South Dakota: Hot Springs

Looking for a mix of nature, history, and relaxation all in one spot? Hot Springs, South Dakota, is calling your name! Located at the southern end of the beautiful Black Hills, this historic town is one of the many destinations you’ll discover in our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. Scroll on down to take a closer look at our recreation of this unique getaway destination!

Known for its naturally warm mineral waters, historic architecture, and outdoor activities, this charming town offers drivers a relaxing yet memorable stop on their journey through the Mount Rushmore State. Our team has been busy at work recreating its virtual counterpart in this upcoming DLC, including several landmarks.

However, the warm water isn’t the only thing producing steam in Hot Springs! The town also holds a unique place in railroad history, once home to what was considered the world’s smallest Union Station. Built in 1891 from locally quarried pink sandstone, this tiny depot became an iconic landmark of the region. While passenger trains no longer run directly into town, the railway heritage of Hot Springs still lives on today, and you’ll even find a representation of it in-game! The beautifully preserved building now serves as the local visitor information center.

Speaking of history, this next landmark goes back a little further.. way further! Hot Springs is home to a Mammoth Site, an active paleontological dig site and museum where the remains of 61 mammoths have been discovered, including Columbian and woolly mammoths. Since the first bones were uncovered in 1974, the site has become one of South Dakota’s most fascinating attractions, featuring an extensive collection of prehistoric remains.

If you’re looking to learn even more about the local area, be sure to take a look at the Pioneer Museum. Originally built in 1893 as a schoolhouse, it later became a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Hot Springs and the surrounding Black Hills region, featuring exhibits on pioneer life, Native American artifacts, and early settlers.

The town’s historic charm is reflected in its distinctive Neo-Romanesque architecture, a style rarely seen in many parts of the United States. Several buildings around Hot Springs almost resemble small castles, giving the downtown area a unique look.

Drivers passing through town can also spot the picturesque Hot Springs Waterfall, located right in the heart of downtown. Nearby, you’ll find shops, restaurants, walking trails, parks, and the Kidney Springs Gazebo. Other local landmarks include the historic public library, the Evans building, the old wooden 1888 jail, and numerous art murals!

We think you’ll enjoy the laid back charm of Hot Springs, but don’t stay too long, there’s still plenty more to discover across South Dakota! If you’re excited to hit the road in this upcoming map expansion for American Truck Simulator, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist using the widget below. 

We look forward to sharing more development previews here on our blog and across our social media channels on X, Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky, where you can also catch exclusive video content. Until next time, keep on truckin’!

UK Rework: Stonehenge

Today, we’re happy to share a closer look at Stonehenge, one of Britain’s most iconic and mysterious landmarks, which will be featured in our UK Rework for Euro Truck Simulator 2. This prehistoric circular megalithic stone structure has stood watch over the rolling countryside for thousands of years, and continues to captivate visitors from around the world with its scale, history, and mystery.

Believed to date back over 5000 years, Stonehenge remains one of the greatest mysteries of the ancient world. Was it a ceremonial site or perhaps even an astronomical calendar aligned with the movements of the sun? While historians continue to debate its true purpose, one thing is certain, it has become a symbol of Britain’s history. 

This landmark has been carefully recreated by our talented teams as part of our UK Rework project, and drivers passing by in the future will be able to catch a memorable glimpse of these ancient standing stones. However, if you wish to take a quick break and perhaps enjoy the view a little longer, you can! 

Nearby, you’ll also find the modern visitor centre, which welcomes thousands of tourists each year. Built in 2013, this visitor centre houses permanent and temporary exhibitions, including nearly 300 archaeological treasures found buried at the site, from jewellery to pottery to human remains. Complete with a dedicated parking area for buses, there is plenty of room for visitors to stop and learn more! 

Set within the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, the area surrounding Stonehenge offers a peaceful glimpse into rural southern England. As you drive through this area, you may notice smaller mounds dotted across the landscape. These are not simply natural features, but Neolithic burial mounds, constructed thousands of years ago. They serve as subtle reminders of the deep history that has shaped this region over time.

We're excited to share more previews and features from the UK Rework, which will arrive as a free update for all owners of Euro Truck Simulator 2 in the future. Be sure to let us know in the comments what UK landmarks you'd love to see! Keep on truckin', cheerio! 

Isle of Ireland: Guess Where We Are

How well do you know Éire? Our team is hard at work creating the Isle of Ireland for Euro Truck Simulator 2, and we’ve got some early work in progress screenshots to share with you!

We know our community has a sharp eye, so we’re putting you to the test to guess where in Ireland these screenshots were taken. They are based on real life locations being recreated in detail for this DLC, so if you know the area, or have some geo-guessing skills, you might just recognise where each one is from.

We’d love to hear your guesses, so be sure to share them in the blog comments below, on our social media channels, or even on our official forum. 

Development on the Isle of Ireland DLC is still ongoing, but we hope this glimpse gives you a sense of the beauty and history that awaits you. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the latest development news and previews, and if you like what you’ve seen here today, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist to be notified of its release. Until next time, keep on truckin'! 

Illinois DLC Release

It's so exciting when something you've been working on for quite some time is finally done. Today is the day, as the long-awaited Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator is ready to welcome its first truckers!

The Illinois DLC is now released and available on Steam!

We announced Illinois in February 2025, and since then, our asset and map designers have done some amazing work on bringing it to life for our #BestCommunityEver. As we brought you updates on this DLC in the past year, we have seen your amazing feedback and excitement about this map expansion. We are so happy that today, we are finally able to explore it! And believe us, there's so much to discover.

Make the most of your visit to the wonderful Prairie State and enjoy every moment as you:

• Explore 11 faithfully recreated cities, such as Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, and Peoria!
• See iconic landmarks like Chicago’s Buckingham Memorial Fountain, the Springfield State Capitol, or the Rock Valley College, and a meticulously recreated downtown in Rockford.
• Deliver cargo to brand-new industries, including a construction equipment factory and dealer, marinas on Lake Michigan and Rend Lake, and Chicago's famous international airport.
• Discover 7 scenic towns (settlements) like Macomb or Chenoa.
• Drive from the starting point of the legendary Route 66 in Chicago!
• Explore stunning natural locations including Rend Lake, the Mississippi River, Shawnee National Forest, and Lake Michigan.
• Become the vital link in Illinois’ national rail network, picking up cargo from Chicago’s Intermodal hub and delivering it by truck across the state.
• Enjoy varied driving conditions, from wide-open plains, hilly and forested areas to bustling urban streets in big cities.
• Uncover hidden gems across Illinois, from hidden roads and viewpoints to easter eggs and more!

From vibrant cities like Chicago, one of the Midwest's most iconic cities, to breathtaking landscapes shaped by the Mississippi River, winding past picturesque towns, there will be no shortage of new and beautiful locations to explore and haul some cargo. If you own some of our already released DLCs, you will also be able to travel the full length of the legendary Route 66 with the release of Illinois!

Release Live Stream

Don't forget about our special Release Live Stream, which is going to start today at 3 pm CEST. We will introduce some special guests, including the CEO of SCS Software, Pavel Šebor, who will tell you more about this new map expansion while we drive through Illinois. Towards the end of the live stream, we will officially release the Illinois DLC together, so make sure to be there!

We are eager for you to start trucking in the Prairie State. Remember to tag us in your photos and videos from this map expansion using the hashtag #CruisingIllinois on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky. If you'll enjoy your time in Illinois, we'd really appreciate it if you left a review on its DLC Steam store page. We thank you for all your support, and until next time, happy haulin'!

ATS Volvo VNL 2025 + Volvo VNR Electric Release

Today, we’re excited to bring not one, but two new additions to American Truck Simulator! Whether you prefer the power and comfort of long-haul trucking or the cutting-edge innovation of electric mobility, this update delivers something special for every kind of driver. Introducing the all-new 2025 Volvo VNL and Volvo VNR Electric!

From refined aerodynamics and driver-focused interiors to sustainable, zero-emission technology, both vehicles showcase Volvo’s commitment to innovation and performance. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these incredible trucks has to offer.

Volvo VNL 2025

The all-new Volvo VNL arrives in American Truck Simulator as a step forward in long-haul trucking. Designed with efficiency, comfort, and modern styling in mind, this truck is built to conquer the open road.

Players will immediately notice the redesigned exterior, featuring smoother lines and improved aerodynamics. Every detail has been carefully crafted, making it a perfect companion for those long interstate journeys.

Inside the cabin, the VNL focuses on ergonomics and accessibility, with a fully digital dashboard and thoughtfully placed controls ensuring maximum comfort during extended trips.

A wide range of customization options is also available, including chassis configurations, paint jobs, accessories, and much more. This also includes a special paint job for the SCS box trailer.

Under the hood, players can select from a variety of powerful engine options paired with smooth transmissions, delivering the performance and reliability expected from a modern long-haul truck.

Volvo VNR Electric

Alongside the VNL, we’re proud to introduce the Volvo VNR Electric, bringing the first electric truck to American Truck Simulator. While the VNL is a full-size truck that you can own, customize, and expand your fleet with, the VNR Electric is available exclusively through Quick Jobs, giving players a chance to experience electric trucking in a curated way.

This truck represents a modern era of transportation, designed primarily for urban and regional distribution. Its fully electric powertrain delivers smooth, quiet operation, offering a completely different driving experience compared to traditional trucks.

Visually, the VNR Electric stands out with its modern, clean design and distinctive lighting elements. The interior reflects the same philosophy, offering a sleek and functional workspace tailored for urban operations.

We’re incredibly excited to see you hit the road with both the Volvo VNL and the Volvo VNR Electric. Whether you’re hauling across states or navigating city streets, these trucks open up new experiences in American Truck Simulator.

We look forward to your feedback, screenshots, and stories from the road!

Until then, be sure to stay connected with us on our social media channels on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, and Instagram, and by subscribing to our newsletter so you don’t miss any future updates! Stay safe and happy haulin'!