*hey, we rhymed!

You can officially start adding Steam Controller to cart on May 4th, and we're excited for folks to get their hands on it (pun intended). You can learn more about Steam Controller (and bookmark it for when purchasing opens) on the official product page, but we thought it would be fun to do a quick intro here as well. 

This controller is packed with a ton of capabilities, so we wanted to take a moment to introduce you to what we think makes it so great.

Steam Controller is designed with all the inputs for you to play all your games on Steam, however you like to play.  PC? Check. Laptop? Check. Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame? Check, check, and check. All the inputs you’d expect for a typical gamepad are right where you’d expect them, and we spent a lot of time ensuring they feel comfy in your hands for extended play session. And all the extra inputs? Ready and waiting for you when you want to use them.

Upgrades!

The Steam Controller uses next-generation magnetic thumbsticks with TMR technology. Designed for an improved feel, responsiveness, and long-term reliability, they also support capacitive touch for motion controls. 

Also, it comes with a puck. The Steam Controller puck has two jobs: it provides a fast and stable connection as a wireless transmitter and serves as your main charging station, connecting magnetically to your Controller with a super-satisfying click.

Advanced Inputs for gaming flexibility and performance

We wanted to make sure to highlight the advanced inputs in this controller that really give you the power and flexibility to play how you want: 

• Trackpads

• Gyro

• Grip Sense 

• Grip buttons

We're highlighting some of the main features of Trackpads, Gyro, and Grip Sense below; but we'll also provide a more in-depth look for each of them in the coming weeks as we share their user guides, as well as details on ways you can customize these features for your experience.

Why trackpads?

Many games on PC are intended to be used with a mouse (think FPS, puzzle games, point-and-click adventures, and deck builders, in addition to a lot of older games). The trackpads on Steam Controller provide an enormous amount of flexibility for playing, especially in their ability to act as a mouse replacement for these kinds of games. They're highly precise and customizable, which allows you to dial them in whether for a cozy puzzle game or a highly competitive shooter. 

Besides just using them as a mouse, in Steam Input you have the option to map them as many other things as well, like button clusters, joystick, virtual menus, and more.

Gyro seems cool; what does that mean on Steam Controller?

Gyroscopes and accelerometers aren't new to gaming (nor to Valve devices), but more recently the growth of the gyro gaming community (specifically those who really "dial it in" for competitive games) has helped drive the technology forward. The gyroscope is a highly precise sensor that detects the rotation of the entire controller, meaning as you're gaming with your Steam Controller you can find yourself aiming, controlling cameras, steering wheels, and flight yokes with the tilt of the wrists.

We have a whole step-by-step guide for getting the most out of the gyro on Steam Controller that we'll be sharing soon on the product page. You should check it out!

But first--  we can't talk about gyro on Steam Controller without talking about Grip Sense.

Wait, what is Grip Sense? 

Grip Sense is what we're calling the new input that uses capacitive touch sensors to sense if you're holding the handles. There is one sensor in each handle of the Steam Controller. The primary use for this is to enable/disable Gyro quickly so you can reset your position when you get to the edge of your comfortable zone (called "ratcheting"). Kind of like when you reach the end of your mousepad and pick up your mouse to recenter it.

You can even map Grip Sense like any other button! We love using it to pull up menus, weapon wheels, and even pause the game when you put the controller down. 

Grip Buttons

Grip buttons give you 4 extra, easy to use buttons for you to map whatever you want to. They are most especially useful when mapped to ABXY: you never have to move your thumb off the right stick or trackpad, allowing you to maintain precision at all times. 

Powered by Steam Input

The Steam Controller and Steam Input would swipe right on each other if they could. (That's a terrible pun that just means they're a great match.) Using all the customization tools we provide in Steam Input Configurator, you can customize the Steam Controller however you want. The possibilities are limitless! (Well technically there is a finite amount of possibilities but it’s a really big number – it lets you do some crazy things)

Bonus cool factor with this? Steam Controller will be pre-populated with community configurations for thousands of games out-of-the box, and a good chunk of that is thanks to the hard work done by developers and the community for Steam Deck. You can also make and share your own! 

More to come

We'll have more posts leading up to launch and beyond including how to guides, deeper looks at how we arrived at some of the features we did (including Grip Sense), and tips for things like traveling with your Steam Controller, different connectivity modes, and more.

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?

The Steam Client Beta has been updated with the following changes:

General

• Added a low battery level toast for wireless gamepads

Big Picture Mode

• Added a battery indicator to the header for wireless gamepads

• Fixed issue with controller battery status links in the Quick Access Menu not returning to the correct place.

• Fixed several navigation issues with controller settings.

macOS

• Fixed soundtrack playback not working on Apple Silicon machines.

We have just shipped an updated Steam Deck Client to the Preview/Beta channel.

General

• Added a low battery level toast for wireless gamepads

• Added a battery indicator to the header for wireless gamepads

• Fixed issue with controller battery status links in the Quick Access Menu not returning to the correct place.

• Fixed several navigation issues with controller settings.

• [p]Fixed XM1014 shells flickering when starting a reload.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed bugs with dual berettas in first person and in spectator mode.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed inspect/cancel causing multiple worldmodel deploys.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed a bug where players can get stuck in a planted-turn state.[/p][/*]
• [p]Made foot IK transitions smoother.[/p][/*]
• [p]Adjusted the firstperson in-air crouch transition time to match the thirdperson animation better.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed a case where high frequency stutter steps would cause large pose changes.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed a case where legs would snap when quickly stopping and then continuing in same direction.[/p][/*]
• [p]Adjusted thirdperson bomb plant animation to more closely match firstperson animation.[/p][/*]
• [p]Minor adjustments to viewmodel animations.[/p][/*]

• [p]Fixed random crash on startup when a non-default Audio Device was specified in settings or when sound_device_override was specified in a config file or on the command line.[/p][/*]
• [p]Adjusted official map guides to match new surface smoothing.[/p][/*]
• [p]Dropped weapons with silencers now correctly reflect the silenced state.[/p][/*]

As the work on the Isle of Ireland DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2 continues, we thought about taking you behind the scenes of our work and showing you more about what a job as a researcher in SCS Software looks like. So today, we bring you an interview with our colleague Adam, who will tell you more about his work on the Isle of Ireland!

Adam joined SCS in 2022, and since then, his primary focus has been on map DLCs for Euro Truck Simulator 2. 

"I've conducted research for the West Balkans, Greece, Nordic Horizons, and the reworks of Switzerland and the Benelux. The UK rework and the Isle of Ireland are the first two projects I've been tasked with overseeing for the Research & Game Development department. The Isle of Ireland is special to me for personal reasons as well, since this is the first time I have the opportunity to collaborate with my brother, who is the map lead for this DLC."

Adam is responsible for ensuring that the department prepares high-quality materials for the Isle of Ireland DLC in a timely manner for the other departments. "These aren't just references for map designers; other specialized departments — such as the vehicle, vegetation, and road design teams — also rely on our work. But I don't do this alone. Our team has experts for all of these various areas. I work alongside many talented and enthusiastic people," Adam explains.

So, how exactly does the process of research for map expansions look? The department's involvement begins long before any actual map building starts, laying the groundwork that shapes everything that follows.

"In the first phase, it was necessary to thoroughly familiarize ourselves with the history, culture, natural environment, relevant laws, and traffic regulations. In collaboration with the map lead, we selected the cities we wanted to include in the DLC, and I proposed which highways and roads would connect them. An important part of our work is also figuring out the placement of depots across the map so that the economy works for us. We have a specialist on our team dedicated to this very issue. With her help, and in collaboration with the map lead, we also prepared completely new economy depots for the DLC. We then researched exactly how they work and designed the best way to implement them in our game," Adam says.

Once the planning phase is complete, the team moves on to gathering detailed real-world references, capturing both the big picture and the subtle differences that make each location unique.

"The next step was collecting photographic data, during which our team "scanned" all the roads and towns, shot by shot, trying to capture what is typical for the island. We tried to capture the most important elements, but we also focused on the small details. I also emphasized that different parts of the island vary significantly, and it was necessary to take this into account. As an example, I can mention road markings, which are completely different between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland," he told us.

"The result of this phase of the project is a shortlist of the most important assets, which the asset department creates based on the source materials, so that map designers can subsequently use them to assemble the map. In the same way, and in collaboration with our vegetation specialist, specifications for the vegetation department are then developed," Adam explained to us.

The work of the department goes far beyond general research - it often requires diving deep into highly specific and technical details to ensure authenticity.

"We also need to understand the local culture, customs, and context. As an example, I can mention directional signs, where it was necessary to study manuals, and together with the road department, figure out how to approach the fact that specific dimensions vary from sign to sign - requiring a solution that respects reality while remaining technically feasible. In reality, all dimensions are based on the size of the lowercase letter "x," and once this value is determined, we divide it by 4 to get the so-called "Stroke Width," and all other elements - spacing, arrow size, borders, and the size of the sign itself - are calculated as multiples of this unit. And the size of "x" itself is influenced by the permitted speed and the type of sign."

But their work is far from over, and it won't be finished until the Isle of Ireland DLC is actually released. "We're continuing to prepare materials for the creation of new vehicles, assets, 3D character models, vegetation, and branding. We're also conducting quality checks directly in the editor and gathering all sorts of additional information," Adam told us.

The biggest challenge regarding research for the Isle of Ireland is that it is a vibrant and rapidly developing region, as new developments are constantly being built and the landscape is literally changing in front of your eyes.

"For example, the port of Rosslare underwent a major modernization last year, completely transforming its transportation layout. Waterford, meanwhile, is currently undergoing one of the largest urban transformations in its modern history. As for the architecture, perhaps the biggest challenge was to accurately capture the differences between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as to convey the character of the smaller, charming towns with their picturesque, colorful houses. It's satisfying when I manage to solve a problem and track down information or a reference that’s hard to find," he says.

To bring all that research and planning to life, the map team will carefully translate Ireland's unique character into the in-game world, giving players a lot to explore as they uncover the map filled with plenty of landmarks to discover.

"The Irish island has a rich and complex history and a strong cultural identity, all of which will be reflected in the map's design. The entire island is a landmark in its own right, thanks to its unique scenery, but players can look forward to downtown Dublin on the banks of the River Liffey, the Samson & Goliath cranes in Belfast Harbor, the peat bogs in central Ireland, the wild landscapes of Connemara and the Killarney area, and much more," Adam hints.

And with that, Adam and the whole team would like to send a final message to our #BestCommunityEver as they continue to work hard on bringing you another quality map.

"I hope we'll be able to capture the magical atmosphere of this landscape with its cozy, colorful towns. I hope players will appreciate the attention to detail, discover all sorts of easter eggs, and that we'll be able to convey to them the enthusiasm with which we've approached the Isle of Ireland DLC from the very beginning. I myself am looking forward to getting behind the wheel and driving along the winding roads that twist through the green hills."

We look forward to sharing more news from the Isle of Ireland in the future, so be sure to keep an eye on our blog for upcoming updates. Don't forget to add the expansion to your Steam Wishlist and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Bluesky, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed. Until then, happy hauling!

• [p]Adjusted ground smoothing at locations where the player can stand on very thin ledges.[/p][/*]

• [p]Minor adjustments to viewmodel animations.[/p][/*]

• [p]Corrected some improper character texture assignments.[/p][/*]
• [p]Trade offers containing Counter-Strike 2 items are now limited to 1,000 items.[/p][/*]

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!

We have just shipped an updated Steam Deck Client to the Preview/Beta channel.

General

• Updated localization.

The Steam Client Beta has been updated with the following changes:

General

• Updated localization.

• [p]Adjusted camera motion due to recoil to match CS:GO more closely. Bullet trajectories should continue to match CS2.[/p][/*]
• [p]Players will now experience the full camera motion due to external sources of aim punch (e.g. getting shot) regardless of network latency. The effects of aim punch on bullet trajectories are still applied immediately on the server.[/p][/*]

• [p]Minor adjustments to viewmodel animations.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed several cases where crouch transitions in the air were instantaneous.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed a bug where MVP panel characters weren't resetting correctly.[/p][/*]

In today's blog, we would like to show you the custom depots and completely new companies you will deliver cargo to and from in our upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator, so let's take a look!

Illinois has one of the most diverse economies in the United States and a long history of manufacturing, producing a wide range of goods. It is also a major producer of non-electrical machinery, such as industrial and construction equipment, which is among its most important export industries.

As always, we wanted to reflect the real world when choosing depots for this map expansion, which is why you'll see representations of these industries in our newly created companies, as well as in our established custom depots. One of them is Antlion, a large construction machinery factory in Peoria. From there, you can take vehicles straight from the production line to the new dealer, GroundBreaker, in Quincy.

If you're a fan of boats, you're in for a treat. With Lake Michigan being a popular recreation spot in the state, you'll also be able to transport boats to or from the new Aqua Vista marinas in Marion and Chicago, as well as the already established Rock Port logistics company in Peoria.

And we couldn't forget about the Chicago International Airport, one of the busiest in the whole world. In our game, it's represented by a landmark cargo terminal, carefully recreated to match the real one, where players can load cargo onto aircraft. The area also includes a fuel station, where you can transport jet fuel. You will also be able to deliver cargo straight into a massive ULTIMUS transport plane!

In the Missouri DLC, we introduced underground warehouses, which offer an unusual experience of transporting cargo below the surface. Following that, you will be able to find the new UnderCity storage in Chicago, a big underground depot used for storing a wide range of products for the city's needs. Another one can be found near Quincy, a branch of the Terrastore company, which you are already familiar with from Missouri.

Agriculture is just as important to the state as manufacturing. Illinois is home to around 75,000 farms that cover nearly three-quarters of its land. Farmers produce large amounts of soybeans, corn, and dairy products, as well as raising pigs and cattle, helping supply food across the U.S. and around the world. That is why you will find plenty of custom depot farms around the cities of Marion, Champaign, Rockford, and Effingham.

Alongside these farms, you will also come across large Flavorfair grain elevator custom depots in East St. Louis and Quincy. These facilities play an important role in the agricultural supply chain, collecting and storing grain from nearby farms before it is transported onward for processing or distribution.

But that's not all. If you're looking to haul something a bit heavier, be sure to check out the quarries around Chicago and Rockford. You can also head to the custom timber harvest depot near Marion, where logging operations keep a steady supply of timber ready for transport.

If you are eager to visit these industries in the upcoming Illinois DLC, make sure to add this map expansion to your Steam wishlist! 

Remember to stay tuned for more American Truck Simulator news by following us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. We would also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter. We will see you on the road!

• [p]Fixed a bug that removed the delay between burst fire bullets.[/p][/*]

We have just shipped an updated Steam Deck Client to the Preview/Beta channel.

Remote Play

• Added feedback if capture can't be started on the remote computer

The Steam Client Beta has been updated with the following changes:

Remote Play

• Added feedback if capture can't be started on the remote computer

• [p]Minor adjustments to viewmodel animations.[/p][/*]
• [p]Adjusted general weapon deploy animation logic.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed issues with transitioning between knife attacks.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed Elites not shooting in third-person.[/p][/*]

• [p]Fixed a bug that allowed silently climbing ladders at run speed by sporadically tapping movement keys.[/p][/*]
• [p]Adjusted ground smoothing at locations where sloped ground surfaces transition to flat ground.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed held grenades inheriting incorrect scale in some circumstances such as after being dropped and picked up.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed a crash at halftime when transitioning from CT to T.[/p][/*]

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.

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.

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.

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." 

With the upcoming release of the Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator, our virtual recreation of Route 66 will be completed in full, allowing players to drive the entire historic route from Chicago to Los Angeles across all eight states. This marks a major milestone not only for our game, but also for everyone who has dreamed of experiencing this legendary journey.

We would like to thank the Route 66 Centennial Commission for this incredible recognition, and of course, our community, whose support continues to drive us forward. We look forward to sharing more with you as we approach the completion of Route 66 in American Truck Simulator.

We're happy to share that the Open Beta for the 1.59 update for Euro Truck Simulator 2 is now available for players to try out and test. If you decide to take part in this Open Beta, it would be a huge help if you could report any issues or bugs you may encounter in the appropriate section of our official forums.

Your feedback and reports mean a lot to our team, and we genuinely appreciate the time you are taking to help us improve the game. With that said, let's jump in and explore what the 1.59 Open Beta brings.

Benelux Rework Release

We are happy to reveal that the long-awaited Benelux Rework project will be released in this update! Our assets and map designers have completely rebuilt the whole original map of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg from scratch, delivering a richer, more detailed experience.

Truckers will be able to explore a wide range of revamped major cities and their surroundings, including Amsterdam, Groningen, Rotterdam, Brussels, Liège, and Luxembourg City. Each location has been carefully redesigned to highlight its unique character with plenty of landmarks and details!

You'll be able to drive from the beautiful hilly landscapes of the Belgian Ardennes to the flat polders and picturesque coastal roads in the northern Netherlands - the reworked Benelux offers a diverse and varied environment that truly reflects the region's look and feel.

Whether you're cruising through dense city centers, navigating busy highways, or discovering scenic country routes, the Benelux region now offers a far more immersive and authentic journey. You can see more from what is coming in our already released blogs on this topic.

Volvo Trucks Experience Center

In partnership with our friends at Volvo Trucks, we are adding the renowned Volvo Trucks Experience Center, situated in Gothenburg, Sweden, to the map, where you will be able to test your trucking skills.

The center's standout feature is its dedicated driving circuit, which incorporates sweeping bends, tighter technical corners, elevation changes, downhill stretches, and varied road layouts. This allows 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.

The Volvo Trucks Experience Center has been recreated almost entirely on a 1:1 scale in our map with a strong attention to detail. You will be able to drive the full circuit and explore the surrounding areas of the facility.

To find this amazing facility, you will need to venture around the roads near Gothenburg to discover an entrance that will initially not be shown on your GPS. And remember, since it is located in Sweden, you will need the Scandinavia DLC to be able to visit it. You can read more about this addition here.

Thermo King Update

Thermo King, a global leader in transport temperature control, is coming to Euro Truck Simulator 2 with their trailer refrigeration units! These will replace all the unbranded units we had on our base game and DLC reefer trailers so far. This will add an extra touch of realism when you are hauling temperature-sensitive cargo and spot a famous real-world brand on your trailer.

From the 1.59 update, you will be able to see the Thermo King A-360, A-400, A-500, SLXi 300, and SLXi 400 refrigeration units on the front of your single trailers, which deliver a range of trailer refrigeration performance to suit different transport needs. On top of that, we will also be adding the UT-1400R unit, designed for double-trailer configurations and mounted beneath the trailer. Find out more about this update here.

Advisor Update - Finances & Damage Widgets

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

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

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

Tow to Road

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

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

Skills UX Redesign

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

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

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

QoL UI/UX Changes

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

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

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

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

Traffic Sound Rework

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

Height Blend Improvements

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

Detour Feature Maintenance

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

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

Changelog

Map

• Benelux Rework Release
• Volvo Trucks Experience Center

Vehicles

• Thermo King Update

UI/UX

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

Visuals

• Height Blend Improvements

Sounds

• Traffic Sound Rework

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'd appreciate all of your feedback on our forum and your bug reports in the dedicated section.

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

If you wish to participate in this Open Beta, you can find this version in the Experimental Beta branch on Steam. The way to access it is as follows: Steam client → LIBRARY → right-click on Euro Truck Simulator 2 → Properties → Betas tab → Beta Participation drop-down menu → public_beta. No password is required. Sometimes you will have to restart your Steam client to see the correct branch name there.

Have you been wondering what our Bridge Between Communities blog was teasing last week? Some of you have correctly recognized the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, which will bring our community closer together than ever before. And now we are really excited to reveal that our next map expansion for Euro Truck Simulator 2 will take players into the heart of Türkiye, with the...

Soul of Anatolia DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2

This vast, culturally rich region is a land of stunning contrasts, where sunlit coasts meet towering mountains and open plains. From the west's olive groves to the glittering waters of the Mediterranean, a new vista awaits your discovery after every turn.

Transport cargo from the bustling streets of Istanbul all the way to Aksaray, the easternmost point of this expansion. The route begins with engineering marvels as you cross the record-breaking 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world, or the impressive Yavuz Sultan Selim and Osmangazi Bridge, each a gateway into Anatolia. At the heart of your journey lies Ankara, the capital city and a vital crossroads of the region. Soon, the road may lead you past the shimmering expanse of Tuz Gölü, or through the vibrant tourist cities of Antalya and Alanya, where grand hotels rely on your cargo deliveries.

Experience the thrill of cruising the beautiful coastal roads in both the north and south, where the sea sparkles just beyond the guardrails, and take on challenging mountain routes with steep climbs, tight turns, and breathtaking views.

We can't wait to start bringing you future updates from this upcoming map expansion as the work on Soul of Anatolia goes on. Just keep in mind that there is a long way ahead to bring this big map to you, and everything you see here is still really much in a work-in-progress state and may change until the DLC is released.

If you are eager to be trucking in this upcoming map expansion and want to show us your excitement, don't forget to support us by adding the Soul of Anatolia DLC to your Steam wishlist.

Also, remember to give our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok a follow as you'll receive updates not only about Soul of Anatolia, but also other news from our games straight to your feed. Or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed! Until next time, we will see you on the road.

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

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

Advisor Update - Finances & Damage Widgets

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

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

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

Tow to Road

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

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

Skills UX Redesign

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

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

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

QoL UI/UX Changes

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

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

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

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

Traffic Sound Rework

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

Height Blend Improvements

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

Detour Feature Maintenance

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

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

Changelog:

Gameplay

UI/UX

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

Visuals

• Height Blend Improvements

Sounds

• Traffic Sound Rework

Other

Enjoy all the new additions, but please remember: It's only an open beta, not a stable public version - so you may encounter bugs, instability, or crashes. It's completely okay if you want to wait for the final release. But if you're interested in helping us to get there faster, we'd appreciate all of your feedback on our forum and your bug reports in the dedicated section.

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

If you wish to participate in this Open Beta, you can find this version in the Experimental Beta branch on Steam. The way to access it is as follows: Steam client → LIBRARY → right-click on American Truck Simulator → Properties → Betas tab → Beta Participation drop-down menu → public_beta. No password is required. Sometimes you will have to restart your Steam client to see the correct branch name there.

Some time has passed since our first Road to Consoles Dev Talk, where we took you behind the scenes of our work on bringing Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator to the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. And today, we would like to share our progress since then with the second dev talk!

We know our #BestCommunityEver is eager to hear more news about the development of this project. We are working hard on bringing our games to consoles as soon as possible, but it is a huge task that requires the involvement of multiple departments in SCS Software. Even though there is still a lot of work to be done, we are making progress every day, and we are happy to give you an update on it.

In our second Road to Consoles Dev Talk, we interviewed some of the key members of the involved departments to tell you more about what they are currently working on, what is ahead of us, and also some of the challenges they are dealing with. And our goal is to do everything properly without taking any shortcuts. So without further ado, let's see what the team has been busy with!

We hope you have enjoyed taking a dive behind the scenes of the development process. And don't worry, we're just as excited to share more as you are to hear it, so stay tuned for our next update when we have something new to reveal.

If you're excited to hit the road on consoles, be sure to add ETS2 and ATS to your wishlist on your preferred platform.

We will share more important information about this project once we are ready to reveal it, so don't forget to follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube, so you won't miss out on any news. Or you can sign up for our newsletter to stay informed. Until next time, happy trucking!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today, we're excited to unveil another piece of the puzzle for the upcoming 1.59 update of Euro Truck Simulator 2. We're proud to announce that Thermo King, a company specializing in temperature control solutions for trucks, trailers, and more, will be joining ETS2 with their trailer refrigeration units as a free update!

Thermo King, a brand of Trane Technologies, has been a global leader in transport temperature control since pioneering the field in 1938. Their solutions cover temperature-controlled systems for vans, trucks, trailers, railcars, and intermodal containers, as well as HVAC products. By maintaining optimal conditions regardless of the environment, their technology protects a wide range of sensitive goods, from fresh and frozen food to pharmaceuticals, electronics, and more.

In Euro Truck Simulator 2, the Thermo King refrigeration units will replace all the unbranded units we had on our base game and DLC reefer trailers so far, adding an extra touch of realism when hauling temperature-sensitive cargo and spotting a famous real-world brand on your trailer.

So, in the 1.59 update, you will be able to see the Thermo King A-360, A-400, A-500, SLXi 300, and SLXi 400 refrigeration units on the front of your single trailers, delivering a range of trailer refrigeration performance to suit different transport needs. On top of that, we will also be adding the UT-1400R unit, designed for double-trailer configurations and mounted beneath the trailer.

We would like to thank Thermo King very much for enabling us to add their refrigeration units to Euro Truck Simulator 2, helping make our game look more realistic! Make sure to follow Thermo King on their Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with all the great work they do.

We hope you will appreciate this new addition when it arrives with the 1.59 update. Don't forget to stay tuned for more news from our games by following us on our X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. We would also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter. Until next time, safe travels!

We are happy to reveal a new feature that will be available in both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator with the upcoming release of the 1.59 update - the Tow to Road service. Let's take a look at how it will work!

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

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

Just be careful that if you disconnect your trailer beforehand, it will remain in its original position, and only the truck will be towed. Also, if you move too far away from your last safe position on the road, the Tow to Road function may become unavailable to prevent misuse of the feature.

And don't worry, we are keeping the Tow to Service feature as well, as it serves a different purpose. Tow to Service is intended for situations involving heavy vehicle damage, where driving is no longer possible, and repairs are required. Tow to Road, on the other hand, is primarily used to quickly return the vehicle to a drivable position on the road.

We hope you will appreciate this new feature coming with the 1.59 update, which might help you quickly get back on the road when you are stuck, but without the need to be towed to service.

Don't forget to stay tuned for more news from the upcoming 1.59 update by following us on our X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. We would also really appreciate it if you could sign up for our newsletter. Until next time, happy travels!

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.

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.