Illinois: Bloomington

As we continue our journey across the Prairie State for the upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator, we’re excited to take you to the heart of central Illinois and shine a light on Bloomington. This vibrant city blends Midwestern industry with modern living, and our map designers have been hard at work capturing its atmosphere, landmarks, and trucking opportunities. Today, we’re happy to share a first look at this city.

Bloomington plays an important role in Illinois’ economy, and that’s reflected in the locations you’ll encounter while hauling through the area. One of the standout depots is the Bloomington Farm Center, representing the region’s deep agricultural roots. Surrounded by wide roads and open landscapes, it’s the kind of place that feels right at home in a trucking simulator, offering space for large rigs and plenty of authentic detail.

You’ll also pass by the Bloomington Farm Insurance headquarters, a prominent feature on the city skyline. Our team paid close attention to the architecture and surrounding streets to ensure that it feels recognizable and grounded in its real-world counterpart, helping to bring Bloomington’s business district to life.

As you drive through the city, you’ll also spot a recognizable Bloomington hotel, adding another layer of realism to the urban environment. Close by, the Bloomington Villas represent local residential areas, giving the city a more lived-in and authentic feel as you roll through town.

One landmark that truly stands out is the Bloomington Water Tower. Visible from afar, it serves as a familiar navigational point and a great visual reference as you approach or depart the city. Landmarks like this help make each location memorable and unique while you’re on the road.

As always, everything you see is still a work in progress and subject to change. Our goal is to make Bloomington feel authentic, believable, and enjoyable to drive through, whether you’re delivering cargo, passing by on a long haul, or simply exploring the roads of Illinois.

We hope you enjoy this early look at Bloomington, and we’re looking forward to sharing more from the Illinois DLC in the future. Don't forget to add this map expansion to your Steam wishlist. And of course, stay connected with us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter. Until then, keep on truckin’!

Route 66 Rework Project: Grand Canyon & Hoover Dam

Today, we’re happy to share another look at the Route 66 Rework Project for American Truck Simulator. This time, we’re heading to two of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, The Grand Canyon and The Hoover Dam. Visited in real life by tens of millions of people each year, both locations are currently being reworked, and we’re excited to give you a preview of how they’re being brought to life with a completely refreshed in-game appearance. Let’s take a look!

The Grand Canyon 

As one of the most recognisable natural wonders in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year, the Grand Canyon stretches for 277 miles and at some points is 6,000 feet deep. It truly is an incredible sight to behold! In our Route 66 Rework Project, we are working to really bring an improved sense of scale and detail to better match the reality of this Geologic Wonder.

Of course, this rework isn't limited to just landmarks, Grand Canyon Village, a popular visitor destination on the south rim of the Grand Canyon has also been completely reworked from the ground up, along with a new addition, the settlement of Tusayan. Nearby there are also multiple new lookouts, and even a few secret roads waiting to be discovered. As many of you know, the Grand Canyon is a National Park, and with this rework, we've included the official entrance gate to the national park, which has been recreated in detail by our talented teams! 

Grand Canyon Village isn't just for looks however, as you may already know in its current iteration, you'll be able to haul jobs to and from this popular spot. Featuring all-new depot layouts including a market, road construction site, warehouse, and an aviation service depot. Also don't forget to be on the lookout for viewpoints and photo trophies! This truly is a unique area to haul to, so don't miss out on exploring it all! 

The Hoover Dam

Rising 726 feet above the Colorado River and holding back one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, the Hoover Dam stands as one of the most iconic engineering achievements of the 20th century.

As part of the Route 66 Rework Project, the entire surrounding area has been fully rebuilt, offering a far more detailed and authentic representation of this historic landmark. Visited by millions of tourists each year, it is a landmark where visitors can learn about American history and engineering, and take in stunning views.

As part of our rework, drivers can enjoy several lookout points, rest areas, and improved road layouts that better reflect the experience of visiting the dam in real life. Whether you choose to stop for a scenic break or you're simply passing through, we hope you can appreciate the scale and grandeur of this colossal structure.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at arguably two of the most iconic landmarks featured in our Route 66 Rework Project. We've still got plenty more to showcase from this famous stretch of highway, and we look forward to sharing additional insights with you soon. Be sure to follow us on our social media channels or sign up for our Newsletter so you don’t miss any future news and updates. Until next time, keep on truckin’!

South Dakota: Truck Stops #2

Welcome back to South Dakota, truckers! In today's blog, we would like to showcase another preview of various truck stops ready to welcome you and your truck in this upcoming map expansion for American Truck Simulator, so let's take a look.

There is nothing like taking a break after a long day (or night) of driving your 18-wheeler. And when you're driving through a beautiful state like South Dakota, those breaks become even better, with scenic views waiting around every corner. Just remember that the law requires you to take regular rest periods, and these truck stops offer the perfect places to relax, recharge, and stay safe on the road.

Some of these truck stops will greet you almost immediately as you cross into South Dakota from our previously released map expansion. If you're arriving from Sioux City, Iowa, via I-29, you'll find a cozy truck stop where you can rest before continuing north. Alternatively, if you're entering the Mount Rushmore State from Nebraska, there's another convenient rest stop waiting for you just past the Missouri River in the town of Yankton.

And the next one, which we hope will make our #BestCommunityEver happy - since it's been a topic of discussion about whether we would include it - is the Alzada truck stop, located on the road leading from Montana into South Dakota.

The other truck stops can be found scattered across the state on both sides of the Missouri River, which cuts South Dakota right down the middle. They vary in size and atmosphere, ranging from small, cozy ones on country roads to larger, full-service stops located near busier towns. We're curious to see if you recognize some of them, as they're based on real locations and carefully recreated to resemble their real-world counterparts!

And that's it for today! If you are excited to explore this state, make sure to add the South Dakota DLC to your Steam wishlist! Also, remember to follow us on our X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube for all the latest news from not only this map expansion, but also other American Truck Simulator projects, or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed. Safe travels out there!

Project Benelux Rework: Antwerp

Today, we are excited to present a fresh look at one of Belgium’s most iconic and culturally vibrant cities, Antwerp, as part of the Project Benelux Rework. Known for its vast port, historic landmarks, and lively urban atmosphere, Antwerp will make its first-ever appearance in Euro Truck Simulator 2, expanding the map with a wealth of new locations, authentic details, and diverse driving experiences.

Antwerp stands proudly along the banks of the Scheldt, and for drivers, the city’s character becomes immediately apparent upon approaching the Antwerp riverport. This busy waterfront area captures the energy of daily trade and movement, offering a scenic yet industrious welcome to the city. From here, players will weave through streets lined with modern infrastructure and historic brickwork.

Venturing further into the city centre, drivers will encounter the Kipdorp site, currently the focus of the largest archaeological excavations Antwerp has seen in many years. This remarkable location adds a strong sense of history in motion, with its exposed foundations and ongoing research efforts reflecting the city’s deep past. Soon after, the elegant Parkbrug comes into view, its distinctive white steel design arching gracefully as it connects two busy districts. Crossing it offers a moment of calm above the traffic below, with a panoramic glimpse of the city’s rooftops.

Not far away, players will pass by the bus station, a hub of urban transportation where trams and buses converge. In true Antwerp style, this area blends modern city life with pockets of culture, and one such cultural highlight sits just a short drive further along the route: the chocolate museum. This deliciously themed attraction pays homage to Belgium’s world-renowned confectionery traditions and stands as a familiar landmark for locals and travellers alike.

As the road stretches onward, a sudden shift in atmosphere greets drivers at the entrance to the city’s Chinatown Gate, an ornate and colourful structure marking one of Antwerp’s most distinctive cultural quarters. Following this, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks appears: Antwerp Centraal Station. Renowned for its grandeur and architectural beauty, the station has been faithfully reimagined to reflect the impressive presence it commands in real life.

Of course, no depiction of Antwerp would be complete without its world-famous harbour. As drivers leave the centre and head north, they will arrive at the Antwerp port, beginning with a carefully detailed entrance area that sets the tone for the scale ahead. The route continues into the industrial heart of the city, where players can expect to discover a dedicated chemical depot and many other places.

From cultural marvels to industrial giants, Antwerp is a city of contrasts, and our rework aims to capture every one of them. Whether crossing iconic bridges, navigating bustling urban streets, or exploring one of Europe’s largest ports, players will find no shortage of landmarks to explore and new experiences to enjoy.

And that's it for today. We hope you have enjoyed this preview of Antwerp! If you did make sure to keep up to date with future updates by following us on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, and Instagram, and by subscribing to our newsletter, you're all set! Until next time, we wish you safe travels.

SCS On The Road: MAN Lion's Coach Scanning + Sound Recording Trip

Today, we're excited to release a brand-new episode of our SCS On The Road series! Join us in Munich, Germany, as we visit the MAN Bus Forum, where we were invited to take a closer look at the MAN Lion’s Coach. Our goal during this visit was to capture media references and sound recordings for the upcoming Coaches DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2.

In this episode, you'll see Nemiro, our Head of PR & Marketing, and Oscar, our Chief Partnership Officer, accompanied by several members of our Vehicles and Sound teams. Together, they get up close to a MAN Lion’s Coach to capture detailed reference photos, videos, and audio samples. We also had the pleasure of speaking with Florian Rott, Product Marketing at MAN Truck & Bus SE, who gave us a guided walkaround and shared insights about this impressive coach.

We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to MAN and everyone who joined us on the day for their warm hospitality during what was an unusually cold, but productive visit. It was a truly enjoyable experience, and we certainly learned a great deal about the MAN Lion’s Coach. We hope you, our viewers, will learn something new as well!



We hope you enjoy this episode, and once again, a huge thanks to MAN for making it all possible. Be sure to return the favour by following them on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

And don’t forget to follow us too on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube, so you won’t miss any future SCS On The Road episodes. You can also sign up for our newsletter to stay informed even when you’re not checking the blog or our social channels.

Happy Holidays 2025!

 

Dear #BestCommunityEver,

Another year has nearly passed, and with it, the holiday season is fast approaching! We'd like to wish everyone celebrating a very happy holiday, wherever you are and however you choose to enjoy it. Like many of you, much of our team here at SCS Software will be taking some time away from the office to enjoy the traditional festivities with friends and family. During this period, things may be a little quieter on our official channels, but it won't be long before we're back on the road again in the New Year!

The year 2025 has been amazing for both of our games, and we hope we made our #BestCommunityEver happy with the updates and new DLCs released for Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator. 

This year brought major expansions across both games, including the long-awaited Nordic Horizons DLC that opens up the far north of Scandinavia, as well as three new U.S. states - Missouri, Iowa, and Louisiana - adding a wide range of new roads, cities, and industries to explore. The cargo lineup grew as well, with additions such as the Forest Machinery and Krone Agriculture Equipment DLCs, complemented by numerous updates and improvements to the base games and their existing DLCs.

And there's even more to look forward to, with preparations underway for bringing our games to consoles, new map expansions such as the Isle of Ireland, Iceland, British Columbia, Illinois, and South Dakota in active development, and additional content like the Coaches and Road Trip DLCs on the way. The future is shaping up to be an exciting one!

None of this would have been possible without the hard work of our incredible team and partners and, of course, the unwavering support of you, our community.

Looking to rack up some extra miles this festive season? Join our Woven Wonders of Winterland World of Trucks event for both ETS2 and ATS! Travel through the magical Winterland, delivering Christmas-themed cargo around the world. Every delivery counts toward your personal and community goals, unlocking tiers of festive in-game rewards along the way. This year's event also brings a few special updates to make the experience even more magical than ever. You can read more about it here.

We recently hosted our traditional Special Christmas Live Stream with our CEO, Pavel Šebor, where we looked back on the past year and shared teasers of upcoming projects, and a glimpse of what lies ahead for the future of our games. If you missed it, the full stream is available to re-watch on our official YouTube channel.

We would like to thank you once again for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing many more miles on the road with you in 2026. From all of us at SCS Software, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Coaches: MAN Lion's Coach

Today, we're excited to share a little more about another one of the vehicles that will be featured in our upcoming Coaches DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2. This time, we’re taking a closer look at the MAN Lion's Coach, a modern, comfortable, and long-distance coach that many of you may have seen on the road before!

The MAN Lion’s Coach is well regarded in the industry for its blend of efficiency, practicality and passenger comfort. It is powered by MAN’s reliable D26 engine, offering strong performance for long-distance travel. Inside, the coach is designed to make journeys comfortable for both the driver and passengers, with large windows, well-arranged seating and a clean, spacious layout. 

Safety also plays an important role, with a range of modern assistance systems available to support drivers on busy roads and longer motorway journeys. Thanks to its dependable performance, comfortable interior and clear focus on safety, the Lion’s Coach has become a popular choice for operators across Europe on both regional routes and international services.

Our vehicles team has been working to faithfully recreate these defining characteristics and bring the coach into Euro Truck Simulator 2 with as much accuracy as possible. Both 4×2 and 6×2 variants are being created, giving players the choice between a standard and an extended length configuration.

Inside, we will be giving you the option to choose from five different colour variants for the seats and curtains. This will allow you to create a look that suits your fleet, while the wheel cover will also feature a changeable colour option, giving you a variety of different visual customisation combinations. As always, this process involves a lot of collaboration between our vehicle artists, designers, and programmers, who are working together to deliver a model that meets our quality standards.

Whilst what you see here today is still a work in progress, we’re excited to be able to share these early previews with you and to give you a first taste of what’s to come. This is just one of several coaches that will eventually be part of the Coaches DLC, and we can’t wait to show you more in the future as development continues. 

We hope you are as excited as we are for the upcoming Coaches DLC as the development continues! For the latest updates, be sure to follow us on our social media channels on X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok, or sign up for our newsletter. If you're looking forward to hitting the road in style, don’t forget to add the Coaches DLC to your Steam Wishlist!