We’re excited to announce that the 1.59 Open Beta for American Truck Simulator is now live and ready for you to check out. If you choose to participate, we’d greatly appreciate you sharing any bugs or issues you come across in the proper section of our official forums.

Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we’re thankful for the time you take to help us make the game even better. With that, let’s take a look at what’s included in the 1.59 Open Beta.

Advisor Update - Finances & Damage Widgets

We've been closely listening to feedback from our community, and one of the most common points raised in the new route advisor was that many players missed having quick access to information on vehicle damage and finances. While our teams are actively working on the next steps in our broader vision for a redesigned UI in this area, we didn't want to make you wait until that work is complete. Instead, we've prioritized implementing some of the most frequently requested improvements as soon as possible.

Based on that, we've implemented the Damage and Finances widgets. The widgets are designed to restore easy access to information about truck damage, plus trailer and cargo damage, if you are currently driving with a trailer and cargo, as well as your current bank balance, with an average profit over the last seven days displayed too. 

These widgets can be turned on and off in the Widget Settings Menu, and if enabled, they will be displayed in the bottom-right corner above your GPS.

Tow to Road

The Tow to Road feature was designed to improve the overall quality of life for players by reducing frustrating situations during gameplay. It will allow drivers to quickly recover if their truck overturns or gets stuck in a ditch or uneven terrain. It will also help prevent disruptions in multiplayer sessions, enabling players to continue with their convoy when they find themselves stuck, without the need to be towed to a service location, which could cause unnecessary delays.

So when you are in a difficult situation, you can simply find the new "Tow to Road" button under the Service menu (set to F7 by default). After paying a small fee for the towing service, you will be transported to your last safe location on the road. You can read more about this feature here.

Skills UX Redesign

The Skill Screen has received a visual rework while remaining in its original place within the interface. This update focuses on improving clarity and overall user experience without changing its core functionality.

You can now view both your current skill level and the next step in its progression. Tooltips also allow you to explore other ranks within each skill. Selecting a skill provides improved readability and clearer visual feedback, including a better indication of how many steps remain in that skill's progression path.

Each skill is represented as a clickable button, making it easy to access more detailed information. The redesign also improves navigation when using a controller.

QoL UI/UX Changes

We're continuing to refine the overall user experience with updates focused on readability, clarity, and smoother controller navigation.

The in-game news banner has received a visual refresh to better align with our newer UI style while improving readability. When hovering over a news item, a tooltip will now display a longer excerpt along with a clear call to action. Deactivated news items now feature a clearer status indicator, which also doubles as an activation button.

We're making navigation on the world map more intuitive for controller users. A new "undo last pin" feature has been added, along with remapped controls for adding, removing, setting avoid areas, and resetting pins.

Save handling has also been improved, with new saves now using the standard save icon instead of a black screenshot and overwriting clearly labeled as "Overwrite". Garage upgrade cutscenes can now be skipped more consistently using the (B) button, and the controller navigation has been further refined with improved D-pad accessibility across UI.

Traffic Sound Rework

We’ve also made some adjustments to traffic audio as part of this update. Sounds have been softened and rebalanced to better match real-world perception, with less emphasis on distant engine noise and more on the subtle “road hiss” of tires. Honking behavior has also been slightly randomized to reduce repetition. Overall, traffic should now feel less intrusive and better integrated into the ambient soundscape.

Height Blend Improvements

We’ve also made a few improvements to the Height Blend feature. Derived normal maps can now be enabled to help conserve GPU memory, and we’ve addressed several graphical issues to ensure more consistent, visually accurate results.

Detour Feature Maintenance

We've decided to temporarily disable the detour feature to focus on maintenance and further development. We've received numerous reports of Detours not functioning as intended, and the current system no longer meets our needs.

As a result, we'll be shutting down detours while we work on improving and upgrading the feature in the background to make it more stable and reliable. Please note that this change only affects detours - random road events will continue to be available in the game.

Changelog:

Gameplay

UI/UX

• Advisor Update - Finances & Damage Widgets
• Skills UX Redesign
• QoL UI/UX Changes
• Improved News Banner Readability
• World Map Pin Enhancements
• Save Icon Update
• Garage Cutscene Skipping
• D-pad Accessibility Improvements

Visuals

• Height Blend Improvements

Sounds

• Traffic Sound Rework

Other

Enjoy all the new additions, but please remember: It's only an open beta, not a stable public version - so you may encounter bugs, instability, or crashes. It's completely okay if you want to wait for the final release. But if you're interested in helping us to get there faster, we'd 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 this Open Beta, you can find this version in the Experimental Beta branch on Steam. The way to access it is as follows: Steam client → LIBRARY → right-click on American Truck Simulator → Properties → Betas tab → Beta Participation drop-down menu → public_beta. No password is required. Sometimes you will have to restart your Steam client to see the correct branch name there.

Every road connects more than just places, and this upcoming journey is no exception. An iconic crossing comes into view: a bridge that not only unites distant shores but also brings the Euro Truck Simulator 2 community closer together than ever before. A powerful symbol of the connections, shared experiences, and journeys that lie ahead.

Today, we are excited to take you on a scenic journey to the historic city of Springfield, the capital of Illinois, which will be featured in our upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator!

Known for its rich heritage, beautiful architecture, and deep connection to American history, Springfield offers a unique blend of past and present. Our teams have worked hard to capture the essence of this iconic city, bringing its streets, landmarks, and atmosphere to life for virtual truckers to explore and enjoy.

As you approach Springfield, you’ll immediately notice its distinctive skyline, highlighted by the impressive Hotel Tower that rises above the surrounding buildings. While driving through downtown, you’ll encounter several important institutions that define Springfield’s character. The historic Old Capitol building stands proudly as a reminder of the city’s political legacy, complemented by nearby establishments, including a local bank and the County Office. Each of these locations has been carefully recreated to reflect its real-world counterpart, adding authenticity to your journey.

Springfield is not only about government and history, however. The city also offers a variety of everyday destinations that bring it to life. For example, a local clinic, an insurance company, or a public library; these locations add depth and realism to the environment, making your deliveries feel like part of a living, breathing community.

Rail enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of Union Station, an important transportation hub that adds another layer of activity to the city. As you pass by, you may catch glimpses of trains and infrastructure that highlight Springfield’s role in regional connectivity.

Of course, no visit to Springfield would be complete without honoring one of the most significant figures in American history. The statues and murals of Abraham Lincoln around the city are a tribute to the city’s most famous resident, offering a moment of reflection as you drive through the area.

Whether you are delivering cargo to bustling city depots or simply passing through, Springfield promises a memorable experience filled with detailed scenery and iconic landmarks. Our goal has been to create a city that feels authentic, immersive, and rewarding to explore from behind the wheel.

We hope you’re looking forward to visiting Springfield as much as we enjoyed building it. If you did make sure to add this map expansion to your Steam wishlist!

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to reveal what the Illinois DLC has in store by following us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and YouTube, or by signing up for our newsletter. We will see you on the road!

As you travel across the Mount Rushmore State, you’ll encounter a variety of distinctive and memorable settlements along the way. In today’s blog, we’re taking a closer look at another selection of towns that our map designers have been bringing to life for the upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator.

Redfield

Redfield is often called the “Pheasant Capital of the World.” This nickname comes from the area’s rich hunting tradition and thriving wildlife population. As you drive through town, you may notice subtle nods to this heritage, along with its classic Midwestern layout and welcoming small-town atmosphere.

Martin

Serving as a vital hub for nearby communities, Martin offers a glimpse into everyday life on the plains. It may be modest in size, but its role in the region is significant. Our team focused on capturing that authenticity, from local businesses to the open landscapes that stretch far beyond the town itself.

Mission

Mission is an important community within the Rosebud Indian Reservation. The town blends cultural significance with rural charm. As you pass through, keep an eye out for details that reflect its identity and the surrounding rolling plains.

Selby

A friendly small town with a population of just over 640, Selby sits among rich farmlands and serves as a quiet waypoint for travelers passing through the region. Its location along a well-traveled highway makes it a natural stop along your journey. In-game, you’ll experience its laid-back atmosphere, surrounded by the agricultural landscape.

Sturgis

Famous across the country, Sturgis is best known for its legendary motorcycle rally, which draws huge crowds every year. Beyond the roar of engines, however, the town has its own everyday charm. Drivers can enjoy a mix of forested surroundings and winding roads that make this area especially memorable. As you approach the town, be sure to look out for the iconic Sturgis sign on Sly Hill!

Wall

Just off Interstate 90, Wall is a must-see stop for anyone traveling through western South Dakota. It’s widely known for its iconic roadside attraction, which has been drawing in visitors for decades with its classic Americana charm. As you cruise along I-90, you’ll also notice a series of billboards encouraging you to make a stop in town, a signature part of the experience that our team has recreated for players to enjoy.

Of course, South Dakota is home to many more towns and communities than we could include. As with all our map expansions, we carefully select and adapt locations to fit the 1:20 scale of American Truck Simulator. This approach allows us to create a map that feels both rich and true to life, while keeping drives engaging and well-paced for players behind the wheel.

And that’s all for today! We hope you enjoyed this second look at some of the settlements coming with the South Dakota DLC. Each town, big or small, helps bring this beautiful state to life.

If you’re excited about this map expansion, be sure to add the South Dakota DLC to your Steam wishlist! Don't forget to stay tuned for more updates by following us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and YouTube, or by signing up for our newsletter. We will see you on the road!

For this upcoming event, we will be selecting 20 fans to join us for SCS Fan Day Experience Vol. 4. During your visit, you can expect a deep dive into our studio, opportunities to meet the people behind our projects, and maybe even a few surprises along the way. Of course, no visit would be complete without some refreshments, great conversations, and a small gift to remember your day with us.

Please note a few important details before applying: As with our previous events, we are unfortunately unable to cover travel or accommodation costs, so all selected participants will need to arrange and fund their own trip to Prague. Additionally, if you are under the age of 18, you will be required to bring an accompanying adult with you to the event. If chosen, you will need to be at our offices in Prague on the 15th of May, 2026.

If you’re interested in attending, you can apply by filling out our application form. We encourage you to share as much as you can about yourself, your passion for our games, and why you’d love to visit us. Feel free to include photos or even a short video introduction; this helps us get to know you better!  If we pick you, we will contact you via email with further details, so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox!

You can apply here until the 10th of April, 23:59 CET.

We’re incredibly excited to once again open our doors and share this experience with you. Thank you for being such an amazing community, and for your continued support. We can’t wait to meet twenty more of you and spend another memorable day together. In the meantime, stay up to date with the latest news by following us on our social media channels: X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube. Good luck to everyone applying. We hope to see you soon!

Illinois is home to a wide variety of public art, and many of its towns and cities proudly display colorful murals that celebrate local culture, history, and community pride. For our upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator, our map and asset teams have recreated several of these works so that drivers can come across them while traveling across the Prairie State. In today's blog, we'd like to highlight some of the murals you may spot on your journeys!

Chicago

As one of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago is well known for its thriving art scene. Murals can be found throughout many of the city's neighborhoods, decorating building walls with bold colors, detailed imagery, and unique designs. As you navigate the streets of Chicago, keep an eye out for these impressive works that help bring even more character and authenticity to the city.

These large-scale artworks reflect the creativity and diversity that Chicago is famous for. From colorful patterns and community-inspired pieces to striking portraits and imaginative compositions, they add life to the urban landscape and make each street feel a little more distinctive.

Springfield

As the capital of Illinois, Springfield is rich in history and culture, and its streets also feature a variety of murals that bring color and character to the downtown area. As you explore the city, you may notice several of these artistic pieces adorning building walls along your route.

These murals often celebrate the heritage and stories of the region, helping to create a sense of place for both locals and visitors alike. Including them in the Illinois DLC allows players to experience another layer of authenticity while traveling through the state.

Rockford

Located in northern Illinois, the city of Rockford is another place where you can spot several murals while driving through town. These artworks decorate a number of buildings and add vibrant colors to the streets, creating memorable sights for anyone passing by.

Public art like this plays an important role in highlighting the identity and culture of local communities. By recreating these murals, our teams aimed to capture the atmosphere and personality that make each Illinois city unique.

Quincy, Champaign, Macomb & Marion

Murals are not limited to just a few locations, however. As you continue your journey across Illinois, you may also discover colorful murals in cities such as Quincy, Champaign, Macomb, and Marion.

From large walls covered in vibrant illustrations to smaller artistic pieces that celebrate local culture, these murals help make every city feel more alive. Our teams enjoyed researching and recreating these details to ensure that each location feels authentic and full of character.

We hope you enjoyed this look at some of the murals featured in the Illinois DLC! Be sure to add the Illinois DLC to your Steam Wishlist, and don't forget to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and YouTube to stay up to date with the latest news from American Truck Simulator. You can also subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a future update. We look forward to sharing more with you soon! Until next time, happy haulin'!

Buckle up and get ready to roll, because today we’re excited to share a brand-new gameplay preview from our upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator!

The Prairie State is a place where busy industry meets wide-open farmland, and where historic routes connect vibrant cities. Our team has been hard at work recreating this diverse state, bringing its highways, landscapes, and atmosphere to life for drivers to experience behind the wheel.

In this preview, you’ll get a first look at a journey through Illinois as we travel from Quincy all the way to Chicago, driving along major interstates and rural highways alike. Along the way, you’ll pass expansive agricultural fields and grain facilities before gradually approaching Chicago's dense urban skylines and underground.

Join us as we take a drive through a selection of locations across the state and showcase some of the roads and environments our map team has been crafting. As always, please keep in mind that everything you see in this gameplay preview is still a work in progress and subject to change as development continues.

We hope you enjoyed this gameplay preview of Illinois and the trucking opportunities it will offer in American Truck Simulator! If you like what you see, be sure to add the Illinois DLC to your Steam Wishlist. Don't forget to also follow us on our X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and YouTube or sign up for our newsletter. Until next time, happy haulin'!

Today, we’d like to shine the spotlight on the team working on the upcoming Isle of Ireland map expansion for Euro Truck Simulator 2. This brand-new DLC will take drivers across the island of Ireland, from lively urban centres to quiet coastal roads and rolling green countrysides. As with every map expansion we create, bringing a new region into the world of ETS2 requires a passionate group of developers working together to carefully craft every road, city, and landmark.

In this edition of Meet the Team, you’ll get the chance to learn more about some of the people behind the project. The developers featured here have prepared short introductions along with a few small insights into what they’ve been working on so far. We hope you will enjoy getting a closer look at the team helping to build this exciting new destination.

Honza - Map DLC Lead

"Hi. It has been six years since I joined SCS. It has been a great journey ever since. I grew from being a junior map designer to map lead, and now I enjoy leading such a talented group of people.

We're finishing up the Benelux rework project, and I hope truckers will enjoy driving on highways there soon. Meanwhile, we have started with the next project, the Isle of Ireland. This will be my first regular DLC, which is exciting. The Emerald Island is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful pieces of land on the whole continent. Green pastures, wild western coast, lively, colourful cities and towns. Oh, and not a lot of highways! We'll give it our best to do it justice.

Little about me: I have a Polish wife, a new baby and a neurotic dog. My favourite pastime: Having a nice beer while watching campy horror movies."

Eliška (foxxy) - Senior Map Designer

"Hi, I'm Eliska, a former filmmaker turned map designer. My journey with SCS Software started nearly 5 years ago during the pandemic and has been enjoyable and fulfilling ever since. I had never before imagined that I would be able to start a brand new career in my forties, based on what I loved to do in my free time my whole life - building imaginary digital worlds in games.

I am grateful that SCS accepted me without any prior professional experience, helped me grow and learn, and landed me where I am today, a senior specialist on a great team in one of the most peaceful games in the world. And that would not be possible without our incredible players. Thank you."

Kristián - Map Designer

"I have been working at SCS Software for four years, during which I have contributed to several map expansions, including the Benelux rework project. Within this project, I worked on the cities of Rotterdam and Antwerp, as well as the Europoort area. I specialise in creating ports and ferry terminals, but I also work on city design and the surrounding areas, focusing on their layout, atmosphere, and functionality within the game world.

For the Ireland DLC, I am responsible for the creation of cities and ferry terminals, including Waterford, where I continue to bring these urban environments to life through detailed design. I hope players will enjoy exploring them as much as I enjoy creating them."

Veronika  - Junior Map Designer

"Pine trees lining German highways, small marinas in Nordic Horizon, water channels in Benelux. These are projects for which I had the opportunity to create maps. And now we are starting on the mysterious, cosy Ireland, which I associate with peat bogs and fairytale views of the countryside. I am especially looking forward to those in the heart of Ireland, around the town of Athlone, where I will be building. You can also look forward to lots of roadside art sculptures on your way."

Anis - Map Designer

"I spent years studying academic painting and drawing at two different universities. Over time, surrounded by theory, technique, and countless books on the history of art, I became convinced that I understood what "Art" truly meant. My education gave me structure, discipline, and a sense of certainty, but certainty can be limiting.

Now, six years into my journey at SCS Software as a Senior Map Designer, I see things differently. From shaping the quiet suburbs of Iberia and the rural roads of Slovenia to working on major cities and crafting unique custom depots, I’ve learned that art isn’t confined to canvas or theory. It lives in scale, in detail, in atmosphere – in everything we do, putting our heart into our work."

Marek - Junior Map Designer

"I joined SCS less than a year ago as a junior map designer. Immediately after my probation period, I started working on a section of Galway in Ireland, which was later featured in the teaser for the Ireland DLC. I’m really happy about it and grateful to have joined SCS Software at this time, with the opportunity to work on Ireland. Given the country’s diversity, ranging from dense urban centres to rugged, hilly terrain, the role of a map designer here allows me to work on an exceptionally wide and engaging variety of locations. We hope you enjoy exploring the Isle of Ireland as much as our team enjoyed creating it!"

Libor - Map Designer

"I have been working as a Map Designer for four years and have contributed to the West Balkans, Greece, and Nordic Horizons DLCs. Each country has its own unique vibe and atmosphere, and I truly enjoy bringing that into our game. Our work is not just about recreating well-known landmarks. Often, it’s a small, cosy street recreated 1:1 that you probably wouldn’t see in any other game, yet it adds that special touch and makes you truly feel like you’re driving in a specific country.

Every DLC starts with detailed research, from the distinct look of architecture, roads, signs, and sidewalks to small details like wildflowers that may grow only in one particular country. I love the attention to all these geeky details in our company, and I believe this is what makes our games unique. My main focus on the Ireland DLC is Killarney National Park and the town of Killarney. The nature of this region and the town itself are absolutely stunning, and I’m doing my best to bring that beauty to your screens. I also believe these roads will be perfect for upcoming coaches, as it is primarily a tourist region with only a small amount of industry. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this DLC will be received and to reading your honest and motivating reviews."

Jitka - Map Designer

"I've been enjoying creating landscapes and exploring the possibilities of our game since joining the team in 2022. After some of the most challenging roads in Switzerland and the verticality of Luxembourg city, I started working on Ireland.

Ireland is more than just green. It's mist rising over dark hills on the horizon, spreading across endless heather moorlands. It's a sunlit coastline and a road weaving ahead of you through open land. It's the little villages, where time has stopped.

Ireland's landscape has its own unique way to pull you in. And I can't wait for you to see more of what we are creating."

Radek - Junior Map Designer

"I have been working at SCS for a year and a half now. My first project was the Benelux rework, where I gained valuable experience that I put to good use as I started working on the Ireland DLC. As part of the team, I focus on vegetation and on helping the map feel as authentic and true to real references as possible. I am very excited to be part of this, as it feels like a long-missing piece of the Europe map. Ireland’s landscapes and colour palette will enrich the overall map with their lush, green, vegetation-rich environment."

Dimi - Junior Map Designer

"Hi, my name is Dimi, and ever since I was younger, I dreamed of creating video games in some sort of artistic way, so here I am! I became part of the SCS team about a year ago, and since then, I have participated in two of our upcoming projects. I took a small part in the creation of Benelux Rework and now Ireland, which I’ve really taken a liking to.

My favourite landmarks I had the pleasure of creating are the Giant's Causeway, together with its surroundings and Ben Bulben, which appeared in our teaser. After spending my time observing various locations, I have fallen in love with the landscapes and nature of Ireland, and I am more than happy to be a part of its creation. I will do my best to recreate that beauty in our game, hoping it will bring you the same happiness it has brought me along the way.

Bíodh lá maith agaibh!"

Jirka - Junior Map Designer

"Hi, my name is Jirka. I have been working at SCS for over a year and a half, and I really enjoy it here. I previously participated in the Benelux project, and now I am working on Ireland with the same great team of inspiring colleagues. I think that you will enjoy the diverse landscape full of beautiful views and diverse paths that beautifully reflect the character of the landscape, just like I do."

Tereza - Junior Map Designer

"Hello, I've recently celebrated two years at SCS. I started working on Germany and continued on Benelux. I'm still fixing bugs in Benelux for you, but I'll be moving to Ireland soon. While working on the flat environments of the Netherlands rework, I was also helping out on the Nordic Horizons DLC, where there were lots of beautiful landscapes.

I've already had a look at what awaits me, and it seems cosy. No more big highways and complicated junctions, just cities and roads. I have to say that left-hand traffic was a problem for me at first, but I quickly got used to it.

What I like most about Ireland are the colour-coded sheep. I just love them! Irish people, tell me, wouldn't it be cheaper to tag them on their ears, like we do in the Czech Republic? Just kidding, you make the world more colourful. Thanks."

That’s it for today’s blog! We’d like to thank everybody for sharing a little about themselves and their work on the Isle of Ireland. It’s always a pleasure to give our community a glimpse behind the scenes and introduce the talented people who help shape our projects.

We look forward to sharing more news and previews from the Isle of Ireland in the future, so be sure to keep an eye on the blog for upcoming updates. Don’t forget to add the expansion to your Steam Wishlist and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our newsletter. Until next time, safe travels!