Note: This update is for the Steam Deck Beta and Preview channels, and includes new features that are still being tested. You can opt into this in Settings > System > System Update Channel.

These notes contain all changes since the current stable SteamOS 3.7 release, with the new changes since the previous 3.8.2 Beta noted below

New in 3.8.3

• Fixed a regression causing the Steam on-screen keyboard in desktop mode to produce the wrong keys in certain IME modes

• Substantially improved speed of future OS updates on high-speed connections

• Added missing graphics features needed for titles such as "Crimson Desert"

• Fixed a regression causing crashes in certain titles (such as "Sushi Ben")

• Fixed multiple regressions causing crashes in desktop mode

• Fixed a regression causing the Steam overlay to malfunction while streaming

• Fixed spurious wake-ups when using a Logitech Bolt receiver

• Improved support for upcoming Steam Controller hardware

• Even more support for upcoming Steam Machine hardware

• Even more security and stability updates

General

• Fixed a case where WiFi performance could become degraded until the device was put to sleep or manually reconnected

• Fixed excessive trackpad sensitivity on certain early Steam Deck LCD models

• Initial support for upcoming Steam Machine hardware

• Updated Arch system base

• Updated graphics driver with performance and stability fixes

• Fixed a case where per-app performance settings would intermittently fail to apply when launching a game

• Improved support for the screencasts in Game Mode (e.g. OBS/Discord)

• Fixed dropdown menus not appearing in some games

• Improved VRR frame pacing

• Fixed FSR badge remaining off in the performance overlay, even if it was actually active

• Improved support for games that attempt to open PDF files in external viewers

• Fixed an issue affecting certain titles (such as "SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide") where the game window could have an incorrect position

• Fixed closing certain titles (such as "STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™") and Starfield resulting in a session crash

• Improved support for certain USB racing wheels and USB devices that boot in a non-standard mode

  • Frequently these are devices that appear as USB storage devices with a driver installer, and must be switched to their normal mode by the OS

• Steam Deck controller firmware updates now display update progress on the splash screen

• Fixes issue on specific Steam Deck revisions where firmware updates could render the left controller inoperative for that session

• Numerous stability and security updates

Bluetooth

• Re-re-enable Bluetooth Wake for Steam Deck LCD

  • Fix for more spurious wake issues that were present in earlier attempts

Audio

• Detect HDMI channel count and expose surround configuration if available

• Add a setting to allow using Bluetooth headset mics (Bluetooth playback quality will be worse while capture is active)

• Restore internal audio device on reboot if set to "Off" in desktop mode

• Increase suspend timeout for HDMI devices so initial audio isn't cut off after a few seconds of inactivity

• Fixed a bug with switching input devices when a wired headset is plugged in

• Fixed an issue where audio underruns could be experienced after sleep/resume

Accessibility

• Added an option to force mono audio output

Desktop Mode

• KDE Plasma updated to version 6.4.3 from 6.2.5, and now uses wayland by default

  • Fixes several cases of reduced performance in Desktop Mode compared to Game Mode

  • Improved support for rotated displays

  • Better scale factor out of the box on TVs

  • Adds support for external HDR displays

  • Adds support for VRR displays

  • Adds support per-display scale factor

  • For more information, see Plasma release announcements

    • https://kde.org/announcements/plasma/6/6.3.0/

    • https://kde.org/announcements/plasma/6/6.4.0/

• Keyboard layout and language are now obeying Game Mode settings

• Improved windowing behavior for games running in Proton

System Firmware

• Includes Steam Deck LCD BIOS v133

  • Security updates

  • Added "Memory Power Down" setup option

  • Preliminary support for hibernation

• Includes Steam Deck OLED BIOS v114

  • Security updates

  • Charging LED now changes color when charge limit is reached, rather than only at 100%

Non-Deck

• Improved compatibility with recent Intel and AMD platforms

• Greatly improved video memory management with discrete GPU platforms

• Fixed a compatibility issue with the SteamOS chainloader that could cause a boot failure on some desktop systems with recent UEFI firmware

• Power button short and long presses now supported across a wide variety of devices

• Improved controller support for OneXPlayer F1 series, GPD Win 5, GPD Win Mini, Anbernic Win600, OrangePi NEO, and Lenovo Legion Go

• Added controller support for OneXPlayer X1 series and Lenovo Legion Go 2

• Added system and controller firmware update support for the Lenovo Legion Go 2

• Added preliminary charge limiting support for Legion Go, Legion Go S, and Legion Go 2 - currently only accessible in Desktop Mode

• Added controller RGB LED color settings for the Lenovo Legion Go 2

• Added controller, TDP control, and speaker audio support for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally series

• Reduced handheld controller input latency from 5-8ms to 100-500us

• Night mode, color vibrance, and color temperature sliders in Steam now work on Z2E and later AMD APUs

• Seamless boot fixes for Z2E and later AMD APUs

• Automatically handle internally rotated display for some third-party handhelds

• Improved motion control support for handhelds with BMI260 IMUs

• SD card reliability improvements for some third-party handhelds, including ASUS ROG Xbox Ally, Legion Go 1, Legion Go S, Legion Go 2, and MSI Claw

• Fixed washed out colors for Zotac and OneXPlayer handhelds with OLED

• Fixed some GPU hangs on Phoenix APU devices (Tales of Arise, Octopath Traveler II)

• Fixed ASUS ROG Ally power consumption from fingerprint reader while shut down

• Fixed trackpad losing functionality after sleep/resume on the Legion Go

Developer

• Desktop Mode now uses Wayland by default

  • X11 support may still be selected via Steam developer settings, or via `steamosctl`

• Updated Linux kernel to 6.16

• Steam now uses steamos-manager to query available desktop sessions and trigger desktop session switching

• Added support for setting the desktop password in developer settings

• Initial support for running as a Virtual Machine guest (virtio guest drivers)

• Added support for third-party devices to trigger the SteamOS boot menu via EFI variable

• Added `custom-update` verb to `atomupd-manager` for easier testing of specific builds

• System reports now include more audio debug information

• Initial support for LAVD CPU scheduler via `steamosctl set-cpu-scheduler lavd`

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

General

• Added setting to enable or disable controller connect/disconnect notifications.

• Fixed issue that could cause three controller connect/disconnect notifications at startup.

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

General

• Added setting to enable or disable controller connect/disconnect notifications.

• Fixed issue that could cause three controller connect/disconnect notifications at startup.

SteamVR

• Fix a case where it was impossible to reconnect a VR steamlink session after becoming disconnected without restarting SteamVR.

SteamOS 3.7.22 has just been released for all users with the following changes:

General

• Security and stability updates

• [p]Map-wide clipping fixes and geometry polish.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed some spots where bomb would be unreachable when dropped.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed dynamic shadows breaking in some spots.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed some surface sound types.[/p][/*]

• [p]Fixed hand popping when counter-strafing with a grenade equipped.[/p][/*]

• [p]Limit aim punch to 90 degrees.[/p][/*]
• [p]Added secondary intersection trace for partially-occluded thirdperson weapons.[/p][/*]
• [p]Adjusted ground smoothing at locations where sloped ground surfaces join with step-height transitions.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed issue that caused defuse-cables from completely occluded players to also be occluded.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed 'FATAL ERROR: Failed to on-demand compile shader' affecting some older GPUs.[/p][/*]

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

General

• Added popup message when a controller connects or disconnects.

• Improved the Add A Controller user interface.

macOS

• Improved performance of Steam Overlay in games using Metal.

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

General

• Added popup message when a controller connects or disconnects.

• Improved the Add A Controller user interface

• [p]Bomb explosion radius increased.[/p][/*]
• [p]Lighting Adjustments around Vent.[/p][/*]
• [p]Disabled player collision on sign and removed lamp by squeaky.[/p][/*]
• [p]Reworked e-box on A-site for better visibility.[/p][/*]
• [p]Lowered Checkers entrance frame height at B Main.[/p][/*]
• [p]Removed AC unit above Sandbags and moved pipes.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed lack of footstep sounds on top of crates at A-site.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed hole in world on door in Sun Room.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed wall bangs on A Main wall.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed some z-fighting around Garage.[/p][/*]
• [p]Adjusted grenade clipping throughout map.[/p][/*]
• [p]Adjusted player clipping throughout map.[/p][/*]

• [p]Blocked visibility through corner of Mid Box (Xbox).[/p][/*]

• [p]Speculative fix for a case where all audio drops out.[/p][/*]

• [p]Fixed cases where crouch-jumping in confined spaces could cause the player camera to intersect the ceiling.[/p][/*]
• [p]Adjusted particle effect sprite opacity for fully occluded flashbangs.[/p][/*]
• [p]Improved smoke lighting consistency.[/p][/*]
• [p]Minor adjustments to dropped pistol magazine velocity.[/p][/*]
• [p]Ambient Occlusion adjustment settings in Environment Blend shader restored.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed a case where money was subtracted from the wrong player during bot takeover.[/p][/*]

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!

We have just shipped an updated Steam Deck Client to the Stable channel.

General

• Added a setting to enable 'Switch To Desktop' in the login screen. It can be found in System Settings.

• Added a low battery level toast for wireless gamepads.

• Added a battery indicator to the header for wireless gamepads.

• Updated the Store main menu option to navigate to the Steam Store home page instead of the Great On Deck hub.

• Improved compatibility with WiFi captive portals.

• Improved client performance when there are many unread account notifications pending.

• Fixed a case where opting into the 'Preview' channel could silently fail.

• Fixed subtle sizing issues with the Recently Played carousel.

• Fixed the Voice chat tab of the QAM not being hidden after exiting all active voice chats.

• Fixed spell check not working in certain browser views.

Chat

• Moved Steam chat into the quick access menu, making it easier to access while in-game.

• Introduced new quick chat feature for Steam Deck and Big Picture Mode.

  • When in a chat, press and hold the view button to bring up quick chat options.

  • Move thumbstick and release view button to send a quick chat.

  • Quick chats can be edited in Settings > Keyboard.

• Focus will no longer jump to room effect replay buttons when scrolling through chat history.

• Fixed a bug that would sometimes prevent chat history from loading when scrolling up.

Downloads

• Added Remote Downloads Management. This allows you to manage downloads on Remote Steam Clients from the downloads page. You can select different clients by pressing Y on the downloads page.

  • The App Details page now has the same options and statuses for remote clients as the local client.

  • Both the local and remote clients must be updated to enable this feature.

Game Recording

• Fixed the instant clip shortcut not working for non-Steam games when using a gamepad.

• Fixed a bug which affected taking a screenshot from a game recording clip.

Remote Play

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

Cloud

• Fixed an issue which could lead to data loss when uninstalling, reinstalling, and playing a game without restarting the client in between.

Steam Input

• Revised controller settings to reduce clutter and to make them work better with gamepads.

• Changed controller settings to use a menu and details structure instead of tabs to list the connected controllers.

• Fixed a case where radial menus would fail to dismiss after releasing the joystick on Steam Deck.

• Fixed a case where the controller calibration screen could fail to load the correct values the first time it is opened.

A new Steam client has been released and will be automatically downloaded.

General

• Added a low battery level toast for wireless gamepads. Battery notifications for Xbox controllers on Windows are temporarily disabled.

• Added System Report button to the Help section on Windows.

• Improved client performance when there are many unread account notifications pending.

• Fixed spell check not working in certain browser views.

Big Picture Mode

• Moved Steam chat into the quick access menu, making it easier to access while in-game.

• Introduced new quick chat feature for Steam Deck and Big Picture Mode.

  • When in a chat, press and hold the view button to bring up quick chat options.

  • Move thumbstick and release view button to send a quick chat.

  • Quick chats can be edited in Settings > Keyboard.

• Added a battery indicator to the header for wireless gamepads.

• Updated the Store main menu option to navigate to the Steam Store home page instead of the Great On Deck hub.

• Fixed the Voice chat tab of the quick access menu not being hidden after exiting all active voice chats.

• Fixed an issue with the "use the gamepadui overlay when a controller is connected" mode where desktopUI chat windows could open and block the Big Picture overlay.

Downloads

• Added Remote Downloads Management. This allows you to manage downloads on Remote Steam Clients from the downloads page.

  • The App Details page now has the same options and statuses for remote clients as the local client.

  • Both the local and remote clients must be updated to enable this feature.

Remote Play

• Enabled streaming while Remote Desktop is active on Windows.

• Added more flexible options to the Advanced Host Options for selecting primary display, resolution, refresh rate, etc. while streaming from a Windows computer. This will also allow setting whether HDR is enabled while streaming.

• Added support for the SudoVDA virtual display driver on Windows. If you have the SudoVDA driver installed and select this as your primary display in the Advanced Host Options, Steam will automatically create a virtual display to match the client display settings.

• Added support for streaming 7.1 surround sound.

• Added a workaround for an AMD driver bug causing stream corruption and lockups on Windows. This bug is also fixed in the latest AMD drivers, version 26.3.1.

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

• Fixed launching with surround sound audio when streaming a game from the library.

Game Recording

• Fixed the instant clip shortcut not working for non-Steam games when using a gamepad.

• Fixed a bug which affected taking a screenshot from a game recording clip.

Cloud

• Fixed an issue which could lead to data loss when uninstalling, reinstalling, and playing a game without restarting the client in between.

Steam Input

• Revised controller settings to reduce clutter and to make them work better with gamepads.

• Fixed a case where radial menus would fail to dismiss after releasing the joystick on Steam Deck.

• Fixed a case where the controller calibration screen could fail to load the correct values the first time it is opened.

Windows

• Updated CPUID SDK used for CPU Temperature in in-game overlay performance monitor when enabled.

macOS

• Fixed soundtrack playback not working on Apple Silicon machines.

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

Remote Downloads

• Fixed "Change Device" option not showing in Downloads if there are no pending entries in the queue.

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

Big Picture Mode

• Temporarily disabled low battery notifications and the battery indicator in the header for Xbox controllers on WIndows

Remote Downloads

• Fixed "Change Device" not showing in Big Picture Mode if there are no pending downloads in the queue.

• [p]Added Cache to Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch, and Retakes modes.[/p][/*]

• [p]Uncovered Mid Box (Xbox) to reveal a previously hidden jump spot. On purpose this time.[/p][/*]

• [p]Enabled collision on tarp on boxes used around CT spawn.[/p][/*]

• [p]Updated to the latest version from the Community Workshop (Update Notes)[/p][/*]

• [p]Updated to the latest version from the Community Workshop (Update Notes)[/p][/*]

• [p]Minor adjustments to viewmodel animations.[/p][/*]
• [p]Talon and Karambit knives are now held correctly while defusing.[/p][/*]

• [p]Minor mix changes and adjustments.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed issue where C4 equip sound was not getting interrupted by other equip sounds.[/p][/*]
• [p]Removed first-person death sound effect that played in the case of music kit death cue being inaudible.[/p][/*]

• [p]Shader fix for AO while using alpha test causing overly dark and chunky silhouettes, as seen on railings in Mirage.[/p][/*]
• [p]Fixed a case where it was possible to hold no weapon by requesting a hand switch after throwing a grenade.[/p][/*]

Lately, there’s been quite a bit of chatter echoing across the highways of American Truck Simulator. From truck stops to weigh stations, drivers have been exchanging stories about a certain unfamiliar rig cruising the open road. Naturally, this caught our attention!

This mysterious machine hasn’t made things easy for those trying to get a closer look. With its smooth ride and surprisingly quiet presence, it seems to come and go before anyone can properly study it. The image we’ve seen so far leaves plenty of questions unanswered, but also sparks a lot of excitement.

What we’re seeing here is a truck that keeps its secrets well. Its modern design and refined presence hint at something built with both performance and driver comfort in mind. However, details remain limited, and no one has managed to get a closer, clearer look… yet.

Reports suggest that this mysterious newcomer could be a strong contender for both long-haul journeys and regional routes alike, offering versatility for all kinds of jobs across the vast American landscape. Beyond that, though, we’ll leave the speculation up to you.

Do you think you know what it might be?

We’ll be sharing more information when the time is right. Be sure to stay connected with us on our social media channels on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, and Instagram, and by subscribing to our newsletter so you don’t miss any future updates! Until next time, happy haulin'!

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

General

• Improved client performance when there are many unread account notifications pending.

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

General

• Improved client performance when there are many unread account notifications pending.

*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!