Nicknamed the “Cornhusker State”, Nebraska is renowned for agriculture. Today we're happy to share with you some of the Depots you'll be able to visit, as well as some of the crops and produce you'll be able to deliver in our upcoming DLC for American Truck Simulator. Plus we're excited to give you a first look at a new loading/unloading feature! Let's take a closer look shall we?
Nebraska is no stranger when it comes to agriculture, in fact it's one of the top states in the U.S. when it comes to agricultural production. Some of the most popular produce you'll find grown in the region includes Corn, Soybeans, and other grains which you'll be able to deliver in-game. Another popular produce grown in Nebraska is Sugar Beet! On your travels through Nebraska, drivers will be able discover the Sugar Beet Factory located in Scottsbluff, with its iconic tall storage silos.
Whilst driving in Nebraska, you may also notice there is quite a lot of cows! In fact, there are so many that there are more cattle than people living in this part of the US, resulting in a ratio of 3.31 cattle per person. Because of this, harvesting grass in fields and even along the side of the road is commonplace, as fresh grass remains in high demand due to the amount of livestock. You may also notice plenty of hay around too, especially on farms!
Speaking of farms, we are proud to share that each one of our farms created in our Nebraska DLC has been handcrafted and do not use a generic prefab. This means you'll experience a unique depot, that vary in looks, size and delivery points! From these farms, you'll be able to haul a range of different produce, including livestock and even farm equipment to and from different farms and industries across the State and beyond.
We are also excited to announce that Nebraska will be the first DLC to feature a brand-new dynamic loading and unloading feature, which you will be able to experience at select agriculture depots across the State. Please keep in mind that this feature is still in its first phase. We hope to continue to develop and build upon this first iteration in the future.
Drivers using an ownable Grain Hopper trailer, delivering Corn, Soybean, Grain, Sugar Beet, Pelleted Animal Food, Potatoes or Cotton Seed will be able to experience loading or unloading their produce through the load/dump shed.
Upon arrival for loading, the tarp from your trailer will be removed and the location of the hopper or silo will be marked on your GPS. After you arrive at the designated area and you pull your trailer into the correct position, your trailer will begin to fill up with the product that you are hauling. Drivers using trailers with multiple compartments will need to fill both of them evenly. For example if you have two compartments, the first will become full once it reaches 50 %, then after repositioning your trailer to fill the second container, the loading will continue until it is fully loaded at 100 %.
After you have completed loading, your trailer will be re-covered with a tarp and your GPS will be updated to your destination. After arriving at the depot, select the 'Where do you need it?' option and head to the unloading point, where your trailer will be emptied!
Want to see this new feature in action? Then head on over to our Social Media Channels (Twitter/X, Instagram or Facebook) to see an exclusive video showcasing some of the Agriculture depots and this new loading/unloading process. Can't wait to get trucking in Nebraska? Then be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist! We look forward to sharing more development news in the future until then, keep on truckin'!
International LT & International LoneStar Update
Today, we bring you another preview of what is to come in the 1.50 update for American Truck Simulator. In cooperation with our friends from International Trucks, we are excited to reveal that we will bring new interior and exterior options for the International LT and a refreshed interior for the LoneStar!
Excited? Let's take a look at the exterior of the International LT which will now get a major update! Not only did we add new features and customizable options to selected parts of the truck but we also adjusted and polished some of the existing parts and redesigned the base geometry of the truck. The biggest upgrade coming is the addition of the S13 Integrated Powertrain which includes a new engine, the T14 transmission, and new accessories.
These new accessories include more options for chassis fairing extenders and more bumper and grille options. We also added FlowBelow fairings, an APU, blindspot detectors, and a completely new shorter day cab chassis. But it doesn't end here! If you look closer, you will surely spot some smaller details that have been adjusted as well.
The interiors of both the International LT and International LoneStar have undergone a complete overhaul. Truckers can look forward to new models, updated textures, and interior materials. We also added a completely new feature in the form of customizable interior cabinets. Last but not least, both trucks now have functioning cabin physics, which is a highly requested feature by our #BestCommunityEver!
We hope you are excited for this update to come as much as we are. Remember to follow us on our social media (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) so you won't miss out on any news from the world of American Truck Simulator. Also don't forget to follow our friends at International Trucks on their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Until then, we'll see you on the road!
Today, we would like to invite our #BestCommunityEver to take another journey with us in this episode of SCS On The Road. This time, we head to Greensboro in North Carolina, USA, to take a close-up look at the stunning Volvo VNL 860!
A few months back, we had the pleasure of visiting the headquarters of Volvo Trucks North America, nestled in the scenic surroundings of North Carolina. During our visit, we had the fantastic opportunity to record an exclusive walk-around of the beautiful Volvo VNL 860. Guiding us through the details of this remarkable truck was none other than Jason Spence, the Product Strategy Director, who has been working with Volvo for an impressive 25 years.
We want to thank Jason and the entire Volvo team for granting us this invaluable experience. And now, without further ado, join us as Nemiro and Jason will tell you everything about this amazing truck in today's episode below!
We hope you have enjoyed this episode of SCS On The Road. If you did, you can also check out another episode we did with Volvo Trucks North America a few months back about how they are designing their trucks here. Don't forget to stay connected with us and all the latest information through our social media channels, make sure to follow us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and TikTok. Happy trucking!
Buckle up, it's time to hit the road! Today, we're excited to share with you the very first gameplay preview from our upcoming Nebraska DLC for American Truck Simulator. Join us as we drive from the city of Valentine, Nebraska to an Agriculture Facility just below North Platte.
Please keep in mind that what you see here is still a work in progress and does not represent the final product.
From cities to scenic byways, Nebraska has plenty left yet to be discovered. If you like what you see, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist! We thank you for your continued support and look forward to reading your comments and first impressions on the Cornhusker State in American Truck Simulator.
Known for its scenic beauty, clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, it's easy to see why Arkansas has earned the title of the "Natural State". In our upcoming Arkansas DLC for American Truck Simulator, our team has been hard at work re-creating the various trees, vegetation and more you'll come across on your travels. Let's take a closer look, shall we?
Did you know Arkansas has its own State tree? Designated in 1939, the Loblolly Pine can be found across a majority of the state, and continues to remain the most significant timber species. These trees can reach heights of up to 100ft, with its pines growing between 6 to 9 inches long, which is makes it the ideal species for lumber and pulpwood, in which Arkansas is the leading producer in the United States. When you see a pine in Arkansas, it’s probably a loblolly! You'll be sure to spot plenty of them on your travels.
Another tree you'll be sure to see is the Bald Cypress. Commonly found in swampy or wetland areas, they are well-suited to the diverse wetland ecosystems found throughout the state. Often found across the South-eastern United States, particularly in areas like the Mississippi River; Bald Cypress trees contribute to the scenic beauty of Arkansas with its unique shape and and iconic "knees" – woody projections that emerge from the roots.
However, not every plant or tree you'll find in Arkansas is native to its homeland. The Kudzu Vine is a fast-growing, invasive vine native to Asia which has found its way into the States in 1876, where it was touted as a great ornamental plant for its sweet-smelling blooms and sturdy vines. However, they forgot to mention the rapid growth rate of the vine, which is capable of growing up to a foot (30 cm) per day under ideal conditions. It climbs by twining around trees, poles, and other structures, often forming dense mats that can shade out native vegetation. In Arkansas it is commonly found along roadsides, in forest edges, and in undisturbed areas such as abandoned fields and vacant lots.
Another such example is the Silk Tree, an ornamental tree species native to Asia, particularly Iran, Korea, and Japan. Its elegant fern-like foliage, vibrant flowers, and overall graceful appearance make it a popular choice for landscaping and ornamental purposes. While the Silk Tree undoubtedly adds aesthetic value, its ability to spread its seed rapidly, means it often outcompetes native vegetation and disrupts local ecosystems.
These are just a small handful of the various new vegetation species you'll find in our upcoming DLC. Those who are familiar with different species of trees will spot the likes of the Smooth Sumac, Black Oak and many more. We urge you to look out for them and maybe a take a minute to learn about them when you have are taking a rest!
We hope you enjoyed this little insight into the vegetation side of things, and we look forward to highlighting the natural beauty of the state in the near future. Until then, be sure to add Arkansas to your Steam Wishlist and to follow us on Social Media (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram) for all the latest news.
The intricate network of roads and highways in Nebraska plays a pivotal role in connecting its communities, industries, and travellers alike. Stretching across the expansive plains and rolling landscapes, these thoroughfares serve as vital links for commerce, transportation, and tourism. Today we are happy to share with you a preview into some of the Road Networks you'll find in our upcoming Nebraska DLC for American Truck Simulator.
Whilst there will be plenty of roads to explore, one major Highway you'll come across is the famous I-80, the longest Interstate in Nebraska! Along this crucial route you'll find plenty of places to stop if you need a break or some extra fuel, such as Rest Stops and Truck Stops both large and small.
Prior to the 1900s, travelling across Nebraska was extremely difficult and roads were few and far between. During the late 19th century, various interest groups began putting pressure on the Federal Government to create a larger Road Network, and by 1904, the State had created thousands of miles of roads to travel on.
Today, Nebraska has hundreds of thousands of miles worth of roads, many which our team have re-created for our upcoming DLC. From major routes to backroads, there will be plenty to explore. You may even find yourself a scenic viewpoint or a route that is not on your GPS!
Whilst we are still working hard behind the scenes on the road network, we hope you enjoy the previews of the routes you'll be travelling on in the future. Let us know if you recognise any of the roads, highways or areas by commenting below, on our official forums or one of our social media channels (Twitter/Instagram/Facebook).
American Truck Simulator - 1.50 Update Experimental Beta
Today, we're rolling out something a little different: the Experimental Beta for American Truck Simulator's upcoming 1.50 update. Why call our upcoming beta experimental? We need to manage expectations right from the start. We are starting the beta cycle this time from a rather early stage. The level of polish and stability is not the same as for our usual Open Betas. We believe in transparency with our community, and we also need to gather a lot of feedback early this time, to understand how well the features perform. That's why we're offering this Experimental Beta as a precursor to the Open Beta, giving you a glimpse of what's to come while acknowledging that it's still very much a work in progress.
Behind the scenes, our team is hard at work juggling internal projects and releases, all scheduled for version 1.50 of our games. Despite our best efforts, certain aspects of the update are still undergoing refinement. However, we recognize the importance of involving our community in the development process, which is why we're making this content available to you in its current state. Your feedback during this phase is invaluable as we really want to deliver the best possible experience.
With the Experimental Beta, we invite our dedicated players to join us in fine-tuning, testing, and providing feedback. Your input will help us identify and address any issues or imperfections before the Open Beta and eventually the full 1.50 version release. It's important to note though, that this beta may cause instability in certain areas. If you prefer a more polished experience, we recommend waiting for the further Open Beta release.
Rest assured, our commitment to delivering high-quality updates remains unwavering. In the days to come, we'll continue to debug and finalize everything that's coming to ATS with the 1.50 update. Your patience and support during this phase are greatly appreciated as we work towards a seamless transition to the next chapter of American Truck Simulator. Now, without further delay, let's take a look at what you can expect from version 1.50.
Renderer Changes - (still based on DirectX 11 API for now)
We're consistently working on improving our rendering system. It's been a key focus lately, though it'll take some time to complete. Until then, you can expect additional content and enhancements in version 1.50, including:
A new feature was added - TAA, or Temporal Anti-Aliasing, which sets itself apart from other anti-aliasing techniques, that aim to smooth images to reduce jagged edges or flickering through higher resolution rendering. Instead, TAA harnesses the timeline, particularly previous frames, to calculate color values as if from a higher resolution, providing a smoother result.
Cascaded shadow changes: Smooth transition when blending between cascades, smoother and better-stabilized shadow edges.
Soft particles: Particles and light flares smoothly fade out when near geometry, eliminating harsh intersections for a more seamless visual experience.
Lit/shadowed smoke: Smoke particles with enhanced volume perception and shading from sunlight, providing a more realistic and immersive atmosphere.
Far shadows: Ever-present shadows from distant large objects like factory halls, skyscrapers, and road overpasses, with the option to toggle them off in the Options menu.
Optimized light computation: Dynamic lights are evaluated in a single pass, known as clustered lighting, improving performance in night scenes.
User Interface Rework
We are introducing substantial UI updates to enhance player interaction and accommodate more features. The redesign adopts a flatter, minimalistic design with tooltips and layered navigation, ensuring easier accessibility. For most UI screens, the visible changes are just an evolution of the previous look, though functionally, a lot of work was invested into making them work more comfortably with a gamepad or a steering wheel, requiring less time reaching for a keyboard. The biggest change is the Home screen redesign, a new Status Bar sitting atop many various UI screens, the Quick Menu shortcuts, new fonts, icons, and much more. The result should be a clearer look on 2K and 4K resolutions, with all the changes contributing to a more streamlined gaming experience. We plan to have a separate, more detailed blog on this topic in the near future, so stay tuned.
California Rework - Phase 3
The eagerly awaited third phase of the California rework is focused on central California. Six cities have undergone a complete rework: San Francisco, Oakland, Stockton, Santa Cruz, Huron, and Fresno. We have also added two brand-new cities; San Jose and Modesto, which will replace Oakdale in our game.
All roads in the area have received a complete overhaul, including major routes such as CA-1, US-101, I-5, CA-99, US-395, and more. The beautiful Yosemite National Park also underwent significant enhancements as part of this update! You can watch our trailer for this phase of California rework below.
International LT S13 & International LoneStar
The International LT will receive revamped interior and exterior options, and the LoneStar will get a refreshed interior. The International LT's exterior sees significant enhancements with new features, customizable options, and adjustments to existing parts, including the addition of the S13 model with its Integrated Powertrain. Additional accessories such as new chassis fairing extenders, bumper and grille options, FlowBelow fairings, blindspot detectors, and a shorter day cab chassis have been introduced.
The interiors of both trucks have also undergone a complete overhaul with new models, updated textures, customizable interior cabinets, and functioning cabin physics, fulfilling a highly requested feature. Stay tuned for more updates as we plan to have a separate blog on this topic in the future.
Options Tooltips
Placing your mouse over each setting option will now display helpful information, including explanations of what the options do. You will now effortlessly grasp the purpose of every adjustable option in the settings, enabling you to easily fine-tune your experience.
Lane Assistant
After implementing various driver assistance features, developing lane assistance was the next step for us. This system is more complicated because it has to work well with different ways people control their vehicles. Making it work well with steering wheels with force feedback was particularly important, even though it was challenging because of possible problems like control-force feedback loops and other details.
Also, the lane assistant features different modes, each serving distinct purposes, making it more complicated. Now, truck drivers can enjoy simply turning it on along with adaptive cruise control, letting the truck do more of the driving.
Changelog
Map
California Rework – Phase 3
Vehicles
International LT S13
International LoneStar (interior) and LT (exterior & interior) rework
Lane assistant feature added
UI
Substantial UI design update (Home screen redesign, persistent Status Bar, Quick Menu, new fonts, icons and more)
Settings options show information about what they do
Visual
Improvements in the rendering system
Temporal Anti-Aliasing feature added
Cascaded shadow updates
Soft particles
Lit/shadowed smoke
Far shadows
Optimized light computation
Frame rate limiter added
Sound
Brake squeaking sounds added
So, do enjoy all these new additions, but please remember: It's only an experimental beta, not an open beta yet or even a stable public version, so you may encounter bugs, instability, or crashes. It's completely okay if you want to wait for the open beta or the final release. But if you're interested in helping us get there faster, we'll appreciate all of your feedback on our forum and your bug reports in the dedicated section.
Please check our modding wiki to get details pertaining to mods for the game.
If you wish to participate in the experimental beta, you can find this version in the public_beta branch on Steam. The way to access it is as follows: Steam client → LIBRARY → right-click on American Truck Simulator → Properties → Betas tab → public_beta → 1.50. No password is required. Sometimes you may need to restart your Steam client to see the correct branch name there.
So, to our community, thank you for your ongoing dedication and feedback. Together, let's make the Experimental Beta a valuable stepping stone towards Open Beta and an exceptional 1.50 version. Don't forget to stay connected with us and all the latest information through our social media channels, make sure to follow us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Happy trucking!
Hey there, truckers! We've got some updates to share about the upcoming Nebraska DLC for American Truck Simulator. Get ready to explore fresh industries as we venture into the Cornhusker State. With three exciting new companies on the horizon, there's plenty to look forward to in our virtual trucking adventures!
One of the standout additions to Nebraska's industrial landscape is the Recreational Vehicle (RV) dealer. You'll find these dealerships sprinkled across cities like Omaha, Norfolk, and Columbus, offering a wide array of recreational vehicles. But it's not just RVs; they've got buggies, ATVs, and UTVs too! We're bringing these dealerships to Nebraska because there are so many beautiful places ideal for camping in the Cornhusker State. These vehicles are a hit not just in Nebraska, but all across middle America!
The Utility Vehicle Factory in Lincoln represents another key addition to Nebraska's industry. Here, they manufacture a diverse range of equipment, from UTVs and ATVs to buggies and motorcycles which are then delivered to the RV dealers. However, the crown jewel of this facility lies in its production of subway cars, destined for public transport systems across various states. As players deliver cargo to or from this factory, they may see these subway cars that operate in iconic cities like New York City.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Nebraska's economy, with the state being a leading producer of corn, soybeans, beef, and other agricultural commodities. That's why we had to incorporate a few Soybean Factories into its landscape. Located in cities such as Scottsbluff, Alliance, and Lincoln, these facilities specialize in soybean processing, serving both human consumption and animal feed purposes.
Apart from those new industries, truckers can expect to encounter a variety of prefab reskins scattered throughout Nebraska. These include revamped versions of road garages, construction warehouses, and farm garages, adding visual diversity and realism to the state's infrastructure.
We cannot wait to bring you this map expansion. If you are looking forward to it, make sure to add the Nebraska DLC to your Steam Wishlist! Until then, stay connected with us and all the latest information through our social media channels, make sure to follow us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Welcome to Jefferson City, Missouri, a charming destination renowned for its blend of historical significance and picturesque landscape. Today, we are happy to share with you a look into the work our team has undertaken in recreating this city in our upcoming Missouri DLC for American Truck Simulator.
Situated on the banks of the Missouri River, one of the main attractions of the city is the famous and iconic Missouri State Capitol building. Built between 1913-1917, it was constructed with Burlington Limestone, sourced from the nearby city of Carthage. This impressive structure stands as the main landmark of the city and hosts the State Senate and House of Representatives, as-well as other important government bodies and offices.
Drivers in our upcoming Missouri DLC can expect to explore and drive through a part of the downtown area themselves, and those with eagle eyes may even be able to spot some locations our team visited on their research trip previously; Let us know if you do! There are plenty of smaller details and other landmarks to be found too, including the barracks of the Missouri Army National Guard.
Across the river, you'll find plenty of work at some of the local industries, which includes an agricultural farm and a construction site. Players entering the city may spot a view of the local quarry too, as well as some of the more residential areas of the city where the locals reside.
The city has changed a lot since the times of Thomas Jefferson, the city's namesake and the 3rd President of the United States, but we're sure you'll enjoy trucking through it!
We hope that you enjoy all the work that our talented teams have put into recreating this historic city in Missouri. Looking forward to the release of the Missouri DLC for American Truck Simulator? Be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist! Until next time, keep on truckin'.
Special Transport operations are expanding! Drivers looking for speciality work in our upcoming Nebraska DLC for American Truck Simulator will be pleased to know that oversized loads will be on offer in the Job Market.
Truckers who are ready to take on these mighty loads will find several new Special Transport routes in Nebraska. Whilst these routes have been carefully pre-planned by our dispatchers, you can expect there to be some challenging manoeuvres on the road to your final destination. As always, local police and trained escort teams will assist in guiding you along the correct route, and where necessary, help block traffic to allow safe passage.
Seasoned truck drivers with experience in this field will know that these jobs are no easy task and require patience, skill and knowledge of their rig. Loads range in size and length, and drivers can expect some new ones to come too! Think you got what it takes? Special Transport DLC owners will find contracts on offer between the following cities:
Scottsbluff to McCook
Norfolk to Omaha
Lincoln to North Platte
We look forward to welcoming drivers old and new on these Special Transport jobs in Nebraska. In the mean-time, be sure to brush up on your skills by checking out some of the contracts available in the Job Market. New to the trucker scene? Then be sure to add the Nebraska DLC to your Steam Wishlist, and to check out the Special Transport DLC for American Truck Simulator. Until next time, keep on truckin'.
