Today, we are happy to share with you that the 1.49 Open Beta branch for American Truck Simulator is now available to try and test out. If you plan on participating in this Open Beta, we ask that you please help us by reporting any bugs you may encounter in the appropriate section(s) of our official forums.



Your feedback and reports are extremely valuable to our team and we thank you in advance for taking the time to help us out. So, without further ado, let's take a look at what the 1.49 Open Beta has in store.

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, 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 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 with 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 Centre

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.

We'd love to hear your feedback about this new addition on our official forums. Happy (used) trucking!

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 isn't the only peripheral taking advantage of this change. Controllers will also be able use this new feature! We look forward to hearing your feedback on this new change!

Changelog

Map

• PACCAR Technical Centre added to Washington State

Visual

• HDR Skyboxes, Moon and New Weather Effects

Other

• Used Truck Dealers
  
• Keybind Modifiers

So 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'll appreciate all of your feedback on our forum and your bug reports in this section.

Please check our modding wiki to get details pertaining to mods for the game.

If you wish to participate in the open 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 → 1.49. No password is required. Sometimes you have to restart your Steam client to see the correct branch name there.

Among other changes coming for Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator in the 1.49 update, there will be a fairly big feature that will bring a few tweaks that are important to the immersion of the virtual trucking experience. Today, we’ll showcase the Used Truck Dealers!


Used Trucks will be 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.

This feature provides an excellent opportunity for players to own a truck without breaking the bank. It's particularly ideal for newcomers who want to hit the road without a hefty investment, while it also adds an extra layer of challenge for experienced players.


One of the most significant changes coming along with this feature is the enhanced damage and repair system. In the past, individual parts would accumulate damage, represented as a percentage, and you could repair them. However, with the 1.49 update, parts will be categorized into three types of damage:

Damage: This type of damage can be fixed by standard repairs, just as before.
Parts Wear: For components showing wear and tear, you'll need to replace them.
Permanent Wear: Parts with permanent wear can only be restored 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.

We can’t wait for you to get your hands on this new feature and provide us with your feedback. For more information regarding when this update will be available make sure to give our social media a follow (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) and stay in touch with all the latest news.

In the 1.49 update for both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator, we're excited to introduce a range of enhancements that will further improve your virtual trucking experience. Let’s take a look at the visual additions that await you on your journeys.


First and foremost, after many requests, we've added the Moon 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, managing reflections in water bodies, dealing with wet roads, and addressing mirror effects, among other things. However, we're delighted that we've finally been able to incorporate something as fundamental as the Moon into our in-game night sky.




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.




Finally, the skyboxes will now be High Dynamic Range (HDR), which means there will be richer, more vibrant colours 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 with 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 out!


With these additions, the 1.49 update aims to enhance the realism and beauty of your trucking world, promising a more enchanting and immersive journey. We have more changes to present to you in the near future, so make sure to give us a follow on social media (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) to always be notified of any news.

The agriculture industry in the US state of Kansas is a big deal! All year round, farmers grow a multitude of different crops such as wheat, corn and soybeans, as well as raising livestock. In today's blog, we will explore how this important industry is represented in our upcoming Kansas DLC for American Truck Simulator.


The Midwest is known for its bountiful and diverse agricultural production. Its fertile lands and waters provide ideal conditions for growing a range of different crops. Today, Kansas is the nation's leading wheat producer. There are several types of wheat which are grown, but the state is best known for its Hard Red Winter Wheat. Thanks to its high protein and gluten, it is ideal for use in the food industry, especially for bakeries. Did you have bread for breakfast today? There's a chance it was baked from Kansas Wheat! No wonder some often refer to Kansas as the "Breadbasket of the world".



Of course, we couldn't go without recreating an accurate representation of this major industry in our upcoming DLC. In Kansas, drivers will be able to deliver to new farm depots which have been created using references of real farms found across the state. However that's not all!



Grain Elevators are another important element in the economy chain. With its unmistakable appearance and high height, it is one of the truly distinctive icons of the Kansas landscape. Our map teams have paid particular attention to the locations of these silos and placed them in positions where they can be found in real life.



But what happens to all these crops once they are processed? They are taken to one of many processing plants of course! You have the opportunity to deliver to and from food production plants, which includes a new and accurate representation of the unloading areas.




From new names to familiar depots, there will be plenty of choices for drivers when it comes to delivering to and from agriculturlal industries. You'll still be able to find your favourite existing in-game brands and deliver much more than just grains. From farming equipment to livestock, you'll certainly have your work cut out for you!




With many farming states in the pipeline, we aim to continue improving the experience of agriculture deliveries and already have a few ideas on the table! We look forward to sharing more news in the future. If you like what you've seen, then be sure to add Kansas for American Truck Simulator to your Steam Wishlist. Until them, keep on truckin'!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2298430/American_Truck_Simulator__Kansas/

With the Kansas DLC coming to American Truck Simulator, we have another exciting piece of the puzzle to reveal for you. Let's take a look at the Rest Stops you will find scattered across the Sunflower state! So have a little break, grab a coffee and a snack, and imagine you are there.


Driving through Kansas, truckers discover a different kind of rest stop – a break that goes beyond the usual. When the truck rolls into the stop, it's like entering a painting. Golden wheat fields stretch out as far as the eye can see, waving gently in the breeze. The sky overhead is vast, changing colors as the day goes on. The truck stop is a tiny piece in this big landscape, a pause where nature's grand show takes center stage.





As the driver prepares to hit the road once more, they carry a piece of Kansas with them. The rest stop becomes more than just a pause in the journey; it's a reminder that the road, with all its challenges and triumphs, is a shared experience that binds travellers together.





As an added treat, we offer a sneak peek at interesting roads and intersections, specifically the unique roundabout in Hays or the diverging diamond in Junction City. Also, keep an eye out for improved navigation signs you can come across on your travels through Kansas.





We hope you are excited to check out every single rest stop that the Kansas DLC has to offer. If you are, you can add the Kansas DLC to your Steam Wishlist. Also, don’t forget to keep an eye out for our microsite, which contains a lot of interesting and exclusive content. And finally, check out our social media profiles (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) and give them a follow to stay in touch with the latest news!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2298430/American_Truck_Simulator__Kansas/

As you may know, every update brings excitement and new adventures for players of American Truck Simulator. With the upcoming 1.49 update, we are introducing an awesome addition that will allow players to delve into an unmarked area like never before. Hidden within the vast landscape of Washington, a realistic recreation of the PACCAR Technical Center awaits discovery!


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.

On our recent trips to the United States, we were fortunate to receive exclusive invitations from PACCAR to visit their Technical Center. While our primary purpose was to conduct sound recording sessions and 3D scanning of both legendary and new truck models, during our interactions with the team at PACCAR, a shared vision emerged. We realized that bringing the PACCAR Technical Center experience to ATS players would be a fantastic opportunity as we wanted to offer players the chance to explore this testing ground, just as we did. And so, with a shared passion for trucking, we set out to recreate this remarkable place in the ATS universe.




In the upcoming ATS 1.49 update, you will have the chance to experience the PACCAR Technical Center firsthand. This realistic 1:1 recreation will offer a glimpse into the world of truck development, and 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. But rest assured, intrepid truckers will quickly uncover this hidden treasure once the update lands on Steam.



While the entire area has plenty of interesting bits to explore, we’ve decided to add 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 can’t wait to show you more content that is coming with the 1.49 update over the upcoming weeks. Make sure to follow our social media (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) to always stay in touch with all the latest announcements and while you’re at it, let us know what you think about the PACCAR Technical Center showcased today.

Today, we're happy to share with you an update on Phase 3 of the California Rework, and what the team has been working on recently. This blog serves as a part 2 on 'The Golden State', so we recommend taking a read of that blog, if you haven't already!


Focusing mainly on the western part of the state, the team has been hard at work reworking the layout of existing road networks by taking advantage of the space created by the rescale after the release of American Truck Simulator. This means we've been able to utilize more of the map to create more road networks, expand city sizes, introduce new industries in the area, and ultimately, bring the quality of the state up to date with our current DLC quality standards.







The team's focus recently has been on reworking the legendary CA-1/US-1 Coastline Scenic Route, one of the most iconic in the states. Specifically, the work has been taking place between the San Francisco and Santa Cruz section of the highway, which has been reworked with new assets and a new layout, built from ground up using the newer scale to allow for more details and accuracy.








What makes CA-1 attractive for drivers is the unparalleled beauty of its natural surroundings. As drivers make their way along the highway, they are treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the Pacific Ocean on one side and lush, rugged coastal cliffs on the other. The road winds its way through rolling hills, towering redwood forests, and charming coastal communities. Our teams have paid particular attention to recreating these same views and areas in the rework.




Working just as hard as our team to rework California is a virtual in-game team who ensures the road is maintained! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you don't know where they'll pop up next.




We look forward to sharing more of the work taking place in this phase of our the California Rework for American Truck Simulator. Be sure to check out our previous articles if you missed them! Until then, keep on truckin'

From natural wonders to historical monuments, Kansas is home to a variety of landmarks which can be found across the state. Take a scroll with us as we share a preview of some of them that have been recreated for our upcoming Kansas DLC for American Truck Simulator.



Many of Kansas' landmarks are steeped in history, dating back to the pioneer days and the westward expansion of the United States. Sites and statues tell the story of the brave settlers who crossed the prairies to make a new life in this vast and challenging landscape, and began to shape the towns and cities that still stand there today.









Museums across the state also preserve the history of Kansas, such as the Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City which is located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery, which highlights the glory days of the Old West. Another such example is the the Pittsburgh Historical Museum, located in Southeast Kansas, which became a hub for mining coal. Today an old yet impressive Marion 37 Steam Shovel is located outside, which was preserved by the museum and coal company.









Kansas' landmarks also highlight the state's natural beauty. From sweeping vistas to unique geological formations, these natural wonders offer breathtaking views and opportunities for drivers take a break and enjoy some of the local area. Whether it's the unique formation of the Monument Rocks or the rolling landscapes of the prairies, these landmarks showcase the state's stunning scenery.









Overall, the landmarks of Kansas are a testament to the state's diverse history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. They serve as places of reflection, education, and connection for both residents and visitors, making Kansas a unique and captivating destination in the heart of America.









Are you looking forward to delivering to the Sunflower State? Don't wait on adding it to your Steam Wishlist! Plus, be sure to follow our social media channels (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) for all the latest news and exclusive content!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2298430/American_Truck_Simulator__Kansas/

Earlier this year, 4 members from our American Truck Simulator map team were able to visit Nebraska, as well as other surrounding states in the USA. The purpose of their travel was to gather references and information, as well as to inspire them in preparation for future projects. In this blog, we will share with you some highlights of what the team got up to. However, please keep in mind that the information and media presented here do not confirm what our upcoming DLC will include.



The team consisting of Simon Endt (Saimon), Jan Vackar (Vacky), Antonin Kachlar (Tony), and Petra Garlikova (Draky), set off on quite the journey! Driving over 4,000 miles in 14 days, the team managed to visit major cities, depots, real-life viewpoints, truck stops, and many other locations too.

"We visited the world's largest train depot in North Platte, looked at Lake McConaughy, and crisscrossed cities like Grand Island, Columbus, Norfolk, and more. We even went on foot to the Scottsbluff monument." Simon shares with us. They also visited some unique landmarks such as 'Carhenge' - a quirky pop-culture icon which consists of 39 automobiles painted and arranged to look like the famous 'Stonehenge' in the United Kingdom.






The team was also able to explore some areas they were not expecting to visit; thanks to their GPS. One such journey led them through an off-road "shortcut" through a forest. Luckily for the team, the road warned them this was not the right path, as they found a golf cart stuck in the mud up ahead. This little moment reminded the team that having the right routes for truck drivers is important, but that challenging routes can be fun too.

"We all agree that visiting America has opened our eyes. It is important (for us) to experience it and pass the information on (to our teams back in the office). The materials from which we use (from various online sources) are a wonderful inspiration, but seeing the traffic on the roads, the complexity of each logistics area, the diversity and depth of the landscape, you have to experience it." Simon tells us.





Trips like this are invaluable to the team, as online imagery can be deceiving, especially when it comes to height and distance. Simon tells us "What we realized is how different... the images we usually use (for references), because these images are often distorted compared to reality. The pictures are often captured with a small focal distance (fish eye) which makes everything smaller and further away, but in reality, it is the opposite, everything seems bigger and closer. That's something we need to relay to our team. And speaking of closer things, we also get pretty close to some bison at one location, so exciting!"

With each stop, the team learned something new about the area they were in. "America surprised us with its uniqueness, and we fell in love with something different in each State". Simon and the team also emphasised the importance of creating balance in each state the team develops.






"I believe every state has its own spirit." Simon tells us "something that is known, that is common everywhere and what defines the whole state. Sometimes it is all about small details, those details created through the history and culture of each state, but you will always feel something is different when you cross the borders". "It is something very important to me, so those who live there will recognize their state and visitors will remember it".

We look forward to sharing how these research trips translate over to our virtual recreation of the states in the future. Until then, we hope you enjoyed this little insight on the process of creating a new State/region, and how our teams gain experience and knowledge of the states. Don't forget to add Nebraska to your Steam wishlist!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2543810/American_Truck_Simulator__Nebraska/

In 2021, the U.S. transportation system moved a daily average of about 53.6 million tons of freight using a variety of different modes including air and sea. Today's blog focuses on one such mode in our upcoming Kansas DLC for American Truck Simulator, which has networks stretching across the states; the Railroad.



Sixteen train lines operate more than 8,000 miles of track in and out of Kansas, and drivers in our upcoming Kansas DLC will have the opportunity to deliver to and from a busy railroad depot in Kansas City. This depot serves as a vital link to haul large volumes of cargo across very long distances. Many of the shipments bound for the railroad usually consist of heavy, large or high quantities of materials, equipment or chemicals.




In some cases, industries may even have a railroad running through or alongside their property as a convenient means to load or offload frequent deliveries. Drivers will need to pay attention however, as these areas can become quite busy with movements both on the road and on the tracks!




In addition to the logistics side of the railroad, truckers in our upcoming Kansas DLC will be able to make deliveries of materials and equipment for the maintenance of the tracks. Keeping the trains rolling is just as important as keeping a truck on the road!



With such a long history of railroads in the state, Kansas is also home to various rail related landmarks, including older steam engines that used to work the tracks, and art murals referencing the early beginnings of the network. So whilst we're out on the road, don't forget about our friends on the highways of the rails, skies and sea as you deliver around Kansas; you'll be sure to cross paths with them along the way.


Want to stay on track with the release of this upcoming DLC? Be sure to add it your Steam Wishlist! We thank you for all your support so far. We look forward to sharing more development news from Kansas in the near future.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2298430/American_Truck_Simulator__Kansas/