South Dakota: Custom Depots #2

Excited to get delivering in South Dakota? Then this blog is for you! Today, we're happy to share more of the custom depots you'll deliver to and from in our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. From busy agricultural industries to a large scrapyard, let's take a closer look at what our teams have been busy creating!

Unlike standard prefabs, these depots have been carefully assembled by our map designers using a variety of assets, giving each one a distinct look and feel. Many of them are based on real-world locations, which perhaps some of you might recognise if you live locally or visit South Dakota often.

Agriculture plays a major role in South Dakota’s economy, and players will find plenty of job contract opportunities from a range of farming industries across the state. One such location can be found near the city of Aberdeen, where you'll discover a large farm facility featuring numerous silos used for storing crops and seeds before they are shipped further afield. Set amongst the vast prairies and open spaces that define much of South Dakota's landscape, drivers will be treated to panoramic views and seemingly endless horizons as they travel between jobs. This is just one of the many farms that make up South Dakota’s number one industry. 

The agriculture industry covers much more than just seeds and crops, however, and nearby the city of Mitchell, players will discover a custom farm livestock depot inspired by a real-life facility. You'll be sure to spot plenty of livestock roaming the nearby fields, as South Dakota famously has the highest cattle to people ratio in the U.S., with approximately 4 times as many cattle as people living in the state!

For those who enjoy heavy industry and rugged terrain, the Spearfish area will feature a large quarry-inspired depot nestled within the scenic Black Hills region. Hauling materials in and out of this site will require careful driving through winding roads and rough terrain, all while surrounded by impressive rocky landscapes and industrial machinery.

In the city of Lead, you’ll find the largest open pit in South Dakota. It is a closed gold mine and a clear visual dominant of the city. In the mine's underground, 4,850 feet deep, we can find a unique research laboratory. It is the deepest underground laboratory in the United States and it houses experiments connected to dark matter and neutrinos, which need to be conducted far below the Earth’s surface, shielded from cosmic radiation. This research facility also serves as an inspiration for one of our locations in the South Dakota DLC. Our players will be able to explore a part of the facility and experience the atmosphere of a place like this for themselves 

Nearby Aberdeen, players will also come across a large scrapyard depot inspired by a real-life agricultural salvage facility. Spanning a huge area filled with rows of machinery, stacked equipment, scrap piles, containers, and industrial vehicles, this custom depot is based on a well known scrapyard business where people travel from across the region in search of spare parts, equipment, and older vehicles.

Grain transportation remains a key part of South Dakota’s economy, and nearby Mitchell, players can deliver to and from a large grain elevator situated amidst the surrounding countryside. Surrounded by open fields, this agricultural landmark captures the scenic character of South Dakota’s farming regions. Standing tall above the prairie, grain elevators like this serve as important hubs for storing and transporting crops throughout the Midwest, and are a familiar sight for truckers travelling America's backroads and highways alike. 

We look forward to sharing even more from this upcoming DLC for American Truck Simulator in the future, right here on our blog. If you're excited to be haulin' in the Mount Rushmore State, be sure to add South Dakota to your Steam Wishlist, your support means a lot to us. Until next time, happy haulin’!