Creating Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator is a collaborative effort involving many talented teams across SCS Software. While map designers, artists, programmers and more build the driving experience, another team works alongside them to ensure everything functions exactly as intended before players hit the road.

In this Under the Hood blog, we'd like to introduce you to two members of our In-Game QA team, Ivan and David. We asked them about their day to day work, how testing fits into the development process, why quality assurance is about much more than simply playing the game and more!

David - ATS Map QA Lead

"Hey, fellow truckers! My name is David, and I'm 28 years old. I joined SCS as a junior tester when I was just 20, and at the time, I was the youngest employee in the entire company. Today, I'm the QA Lead for ATS map testing. That means I organize and oversee the testing of all ATS map DLCs, communicate with the leads of our map design teams, solve the most complex issues and bugs we encounter, and simply be there for my team whenever they need help. Over the years, I've seen SCS Software grow from a team of around 100 employees into a company of more than 400. When I joined, we were working on the Oregon DLC, and it has been incredible to see how our development and testing processes have evolved and improved alongside our expanding game worlds."

Ivan - World Map Design QA Lead

"Hi everyone! My name is Ivan, and I've been with SCS Software for a little over six years. I started out as a junior tester, but soon after, I took on the responsibility of overseeing map testing for Euro Truck Simulator 2. Today, my role is World Map Design QA Lead, and I manage our entire map testing team, which currently consists of 20 people. Together, we oversee testing for both American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2. While my colleague Davincillo handles the day to day management of ATS, my main focus over the years has remained on ETS2." 

When people hear "game testing" they often imagine that you simply get to play games all day. How different is the reality?

"Map testing is definitely not just playing the game all day. That's a classic myth. While the 'playing' aspect certainly has its place, it really only happens during the final stages of our testing process. The reality is far more methodical. We spend hours, or even days, testing one specific part of the map. We drive through the same stretch of road multiple times, checking completely different things on each pass while using different camera views and debug tools.

Simply playing the game is not enough to be a good tester. There is a specific skill set you need, these include attention to detail, a logical and analytical mindset, a good understanding of game industry standards, and a passion for making games more enjoyable for others. Communication skills are also vital because finding a bug is only half of the job. The other half is making sure the right people understand the issue. Ultimately, a good tester should save developers time. Instead of simply reporting that 'something is wrong,' a proper report explains the issue, how to reproduce it, what causes it, and potentially how it could be fixed."


What does a typical day look like for a QA Lead?

"Every day is a little different, but it generally consists of a mix of meetings, coordination, and oversight. Most of my time is spent assigning work, tracking testing progress, reviewing reported bugs, and regularly syncing with developers. Some days are calm and focused on planning, while others are all about solving unexpected, fast-moving issues. A large part of the job involves working closely with the team, discussing the bugs we find, figuring out the best approach, and deciding together what needs the most urgent attention."

What are some of the main things your teams are looking for when testing the game?

"It heavily depends on the stage of production. In the early stages, we focus mostly on the road network itself, its layout, and ensuring the drive is smooth. A big part of this phase is also checking the functionality of the economy and verifying the placement of game elements such as gas stations, companies, and truck dealers. In the later stages, our focus shifts to the AI's ability to navigate the road network, alongside visual polish, correct signage, and core gameplay. This is also when we examine performance across different areas to identify and fix any problematic frame rate drops.

Broadly speaking, we focus on almost everything related to the map. That includes road layouts and collisions, the job economy, gas station distribution, sleep areas and service locations, the UI map and its icons, direction blockers, road markings, traffic signs, speed limits, traffic lights, navigation and voice guidance, garage cutscenes, AI trajectories, triggers, quality consistency, scene logic, terrain, vegetation, world and country borders, asset collisions, gaps in terrain, floating objects, performance-heavy locations, environmental sounds and more!"


What do you enjoy most about working in QA?

"Being a game tester is a dream job for many people, and in many ways, it really is. There is an incredibly rewarding feeling in knowing that you're the safety net protecting the player's immersion and helping make the game better for everyone. It's deeply satisfying to watch a messy, broken build gradually turn into a polished world that millions of people will enjoy driving through. 

When a new DLC is released and you see players talking about how smooth the roads feel, how great the scenery looks, or how well everything runs, it's a fantastic feeling. You can look at that and think, 'Yeah, my team helped build that.'"

When a new map DLC or major update enters testing, how do you approach such a large project from start to finish?

"The QA process often begins before production even starts. We provide early feedback on concepts to avoid known issues before development kicks off. Once production begins, we use an agile testing approach, working through multiple iterations throughout development rather than waiting until the very end to deliver one massive list of issues.

Our systematic testing process is divided into four iterations and an economy test. The first iteration focuses entirely on road layouts, ensuring roads, turns, and slopes are safely drivable, even with the longest trailers and low-power engines. The economy test then verifies that companies generate jobs correctly and that cities provide a healthy variety of destinations. As development progresses, later iterations shift towards visual quality, gameplay consistency, and overall polish.

To make testing manageable, we divide each project into smaller sections, sometimes resulting in dozens or even hundreds of individual tasks covering specific roads and cities. These are tracked throughout development, allowing us to revisit the same areas at different stages. We use maps, checklists, internal tools, and bug-tracking systems to ensure every square mile is covered, while also encouraging testers to explore freely because unexpected issues are often found where nobody would think to look."


Many players only see the finished product. Roughly how much testing goes into a map expansion, update, or feature before release? Does it differ depending on what needs testing?

"There is a massive amount of testing involved, and it differs greatly depending on the project. Smaller projects, such as special event maps, can be thoroughly tested in just a few days. On the other hand, a huge project like the Nordic Horizons expansion takes thousands of hours of rigorous testing before it is ready for release.

Every single road, city, company, gas station, sleep area, tollgate, and ferry is tested at least four times, with a different tester each time. To give some insight into the scale, our Mantis bug tracker recorded 6,849 reports for the Illinois DLC, while South Dakota has generated 6,318 reports so far. These reports range from tiny holes in the terrain that are almost impossible to notice to major bugs that can cause the game to crash. Every report is assigned a priority and severity level so that the most serious issues are addressed first."


How closely do QA teams work with map designers, programmers, artists, and other departments throughout development?

"We work very closely across departments because testing is integrated throughout the entire development cycle. As map QA, we collaborate most closely with the map design and art teams. While the majority of our day-to-day communication happens through reports in the Mantis bug tracker, we also actively discuss issues through private messages on our internal chat system, and arrange direct meetings whenever an issue is important enough. Our interaction with the programming department is mostly on a need-to-know basis, usually when there is an issue involving erratic AI behaviour or when a brand-new code feature is being implemented directly into the map."

What tools or methods help you track, reproduce, and report issues efficiently?

"We rely on several internal systems that are connected to one another to track individual bugs and the overall progress of a DLC. We use a specialised internal reporting tool that allows a tester to submit a bug directly from the game or the map editor into our central bug-tracking database. Within a few minutes, the report appears and can even be viewed directly inside the map editor itself. This allows map designers to immediately see the exact issue within their active workspace and resolve it much more efficiently, saving a significant amount of time throughout development."


If there's one thing you'd like for people to better understand about QA and the work your teams do, what would it be?

"We'd like players to understand that map testing is a highly skilled, technical job, not simply driving around looking at the scenery or casually stumbling across a floating tree. In reality, a good tester is part detective and part data analyst. If we come across a strange physics bump on a highway or see AI traffic piling up at a roundabout, we don't just report it and move on. We have to understand exactly why it's happening. Translating what is broken on the road into actionable, structured information that our developers can easily understand and fix takes time, patience, and deep knowledge of the game."

What is one aspect of QA work that you think players would be most surprised to learn about?

"Players would probably be surprised by just how much knowledge about the game and real-world infrastructure you need to become a good tester. Our team has to maintain a solid understanding of complex internal game rules, real-world traffic laws, and regional layout standards across different countries. 

It's similar to the difference between someone who owns a truck and knows how to drive it and a mechanic who can remove the entire engine, take it apart piece by piece, and put it back together again. Becoming a highly skilled map tester can take years, and many testers naturally become specialists in certain areas of the game because they spend so much time working with those specific systems behind the scenes."


Have you encountered any particularly memorable, unusual, or funny bugs during your time at SCS Software?

Ivan: "Absolutely. Simulators have incredibly complex physics engines, and when things go wrong, they go wrong hilariously. It never gets old seeing an AI vehicle catapulted straight into space. Sometimes, our map designers also leave creative little surprises or jokes for us to discover during development, although we always make sure they don't make it into the live version of the game.

David: "One memorable moment happened while I was parking at a company prefab. I heard a train horn somewhere in the distance, and the sound kept getting louder until suddenly it was right next to me. The only problem was that there was no train there, and there weren't even any railway tracks nearby. A moment later, something invisible hit my truck and launched it all the way across the company. For a few seconds, I genuinely thought I had discovered a haunted company prefab."

How valuable are bug reports and feedback from the community when helping improve the game?

"Community feedback is extremely valuable to us. While our internal QA process is thorough, there are always issues that slip through, and players help us catch them by spotting details or inconsistencies that we might miss. What makes community feedback especially useful is the context players provide. Many are very familiar with the real-world locations we recreate, so they can quickly point out inaccuracies that would otherwise be difficult for us to notice. They also encounter a huge variety of gameplay situations, which helps surface edge cases that are hard to reproduce internally.

"In many cases, a well written report from the community can save us hours of investigation because players provide screenshots, videos, logs, save files, and clear reproduction steps."


Do you have a message for our community?

"A huge thank you for your support, feedback, and for riding along with us for so many years. It's an amazing feeling to work on a game where the players care just as much about the world as the people who build it. Your dedication pushes everyone at the studio to keep raising the bar with every new state, country, and feature. Safe travels, and we'll see you out on the road!"

We'd like to thank both David and Ivan for taking the time out of their busy days to chat with us about their roles in QA and how the team plays such an integral part in bringing our truck simulator titles to life. We hope you've learned a little more about the work that goes on behind the scenes. If you enjoyed this edition of Under the Hood, be sure to leave them a message in the comments below or on our social media channels. Until next time, keep on truckin'! 

Expanding American Truck Simulator into Canada is much more than just adding new roads and cities. As our teams work on bringing British Columbia, our first Canadian province to ATS, a lot of work is taking place behind the scenes to ensure it feels authentic and recognizable.

From unique architecture and roadside infrastructure to region-specific environmental details, creating a believable Canadian setting requires a lot of effort. To learn more about the process, we spoke with Wety, one of our Map Designer on the British Columbia DLC, who is responsible for coordinating many of the generic assets that will help bring the province to life.

Could you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little about your role on the British Columbia DLC?

"Hi! I'm Wety, and I've been working as a Map Designer on Davido's team for the past five years. I joined SCS as a junior map designer with no previous experience in game development, but with a huge passion for video games. I've loved games ever since I was a kid playing DooM on a 486 PC. 

Alongside building parts of the map itself, many designers also take on additional responsibilities. Some focus on vegetation and biomes, while others specialize in roads and intersections. My area of responsibility is generic assets, which means helping identify, plan, and coordinate the assets that will be used throughout a DLC."


For players who may not be familiar with the term, what exactly are generic assets?

"In game development, assets are essentially everything the game is made from. Buildings, roads, vehicles, trees, sound effects, animations, and much more all fall under that category. Generic assets are assets that can be reused multiple times across different locations. Things like houses, small stores, power lines, trash bins, and countless other environmental details. Their purpose is to reduce development time while still creating a believable world. If every object in the game had to be unique, it would take an incredibly long time to build a map of this scale."


British Columbia is our first Canadian province in American Truck Simulator. From your perspective, what are some of the biggest visual differences between Canada and the United States that players will notice?

"One of the first things that stood out to me is how much the landscape is dominated by mountains. In British Columbia, it often feels like you're constantly surrounded by them. While there are mountainous regions in the United States as well, the areas I worked on previously didn't have quite the same feeling.

The southern part of the province still has some similarities to the American landscapes players may be familiar with, but further north and inland, the scenery becomes distinctly Canadian. Another thing I noticed is how bike-friendly many Canadian communities are. Dedicated bicycle lanes and cycling infrastructure are everywhere, and they quickly become a recognizable part of the environment."

How many new generic assets are being created specifically for British Columbia?

"Players will encounter around 130 new models throughout cities and rural areas, along with roughly 40 additional assets created specifically for depots and ferry terminals. We're also introducing several decorative Canadian-themed brands to help strengthen the province's identity, with around 14 new brands planned alongside numerous smaller advertisements and environmental details."


How does the creation process work, and how do you decide which assets should be made?

"The process starts with our Research Team. They travel through the region and identify things that appear frequently enough to justify creating dedicated assets for them. After that, I review the list together with other map designers and the DLC Lead. At this stage, we already need a fairly good idea of how the map will look so we can prioritize assets that will actually be used. 

We also check whether similar assets already exist from previous DLCs and can be reused. Once we've decided what needs to be created, we prepare documentation for our Asset Team. This includes reference photos, approximate dimensions, colour variations, and other important details. Then our talented 3D artists work their magic. Afterwards, we review the finished assets, provide any necessary feedback, and once everything looks right, they're ready to be placed in the map."

How closely do you work with the Asset Team throughout development?

"Ideally, not too much! That might sound strange, but it usually means everything is progressing smoothly. Once the initial documentation is prepared, the Asset Team generally has everything they need. Of course, questions still come up from time to time. Sometimes they need clarification on a specific detail, and occasionally we realize we've overlooked something and request additional assets later in development. It's very much a collaborative process."


Can you share a few examples of new assets that really help capture the character of British Columbia?

"One of my favourite examples is the Canadian bear-resistant trash bins you'll find throughout the province. They're designed so people can open them easily, but bears cannot. They're a small detail, but they instantly help establish a sense of place. Another great example would be the dry toilets commonly found at rest areas and recreational sites.

They're surprisingly distinctive and appear throughout British Columbia. I also really like some of the new residential houses we've created. Many feature steeply sloped roofs designed to prevent heavy snowfall from accumulating during winter. It's a practical design choice that immediately gives the architecture a distinctly Canadian feel."


You had the opportunity to visit British Columbia for research. What were some of your biggest takeaways from seeing the province in person?

"What impressed me most was how much nature dictates everything. In many parts of the United States, towns and roads can spread across relatively flat terrain, making straight roads and grid-like layouts common. British Columbia is very different. Roads often follow rivers, valleys, and mountain passes because that's simply where the terrain allows them to exist. As a result, roads constantly rise, fall, twist, and turn. It creates some incredible scenery, but it also makes recreating the region much more challenging from a map-building perspective."


Were there any locations, towns, or details that immediately stood out to you?

"My favourite place we visited was Whistler. Many people know it as the mountain resort that hosted events during the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, but it's also simply a beautiful place surrounded by spectacular mountains and forests. The entire area has a unique atmosphere, and it's easy to see why it's such a popular destination. It was memorable for another reason too, I ended up buying a hat there after accidentally sunburning my bald head while we were in Vancouver!"

How important is real-world research when creating assets and making a region feel authentic?

"It gives you perspective. A lot of details that you see in photos or videos don't seem significant at first. But then you're there, trying to get rid of some trash, and you find one of these anti-bear trash bins that resists your attempts to open it. Then you realize why, and it all makes sense. Suddenly, you know those big boys are in the forests around you."

Or you have to almost get hit and yelled at by a cyclist on a sidewalk to realise that those lines are for bicycles, and that people take them there seriously. And all those mountains you can see in pictures? In real life, they're way bigger than you can even imagine.


When players first hit the road in British Columbia, what details should they keep an eye out for?

"Beyond the obvious road-related additions such as new crash barriers, reflective posts, and road markings, players should pay attention to the architecture and agricultural areas. You'll encounter new apartment buildings and residential neighbourhoods inspired by the suburbs surrounding Vancouver, as well as large fruit farms complete with distinctive farmhouses and hacienda-style buildings. 

Players may also spot wind machines used to protect crops from freezing temperatures, a detail commonly found in orchard regions. Another familiar sight making a return with a new look are the towering grain elevators that stand as landmarks across the landscape. One of these will be located very close to the border and should be easy to spot during your travels. And of course, don't forget to watch for the large 'Welcome to British Columbia' signs when entering the province." 

Finally, what are you most excited for players to experience when they explore British Columbia for the first time?

"More than anything, I hope players enjoy it. We can spend countless hours researching, building, and refining every detail, but ultimately what matters most is whether players have fun driving through the world we've created. So I simply hope everyone has a great time truckin' through British Columbia."


We'd like to thank Wety for taking the time to share the work that goes into creating the assets that help define a region's identity. We hope you've enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at the process and perhaps learned a thing or two along the way! If you'd like to see more articles like this, be sure to leave a comment and let us know what other topics you'd like us to explore.

We look forward to sharing more from the British Columbia DLC in the future. If you're excited for this new region, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist! Until then, keep on truckin'!

Excited to get delivering in South Dakota? Then this blog is for you! Today, we're happy to share more of the custom depots you'll deliver to and from in our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. From busy agricultural industries to a large scrapyard, let's take a closer look at what our teams have been busy creating!

Unlike standard prefabs, these depots have been carefully assembled by our map designers using a variety of assets, giving each one a distinct look and feel. Many of them are based on real-world locations, which perhaps some of you might recognise if you live locally or visit South Dakota often.


Agriculture plays a major role in South Dakota’s economy, and players will find plenty of job contract opportunities from a range of farming industries across the state. One such location can be found near the city of Aberdeen, where you'll discover a large farm facility featuring numerous silos used for storing crops and seeds before they are shipped further afield. Set amongst the vast prairies and open spaces that define much of South Dakota's landscape, drivers will be treated to panoramic views and seemingly endless horizons as they travel between jobs. This is just one of the many farms that make up South Dakota’s number one industry. 


The agriculture industry covers much more than just seeds and crops, however, and nearby the city of Mitchell, players will discover a custom farm livestock depot inspired by a real-life facility. You'll be sure to spot plenty of livestock roaming the nearby fields, as South Dakota famously has the highest cattle to people ratio in the U.S., with approximately 4 times as many cattle as people living in the state!


For those who enjoy heavy industry and rugged terrain, the Spearfish area will feature a large quarry-inspired depot nestled within the scenic Black Hills region. Hauling materials in and out of this site will require careful driving through winding roads and rough terrain, all while surrounded by impressive rocky landscapes and industrial machinery.


In the city of Lead, you’ll find the largest open pit in South Dakota. It is a closed gold mine and a clear visual dominant of the city. In the mine's underground, 4,850 feet deep, we can find a unique research laboratory. It is the deepest underground laboratory in the United States and it houses experiments connected to dark matter and neutrinos, which need to be conducted far below the Earth’s surface, shielded from cosmic radiation. This research facility also serves as an inspiration for one of our locations in the South Dakota DLC. Our players will be able to explore a part of the facility and experience the atmosphere of a place like this for themselves 


Nearby Aberdeen, players will also come across a large scrapyard depot inspired by a real-life agricultural salvage facility. Spanning a huge area filled with rows of machinery, stacked equipment, scrap piles, containers, and industrial vehicles, this custom depot is based on a well known scrapyard business where people travel from across the region in search of spare parts, equipment, and older vehicles.


Grain transportation remains a key part of South Dakota’s economy, and nearby Mitchell, players can deliver to and from a large grain elevator situated amidst the surrounding countryside. Surrounded by open fields, this agricultural landmark captures the scenic character of South Dakota’s farming regions. Standing tall above the prairie, grain elevators like this serve as important hubs for storing and transporting crops throughout the Midwest, and are a familiar sight for truckers travelling America's backroads and highways alike. 


We look forward to sharing even more from this upcoming DLC for American Truck Simulator in the future, right here on our blog. If you're excited to be haulin' in the Mount Rushmore State, be sure to add South Dakota to your Steam Wishlist, your support means a lot to us. Until next time, happy haulin’!

Today, we’re excited to share a preview of an upcoming update for owners of the Volvo FH Series 6 arriving in Euro Truck Simulator 2 as part of the upcoming 1.60 update. Let's take a closer look at what's in store! 

Players will soon be able to customize their Volvo FH Series 6 with a selection of several new aerodynamic parts. Included in this upcoming update are the newly designed aerodynamic roof deflectors available for the Sleeper Cab, Globetrotter, and Globetrotter XL cab variants. These updated components help create a smoother and more refined roof profile, blending seamlessly into the truck’s overall design.


Alongside these additions, all Aero cabin variants will also have the option to add new distinctive black aerodynamic A-Pillar trim, as featured on the newest generation of Volvo FH truck. These new additions reflect Volvo Trucks ongoing efforts to improve aerodynamic efficiency and optimise airflow around the cab to help enhance energy efficiency and overall vehicle performance.


Some of the aerodynamic developments seen on the real-world truck are even influenced by technologies and concepts used within the aerospace industry!


Our vehicle team has worked carefully to recreate these new parts in detail for this upcoming update, and we hope you enjoy the previews of what you see here. Whether you prefer building a clean factory-spec truck or customizing your rig for long-haul journeys across Europe, these new aero-part accessories will offer even more options for personalising your truck and fleet.

We’d like to extend our sincerest thanks to our good friends at Volvo Trucks for their support and collaboration in allowing us to bring these new additions for our players to explore and enjoy.

We look forward to sharing more news about the upcoming 1.60 update for Euro Truck Simulator 2. Until then, be sure to follow us on our social media channels (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, YouTube) or subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss a single update! 

Since the release of the Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator, we’ve loved seeing all of your screenshots, videos, reviews, and trucking adventures from across the Prairie State. Watching you explore everything Illinois has to offer has been incredibly rewarding for our team, which is why we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of our favourite community content, as shared by you!

For those of you who may not have had the chance to hit the road in Illinois just yet, we wanted to highlight a few YouTube videos we enjoyed, to give you a glimpse of what awaits in this newest map expansion for ATS. We hope these inspire you to start your own journey through the Land of Lincoln! A big shoutout to everyone featured below, be sure to give them a subscribe and a like!







We’ve also been seeing plenty of amazing screenshots and videos shared across social media on X, BlueSky, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more. Thank you to everyone who has tagged us, shared their adventures, and shown off their favourite areas of Illinois. Our teams genuinely enjoy scrolling through your photos and seeing your unique trucking setups and routes. Here are just a few that we liked!

We also want to thank everyone who has taken the time to leave reviews and feedback on Steam. Reading your comments and impressions means a lot to our developers, map designers, artists, and the entire team behind American Truck Simulator. Your support, suggestions, and enthusiasm continue to help shape the future of the game and motivate us every day. 


If you’ve been enjoying your time in Illinois, we’d really appreciate it if you considered leaving a review on the Illinois DLC Steam page. If you want to, you can still write a review for the Illinois DLC on its Steam page. We would really appreciate it! You can find the review section if you scroll to the bottom of the Illinois Steam page.

We have also reached out to a few content creators who got the opportunity to try out this DLC in early access to give us their opinion on the Illinois map expansion. It's safe to say they enjoyed it too! We also recommend checking out their channels for more content!

BadMae

We’re excited to partner with Western Star Trucks and head back to Bend, Oregon, from June 5th to 8th for the unforgettable Star Nation Experience 2026! Joining us for this incredible all-expenses-paid adventure will be two lucky members of the American Truck Simulator community, who will get the chance to experience the event alongside the Star Nation community and the Western Star team. Ready to meet them?

Hosted by Western Star Trucks, the Star Nation Experience is a one-of-a-kind four day adventure taking place from June 5th to 8th, 2026, packed with unforgettable experiences including world-class dining, whitewater rafting, the X-Series Ride & Drive Challenge at the Madras Proving Grounds, and more. Earlier this week, Western Star revealed the lucky winners selected from both their own community and ours, who have been chosen to join the experience.



We’re also excited to once again be part of this incredible event and capture the journey for a special SCS On The Road episode! So without further ado, let’s meet the two members from our ATS community heading to Star Nation Experience 2026!

Nathan

Nathan is an avid American Truck Simulator player, and full-time Crane Operator and part-time truck driver for a local contractor! His first experience getting behind the wheel of a full sized truck was a 1997 Western Star 4900SF with a CAT C15, and ever since he's been hooked! His passion for trucks and love for Western Star since he was young was what drew him to becoming an avid player of ATS, where he also loves hitting the virtual road with the Western Star 49X!

"My local contractor is also a massive Western Star fan! He has a fleet of older Western Stars and a newer 2019 4900SF that I drive pulling a float, my love of trucks follow me home, with various walls of my home being decorated with die-cast trucks."

Conor

Looking for a mix of nature, history, and relaxation all in one spot? Hot Springs, South Dakota, is calling your name! Located at the southern end of the beautiful Black Hills, this historic town is one of the many destinations you’ll discover in our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. Scroll on down to take a closer look at our recreation of this unique getaway destination!

Known for its naturally warm mineral waters, historic architecture, and outdoor activities, this charming town offers drivers a relaxing yet memorable stop on their journey through the Mount Rushmore State. Our team has been busy at work recreating its virtual counterpart in this upcoming DLC, including several landmarks.


However, the warm water isn’t the only thing producing steam in Hot Springs! The town also holds a unique place in railroad history, once home to what was considered the world’s smallest Union Station. Built in 1891 from locally quarried pink sandstone, this tiny depot became an iconic landmark of the region. While passenger trains no longer run directly into town, the railway heritage of Hot Springs still lives on today, and you’ll even find a representation of it in-game! The beautifully preserved building now serves as the local visitor information center.


Speaking of history, this next landmark goes back a little further.. way further! Hot Springs is home to a Mammoth Site, an active paleontological dig site and museum where the remains of 61 mammoths have been discovered, including Columbian and woolly mammoths. Since the first bones were uncovered in 1974, the site has become one of South Dakota’s most fascinating attractions, featuring an extensive collection of prehistoric remains.


If you’re looking to learn even more about the local area, be sure to take a look at the Pioneer Museum. Originally built in 1893 as a schoolhouse, it later became a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Hot Springs and the surrounding Black Hills region, featuring exhibits on pioneer life, Native American artifacts, and early settlers.


The town’s historic charm is reflected in its distinctive Neo-Romanesque architecture, a style rarely seen in many parts of the United States. Several buildings around Hot Springs almost resemble small castles, giving the downtown area a unique look.


Drivers passing through town can also spot the picturesque Hot Springs Waterfall, located right in the heart of downtown. Nearby, you’ll find shops, restaurants, walking trails, parks, and the Kidney Springs Gazebo. Other local landmarks include the historic public library, the Evans building, the old wooden 1888 jail, and numerous art murals!


We think you’ll enjoy the laid back charm of Hot Springs, but don’t stay too long, there’s still plenty more to discover across South Dakota! If you’re excited to hit the road in this upcoming map expansion for American Truck Simulator, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist using the widget below. 

We look forward to sharing more development previews here on our blog and across our social media channels on X, Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky, where you can also catch exclusive video content. Until next time, keep on truckin’!

Today, we’re happy to share a closer look at Stonehenge, one of Britain’s most iconic and mysterious landmarks, which will be featured in our UK Rework for Euro Truck Simulator 2. This prehistoric circular megalithic stone structure has stood watch over the rolling countryside for thousands of years, and continues to captivate visitors from around the world with its scale, history, and mystery.

Believed to date back over 5000 years, Stonehenge remains one of the greatest mysteries of the ancient world. Was it a ceremonial site or perhaps even an astronomical calendar aligned with the movements of the sun? While historians continue to debate its true purpose, one thing is certain, it has become a symbol of Britain’s history. 


This landmark has been carefully recreated by our talented teams as part of our UK Rework project, and drivers passing by in the future will be able to catch a memorable glimpse of these ancient standing stones. However, if you wish to take a quick break and perhaps enjoy the view a little longer, you can! 


Nearby, you’ll also find the modern visitor centre, which welcomes thousands of tourists each year. Built in 2013, this visitor centre houses permanent and temporary exhibitions, including nearly 300 archaeological treasures found buried at the site, from jewellery to pottery to human remains. Complete with a dedicated parking area for buses, there is plenty of room for visitors to stop and learn more! 

Set within the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, the area surrounding Stonehenge offers a peaceful glimpse into rural southern England. As you drive through this area, you may notice smaller mounds dotted across the landscape. These are not simply natural features, but Neolithic burial mounds, constructed thousands of years ago. They serve as subtle reminders of the deep history that has shaped this region over time.


We're excited to share more previews and features from the UK Rework, which will arrive as a free update for all owners of Euro Truck Simulator 2 in the future. Be sure to let us know in the comments what UK landmarks you'd love to see! Keep on truckin', cheerio! 

How well do you know Éire? Our team is hard at work creating the Isle of Ireland for Euro Truck Simulator 2, and we’ve got some early work in progress screenshots to share with you!

We know our community has a sharp eye, so we’re putting you to the test to guess where in Ireland these screenshots were taken. They are based on real life locations being recreated in detail for this DLC, so if you know the area, or have some geo-guessing skills, you might just recognise where each one is from.


We’d love to hear your guesses, so be sure to share them in the blog comments below, on our social media channels, or even on our official forum. 


Development on the Isle of Ireland DLC is still ongoing, but we hope this glimpse gives you a sense of the beauty and history that awaits you. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the latest development news and previews, and if you like what you’ve seen here today, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist to be notified of its release. Until next time, keep on truckin'! 

So whether you're taking on Special Transport routes or hauling cargo through the busy streets of Chicago, we truly hope you enjoy all that the Illinois DLC has to offer in American Truck Simulator when it releases on May 14th! If you like what you see, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist, and until next time, keep on truckin'!

Truckers, start your engines and get ready to roll through The Prairie State! From the towering skyline of Chicago to the highways that carry freight across the Midwest and beyond, we’re excited to announce that the..

Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator 
will be released on May 14th 2026

We’re just as excited as you are! To keep the wheels turning, we’ve released the official Illinois DLC trailer on our YouTube channel. Put together by our talented video team, it offers a glimpse into the diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, industries and cities waiting for you on the road. Be sure to check it out, and if you enjoy it, drop a like and let us know what you think!

As we approach the release, our teams are putting the final touches on Illinois to ensure everything is ready for the journey ahead. We can’t wait to see you hit the road for the very first time! From navigating the busy streets of Chicago, with its skyscrapers and intricate road network, to cruising through the state’s vast agricultural heartlands, Illinois offers a rich and varied trucking experience. 

Along the way, you’ll encounter detailed landmarks, unique infrastructure, and locations inspired by real-world industries, all carefully crafted by our teams to bring an authentic and immersive trucking experience to every mile of the journey. We think you'll love what they've been able to bring to this DLC!


With the release of Illinois, we’re also proud to mark a major milestone in American Truck Simulator, as the iconic Route 66 is now fully driveable across the map. From its western beginnings all the way to its eastern reaches, drivers can experience this legendary highway in its entirety, taking in the sights, history, and atmosphere that have made it a symbol of the open road.


Ready to roll through Illinois? Don’t forget to add the Illinois DLC to your Steam Wishlist to be notified as soon as it goes live. Your support truly means a lot to us and helps drive our future projects forward. We look forward to welcoming you to the roads of Illinois with you very soon. Until then, keep on truckin’!

We’ve kept the engine running, because today we’re excited to share a second gameplay preview from our upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator! Ready to hit the road?

On this trip, we’re taking on a job contract that takes us through the bustling streets of Chicago. We start our journey at a construction site in the heart of the city, near the Roosevelt Bridge, where we’ll make our way through downtown. Be sure to look out for landmarks such as Buckingham Fountain and for stunning skyline views of the city!

From there, we head south on Interstate 57, where we'll travel towards the picturesque landscapes of southern Illinois, with our final destination being a scenic marina near the city of Marion, located along the shores of Lake Rend. Fancy tagging along for the ride? If so, join us as a co-driver by watching the video below! 



We hope you enjoyed this gameplay preview of Illinois and the trucking opportunities it will bring to American Truck Simulator! If you like what you've seen, be sure to add the Illinois DLC to your Steam Wishlist. Not only does it support our work, but it also ensures you'll be notified as soon as the DLC is released. Thank you all for your kind comments and support so far, we can't wait to see you out on the roads of The Prairie State. 

We’re excited to continue our journey across South Dakota, highlighting even more of the cities coming with this DLC for American Truck Simulator. Each one has its own unique history and charm, which has been captured and recreated by our talented teams. Ready to check them out? Let’s get rolling!

Aberdeen 

Located in northeastern South Dakota, Aberdeen serves as an important hub for agriculture and industry, and also acts as a key gateway for drivers heading towards North Dakota. Known as the “Hub City,” it plays a vital role in connecting surrounding rural communities.


In-game, drivers will find a variety of industries to explore, including a large farm, a sizeable farm equipment scrapyard, and a soybean processing facility, reflecting the steady flow of agricultural freight that defines trucking across this part of the state. The city also features several notable buildings and landmarks such as the White House Inn, Aldersgate Church, and the Brown County Offices. There's plenty for you to explore here on your travels. Oh, and be sure to stop by the local truck stop before continuing your haul!

Watertown

Surrounded by farmland and home to a range of industrial businesses, Watertown offers a unique blend of rural charm and economic activity. The city sits near the notable glacial Pelican Lake, a popular destination for outdoor activities and a natural getaway shaped by melting glaciers over 20,000 years ago.


Watertown is also known as the home of one of the most well-known American artists of wildlife and rural nostalgia, Terry Redlin, with an Art Centre named after him located in the city, which we've included in our recreation. Drivers will also be able to deliver to and from a range of industries in Watertown, including an ethanol plant, trailer manufacturing facility, and residential development depots. 


Whilst driving through Watertown, you may notice the city’s unique layout, which reflects its early origins. Diagonal streets form the original town centre, which were aligned with the railway that once ran through it, allowing for easier access when transporting goods. As the city grew beyond its initial footprint, development gradually shifted to a more traditional straight grid pattern, creating the distinct mix of layouts you can see today.

Brookings

Home to South Dakota State University, Brookings is a lively city with plenty to discover. One of its most recognisable sights is the Coughlin Campanile, a 165-foot-tall chimes tower completed in 1929, which stands proudly on the university campus. It was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.


Elsewhere in the city, you’ll find Veterans Memorial Park, a multi-war memorial that honours all veterans, past, present, and future. Its design features a centralised star symbol representing the five branches of the armed forces.


Drivers passing through Brookings will also come across Pioneer Park, a popular local spot that hosts community events throughout the year. Looking for work? Brookings offers a wide range of job opportunities, including a custom farm depot and a furniture manufacturing facility, alongside several other industries that supports the local economy. 

Yankton

Situated along the Missouri River, Yankton is a city deeply connected to the water, often earning it the nickname “River City”. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Meridian Bridge, completed in 1924. This historic double-deck, vertical-lift structure was the first permanent crossing over the Missouri River in the Yankton area and played a vital role in connecting the region, including early freight routes moving goods across state lines.


Originally built to carry traffic between South Dakota and Nebraska, the bridge remained in use for over 80 years before being replaced in 2008. Today, it has been preserved as a pedestrian and bicycle crossing, allowing visitors to experience this impressive piece of engineering up close. It still stands as a defining landmark of Yankton, reflecting both the city’s history and its strong connection to the river.


In Yankton itself, drivers can also pass by the Veterans Memorial and a local church. Many visitors are drawn to nearby Lewis and Clark Lake, one of the most popular recreation areas in the South Dakota state park system. Here, drivers will have the opportunity to complete deliveries to a local depot, all whilst taking in the sights and sounds of the city. 

Mitchell 

Located along Interstate 90 between Sioux Falls and Pierre, you'll find Mitchell, best known for one of South Dakota’s unique attractions, the famous Corn Palace! Decorated with elaborate murals made entirely from corn and other grains, it draws visitors from across the country and stands as a true local icon. It's kinda corny, but we had to include it! 


In addition to this landmark, Mitchell features a variety of industries for drivers to deliver to and from, including a grain elevator, farm depot, trailer production facility, and building materials factory. You’ll also find an oil and natural gas site nearby, along with a spacious truck stop, a familiar sight for long-haul drivers travelling along I-90.


Our team has done their best to squeeze in as much detail as possible into these smaller cities, within the scale of ATS. Finding the right balance is always a challenge, but we think they’ve done a great job bringing these South Dakota cities to life. Let us know what you think in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!

If you enjoyed today’s look at the cities of South Dakota, be sure to add this upcoming DLC to your Steam Wishlist. Your support means a lot to us and helps drive our future releases. We look forward to sharing more development news and previews in the near future. Until next time, happy haulin’! 

Today, we’re excited to share a closer look at another key part of our upcoming Coaches DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2. While stepping behind the wheel of a coach introduces a brand-new way to experience the road, an equally important part of this new gameplay lies in where your journey begins and ends; the coach stations and stops themselves.

When development on Project Coaches began, there were already quite a few bus station prefabs placed across the ETS2 map. Many of you may have already spotted these throughout the map long before our official announcement of Coaches. While they served well as scenic placeholders, they were not really designed with our Coaches DLC in mind. As a result, a significant part of the Coaches development has focused on reworking these older assets, refreshing their layouts, and in many cases rebuilding them from the ground up so they better reflect real-world locations and integrate more naturally into their surroundings.

At the same time, expanding coverage across the map became a key priority. We spoke with Dominik, Producer of Project Coaches, to learn more. "From the very beginning, we faced a significant challenge, expanding the network of bus stations and stops across all of Europe. In some existing DLCs, these locations were scarce or missing entirely. Our primary goal was to cover key cities to ensure players can take on bus jobs even if they own a DLC that is currently disconnected from the rest of the road network. Following that, we focused on covering as many capital cities as possible while identifying new spots where we could realistically fit bus infrastructure into the map."


Of course, integrating these new locations into an already established world is far from straightforward. Many of our map expansions, such as Italia, Road to the Black Sea and Beyond the Baltic Sea were originally built without the Coaches' gameplay in mind. This means that adding new stations required revisiting existing cities and carefully adapting them to fit new infrastructure.

One of our map designers shares, "Most bus terminals require varying degrees of intervention into the existing map. Creating a brand-new station from scratch is a relatively straightforward process, essentially standard map development. However, adding new areas to locations where they weren't originally planned presents a unique set of challenges, especially in parts of the map that are nearly a decade old. In those cases, we must carefully use older assets and techniques to ensure the new additions don't feel out of place."


Even in our newer map expansions, space is often limited, especially in dense urban environments. "It is quite a puzzle to integrate two hundred meters of road and a large bus terminal into a space where, originally, there was only room for half of that. It’s a constant balancing act between our vision and the technical reality of the existing map."

In some cases, this has even led to cities being expanded to include parts of their town centres, allowing for more authentic placement of coach stations. Additionally, map designers who have been working on specific DLCs have been implementing their own stations, with the Coach Team stepping in to provide technical support and ensure that all necessary gameplay functionality is properly implemented.


"It’s been great to be part of the Coaches development team as a tester and to have the opportunity to see all of these newly created locations come to life." Simon B from our QA team adds "The asset and map designers have really outdone themselves on this project, creating vibrant bus stations and once again bringing a large portion of the real world closer through stunning landmarks and scenery.

That said, with so much work to do, there are always some remaining issues or imperfections that can go unnoticed with each new bus station, which is where I come in. Whether it’s a smaller detail or a larger issue, and whether the fix is quick or more involved, everything is resolved smoothly and efficiently thanks to the proactivity of the wider team. I’m excited to continue helping ensure these bus stations are in top condition, and I can’t wait to see the final result of all our work."


With the Coaches DLC, we’re not just introducing a new vehicle type, but so much more! From reworked legacy prefabs to newly built landmark stations and expanded city areas, we want to ensure that players can enjoy this upcoming addition across our already established Euro Truck Simulator 2 map. 


Excited for the Coaches DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2? Be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist! It really helps support our future releases and ensures you’ll be notified when it launches. In the meantime, follow us on our official social media channels to stay up to date with the latest development news. Until next time, see you on the road!

We’re back with another episode of SCS On The Road! This time, we’re taking you to the Netherlands, where we visited DAF Trucks in the city of Eindhoven. During our trip, we had the opportunity to explore their facilities, gather valuable reference materials, and get up close with the DAF XF Electric.

Join Nemiro, Oscar, Filipkoo, and George, members of our SCS Software team, as they meet with Tim Gerth, Sales Information Manager at DAF Trucks NV. In this episode, we will take you behind the scenes of how we recorded authentic sounds and captured detailed photographic references for the DAF XF Electric. 

We also had the opportunity to gather video and photo references of the DAF Eindhoven campus, which we’ve recreated in Euro Truck Simulator 2, and that players will get to explore as part of our Benelux Rework update. You can read more about that here! 



We'd like to give a massive thank you to our friends at DAF Trucks, and to everyone who made our visit possible, for allowing us to visit their Eindhoven facility, get up close with the DAF XF Electric, and ultimately bring both of these into Euro Truck Simulator 2. We'd also like to give a special thanks to Tim Gerth, who we met during our visit and who we've had the opportunity to interview in a previous SCS On The Road episode, which you can find here. We highly recommend taking a watch! 

Make sure to stay connected with all the latest news and upcoming episodes by following us on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, TikTok, and YouTube, or by subscribing to our newsletter. We look forwarding to bringing you more SCS On The Road episodes in the future, and until next time, keep on truckin'! 

Today, we’re incredibly excited to share a truly special milestone for American Truck Simulator, one that celebrates not only our journey, but the legacy of one of the most iconic roads in the world.

Route 66 is a legendary highway in the United States, stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California, crossing eight states along the way. First established in 1926, it became one of America's first continuous highways, playing a major role in U.S. culture and history. 

In 2026, Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, and to mark this milestone, a wide range of events and initiatives are being organised to honour its legacy. As part of these celebrations, the Route 66 Centennial Commission has brought together official projects that help preserve, showcase, and share the story of this legendary road with the world.

We are incredibly proud to share that American Truck Simulator has been recognised as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project. This prestigious designation, approved by the United States government and Congress, places our work alongside a range of initiatives honouring the legacy of Route 66 as it reaches its 100-year milestone. 

We put together a short video showcasing some of the iconic locations you can find along this historic highway in American Truck Simulator, check it out below!

So, what does this mean? The Route 66 Centennial Project highlights a variety of efforts from around the world that help share the story of this historic highway. These include preservation work, cultural programmes, and modern digital experiences like ours. "SCS Software’s Route 66 recreation in their American Truck Simulator video game offers an unprecedented way to experience the history, culture, and beauty of America’s most iconic highway," said Bill Thomas, Commissioner for the Route 66 Centennial Commission. "This digital re-creation not only celebrates the centennial milestone but also honours the people and communities that have kept Route 66 alive for generations." 

We are truly honoured that American Truck Simulator has been included in this initiative. Since the release of ATS in 2016, our team has been carefully building the game world state by state, always aiming to recreate real locations with authenticity and care. One of our long-term goals has been to bring Route 66 to life in a way that players everywhere can experience and enjoy.

Few cars have shaped American roads and culture quite like the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback. Today, we’re excited to take a closer look at this iconic American muscle car, and one of the vehicles that you’ll be able to get behind the wheel of in our upcoming Road Trip module with the Ford Car Pack DLC.

The 1967 Mustang Fastback marked a defining moment for the brand, introducing a more aggressive design, wider stance and a more powerful engine. This evolution shaped its reputation as a true performance machine, combining everyday drivability with power. Its versatility, iconic fastback silhouette, and muscular proportions make perfect fit for the open road. 


Our team has worked hard to bring the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback to life in American Truck Simulator, with a strong focus on period accuracy and heritage. From its unmistakable exterior design to the finer details that define its character, every effort has been made to faithfully recreate this classic vehicle.
Players can look forward to a selection of factory-inspired exterior colours, including Lime Gold, Acapulco Blue, Dark Moss Green, Silver Frost, Burgundy, Candy Apple Red, and many more!

On the inside, you’ll have the choice to select from a range of authentic interior trims, including Black, Red, Saddle, Parchment, Ivy Gold, and Dark & Light Aqua, paired with classic seating options such as luxury bucket seats or ComfortWeave insert seats. All in a Deluxe interior variant which features brushed aluminium accents. 


Please note: the 1967 Ford Mustang GT Fastback is still a work in progress. While both the exterior and interior models are actively being refined, some elements continue to be fine-tuned.


We’re incredibly thankful to the team at Ford for helping us source a classic Mustang during our visit to the USA, and to Toman Motors s.r.o. for providing us access to their Mustang for detailed reference materials. We'd also like to give a shoutout to our good friends at Veteráni na Truc for allowing us to record authentic Mustang engine sounds. Their support has been invaluable in helping us recreate this American legend.


We look forward to sharing more updates on the Road Trip Module, and what more is to come. Until then, be sure to add the Ford Car Pack to your Steam Wishlist. We thank you all for your support and look forward to seeing you out on the road! 

Welcome to East St. Louis! Today, we’re taking a closer look at this historic city, which will be featured in our upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator. We hope you enjoy this preview of the industrial hub that our teams have recreated in detail.

East St. Louis sits on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, directly across from St. Louis, Missouri. As part of the wider metro area, the city has long played a key role in transport and heavy industry. Its location along the river helps support a dense network of freight routes, rail lines, and industrial sites that serve the region.


Drivers travelling through East St. Louis will see clear views across the Mississippi River toward the St. Louis skyline. Players will recognise several landmarks on the other side, including the world-famous Gateway Arch and parts of downtown St. Louis.


Industry defines much of East St. Louis, which serves as a major hub for metal production and heavy industry. Drivers will be able to deliver cargo to a large steel facility, along with other sites tied to manufacturing and construction materials. A nearby refinery and several chemical plants add to the mix, creating steady demand for tanker and heavy haul jobs.


Agriculture also feeds into the region’s supply chain. Several grain mills and storage sites connect local farming output to national transport routes, giving drivers additional freight options across the area.


Rail transport remains a major part of the city’s identity. At the turn of the 20th century, East St. Louis was one of the busiest rail hubs in the United States, and that legacy still shows today. Players will pass large rail yards, intermodal terminals, and railway depots where cargo moves between trains and trucks.


While travelling through the metro area, players may also notice the black-and-blue trams that run through the wider St. Louis region. These light rail vehicles link communities on both sides of the Mississippi River.


Whether you're hauling steel, chemicals, grain, or containers, East St. Louis offers plenty of freight opportunities in this working industrial hub along one of America’s most important waterways.


We hope you enjoyed this look at East St. Louis. We look forward to sharing more from the upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator soon. If you like what you see, be sure to add Illinois to your Steam Wishlist. You can also follow our social media channels for the latest development news, screenshots, and previews. Until next time, keep on truckin’

Amsterdam, best known for its iconic canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cycling culture, is one of the Netherlands’ most recognisable and visited cities. Today, we’re excited to share a closer look at the work of our talented Benelux Rework team, as they bring this famous destination up to modern DLC standards with improved detail, updated road networks, and refreshed landmarks. Let's take a closer look!

Dating back to the 12th century as a small fishing settlement on the Amstel River, Amsterdam grew into one of the most important trading hubs of the world during the Dutch Golden Age. Its famous canal ring, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed in the 17th century and remains one of the city’s defining features. Today, Amsterdam is a modern European capital, blending historic charm with contemporary infrastructure, something our team aimed to reflect throughout this rework.

So what work has taken place? Amsterdam has been completely rebuilt from the ground up! Recreating such a dense and iconic destination was no small task, especially within the limits of the game’s scale. Through careful decisions, the team were able to preserve Amsterdam’s unique character and looks. We think they have done an excellent job! Wouldn't you agree?


One of the more unique challenges the team encountered was surrounding part of the A10 Zuid ring road, located south of Amsterdam. In real life, this section is currently being moved into an underground tunnel as part of an ongoing infrastructure project. However, during our research trip at the beginning of the Benelux rework, the highway was still above ground. This led to an important decision, whether to recreate the real-world layout as we experienced it, or attempt to represent a future version that is not yet complete. 

After careful consideration, we chose to keep the highway above ground. This allowed us to work with real-world references while also creating a unique driving experience. It gives players the opportunity to travel through one of the few places in Europe where highways pass beneath towering skyscrapers, offering a memorable and visually striking perspective of the city.

As with most reworks, rebuilding the city from the ground up gave the team the opportunity to introduce new landmarks and bring older ones up to date with our newer modelling standards. Whilst it won't be possible to travel through the historic inner city itself, the team has carefully selected locations and viewpoints that we believe best represent Amsterdam.


We would also like to give a special thanks to our asset team, whose work on the city’s landmarks and architecture has played a huge role in bringing Amsterdam to life. Their attention to detail helps make each location feel authentic and memorable. We can't wait for you to explore it all for yourself! 

IJmuiden Ferry

Not far from Amsterdam lies the coastal town of IJmuiden, home to an important ferry connection between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. As part of the Benelux rework, this location has also been revisited and refreshed.

While IJmuiden was already present in the original map as a landmark ferry location, it has now been updated to better match the quality and detail of the surrounding reworked areas. Although the scale of changes here is not as extensive as what you'll find in Amsterdam, you'll still certainly notice some big changes!

The ferry terminal continues to serve as a key gateway for drivers travelling between mainland Europe and the UK, offering an important connection for long-distance routes. Its updated design aims to provide a more immersive experience while maintaining its recognisable identity. We hope this connection will be used a lot more often with the arrival of the UK rework in the future! 


Interestingly, this location became a personal favourite for one of two map designers who worked on it, thanks to its unique atmosphere and role within the wider transport network.


We look forward to sharing more news on the Benelux Rework, which will arrive as a free update for all Euro Truck Simulator 2 owners in the future. Until then, be sure to follow us on our official social media channels so you can stay up to date with the latest news, even whilst on the move. Until next time, keep on truckin’.

Halló og velkomin til Keflavík! In today’s blog, we’ll be taking a closer look at this beautiful and historic town, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which you’ll be able to explore and deliver to in our upcoming Iceland DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2. Ready to see more? Let's hit the road! 

For millions of travellers each year, Keflavík marks both the beginning and end of their journey in Iceland. The town is home to the Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport, the country’s main international hub, located just outside the town. We made sure to include this key location as an industry, as it also handles a large share of the island’s cargo. Drivers headed for the airport, will see the airport terminal in the distance before being directed to the cargo terminal, where you'll pick up or deliver jobs.


As you head towards Keflavík itself, you’ll enter a town shaped by both the coastal industry and modern travel. Historically, Keflavík grew as a fishing community in the 16th century, with strong ties to the sea that still influence the area today. Over time, its role expanded alongside the development of the airport, turning it into a key hub and destination on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

In-game, you’ll find a range of industries to deliver to and from, including a shipyard, a car dealer, and a supermarket, along with a fuel station and a service point. While these locations technically sit within the neighbouring town of Njarðvík in real life, the two form part of the wider municipality of Reykjanesbær, together with the village of Hafnir. 

Whilst the road network here is not very complex, it plays an important role in connecting the Island. From the airport, you can either head into Keflavík itself or follow Route 41 straight towards Reykjavík, one of the main links across the peninsula.


Life here is mostly peaceful, the landscape of Iceland, and the Reykjanes Peninsula in particular, is constantly changing. As many of you may know, Iceland sits on an active geological boundary, with volcanic activity becoming more frequent in recent years. Efforts to keep eruptions and lava flows away from towns and infrastructure remain ongoing, but the surrounding terrain continues to be shaped by these powerful forces.


You can find a few landmarks around the area too, including art installations which include various sculptures! We are sure you will enjoy taking in the sights as you deliver around this historic town.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Keflavík! If you’re excited about trucking in Iceland, be sure to add this upcoming DLC to your Steam Wishlist. It will notify you when it releases and helps support our future work. Thank you to everyone who has already done so. We look forward to sharing more about Iceland in the future. Until next time, keep on truckin’!

Today, we’re excited to give you an early glimpse of something special arriving in Euro Truck Simulator 2 with the upcoming 1.59 update! In partnership with our friends at Volvo Trucks, you’ll soon have the opportunity to test your trucking skills at the renowned Volvo Trucks Experience Center, situated in Gothenburg, Sweden! 

Located in Gothenburg, the home of Volvo Trucks, the Volvo Trucks Experience Center brings together brand presentation spaces and a purpose-built driving facility created to showcase the performance and engineering of Volvo Trucks’ vehicles. While visitors can explore Volvo’s latest innovations, technology, and heritage on site, the center’s standout feature is its dedicated driving circuit.


This carefully designed track incorporates sweeping bends, tighter technical corners, elevation changes, downhill stretches, and varied road layouts. Together, these elements allow drivers to assess vehicle behaviour in a controlled environment, highlighting stability, braking precision, handling characteristics, and overall driving comfort in ways that go beyond everyday road conditions.


In Euro Truck Simulator 2, the Volvo Trucks Experience Center (VTEX) has been recreated almost entirely on a 1:1 scale. Players will be able to drive the full circuit and explore the surrounding areas of the facility. Our teams paid close attention to detail to faithfully capture the layout and atmosphere of the real-world location, including all of the parking areas that form part of the center, delivering an experience that closely mirrors its real-life counterpart.


Drivers wanting to check out this special area will need to venture around the roads near Gothenburg, to discover an entrance that is not yet discovered on your GPS, which leads into the facility. And just a friendly reminder, as it is located in Sweden, you will require the Scandinavia DLC to be able to visit it.


Last year, we had the fantastic opportunity to visit the Volvo Trucks Experience Center ourselves, where we got up close to the facility and even behind the wheel of the Volvo FH Electric, Volvo FH16 780, and Volvo FH I-Save. During our time there, we gathered detailed photographic references and captured authentic sound recordings to support our ongoing projects. We also documented the visit as part of our SCS On The Road series on YouTube; you can watch the episode below!



We’d like to extend our sincerest thanks to our good friends at Volvo Trucks for their support and collaboration in bringing this special location to Euro Truck Simulator 2 for our players to explore and enjoy. 

We look forward to sharing more news about upcoming updates, DLCs, and other exciting developments soon. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you don't miss a thing, and until next time, keep on truckin’!

Ever wondered how the Bobcat equipment you’re hauling with our Bobcat Cargo Pack DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator is created? In today’s SCS On The Road episode, you’ll find out exactly that!

Last year, we had the privilege of being invited on a guided tour of the Bobcat Manufacturing Plant located in Dobříš, Czechia. Join Petr, one of our Community Managers, and Vincent Frank, Plant Director at Bobcat, as they step inside the factory and show us how Bobcat products are created and assembled. The facility employs over 900 people from across the region and produces approximately 20,000 machines annually for customers throughout the EMEA region. Some of the machines built here are also exported to North America, Asia, and other markets around the world. 

We would like to extend a huge thank you to our friends and partners at Bobcat EMEA for inviting us and giving us the opportunity to share a behind-the-scenes look at areas the public wouldn’t normally be able to see, and share it with you, as part of our SCS On The Road series! 



We hope you enjoyed this episode! If you did, be sure to leave a like and a comment, and follow Bobcat on their Facebook, Instagram and YouTube! 

If you’d like to transport these machines in our games, you can check out the Bobcat Cargo Pack DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2 and for American Truck Simulator, which are both available on Steam. 

And don’t forget to follow us too on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube, so you won’t miss any future SCS On The Road episodes. You can also sign up for our newsletter to stay informed even when you’re not checking the blog or our social channels.