which has become faster, smoother, and more natural. Cars will overtake you if you drive too slowly and honk their horn if you create a traffic jam, bringing our world to life. We've improved the foliage, which now transitions much more smoothly between different levels of detail as it approaches the screen. We've increased the draw distance of distant lands - although here we haven't yet reached the target effect, the work continues and you'll see more improvements in the next patch. It’s a matter of balancing between the visuals and memory usage.

[h2]Fixes[/h2]
We fixed more than a hundred bugs reported by you. We removed - hopefully finally - problems like the truck shooting into space or getting stuck on the base computer screen. If there are more, keep reporting them. We’re reading your posts, we’re here, and we’ve just been heads down while working to make this the very best experience for you all.

[h2]Optimization[/h2]
Optimization took place in several stages and was carried out by several "teams." First, a lot of time was spent on profiling, i.e. identifying what didn't work best and what could be improved. To do this, we consulted with the best from our gamedev backyard. We still need to finish the work in this area as well, but you will probably already notice that the game runs much smoother.



[h2]Quality of Life Improvements[/h2]
On top of that, we've made quite a few quality-of-life improvements. You can now change the steering wheel turning speed on the controller or keyboard. We've changed the options screen so that more attention is drawn to the options most requested. We introduced a new preset for the controller, going toward more "console" solutions. All of the above, by the way, was another part of our ongoing work on the console version, which we will be able to talk about soon, but everything is on track and looking promising.

At the same time, we continue to work on improving the PC version. We hope this will be reflected in your feedback. Our goal is to make ART a game worth sinking into. Are we moving in the right direction? You tell us!

We wish you a great Alaskan experience.
Michal from Road Studio


[h2]Stay in Touch[/h2]
Buy Alaskan Road Truckers on Steam:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/849100/Alaskan_Road_Truckers/

Grab the free Ice Roads Expansion:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2704590/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Ice_Roads/

Get badass cosmetics with the Mother Truckers Edition:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2600800/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Mother_Truckers_Edition/

Become a post-apocalyptic warrior with the Trucking Hell Edition:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2709680/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Trucking_Hell/

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/7nzKkAVgN4
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaskanroadtruckers
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/alaskantrucksim
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alaskanroadtruckers/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alaskan.road.trucker
Check out the Alaskan Road Truckers wiki:
https://alaskanroadtruckers.wiki.gg/wiki/Alaskan_Road_Truckers_Wiki