American Truck Simulator: 1.59 Update Open Beta

We’re excited to announce that the 1.59 Open Beta for American Truck Simulator is now live and ready for you to check out. If you choose to participate, we’d greatly appreciate you sharing any bugs or issues you come across in the proper section of our official forums.

Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we’re thankful for the time you take to help us make the game even better. With that, let’s take a look at what’s included in the 1.59 Open Beta.

Advisor Update - Finances & Damage Widgets

We've been closely listening to feedback from our community, and one of the most common points raised in the new route advisor was that many players missed having quick access to information on vehicle damage and finances. While our teams are actively working on the next steps in our broader vision for a redesigned UI in this area, we didn't want to make you wait until that work is complete. Instead, we've prioritized implementing some of the most frequently requested improvements as soon as possible.

Based on that, we've implemented the Damage and Finances widgets. The widgets are designed to restore easy access to information about truck damage, plus trailer and cargo damage, if you are currently driving with a trailer and cargo, as well as your current bank balance, with an average profit over the last seven days displayed too. 

These widgets can be turned on and off in the Widget Settings Menu, and if enabled, they will be displayed in the bottom-right corner above your GPS.

Tow to Road

The Tow to Road feature was designed to improve the overall quality of life for players by reducing frustrating situations during gameplay. It will allow drivers to quickly recover if their truck overturns or gets stuck in a ditch or uneven terrain. It will also help prevent disruptions in multiplayer sessions, enabling players to continue with their convoy when they find themselves stuck, without the need to be towed to a service location, which could cause unnecessary delays.

So when you are in a difficult situation, you can simply find the new "Tow to Road" button under the Service menu (set to F7 by default). After paying a small fee for the towing service, you will be transported to your last safe location on the road. You can read more about this feature here.

Skills UX Redesign

The Skill Screen has received a visual rework while remaining in its original place within the interface. This update focuses on improving clarity and overall user experience without changing its core functionality.

You can now view both your current skill level and the next step in its progression. Tooltips also allow you to explore other ranks within each skill. Selecting a skill provides improved readability and clearer visual feedback, including a better indication of how many steps remain in that skill's progression path.

Each skill is represented as a clickable button, making it easy to access more detailed information. The redesign also improves navigation when using a controller.

QoL UI/UX Changes

We're continuing to refine the overall user experience with updates focused on readability, clarity, and smoother controller navigation.

The in-game news banner has received a visual refresh to better align with our newer UI style while improving readability. When hovering over a news item, a tooltip will now display a longer excerpt along with a clear call to action. Deactivated news items now feature a clearer status indicator, which also doubles as an activation button.

We're making navigation on the world map more intuitive for controller users. A new "undo last pin" feature has been added, along with remapped controls for adding, removing, setting avoid areas, and resetting pins.

Save handling has also been improved, with new saves now using the standard save icon instead of a black screenshot and overwriting clearly labeled as "Overwrite". Garage upgrade cutscenes can now be skipped more consistently using the (B) button, and the controller navigation has been further refined with improved D-pad accessibility across UI.

Traffic Sound Rework

We’ve also made some adjustments to traffic audio as part of this update. Sounds have been softened and rebalanced to better match real-world perception, with less emphasis on distant engine noise and more on the subtle “road hiss” of tires. Honking behavior has also been slightly randomized to reduce repetition. Overall, traffic should now feel less intrusive and better integrated into the ambient soundscape.

Height Blend Improvements

We’ve also made a few improvements to the Height Blend feature. Derived normal maps can now be enabled to help conserve GPU memory, and we’ve addressed several graphical issues to ensure more consistent, visually accurate results.

Detour Feature Maintenance

We've decided to temporarily disable the detour feature to focus on maintenance and further development. We've received numerous reports of Detours not functioning as intended, and the current system no longer meets our needs.

As a result, we'll be shutting down detours while we work on improving and upgrading the feature in the background to make it more stable and reliable. Please note that this change only affects detours - random road events will continue to be available in the game.

Changelog:

Gameplay

• Tow to Road Feature

UI/UX

• Advisor Update - Finances & Damage Widgets
• Skills UX Redesign
• QoL UI/UX Changes
• Improved News Banner Readability
• World Map Pin Enhancements
• Save Icon Update
• Garage Cutscene Skipping
• D-pad Accessibility Improvements

Visuals

• Height Blend Improvements

Sounds

• Traffic Sound Rework

Other

• Detour Feature Maintenance

Enjoy all the new additions, but please remember: It's only an open beta, not a stable public version - so you may encounter bugs, instability, or crashes. It's completely okay if you want to wait for the final release. But if you're interested in helping us to get there faster, we'd appreciate all of your feedback on our forum and your bug reports in the dedicated section.

Please check our modding wiki to get details pertaining to mods for the game.

If you wish to participate in this Open Beta, you can find this version in the Experimental Beta branch on Steam. The way to access it is as follows: Steam client → LIBRARY → right-click on American Truck Simulator → Properties → Betas tab → Beta Participation drop-down menu → public_beta. No password is required. Sometimes you will have to restart your Steam client to see the correct branch name there.

SCS Software: Road to Consoles Dev Talk #2

Some time has passed since our first Road to Consoles Dev Talk, where we took you behind the scenes of our work on bringing Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator to the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. And today, we would like to share our progress since then with the second dev talk!

We know our #BestCommunityEver is eager to hear more news about the development of this project. We are working hard on bringing our games to consoles as soon as possible, but it is a huge task that requires the involvement of multiple departments in SCS Software. Even though there is still a lot of work to be done, we are making progress every day, and we are happy to give you an update on it.

In our second Road to Consoles Dev Talk, we interviewed some of the key members of the involved departments to tell you more about what they are currently working on, what is ahead of us, and also some of the challenges they are dealing with. And our goal is to do everything properly without taking any shortcuts. So without further ado, let's see what the team has been busy with!

We hope you have enjoyed taking a dive behind the scenes of the development process. And don't worry, we're just as excited to share more as you are to hear it, so stay tuned for our next update when we have something new to reveal.

If you're excited to hit the road on consoles, be sure to add ETS2 and ATS to your wishlist on your preferred platform.

We will share more important information about this project once we are ready to reveal it, so don't forget to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube, so you won't miss out on any news. Or you can sign up for our newsletter to stay informed. Until next time, happy trucking!

ATS Road Trip - Ford Car Pack: Mustang 67

Few cars have shaped American roads and culture quite like the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback. Today, we’re excited to take a closer look at this iconic American muscle car, and one of the vehicles that you’ll be able to get behind the wheel of in our upcoming Road Trip module with the Ford Car Pack DLC.

The 1967 Mustang Fastback marked a defining moment for the brand, introducing a more aggressive design, wider stance and a more powerful engine. This evolution shaped its reputation as a true performance machine, combining everyday drivability with power. Its versatility, iconic fastback silhouette, and muscular proportions make perfect fit for the open road. 

Our team has worked hard to bring the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback to life in American Truck Simulator, with a strong focus on period accuracy and heritage. From its unmistakable exterior design to the finer details that define its character, every effort has been made to faithfully recreate this classic vehicle.

Players can look forward to a selection of factory-inspired exterior colours, including Lime Gold, Acapulco Blue, Dark Moss Green, Silver Frost, Burgundy, Candy Apple Red, and many more!

On the inside, you’ll have the choice to select from a range of authentic interior trims, including Black, Red, Saddle, Parchment, Ivy Gold, and Dark & Light Aqua, paired with classic seating options such as luxury bucket seats or ComfortWeave insert seats. All in a Deluxe interior variant which features brushed aluminium accents. 

Please note: the 1967 Ford Mustang GT Fastback is still a work in progress. While both the exterior and interior models are actively being refined, some elements continue to be fine-tuned.

We’re incredibly thankful to the team at Ford for helping us source a classic Mustang during our visit to the USA, and to Toman Motors s.r.o. for providing us access to their Mustang for detailed reference materials. We'd also like to give a shoutout to our good friends at Veteráni na Truc for allowing us to record authentic Mustang engine sounds. Their support has been invaluable in helping us recreate this American legend.

We look forward to sharing more updates on the Road Trip Module, and what more is to come. Until then, be sure to add the Ford Car Pack to your Steam Wishlist. We thank you all for your support and look forward to seeing you out on the road! 

Bridge Between Communities

Every road connects more than just places, and this upcoming journey is no exception. An iconic crossing comes into view: a bridge that not only unites distant shores but also brings the Euro Truck Simulator 2 community closer together than ever before. A powerful symbol of the connections, shared experiences, and journeys that lie ahead.

Illinois: Springfield

Today, we are excited to take you on a scenic journey to the historic city of Springfield, the capital of Illinois, which will be featured in our upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator!

Known for its rich heritage, beautiful architecture, and deep connection to American history, Springfield offers a unique blend of past and present. Our teams have worked hard to capture the essence of this iconic city, bringing its streets, landmarks, and atmosphere to life for virtual truckers to explore and enjoy.

As you approach Springfield, you’ll immediately notice its distinctive skyline, highlighted by the impressive Hotel Tower that rises above the surrounding buildings. While driving through downtown, you’ll encounter several important institutions that define Springfield’s character. The historic Old Capitol building stands proudly as a reminder of the city’s political legacy, complemented by nearby establishments, including a local bank and the County Office. Each of these locations has been carefully recreated to reflect its real-world counterpart, adding authenticity to your journey.

Springfield is not only about government and history, however. The city also offers a variety of everyday destinations that bring it to life. For example, a local clinic, an insurance company, or a public library; these locations add depth and realism to the environment, making your deliveries feel like part of a living, breathing community.

Rail enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of Union Station, an important transportation hub that adds another layer of activity to the city. As you pass by, you may catch glimpses of trains and infrastructure that highlight Springfield’s role in regional connectivity.

Of course, no visit to Springfield would be complete without honoring one of the most significant figures in American history. The statues and murals of Abraham Lincoln around the city are a tribute to the city’s most famous resident, offering a moment of reflection as you drive through the area.

Whether you are delivering cargo to bustling city depots or simply passing through, Springfield promises a memorable experience filled with detailed scenery and iconic landmarks. Our goal has been to create a city that feels authentic, immersive, and rewarding to explore from behind the wheel.

We hope you’re looking forward to visiting Springfield as much as we enjoyed building it. If you did make sure to add this map expansion to your Steam wishlist!

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to reveal what the Illinois DLC has in store by following us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and YouTube, or by signing up for our newsletter. We will see you on the road!

Euro Truck Simulator 2 - 1.59 Update: Thermo King

Today, we're excited to unveil another piece of the puzzle for the upcoming 1.59 update of Euro Truck Simulator 2. We're proud to announce that Thermo King, a company specializing in temperature control solutions for trucks, trailers, and more, will be joining ETS2 with their trailer refrigeration units as a free update!

Thermo King, a brand of Trane Technologies, has been a global leader in transport temperature control since pioneering the field in 1938. Their solutions cover temperature-controlled systems for vans, trucks, trailers, railcars, and intermodal containers, as well as HVAC products. By maintaining optimal conditions regardless of the environment, their technology protects a wide range of sensitive goods, from fresh and frozen food to pharmaceuticals, electronics, and more.

In Euro Truck Simulator 2, the Thermo King refrigeration units will replace all the unbranded units we had on our base game and DLC reefer trailers so far, adding an extra touch of realism when hauling temperature-sensitive cargo and spotting a famous real-world brand on your trailer.

So, in the 1.59 update, you will be able to see the Thermo King A-360, A-400, A-500, SLXi 300, and SLXi 400 refrigeration units on the front of your single trailers, delivering a range of trailer refrigeration performance to suit different transport needs. On top of that, we will also be adding the UT-1400R unit, designed for double-trailer configurations and mounted beneath the trailer.

We would like to thank Thermo King very much for enabling us to add their refrigeration units to Euro Truck Simulator 2, helping make our game look more realistic! Make sure to follow Thermo King on their Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with all the great work they do.

We hope you will appreciate this new addition when it arrives with the 1.59 update. Don't forget to stay tuned for more news from our games by following us on our X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. We would also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter. Until next time, safe travels!

1.59 Update: Tow to Road

We are happy to reveal a new feature that will be available in both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator with the upcoming release of the 1.59 update - the Tow to Road service. Let's take a look at how it will work!

The Tow to Road feature was designed to improve the overall quality of life for players by reducing frustrating situations during gameplay. It will allow drivers to quickly recover if their truck overturns or gets stuck in a ditch or uneven terrain. It will also help prevent disruptions in multiplayer sessions, enabling players to continue with their convoy when they find themselves stuck, without the need to be towed to a service location, which could cause unnecessary delays.

So when you are in a difficult situation, you can simply find the new "Tow to Road" button under the Service menu (set to F7 by default). After paying a small fee for the towing service, you will be transported to your last safe location on the road.

Just be careful that if you disconnect your trailer beforehand, it will remain in its original position, and only the truck will be towed. Also, if you move too far away from your last safe position on the road, the Tow to Road function may become unavailable to prevent misuse of the feature.

And don't worry, we are keeping the Tow to Service feature as well, as it serves a different purpose. Tow to Service is intended for situations involving heavy vehicle damage, where driving is no longer possible, and repairs are required. Tow to Road, on the other hand, is primarily used to quickly return the vehicle to a drivable position on the road.

We hope you will appreciate this new feature coming with the 1.59 update, which might help you quickly get back on the road when you are stuck, but without the need to be towed to service.

Don't forget to stay tuned for more news from the upcoming 1.59 update by following us on our X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. We would also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter. Until next time, happy travels!

Illinois: East St. Louis

Welcome to East St. Louis! Today, we’re taking a closer look at this historic city, which will be featured in our upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator. We hope you enjoy this preview of the industrial hub that our teams have recreated in detail.

East St. Louis sits on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, directly across from St. Louis, Missouri. As part of the wider metro area, the city has long played a key role in transport and heavy industry. Its location along the river helps support a dense network of freight routes, rail lines, and industrial sites that serve the region.

Drivers travelling through East St. Louis will see clear views across the Mississippi River toward the St. Louis skyline. Players will recognise several landmarks on the other side, including the world-famous Gateway Arch and parts of downtown St. Louis.

Industry defines much of East St. Louis, which serves as a major hub for metal production and heavy industry. Drivers will be able to deliver cargo to a large steel facility, along with other sites tied to manufacturing and construction materials. A nearby refinery and several chemical plants add to the mix, creating steady demand for tanker and heavy haul jobs.

Agriculture also feeds into the region’s supply chain. Several grain mills and storage sites connect local farming output to national transport routes, giving drivers additional freight options across the area.

Rail transport remains a major part of the city’s identity. At the turn of the 20th century, East St. Louis was one of the busiest rail hubs in the United States, and that legacy still shows today. Players will pass large rail yards, intermodal terminals, and railway depots where cargo moves between trains and trucks.

While travelling through the metro area, players may also notice the black-and-blue trams that run through the wider St. Louis region. These light rail vehicles link communities on both sides of the Mississippi River.

Whether you're hauling steel, chemicals, grain, or containers, East St. Louis offers plenty of freight opportunities in this working industrial hub along one of America’s most important waterways.

We hope you enjoyed this look at East St. Louis. We look forward to sharing more from the upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator soon. If you like what you see, be sure to add Illinois to your Steam Wishlist. You can also follow our social media channels for the latest development news, screenshots, and previews. Until next time, keep on truckin’