SCS On The Road - Daimler Truck North America Museum Tour
In the latest episode of our SCS On The Road video series, we're thrilled to take you on a tour of the Daimler Truck North America Museum. Join us as we explore a captivating collection of both newer models and classic trucks, showcasing the evolution of the industry.
From cutting-edge designs that redefine the standards to iconic classics from Western Star and Freightliner, the museum is a testament to Daimler Truck's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. Come along for the ride as we delve into the rich history of trucking at this remarkable destination.
We would like to give a shout out to the awesome folks at Daimler Truck North America Museum, Western Star Trucks, and Freightliner! Thank you for having us. Keep on truckin' and paving the way for the future of transportation.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of SCS On The Road. Keep in mind to check out our social media profiles (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) and give them a follow to stay in touch with the latest news!
Kansas DLC Release
Get ready to rev up your engines and start an exciting journey as the Kansas DLC for American Truck Simulator is releasing today. Explore breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities in this latest expansion!
Kansas DLC for American Truck Simulator is released!
Start a big adventure with the Kansas map expansion. Take your time and enjoy every moment as you discover these features:
Deliver to 14 explorable cities including Kansas City, Wichita, or Topeka
See several landmarks unique to Kansas such as the historic Dodge City, Monument Rocks, and Mount Sunflower
Become a trucker transporting goods for Kansas' key industries - Salt Mine, Food Factory, Car Factory, Building Material Factory, and Battery Factory
Deliver cargo to Aerosystem, playing a key role in Wichita's aerospace industry
Visit Hutchinson and admire the world's largest silos
Play a crucial role in one of America's largest agricultural states. Transport goods that sustain Kansas' farming legacy
Enjoy trucking through several scenic towns (settlements)
Drive through expansive prairies, providing unforgettable views
Transforming from its agricultural origins, Kansas has developed into a bustling industrial center, enticing major enterprises with its strategic placement and well-organized logistics.
Truckers can contribute to and experience a range of industries, spanning from the flourishing aviation domain, and agricultural depots to automobile manufacturing, the famed salt mine, and more.
The Kansas DLC is also a part of The Great Plains Calling! bundle on Steam. It's a convenient way to fill in the gaps in your DLC collection for American Truck Simulator. Dive into the diverse landscapes of Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and now Kansas - all part of the package we've crafted.
This bundle operates on a "Complete the set" basis, ensuring you only pay for the DLCs that are not already in your library!
Cruising Kansas Event
Starting with the release, there will be a special #CruisingKansas World of Trucks event, where you can earn unique rewards. We are asking our #BestCommunityEver to achieve the community goal of driving 125,000,000 miles (201,168,000 km) while delivering cargo to or from any city in Kansas. You can read more about this event in the dedicated blog post.
We also have a unique gift for you. If you take any External Contract or External Market job TO or FROM the city of Topeka, you'll earn the Tiger Salamander Plush, which can be used as a cabin accessory. Kansas is the home to salamanders so you should definitely consider inviting one to ride along with you during long journeys.
Farm Machinery DLC
Along with the Kansas DLC, we are also releasing the Farm Machinery DLC. This DLC presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the agricultural landscape, especially in the newly added Kansas, where agriculture takes center stage. Haul everything from tractors to spreaders with two in-game brands Owl & Greenler and don't forget to decorate your cabin with special accessories. Read more about this DLC in the dedicated blog post.
Special Transport DLC Update
With the Kansas expansion, you'll be able to haul special cargo on 6 new routes, of which 4 are located within the state, but two of them will be a bit more special, as they start in Pueblo (CO) and lead to either Marysville (707 miles) or Dodge City (313 miles). You will also be able to transport the newly added 39-meter-long (over 129 feet) wind turbine blade and a massive articulated hauler. Find out more about the update here.
Release Live Stream
Catch our special reveal stream on our official Twitch or Youtube channel at 4:00 PM CET. Get a sneak peek of what's coming up in Kansas, along with exclusive insights and chats with the developers!
We are excited to have you hit the roads of Kansas! Share your initial adventures with us by using #CruisingKansas. Stay tuned for more updates by following our social media channels (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok). And don't forget, the Sunflower State has surprises beyond the surface - your next fantastic journey might be just around the corner. See you on the road!
Rev up your virtual engines, because on November 30th, American Truck Simulator is introducing the Farm Machinery DLC alongside the release of the Kansas DLC. Get ready to swap highways for harvests as farming takes center stage in this exciting new update.
Navigate virtual landscapes while hauling everything from tractors to spreaders. With two in-game brands, Owl & Greenler, transport unique cargos and a range of trailers to agriculture industries across the states. And don't hit the road without decking out your cabin with themed accessories!
This DLC includes:
Cargo:
Sprayer
Crawler Tractor
Forage Harvester
Fertilizer Spreader
Grain Trailer
Autonomous Tractor
Hay Baler
Seeding Unit
Disc Harrow
Cabin Accessories:
Lunch Kit
Scarecrow
Straw Hat
Plush Autonomous Tractor
Harvester Toy
Get ready to transport a diverse array of essential farming equipment, including sprayers and crawlers from two in-game brands, Owl & Greenler. This DLC presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the agricultural landscape, especially in the newly added Kansas DLC, where agriculture takes center stage.
Experience the pulse of the heartland as you haul these vital tools, transforming your trucking adventure into a journey that echoes the rhythm of American farming - a connection between your cargo and the fertile fields it serves.
Oh, and don't forget to enhance your journey by adding a touch of charm to your cabin. Personalize your space with cabin accessories like the Lunch Kit, Scarecrow, Straw Hat, Plush Autonomous Tractor, and Harvester Toy, turning your truck into a rolling reflection of your unique style.
We hope this blog post has sparked enough excitement for you to explore the new farming cargo to haul! Stay tuned for more updates by following us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and you will never miss out on any important information. We’ll see you on the road!
Celebrate the release of our new Kansas DLC on Thursday, the 30th of November, by taking part in our World of Trucks event - Cruising Kansas! Discover and explore the diverse landscapes of the Sunflower State, where distinct ecological regions of beauty await, all while you're on the job. Kansas offers incredibly beautiful nature, native grasslands, winding streams and seemingly endless blue skies, all entwined with a rich history.
We are asking our #BestCommunityEver to achieve the community goal of driving 125,000,000 miles (201,168,000 km) while delivering cargoes to or from any city in Kansas.
While #CruisingKansas, you'll enjoy state parks and expansive prairies, providing unforgettable views. Kansas is also the home to wildlife such as deer, coyotes, raccoons, salamanders, and the iconic American bison, not to mention a multitude of birds, such as the Western Meadowlark, making pit stops during the trip south.
Emerging from its agricultural roots, Kansas has evolved into a vibrant industrial hub, attracting large businesses with its central location and efficient logistics infrastructure. Truckers can support and enjoy various industries, from the thriving aviation sector to car factories or the renowned salt mine and beyond.
During your travels through Kansas, you can look forward to many spectacular views and highlights such as:
Dodge City, known for its history as a frontier town of the Wild West
Monument Rocks, landmark of ancient chalk formations
Kansas City, largest metropolitan area in Kansas
Mount Sunflower, highest natural point in Kansas
As with past cruising events, you can use your own trailer and experience all these in the external market!
Kansas DLC is offering 14 amazing new cities to explore, and we have a special reward for completing your personal goal, which will require you to deliver a job to or from all of them. All jobs for the event need to be 100 miles each (161 km) or more.
Get ready for a fabulous trip with our latest addition to American Truck Simulator. Enjoy stunning views, beautiful landscapes and ecological regions while contributing to the state's thriving economy along the way.
Rules
Using External Contracts or External Market, with a World of Trucks-connected profile in American Truck Simulator, the community goal is to drive 125,000,000 miles (201,168,000 km) while delivering cargoes to or from any city in Kansas.
When a player completes a delivery to or from 14 different Kansas cities, they will achieve their personal goal.
All jobs for the event need to be at least 100 miles each (161 km), or more.
You can check if your recent deliveries met these conditions using your Log Book in your World of Trucks profile.
Rewards
Personal: Players that deliver cargo to or from 14 Kansas cities will gain a personal World of Trucks Achievement and a Sunflower themed ATS truck paint job Steam inventory item.
Community: When the community goal of driving 125,000,000 miles (201,168,000 km) during deliveries to or from any city in Kansas is met, and if the player has also achieved their personal goal, then they will receive an Amber Sunflower hanging ornament Steam inventory item.
The event will be concluded on Sunday, the 28th of January at 23:59 UTC.
We wait with great anticipation to hear back from you about your travels, with loads of deliveries and sights to see. We truly believe you'll love cruising the beautiful Sunflower State and we look forward to seeing all your photos! So, please share your screenshots and videos with us using the hashtag #CruisingKansas on our Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram profiles and we will share our favorite ones (we may even feature some of them in a future blog post!).
Big in Kansas + Turnpike Tolls
With the arrival of the Kansas DLC for American Truck Simulator on November 30th, the Special Transport DLC will be receiving an update that includes some new routes, missions and the addition of a new feature. Plus, we would also like to share with you a preview of the tolls which you'll encounter this new state, along with a new payment system!
BIG In Kansas!
With the Kansas expansion, you'll be able to answer the call of Special Transport missions on 6 new routes, of which 4 are located within the state, but two of them will be a bit more special, as they start in Pueblo (CO) and leads to either Marysville (707 miles) or Dodge City (313 miles). These range from delivering helicopters to airports, to delivering special cargo to the salt mines, as well as hauling new cargoes such as Wind Turbine Blades that need to be transported from Colorado to Kansas!
The other 4 routes will take you from:
Colby to Hutchinson
Topeka to Pittsburg
Dodge City to Emporia
Wichita to Salina
As you browse the job market, you may notice that some of these new contracts require a lot of travelling, even going as far as travelling to another state! This is why we have introduced the ability to take a rest stop and even refill your fuel tanks during longer routes on a Special Transport contract. It ain't easy work moving around these oversized loads, so make sure to take a break when you can!
We look forward to seeing how you get on with the new routes and oversized loads!
Turnpike Tolls in Kansas
If you've been trucking in some of our recent expansions, you'll be no stranger to Turnpike Tolls. As an important source of highway funding in many states in the US, these tolls benefit the local economy, support road maintenance and cleanliness of the stretch of the road.
However, in Kansas, these will differ a little payment wise from other pre-existing tolls in American Truck Simulator. Rather than a set priced fee, you will now only be charged for the distance you've travelled along the toll road. This means if you only travel a short distance before exiting, you'll be charged a smaller amount versus a driver who travels the entire length of the road.
So if you happen to be counting dollars and pennies (like on our Twitch Let's Play! Series), You can always check the set route to see if you can't save yourself a little extra cash on your journey by making a detour onto another route.
We hope you enjoy this small, but practical change coming to our upcoming map expansion. If you cannot wait to get trucking, then be sure to add the Kansas DLC to your Steam Wishlist! We appreciate all your support and we look forward to welcoming you across the State border very soon. Until next time, keep on truckin'!
We are happy to announce that the 1.49 update for American Truck Simulator has been released and is now available on Steam. This update contains bug fixes, changes and new content, which are featured below, so we recommend having a read!
We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated, provided their feedback, and made bug reports during the Open Beta period. Your valuable input helped us make tweaks, changes and squash some bugs that we may have missed the first time around. We hope you can now begin to fully enjoy the fruits of your work.
HDR Skyboxes, Moon and New Weather Effects
First and foremost, after many requests, we've added the Moon (back) to our night sky! It's a subtle but remarkable touch that adds an extra layer of realism and wonder to your virtual trucking adventures. Curiously, it's worth mentioning that what might appear as a simple addition – the Moon – has posed some significant challenges for some time. Integrating the Moon into the night sky has required casting, rendering and calculating lunar light, proper phases, managing reflections in water bodies, dealing with wet roads, and addressing mirror effects, among other things.
In addition to that, we've also reimagined the night sky, introducing dynamic stars that gently twinkle, enhancing the overall authenticity of the night-time experience.
We are also happy to share that skyboxes will now be in High Dynamic Range (HDR), which means that there will be richer, more vibrant colors in the skies and our weather visual effects have also received an upgrade. Thunderstorms now include visible lightning, offering a more immersive experience. And make sure to keep an eye on the night sky in certain regions, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you will notice.
To sum it all up, we’ve also prepared a special video for you showcasing all of these changes. It’s definitely worth checking it out along with the dedicated blog post we published previously!
PACCAR Technical Center
Hidden within the vast landscape of Washington, a realistic recreation of the PACCAR Technical Center awaits your discovery.
Drivers will now have the opportunity to experience the PACCAR Technical Center firsthand. This realistic 1:1 recreation will offer a glimpse into the world of truck development. For years, the PACCAR Technical Center has been the epicenter of innovation and development for renowned truck manufacturers, Kenworth and Peterbilt.
This facility has been instrumental in testing trucks, powertrains, technologies, and more, and it's where the giants of the trucking industry push the boundaries of what's possible, creating the next generation of iconic trucks.
Even though the area won't be readily visible on the in-game map and UI, it will be waiting for curious players to discover with plenty of interesting bits to explore. We’ve also added an extra layer of excitement, a small Easter egg will be parked within the PACCAR Technical Center itself. We challenge you to keep your eyes peeled and see if you can spot this surprise.
We hope you enjoy checking out this new and unique addition in American Truck Simulator!
Used Truck Dealers
We're also happy to introduce another highly requested feature. Used Trucks will be now available immediately in the main menu taking you to a selection of trucks that are more budget-friendly compared to brand new vehicles. However, these used trucks come with some mileage and wear, which is indicated by their star rating and a separate window that provides a detailed breakdown of the damage to various parts.
One of the most significant changes coming along with this feature is the enhanced damage and repair system. In the past, our approach was very simplistic - individual parts would accumulate damage, represented as a percentage, and you could repair them, resetting the percentage to zero. However, with the 1.49 update, parts will accumulate three types of damage
Damage: This type of damage can be fixed by standard repairs, just as before.
Parts Wear: When components accumulate significant wear and tear, you'll want to replace them.
Permanent Wear: The permanent wear represents systemic aging and wear across the whole vehicle. It can only be nullified by Total Restoration of the entire vehicle. This is a more expensive procedure, but it's the only way to bring your truck and trailer back to pristine condition.
With the improved damage system comes enhanced control over vehicle maintenance. You can now make informed choices about which parts to repair or replace based on your judgment. Alternatively, you have the option to seek professional advice for the best repair strategy for your truck or trailer.
Happy (used) trucking!
Mountains Rework - Utah DLC
Four years ago, the Utah DLC was released for American Truck Simulator. Back then, we were still learning a lot about our tools and techniques, especially when it came to the creation of mountains. Today, we are pleased to be at a level where we have improved on creating mountains in-game, especially when it comes to scale and details.
Today, we're happy to release with the 1.49 update a small rework of a number of mountains located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We'd like to thank those from our community who passed on their feedback in regards to the representation of the mountains found in this beautiful state.
You'll find that in most cases, the mountains have been reworked entirely from scratch, replacing the older models that once stood there. We really hope that you see a difference from this rework! We hope to continue to rework certain aspects of our DLCs as our tools and options continue to develop over time.
Be sure to share with us your trucking adventures through Utah in 1.49 on our social media channels, we'd love to see them!
Keybind Modifiers
Another highly requested feature coming with 1.49 is the introduction of Keybind Modifiers! When previously creating a new bind in the menu, you could only assign a single key for an action. With the 1.49 update, you will now have the option to use a combination of the key and modifiers to bind an action. For example, you can now assign Shift + L to turn your lights if you so wish!
This opens up a whole new world of key bind combinations for you to use, allowing for more binding options, but that's not all! You will also now have the options to bind short press and long press key. Holding the key down will be recognised as a long press, and pressing a button as normal will be seen as a short press.
Keyboards aren't the only peripherals taking advantage of this change. Controllers will also be able use this new feature!
Special Transport DLC Update
With the arrival of the Kansas DLC for American Truck Simulator on November 30th, we have taken the opportunity to bring an exciting update to the Special Transport DLC. Today we are happy to announce the arrival of 2 new oversized cargoes!
Introducing the new Wind Blade & Articulated Hauler cargoes, as part of the 1.49 update! Think you got what it takes to haul these new oversized loads? You can find these new cargo routes across some of the already existing routes in various DLCs and base game. We've also introduced two completely new routes, both which start from Pueblo in Colorado, where wind blades are often found being transported in the real world!
However, that's not all! The Kansas DLC will also receive several new routes of its own when it is released. You can read more about these routes, plus the addition of a new Special Transport feature for long haul routes at our recent blog post. Check it out here!
Automatic Headlights
Another new feature which we are happy to introduce to this update is the option of Automatic Headlights. It is a relatively straightforward feature, that turns on your headlights when the ambient light around the truck falls bellow a certain threshold.
If the option is toggled, your light switch position for parking lights is replaced by automatic lights, so you can still turn your lights off or force your headlights on with the other switch positions.
We have also introduced the addition of Automatic High Beams. This feature will temporally disable your high beams when there is a vehicle in front of you (both in your lane or oncoming) and turns them back on when the vehicle is far enough away.
These automatic high beams are enabled if you flip the high beam switch and when either your automatic headlights are turned on, or you turned your headlights on manually (in case of automatic headlights option toggled off, high beams only work when headlights are manually enabled). We hope you enjoy this simple, yet useful feature for when you are travelling on the road!
Changelog
Map
PACCAR Technical Centre added to Washington State
Mountains reworked around Salt Lake City (Utah DLC)
Visual
HDR Skyboxes, Moon and New Weather Effects
Vehicle
New Special Transport DLC Cargoes & Kansas Routes
Automatic Headlights and High Beam
Other
Used Truck Dealers
Keybind Modifiers
California Rework - Modesto
As we dive deeper into the ongoing California Rework project for American Truck Simulator, get ready to rev your engines because we have another sneak peek for you. Buckle up for a journey to the freshly added city of Modesto!
Explore Modesto's charm by hauling cargo to two new, soon-to-be-revealed, depots. Stay tuned for the exciting update! These places not only make the game feel more immersive but also show the farming way of life, which is a big part of Modesto. It's also a way to show how the local economy depends on it, making every drive through Modesto feel like you are really there.
Take a scenic ride through the Modesto Arch leading directly to the bustling city downtown, where the urban vibe comes alive. Don't miss the breathtaking view, adorned with landmarks like the iconic Gallo Center for the Arts. And here's a hidden gem: Modesto has a secret road waiting to be discovered. Get ready for an adventure!
So, get ready for the drive, put on your virtual seatbelt, and explore Modesto's farms and city life. Maybe take a detour on that secret road. There will be plenty more of what the city can offer when we release it!
Remember, the visuals you see in the screenshots are still a "work in progress." Despite that, we trust this blog post has sparked enough excitement for you to explore the city once the third phase of the California rework is released in the game. Stay tuned for more updates on this phase by following our social media channels (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) and you will never miss out on any important information. We’ll see you on the road!
'Labor of Love' Steam Award 2023 Nomination for American Truck Simulator
This year’s edition of the annual Steam Awards has begun and the nominations are open, along with the Steam Autumn Sale.
We will always remember with pride the honor of Euro Truck Simulator 2 winning in two categories during the very first Steam Awards back in 2016. It would be a dream come true for all our developers working on ETS2 or ATS to see any of our games being nominated for this year's awards finals once again.
Over the past years, we continuously supported our games with updates and regular new content. We still have several big and smaller features, exciting and brand-new projects in development, along with a few map expansions and several new vehicles. We are always trying our best to transition the passion of our teams for our titles into the in-game environment and we can’t wait to show you everything we’ve been cooking on for you.
Because of our ongoing development, you will be able to nominate both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator for the 'Labor of Love' category which is dedicated to games that are constantly evolving with new additions.
If you like our games and the love we keep bringing for them - giving us your vote in this category would be a perfect way to express that you are a member of the #BestCommunityEver!
Thank you so much!
American Truck Simulator 1.49: Special Transport DLC Update
Today, we are excited to reveal two brand-new cargos for the Special Transport DLC. With the upcoming 1.49 update, you will be able to haul a 39-meter-long (over 129 feet) wind turbine blade and a massive articulated hauler in American Truck Simulator.
To celebrate the long-requested wind turbine blade, we have made two new routes leading from Pueblo, Colorado, where these blades are manufactured. You'll also be able to find these two new cargoes on selected Special Transport routes that are already featured in the game, leading through either some of the previously released map expansions, but also located in some of the states that came out with the initial release of ATS.
This DLC update includes:
Wind turbine cargo
Articulated hauler cargo
New route from Pueblo to Trinidad (near Pueblo)
New route from Pueblo to Limon (near Denver)
Taking the wheel of a truck carrying massive cargo is no easy task. Maneuvering a truck with oversized cargo requires a skillful dance, a fine-tuned balance between power and precision. Only the most skilled truckers can tackle these distinctive missions. Do you think you've got what it takes?
We hope you are excited about this update that was requested for some time by our #BestCommunityEver. Keep in mind to check out our social media profiles (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) and give them a follow to stay in touch with the latest news!
There’s no place like Kansas, and the same rings true in American Truck Simulator! Mark your calendars and get ready to hit the virtual roads, because we're excited to announce that...
The Kansas DLC for American Truck Simulator will be released on November 30th, 2023!
We're just as excited as you are, and to keep your anticipation high, we've released the official trailer for the Kansas DLC on our official YouTube channel. This trailer will give you a sneak peek of the wonderful landscapes, historical cities & towns, unique landmarks, and local industries that await you in this map expansion. Take a watch of it below!
We cannot wait for your to make your first journey through the Sunflower State. Our team has been working hard to ensure everything is running smoothly upon its release. Our goal is to give you an amazing virtual trucking experience, and we're committed to making that happen!
From cities large and small to the diverse agricultural industries found across the region, Kansas has something new to explore around each corner. Be sure to keep an eye out for any viewpoints and landmarks along the way!
Excited to explore this new U.S. state? Then be sure to add Kansas to your Steam Wishlist to be notified as soon as it releases on November 30th!
We'd like to thank you, our #BestCommunityEver for your continuous support during the development period of the Kansas DLC. We look forward to seeing you real soon in Kansas!
