American Truck Simulator: Colorado

American Truck Simulator: Colorado is a downloadable content expansion developed and published by SCS Software, adding the US state of Colorado to the game’s growing roster of driveable locations. Released in 2020 for Windows, it expands the base game’s map with a detailed recreation of Colorado’s varied terrain, from the towering Rocky Mountains to the arid plains of the east. The DLC integrates seamlessly with surrounding states, offering new routes, industries, and economic opportunities for players. As with the main game, there is no native Mac or Linux support, and the expansion is tailored specifically for the PC audience.

The DLC’s map design captures Colorado’s dramatic contrasts, with busy cities like Denver and Colorado Springs, smaller communities, and scenic landmarks such as the Million Dollar Highway and the Great Sand Dunes. Players can haul cargo for industries central to the state’s economy, including agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, while navigating roads that test both skill and patience. The developers paid close attention to elevation changes, winding mountain passes, and weather effects, ensuring that the driving experience feels distinct compared to flatter or more open states.

Inspiration for the Colorado expansion came from its status as one of the most visually striking states in the US, combining rugged wilderness with vibrant urban centres. SCS Software conducted extensive research using photographs, satellite imagery, and road data to faithfully reproduce the state’s highways, landmarks, and roadside details. The diversity of terrain, from alpine passes to desert valleys, allows for a wide variety of trucking challenges, offering players a change of pace from the more uniform landscapes of other regions.

Colorado was promoted through developer blog posts, in-progress screenshots, and cinematic trailers highlighting the state’s beauty and key industries. It was also featured prominently in Steam store promotions and supported by community engagement events. Upon release, it received strong reviews from both players and critics, with particular praise for the scenic realism, variety of road layouts, and attention to detail in both urban and rural environments. Some players found the mountainous roads more challenging than other DLC regions, but this was generally seen as a positive addition, providing a fresh and rewarding driving experience.