Introducing South Dakota

We are excited to unveil our next map expansion for American Truck Simulator, which will offer a blend of beautiful nature, vibrant cities, and the joy of the open road. Our teams are currently hard at work on...

South Dakota for American Truck Simulator

Welcome to the Mount Rushmore State! Nestled in the North Central Region of the United States, South Dakota offers a beautiful site for truckers to admire. The state is dominated by peaceful, wide-rolling plains - its eastern region belongs to the Prairie Plains, while the western part forms a portion of the Great Plains. This part of the landscape transitions from flat river valleys in the east to plateaus, buttes, and a canyon-scarred terrain in the west.

And don't miss the rugged beauty of the Badlands - one of the world's richest fossil beds and a haven for diverse wildlife. This striking landscape draws visitors from around the globe. Just west of the Badlands lies the breathtaking Black Hills, a dome-shaped mountain region filled with dense forests and picturesque scenic byways.

Whether you're drawn to big-city hustle or the charm of small towns, South Dakota offers unforgettable sights at every turn. You can look forward to delivering in and out of Sioux Falls, Mitchell, and Rapid City, while also passing through beautiful settlements such as Deadwood, Wall, and Sturgis, to name just a few. Right at the heart of the state lies its capital, Pierre, located on the banks of the Missouri River. Though modest in size, Pierre boasts some impressive architectural gems - well worth a stop on your route!

The Mount Rushmore State is mostly agricultural, with corn, alfalfa, rye, flaxseed, wheat, and soybeans being the most common crops grown there, but forestry and mining also play significant roles, meaning you can expect to haul a diverse range of cargo. Two major interstates make traversing the state efficient: Interstate 90 runs east to west across the southern half, while Interstate 29 cuts north to south through the eastern region, making sure your deliveries stay on schedule.

Home to nine Native American tribes, South Dakota offers a unique opportunity to experience a rich diversity of Indigenous cultures. The state's natural beauty is equally unforgettable - from bison and other wildlife roaming the west, to the striking rock formations, expansive forests, and sweeping prairies that stretch across the landscape. In the central and eastern regions, vast fields of golden sunflowers paint the countryside each summer. At the heart of it all flows the mighty Missouri River, which cuts the state in two and stands as the second-longest river in North America. Whether you're drawn to serene wilderness, vibrant city life, or the simple joys of the open road, South Dakota truly offers something for everyone.

If you are excited to be trucking in this state, make sure to add it to your Steam wishlist! Remember to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube for all the latest news from this map expansion and American Truck Simulator, or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed. Until next time, we wish you happy travels!

ATS 1.55 Update: Freightliner Cascadia 2024 Update

As part of the upcoming 1.55 update for American Truck Simulator, we’re excited to introduce a range of improvements and new customization options for the Freightliner Cascadia 2024. This includes new accessories, updated interior and exterior options, and more. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

Several new accessories have been added to allow for even greater personalization of your Freightliner Cascadia. This includes a paintable airdam, a vertical exhaust system, chrome side mirrors and filter fins, and a paintable sunvisor for the sleeper variant. We hope these additions make it easier than ever to fine-tune your Cascadia’s appearance to match your style or virtual trucking company's branding! 

Inside the cabin, we've added a new black interior variant, while also updating the existing tan and grey versions. Drivers will also have the choice between a traditional gauge cluster on their dashboard or a modern digital dashboard layout. With these additions, each sleeper configuration now includes six unique interior variants, giving you more options for your cabin.

On the exterior, we’ve worked on improving the sleeper's details as well. The 72" sleeper side walls have been remodelled, particularly around the window area. Blind spot sensors have also received an update, allowing them to function correctly with both the traditional A-pillar sensors and the digital mirror displays. The camera arms have also been adjusted, with their marker lights now functioning solely as turn indicators, reflecting real-world behavior more accurately.

Alongside these updates, we’ve made several under-the-hood improvements, including various bug fixes and animation updates, to enhance your overall driving experience with the Freightliner Cascadia.

We’d like to thank our partners at Freightliner for their ongoing cooperation. We hope you enjoy the refreshed Freightliner Cascadia experience, and we look forward to seeing how you make it your own when 1.55 update rolls out. Until next time, keep on truckin'!

Louisiana: Cities

Visit the bustling cities of Louisiana on your trucking adventures! Today, we bring you a preview of selected urban hubs that our map designers are recreating for the Pelican State in American Truck Simulator, so if you are excited for the Louisiana DLC, keep on reading!

Lafayette

This vibrant city nestled along the Vermilion River in south-central Louisiana has deep roots. First settled in 1763, it began as the village of Vermilionville before being renamed in 1884 for the French general, the Marquis de Lafayette. As truckers drive through this historic town, they'll pass by beautifully recreated landmarks like the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, First Presbyterian Church, Episcopal Church of the Ascension, and Lafayette Middle School - each one a tribute to the city's spirit and architectural legacy.

Houma

If you venture southwest from New Orleans along Route 90, you will come across the seat of Terrebonne Parish, the city of Houma. In its early days, the settlement developed as a fishing, fur, and shrimp port. Now it is known as a centre for seafood and lumber products. Our talented assets and map teams recreated some architectural gems there, too, such as the Terrebonne Parish Library, the Hancock Whitney Bank, and the Terrebonne Parish Government Office.

Monroe

In the northeast corner of the Pelican State, truckers will find themselves delivering cargo to and from Monroe, a key hub of manufacturing and commerce for the surrounding rural parishes and the 9th largest city in Louisiana. Along the way, keep an eye out for notable architecture like the beautiful First Baptist Church and the vibrant campus of the University of Louisiana, a hotspot for education in the region.

Natchitoches

Rolling into Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, truckers find themselves cruising through a town steeped in history and Southern charm. It is nestled along the scenic Cane River Lake in west-central Louisiana. Drivers passing through can spot standout local landmarks like the Central High School and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.

We hope you have enjoyed today's blog! Remember to add the Louisiana DLC to your Steam Wishlist and don't forget to give our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok a follow as you'll receive updates about our games straight to your feed, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed! We look forward to sharing more with you in the future.

Iowa: Cedar Rapids

Do you want to visit the beautiful city of Cedar Rapids? Today, we invite you to take a drive with us through this charming seat of Linn County in Iowa, our upcoming map expansion for American Truck Simulator. Let's see what's in store for you!

The second largest city of the Hawkeye State, situated along the scenic banks of the Cedar River - a tributary of the Iowa River - is a vibrant hub of arts and culture with a great theater, live music, and museums. Truckers can soak in Cedar Rapids' history through its striking architecture. With dynamic urban renewal efforts and plenty of eye-catching public art on every corner, the city offers a blend of beautiful architecture and progressive energy.

Truckers driving into the city will be greeted by a recognizable welcome sign at the edge of town, and as you head into downtown, you'll notice a skyline dotted with local landmarks. Keep an eye out for the Cedar Rapids Arena, based on a real-life venue that hosts everything from concerts to sporting events, as well as the stately Veterans Memorial Building nearby.

However, the most important location in town is a familiar-looking food processing facility near the city center. Fans of breakfast oats and cereals might recognize the inspiration behind this unique depot and landmark. Our map designers have also recreated the Cedar Rapids Airport, where two delivery locations await truckers looking for a job. And if you venture east, you'll find opportunities to service the local paper mill or a generating station.

We hope you enjoyed this brief visit and will like the end product when this DLC is released. If you are excited to be trucking in the Hawkeye State, make sure to add this map expansion to your Steam Wishlist! Until then, stay tuned to our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, YouTube, or our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming news. We will see you on the road!

Next Stop: ETS2

We’ve crossed borders, hauled freight, and explored countless cities across Europe. But just like any great journey, the road is always full of surprises. Something different is pulling into view, a new way to experience the world of Euro Truck Simulator 2. See you at the next stop...

Star Nation 2025 Update

We are returning to Bend, Oregon, from the 6th to 9th June to take part in Western Star's unforgettable Star Nation Experience 2025! Along with us, Western Star Trucks, and members of the Star Nation community, two lucky American Truck Simulator players had the chance to win this all-expenses-paid trip, so let's meet them.

Last year, we were honored to join Western Star Trucks for the 2024 Star Nation Experience - an adrenaline-filled adventure in Oregon's rugged wilderness. From off-road trucking and fly fishing to ATV thrills, it was an unforgettable celebration of the Western Star community. A standout moment was the behind-the-scenes tour and driver challenge at Daimler Truck's High Desert Proving Grounds in Madras. You can watch our SCS On The Road episode from last year's event below. And this year promises just as much excitement.

Last week, Western Star announced the winners they selected - not just from their own community, but from ours as well, inviting two ATS players to join the experience. They're also bringing back two past SNE alumni, Casey LaDelle and Tatiana DeYoung, as coaches for this year's Get Tough Challenge. As mentioned earlier, we're excited to be part of this unique event, with Oscar and Beny representing us. They'll be meeting the incredible group of winners and the Western Star team while also capturing the entire weekend to create a special SCS On The Road episode. Now, let's meet the two participants from the #BestCommunityEver!

Tyler

Tyler works for a construction company that specializes in large-scale infrastructure projects - an industry where dependable, heavy-duty equipment is essential. Off the job site, he's an avid American Truck Simulator player, finding a unique connection between his real-world experience and his passion for virtual trucking. What stands out most to him is the level of authenticity and detail brought to Western Star trucks in the game.

"Western Stars feel like the last tough trucks out there. The new 49X is one tough truck that gives a comfortable experience," he says, having driven the truck in real life, he truly appreciates its power and comfort.

Alex

Alex is a dedicated fan of Western Star and American Truck Simulator, with a connection to the brand dating back to his childhood. 

"My parents met in Portland, and on a visit there as a kid, I saw my first Western Star tridem log truck, and it left an impression. It has become my favorite brand to play with, logging thousands of miles in both an SFA and an SBA 49X. I had a medical event 7 years ago that left me barely able to walk when I was at my worst in the hospital. I have fought back, working through years of PT and exercises to regain it, so the #NeverBackDown isn't just a slogan for me, it's a mantra for how to break through such a curveball."

We would like to thank Western Star Trucks for this wonderful opportunity to be a part of this adventure again, along with the members of our community. Keep a close eye on Western Star's Facebook and Instagram, and our X/Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook so you don't miss out on any news from the Star Nation Experience 2025, which Oscar and Benny from our team will also attend. Oregon, here we come!

Nordic Horizons: Tornio and Haparanda

One border, two countries, and a seamless connection! In our upcoming Nordic Horizons DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2, you’ll experience one of Europe’s most successful examples of cross-border cooperation. Join us as we take a closer look at this unique area!

Welcome to Tornio, a Finnish city located directly on the Swedish border and closely tied to its twin town, Haparanda. While in the real world these are two distinct municipalities, in ETS2 they will appear together under the single in-game name of Tornio due to scale limitations. However, players can expect to see and experience defining elements from both sides of this shared region.

When travelling through these cities, you’ll be able to drive across a bridge that connects Finland and Sweden, which also offers views of the river and the town plaza. Not far from this bridge, players will also encounter a special landmark, appropriately named the “Engagement Rings”, a sculpture positioned on a small roundabout. This artwork symbolizes the unity between the two towns and stands as a tribute to their ongoing cooperation and shared identity. It is one of three small roundabouts in the area that we’ve recreated to reflect the local road network.

Looking for work? Tornio will feature a logistics hub with a depot, fuel station, and service station for truck maintenance. To the south, drivers can travel to a large industrial zone that includes a steelworks facility, a river port depot, and a wind farm! Across the border in the Haparanda-inspired part of town, players will find a large Ika depot to deliver to and from. So no matter which city you're in, there'll be no shortage of job contracts.

Beyond the roads and depots, this part of the map also comes with a bit of charm and trivia. Tornio and Haparanda sit in different time zones, with Finland an hour ahead of Sweden. This has led to fun cultural quirks, such as people crossing the border on New Year’s Eve to celebrate midnight twice, once in Finland, then again an hour later in Sweden, just a short walk away.

We hope you enjoyed this look at Tornio and Haparanda, an we look forward to you exploring them both for yourself in the future. If you're excited for the Nordic Horizons DLC, then be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist. And don't forget to stay up to date with all the latest development news, previews and more by following us on our social media channels, or by subscribing to our newsletter! Until next time, keep on truckin'.

Iowa: Gameplay Preview

We hope to make you happy today if you are eager to see more from Iowa. The first gameplay preview from this upcoming map expansion for American Truck Simulator has just dropped, so let's watch it together!

Before we start, keep in mind that this DLC is still not completely finished, so anything you see in the video may be changed before release.

In one of our previous blogs, we talked about the Hawkeye State being one of the largest agricultural producing states of the U.S. This is why we selected a route from a feedmill depot near Waterloo to a new depot our teams have developed for this map expansion - an Agricultural Facility - close to Iowa City. Now, without further ado, we hope you will enjoy the gameplay video!

So, how did you like what you saw? Make sure to tell us in the comments below! If you are excited to be trucking in the Hawkeye State, make sure to add this map expansion to your Steam Wishlist! Also, remember to follow us on our social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube) or sign up for our newsletter for more news from the world of American Truck Simulator. Until next time, drive safe!

ATS: Reaching the middle

Some say that our next American Truck Simulator expansion is bringing us closer to the middle of the United States, others argue that it's a bit of a stretch. Think you know where we're headed to? Let us know your guesses...

American Truck Simulator: 2025 Video Trailer

It’s incredible to think how far American Truck Simulator has come since its original release in 2016. From its humble beginnings in California with just a handful of trucks and states, the game has grown into a vast, immersive virtual world enjoyed by millions of players across the globe.

Over the years, we’ve introduced a wide range of features and improvements, both big and small, that have helped shape American Truck Simulator into what it is today. With updates including a complete UI overhaul and a new weather and lighting system, an updated gallery, the introduction of city intros, viewpoints, new cargoes, loads of new trucks, the Convoy multiplayer mode and more; ATS has continued to evolve with every update.

To celebrate this progress and the recent complete rework of California, our talented video team have found the time recently to create a brand-new video trailer for American Truck Simulator. More than just a replacement for the original, this trailer is a showcase of everything ATS has become. It captures the atmosphere, beauty, and depth of a game that has grown immensely over the years. We truly believe it represents the spirit of ATS far better than the original ever did, and we’re proud to have it serve as the first impression for those discovering the game on the Steam Store page.



So whether you're a seasoned long-hauler or just setting out on your first journey, we invite you to watch the new trailer! Let us know what you think, and if you enjoy it, don’t forget to leave a comment and a like. Our video team will love reading your comments. Thank you all for your continued support and we look forward to many more miles on the road with you!

Iowa: Agriculture

Welcome back to Iowa! In today's blog, we're giving you a quick look at Iowa's farming industry and introducing new agricultural depots across the state. Get ready to haul cargo through the heart of the Hawkeye State in American Truck Simulator!

Farming is a big part of life in Iowa, with nearly 90,000 farms across the state, and more than 85 percent of its land being farmed. Iowa is also ranked number one in the USA in corn, pigs, and egg production. But that is not all, as local farmers also focus on a wide range of other produce, such as soybeans, oatmeal, cattle, and more.

And because this industry is so huge, it makes sense that Iowa is also one of the largest and most well-known manufacturers of farming equipment. That's why we are introducing two new types of custom depots - the Agricultural Factory, which manufactures the machinery, and the Agriculture Dealer, which sells it to customers. Both can be found at multiple locations in Iowa.

Along with the two new depots, truckers will also come across custom farms specializing in wheat, cattle, and pigs, as well as a grain elevator depot, where they will surely be able to find a job. When cruising through this state, keep your eyes peeled for neatly-terraced corn fields along the roads, often found in Iowa, that were recreated by our map designers for more immersion.

If you are excited to visit Iowa, don't forget to support us by adding this map expansion to your Steam Wishlist! Until then, make sure to stay up to date on any other news by following us on our social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube) or signing up for our newsletter. Until next time, happy travels!