SCS On The Road: Star Nation Experience 2025

We're back with another unforgettable episode of SCS On The Road! Join Oscar and Beny as they take you back to Oregon for the Star Nation Experience 2025. Partnering once again with our friends at Western Star, the event brought together eight lucky contestants from across North America for a weekend packed with adrenaline, adventure, and—of course—trucks!

Among the group were two members of the American Truck Simulator community, Tyler and Alex. Tyler, a seasoned truck driver, brought his real-world experience to the challenge. Meanwhile, Alex, despite it being his first time ever behind the wheel of a real truck, was brimming with excitement to test drive the powerful Western Star 49X! You can find more information about the two ATS participants in our previous blog.

Kicking off the action-packed weekend was a team-based competition designed to test both skills and spirit. Tyler and Alex found themselves on opposing teams, turning friendly rivalry into pure entertainment.

One of the highlights of Saturday was a test track experience. But before participants got behind the wheel of a real truck, their first challenge was to complete a course on the SCS Motion Simulator running American Truck Simulator. Once completed, they moved on to driving real trucks on the test track, taking on a series of driving challenges that brought the in-game experience to life.

Another exciting moment came during a challenge at the High Desert Proving Grounds. Participants had to reverse trucks downhill, then stop precisely at a marked zone to score points. Next, they tackled another challenge at a quarry – guessing the weight of a gravel-loaded trailer and spreading it evenly between two cones.

The adventure didn’t slow down on Sunday. With the sun barely rising over Oregon, the group kicked things off with a fly fishing session. Then came ATV riding, where the drivers embraced the dust, speed, and freedom of the Deschutes wilderness.

We were once again blown away by the skill and dedication of our American Truck Simulator community. Watching Alex transition from virtual to real trucking with such confidence and enthusiasm was especially moving – a true example of how games can spark real-world aspirations. Tyler’s journey was just as inspiring, as American Truck Simulator played a big role in helping him choose his future path in trucking and earning his CDL.

We’re incredibly proud of Tyler, Alex, and all the participants who made this year’s Star Nation Experience unforgettable. Whether behind a wheel or in front of a monitor, the passion for trucking runs deep in the #BestCommunityEver.

A huge thank you goes out to Western Star for hosting and organizing this amazing event, and for continuing to believe in the powerful connection between simulation and reality. Until next time, keep on truckin’, and we’ll see you out there on the road!

Nordic Horizons: Settlements

On your journey across the upcoming Nordic Horizons DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2, you’ll encounter far more than iconic cities and majestic landscapes. Scattered throughout Norway, Sweden, and Finland are numerous smaller settlements, each with its own unique charm, history, and character. Today, we’d like to give you a closer look at some of the destinations that await you along the road.

From quiet fishing villages nestled along the Norwegian coastline to peaceful inland communities in Sweden and Finland, our teams have worked hard to capture the atmosphere and natural beauty of these locations. Whether you're hauling cargo, taking a break, or simply passing through, we hope these places leave a lasting impression.

Norway

Located in the heart of a stunning southern fjord region lies Skei, welcoming drivers with its picturesque views and tranquil surroundings. This small settlement offers a restful pause before heading into the more mountainous terrain to the north.

You’ll also come across Åndalsnes, a town surrounded by steep mountains. This settlement is known as the "Alpine village by the fjord." It marks the start of scenic routes and offers stunning views, making it a memorable stop for any driver passing through western Norway.

In the wide-open tundra of Finnmark lies Kautokeino, a cultural heartland of the Sámi people. It’s a quiet stop on your journey, featuring traditional red wooden houses that offer a glimpse into the region’s distinctive character.

Perched on Norway’s rugged western coast is Myre, a small fishing town surrounded by scattered islands and stormy seas. The winding road that leads here passes through breathtaking landscapes, rewarding drivers with views and a sense of isolation rarely found elsewhere.

Sweden

Our first stop in Sweden is Vittangi, tucked away deep within Swedish Lapland. Founded by Henrik Mickelsson Kyrö in 1674, the village sits amid boreal forests, offering peaceful drives through nature and glimpses of wooden cottages scattered across the landscape.

Next is Dorotea, known as the “Southern Gateway to Lapland”. Though small, it is a proud community situated by lakes and surrounded by wilderness—an ideal resting point before venturing further north.

Lastly, we highlight Ytterhogdal, a charming spot in central Sweden that invites drivers to slow down and take in the serenity of the countryside. With its pine forests, calm lakes, and peaceful village life, it offers a welcome contrast to busier roads.

Finland

In the heart of Finland lies Viitasaari, where quiet roads, expansive lakes, and a strong local identity come together. It’s a common stop for drivers travelling north or south, providing not only fuel but also a refreshing pause amid Finnish nature.

Another Finnish destination to look forward to is Siilinjärvi, which offers a slower pace of life. Surrounded by forests and lakes, this town combines natural beauty with essential services for travellers. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the calm of central Finland.

While these are just a handful of the settlements featured in this blog, rest assured that many more await discovery. Each has been carefully crafted by our map, asset, and art teams to reflect the spirit of its real-world counterpart, from architecture and layout to the surrounding nature and terrain.

Alongside these communities, you’ll drive along countless scenic byways and rural landscapes that define the Nordic experience. We encourage every trucker to pause, pull over, and take in the breathtaking world that stretches far beyond the cities.

Eager to hit the Nordic roads? Be sure to add Nordic Horizons to your Steam Wishlist! Stay connected with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube, or by subscribing to our newsletter for all the latest updates. See you on the road!

Louisiana: Wetlands and Forests

Louisiana's lakes, rivers, swamps, bayous, and forests showcase a remarkable variety of landscapes. Today, we will take a look at the beautiful nature you will find in the Pelican State while on the road in this upcoming map expansion for American Truck Simulator!

Louisiana's warm, subtropical climate, thanks to its location within the Gulf of Mexico, sets the stage for some truly one-of-a-kind scenery. It's a big shift from some of the landscapes in our previous map expansions. The Pelican State's terrain is broadly divided into three distinct regions: dense forests, sweeping prairies, and expansive marshlands, each offering its own unique scenery and atmosphere. The state offers 22 national parks as well as many impeccable nature trails, paddling routes, fishing areas, and more.

The Mississippi River has played a big role in shaping Louisiana's landscape. For thousands of years, it carried huge amounts of dirt and sand from all across the country and slowly built up the southern coastline, pushing it miles out into the Gulf of Mexico. As the river shifted its path over time, it left behind old river branches that slowly sank and wore away, forming the mix of marshes, lakes, and winding bayous that make this area so unique today. You may follow the river upstream if you are traveling U.S. Route 65, which winds along the Mississippi border.

If you want to experience more of the bayou region, head down to the southern coast. From shadowy swamps with cypress trees to sunlit marshes, the bayous are home to unique wildlife, including diverse species of birds and alligators. This area is also vital for harvesting shrimp, oysters, and fish. For a scenic drive through this natural wonder, follow the LA-82.

However, the lowlands are not the only type of landscape found in Louisiana. If you venture further north, you will discover the Red River valley, which has a low-elevation relief and typically features red soil. In the northern part of the state, you will mainly find some rolling hills, which you may come across while driving along I-20.

And that's it for today! 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 soon.

ETS2: Farm Machinery DLC Release

It’s time to trade city skylines and highways for dusty roads and countryside! Today, we’re excited to announce the release of the Farm Machinery DLC, a new cargo pack for Euro Truck Simulator 2!



Agriculture plays a vital role in Europe’s landscape, economy, and culture. From small family farms to large industrial operations, farmers depend on a wide range of equipment to keep their fields productive, but none of it would arrive without you, the trucker, delivering it. Take on the challenge of hauling powerful tractors and other machinery built for the biggest jobs in modern farming. 

The Farm Machinery DLC for ETS2 features 9 cargo types to haul, represented by our in-game brands Owl and Greenler. After finding success in American Truck Simulator, these brands are now making their mark in the European market. Each machine has been designed with detail by our talented vehicles and art teams, offering drivers a fresh set of hauling challenges across the diverse road network of Euro Truck Simulator 2.

So what cargoes are included in this pack? Get ready to haul: 

• Autonomous Tractor
• Articulated Crawler Tractor
• Forage Harvester
• Grain Trailer
• Square Baler
• Disc Harrows
• Fertilizer Spreader
• Planter Sprayer
• Seeding Combinations

But there’s more to this DLC than just what's behind your truck. We're also bringing the charm of farm life into your truck cabin with a set of delightful, agriculture-themed accessories. These decorations let you personalize your space and carry a piece of the countryside with you wherever you drive.

Included cabin accessories:

•     Lunch Box
•     Scarecrow
•     Straw Hat
•     Stuffed Autonomous Tractor
•     Harvester Toy
  
  
  
  

We can’t wait to see you hit the road with these new loads! Be sure to share your screenshots and videos of your first job with Farm Machinery DLC using the hashtag #ETS2FarmMachinery when posting on social media! As always, thank you for your continued support, and until next time, keep on truckin'!

South Dakota: Research Trip

 A few weeks back, we announced that the work had already begun on the South Dakota map expansion for American Truck Simulator. Now, before we are ready to share more in-game news, we would like to show you an interview with the map lead, Saimon, who will tell you more about their research trip to the Mount Rushmore State!

In August 2023, members of the South Dakota map design team set out on an exciting road trip across Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. "At the time, South Dakota was still a potential future destination for American Truck Simulator, but deep down, we had a strong feeling we'd be building it one day. So we decided to get ahead of the game and hit the road. And let me tell you, seeing the landscape with your own eyes changes everything. You start to notice subtle details that maps, photos, and videos just don't capture. The trip was absolutely worth it," says Saimon.

The road trip crew was made up of four dedicated team members from the original Nebraska map team. Since then, they've successfully finished Iowa and are now diving into South Dakota. Leading the team is Saimon, the project lead. Alongside him are Vacky, a seasoned senior with leadership ambitions; Tony, another senior who specializes in rocks and terrain formations; and Draky, whose keen eye for vegetation and terrain materials makes a significant impact in crafting believable landscapes.

"We entered South Dakota via US-385, coming up from Chadron, NE, and our first stop was the area around Black Hills. One of the first places we hit was Maverick Junction, where the gently rolling forested hills of the Black Hills welcomed us. We continued along US-18 into Hot Springs, and it took only a few minutes for us to fall in love with this charming town. With its historic buildings, public murals, sculptures, and unique atmosphere, we immediately knew it deserved a spot in the game," Saimon shares his team's first impressions.

"Driving through the Black Hills left us in awe. The region's vastness, hilly terrain, and breathtaking vistas felt almost otherworldly. Wildlife was everywhere - bison, pronghorns, prairie dogs - you name it. We stopped at several settlements, including Keystone, Three Forks, and the iconic Deadwood. Of course, we couldn't miss one of America's most famous landmarks - Mount Rushmore," says Saimon.

"What surprised us about Mount Rushmore is how much more there is beyond the famous faces of the four presidents. The approach to the memorial includes dramatic tunnels, winding roads, and scenic loops that are memorable on their own. The site itself is expansive, with a massive entrance plaza, countless parking areas, several distinct buildings, and a striking Avenue of Flags. We were genuinely impressed - and we're treating this location with great respect to ensure it's represented in the game as monumentally as it feels in real life," Saimon told us.

From the Black Hills, the team continued their journey eastward, heading toward Rapid City and neighboring towns. "Rapid City took us by surprise with its sprawling layout and how the city is embraced by tall hills. The town features some unique buildings and sculptures, along with a beautiful park and several industrial zones that we’re excited to showcase in future blog posts!"

Another place that made an impression on the team was Sturgis. Known far and wide for its legendary motorcycle rally and western saloons, the town had a distinct charm that was impossible to ignore. "At first, we weren't sure we'd be able to fit it into the game world at our scale, but after scouting the area, we found a way, and we're so glad we did," says Saimon.

"Further down I-90, we kept seeing these bold, frequent billboards for a place called Wall. Every mile or so, another sign popped up. Eventually, we couldn't resist - we had to see what all the hype was about. Wall turned out to be more than just a town - it's a gateway to Badlands National Park and home to a true roadside icon: Wall Drug. What started in the 1930s as a small drugstore offering free ice water to travelers has since grown into a massive shopping complex. With quirky attractions, souvenir shops, restaurants, and even animatronic dinosaurs, Wall Drug is the kind of place you remember forever. It perfectly captures that larger-than-life roadside Americana we love bringing into ATS."

After that, the team ventured into Badlands National Park. "The dramatic landscapes - rugged rock formations, steep canyons, and vibrant layers of sediment - are like something from another planet. Driving through the park gave us a real appreciation for the geological history and scale of South Dakota's natural beauty. The shifting light, deep colors, and sense of quiet made it one of the most awe-inspiring parts of our entire journey," Saimon shares.

"Before continuing eastward, we made a final stop in the small town of Murdo, another picturesque settlement with a unique vibe. But we'll save the stories from the rest of our trip - and the towns along the way - for future blog posts," Saimon concludes.

We hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes view of how the team behind this upcoming DLC gathers inspiration. Make sure to add the South Dakota DLC 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!