American Truck Simulator

American Truck Simulator is a truck driving simulation game developed and published by SCS Software, released in 2016 exclusively for Windows. Building on the formula established in their earlier Euro Truck Simulator series, the game places players in the role of a professional truck driver working across various states in the United States. At launch, it featured a limited selection of states and trucks, but over time, it has expanded significantly through paid DLCs and free updates, adding new regions, licensed vehicles, and gameplay refinements. The game does not have native Mac or Linux support, although some players have run it successfully through compatibility tools such as Proton or Wine.

The game allows players to transport cargo between cities and industries, earning money and experience to expand their trucking business. Starting with basic jobs and limited resources, players can eventually purchase their own trucks, hire AI drivers, and grow their company into a transport empire. The vast open-world environment is carefully modeled to reflect real-world geography, landmarks, and road networks, while still condensing distances for practical gameplay. The realism extends to managing fuel, wear and tear, traffic laws, and even rest breaks, giving players a taste of the long-haul trucking lifestyle without ever leaving their desk.

American Truck Simulator drew much of its inspiration from SCS Software’s success with Euro Truck Simulator 2, but it adapted the concept to an American setting with a unique trucking culture, vehicle regulations, and road systems. The inclusion of officially licensed trucks from major manufacturers, combined with detailed recreations of iconic landscapes such as the Nevada desert, the California coastline, and the Rocky Mountains, helped distinguish it from its European counterpart. The slower, more deliberate pace of the gameplay and the satisfaction of completing deliveries across diverse terrains have earned it a loyal player base.

Gameplay features include a first-person driving view, a range of truck customization options, and a dynamic economy that changes delivery prices based on supply and demand. The map expansions not only add new states but also bring in regional industries and cargo types, ensuring fresh challenges for experienced players. Seasonal events, supported mods, and ongoing developer updates further extend the life of the game, making it a continually evolving platform rather than a static release.

Promotion for American Truck Simulator began with teaser trailers and blog posts from SCS Software, gradually revealing states, trucks, and gameplay systems before release. The developers leveraged their existing Euro Truck Simulator fan community, while also attracting attention from YouTube and Twitch streamers who showcased early gameplay. Its release was met with positive reviews from both critics and players, praising its detailed environments, relaxing gameplay, and strong post-launch support, though some noted the initial map size felt small until more expansions arrived.

Since release, American Truck Simulator has maintained a strong player base thanks to frequent updates, high-quality DLCs, and its thriving modding community. The game’s steady growth and attention to detail have made it one of the most respected simulation titles in its genre, appealing to both dedicated truck sim enthusiasts and casual players seeking a relaxing yet immersive driving experience. SCS Software’s commitment to expanding and refining the game has ensured it remains relevant years after launch, with new content continuing to draw players back onto the virtual highways of America.