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’

Benelux Rework: Amsterdam + IJmuiden Ferry

Amsterdam, best known for its iconic canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cycling culture, is one of the Netherlands’ most recognisable and visited cities. Today, we’re excited to share a closer look at the work of our talented Benelux Rework team, as they bring this famous destination up to modern DLC standards with improved detail, updated road networks, and refreshed landmarks. Let's take a closer look!

Dating back to the 12th century as a small fishing settlement on the Amstel River, Amsterdam grew into one of the most important trading hubs of the world during the Dutch Golden Age. Its famous canal ring, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed in the 17th century and remains one of the city’s defining features. Today, Amsterdam is a modern European capital, blending historic charm with contemporary infrastructure, something our team aimed to reflect throughout this rework.

So what work has taken place? Amsterdam has been completely rebuilt from the ground up! Recreating such a dense and iconic destination was no small task, especially within the limits of the game’s scale. Through careful decisions, the team were able to preserve Amsterdam’s unique character and looks. We think they have done an excellent job! Wouldn't you agree?

One of the more unique challenges the team encountered was surrounding part of the A10 Zuid ring road, located south of Amsterdam. In real life, this section is currently being moved into an underground tunnel as part of an ongoing infrastructure project. However, during our research trip at the beginning of the Benelux rework, the highway was still above ground. This led to an important decision, whether to recreate the real-world layout as we experienced it, or attempt to represent a future version that is not yet complete. 

After careful consideration, we chose to keep the highway above ground. This allowed us to work with real-world references while also creating a unique driving experience. It gives players the opportunity to travel through one of the few places in Europe where highways pass beneath towering skyscrapers, offering a memorable and visually striking perspective of the city.

As with most reworks, rebuilding the city from the ground up gave the team the opportunity to introduce new landmarks and bring older ones up to date with our newer modelling standards. Whilst it won't be possible to travel through the historic inner city itself, the team has carefully selected locations and viewpoints that we believe best represent Amsterdam.

We would also like to give a special thanks to our asset team, whose work on the city’s landmarks and architecture has played a huge role in bringing Amsterdam to life. Their attention to detail helps make each location feel authentic and memorable. We can't wait for you to explore it all for yourself! 

IJmuiden Ferry

Not far from Amsterdam lies the coastal town of IJmuiden, home to an important ferry connection between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. As part of the Benelux rework, this location has also been revisited and refreshed.

While IJmuiden was already present in the original map as a landmark ferry location, it has now been updated to better match the quality and detail of the surrounding reworked areas. Although the scale of changes here is not as extensive as what you'll find in Amsterdam, you'll still certainly notice some big changes!

The ferry terminal continues to serve as a key gateway for drivers travelling between mainland Europe and the UK, offering an important connection for long-distance routes. Its updated design aims to provide a more immersive experience while maintaining its recognisable identity. We hope this connection will be used a lot more often with the arrival of the UK rework in the future! 

Interestingly, this location became a personal favourite for one of two map designers who worked on it, thanks to its unique atmosphere and role within the wider transport network.

We look forward to sharing more news on the Benelux Rework, which will arrive as a free update for all Euro Truck Simulator 2 owners in the future. Until then, be sure to follow us on our official social media channels so you can stay up to date with the latest news, even whilst on the move. Until next time, keep on truckin’.

South Dakota: Settlements #2

As you travel across the Mount Rushmore State, you’ll encounter a variety of distinctive and memorable settlements along the way. In today’s blog, we’re taking a closer look at another selection of towns that our map designers have been bringing to life for the upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator.

Redfield

Redfield is often called the “Pheasant Capital of the World.” This nickname comes from the area’s rich hunting tradition and thriving wildlife population. As you drive through town, you may notice subtle nods to this heritage, along with its classic Midwestern layout and welcoming small-town atmosphere.

Martin

Serving as a vital hub for nearby communities, Martin offers a glimpse into everyday life on the plains. It may be modest in size, but its role in the region is significant. Our team focused on capturing that authenticity, from local businesses to the open landscapes that stretch far beyond the town itself.

Mission

Mission is an important community within the Rosebud Indian Reservation. The town blends cultural significance with rural charm. As you pass through, keep an eye out for details that reflect its identity and the surrounding rolling plains.

Selby

A friendly small town with a population of just over 640, Selby sits among rich farmlands and serves as a quiet waypoint for travelers passing through the region. Its location along a well-traveled highway makes it a natural stop along your journey. In-game, you’ll experience its laid-back atmosphere, surrounded by the agricultural landscape.

Sturgis

Famous across the country, Sturgis is best known for its legendary motorcycle rally, which draws huge crowds every year. Beyond the roar of engines, however, the town has its own everyday charm. Drivers can enjoy a mix of forested surroundings and winding roads that make this area especially memorable. As you approach the town, be sure to look out for the iconic Sturgis sign on Sly Hill!

Wall

Just off Interstate 90, Wall is a must-see stop for anyone traveling through western South Dakota. It’s widely known for its iconic roadside attraction, which has been drawing in visitors for decades with its classic Americana charm. As you cruise along I-90, you’ll also notice a series of billboards encouraging you to make a stop in town, a signature part of the experience that our team has recreated for players to enjoy.

Of course, South Dakota is home to many more towns and communities than we could include. As with all our map expansions, we carefully select and adapt locations to fit the 1:20 scale of American Truck Simulator. This approach allows us to create a map that feels both rich and true to life, while keeping drives engaging and well-paced for players behind the wheel.

And that’s all for today! We hope you enjoyed this second look at some of the settlements coming with the South Dakota DLC. Each town, big or small, helps bring this beautiful state to life.

If you’re excited about this map expansion, be sure to add the South Dakota DLC to your Steam wishlist! Don't forget to stay tuned for more updates 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!