American Truck Simulator FAQ

What are the system requirements for American Truck Simulator?

To run American Truck Simulator, the minimum system requirements are a Windows 7 64-bit operating system, a Dual-core CPU 2.4 GHz, 4 GB of RAM, a GeForce GTS 450-class (Intel HD 4000) graphics card, and 7 GB of available storage space.

However, for a more enjoyable and smoother experience, it’s recommended to have a Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit operating system, a Quad-core CPU 3.0 GHz, 6 GB of RAM, a GeForce GTX 760-class (2 GB) graphics card, and 7 GB of available disk space.

Is American Truck Simulator available on gaming consoles?

As of now, American Truck Simulator is only available for PC on platforms like Steam and the official SCS Software website.

Can I use a steering wheel with American Truck Simulator?

Yes, American Truck Simulator supports a wide range of steering wheel controllers, including popular brands like Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec. The game also supports other peripherals like pedals, shifters, and joysticks for an immersive driving experience.

How do I add mods to American Truck Simulator?

You can download mods from various online sources such as Steam Workshop, modding websites, or the official SCS Software forum. Once you’ve downloaded the mod files, place them in the “mod” folder located in your American Truck Simulator documents folder. After installing, enable the mods in the game’s mod manager.

Can I play American Truck Simulator in multiplayer mode?

Yes, you can play American Truck Simulator in multiplayer mode using two different options. With the official “Convoy” feature, you can enjoy a seamless multiplayer experience directly within the game. Alternatively, you can also use the popular “TruckersMP” mod, which offers a dedicated multiplayer platform for both American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2 enthusiasts.

Are there regular updates and expansions for American Truck Simulator?

Yes, the developers at SCS Software frequently release updates, bug fixes, and new content for American Truck Simulator. These updates often include new trucks, trailers, game features, and map expansions, keeping the game fresh and exciting for players.

How do I take on jobs and contracts in American Truck Simulator?

To accept jobs, visit the Job Market in the game menu. You’ll find a list of available jobs, including details like cargo type, destination, and payment. Choose a job that suits your preferences, and then follow the in-game GPS to pick up and deliver the cargo.

Is there a career progression in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, American Truck Simulator offers a career progression system where you start as a freelance driver and eventually build your own trucking company. As you progress, you can hire drivers, purchase and upgrade trucks, and expand your business to dominate the virtual trucking world.

Does American Truck Simulator have all 50 states?

As of writing this, 12 states are released with 2 more officially in development with others very likely in development as well. See the American Truck Simulator Full Map. There is a mod called “Coast to Coast” that will allow you to travel to all of the lower 48 states.

Does American Truck Simulator have realistic traffic and weather systems?

Yes, American Truck Simulator features realistic traffic and weather systems. The game simulates varying traffic conditions, including dense urban traffic, highway traffic, and quieter rural roads. The AI-controlled vehicles follow traffic rules and exhibit a range of driving behaviors, making the game more immersive.

The weather system in American Truck Simulator is also quite realistic, with dynamic weather conditions that include rain, fog, and sunshine. The day-night cycle and changing weather patterns create an engaging and lifelike driving experience for players.

Can I change the in-game camera perspectives in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, you can switch between various camera perspectives in American Truck Simulator, including a first-person view from inside the truck’s cabin, third-person views from different angles, and a top-down view. You can change the camera perspective using the assigned keys or buttons on your controller.

Are there any real-life truck brands featured in American Truck Simulator?

Absolutely! American Truck Simulator includes licensed trucks from well-known manufacturers such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Volvo, Mack, Western Star, Freightliner offering players an authentic and immersive trucking experience.

Can I customize the radio stations in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, you can customize the in-game radio by adding your favorite internet radio stations or even listen to your local radio stations if they have an online streaming service. You can also create a playlist of your favorite songs stored on your computer and listen to them while driving.

Does American Truck Simulator have a tutorial or training mode for new players?

The game offers a brief tutorial when you first start playing, guiding you through the basic controls and gameplay mechanics. You can also practice driving and parking in various scenarios.

Are there any penalties for traffic violations or accidents in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, the game enforces traffic rules, and you will receive fines for speeding, running red lights, or causing accidents. These penalties will be deducted from your earnings, so it’s essential to drive safely and responsibly to maximize your profits.

Is there a day and night cycle in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, American Truck Simulator features a dynamic day and night cycle that simulates realistic lighting conditions and affects the game’s traffic patterns.

Can I use my own truck for jobs instead of using company trucks in American Truck Simulator?

Once you’ve earned enough money to purchase your own truck, you can use it to take on jobs and contracts instead of relying on company trucks. Owning a truck allows you to earn higher profits from jobs and provides more freedom in managing your trucking business.

Can I transport hazardous materials in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, the game offers specialized jobs involving the transportation of hazardous materials, also known as HAZMAT. However, you’ll need to acquire the necessary skill points and certifications in the game to unlock and accept these jobs.

How do I save my progress in American Truck Simulator?

The game automatically saves your progress at specific intervals, such as when you complete a job or rest at a parking area. You can also manually save your game at any time through the game menu to ensure your progress is secure.

Can I play American Truck Simulator with a keyboard and mouse?

Yes, American Truck Simulator is fully playable using a keyboard and mouse. The game offers customizable keybindings, allowing you to set up your preferred control scheme. However, many players find using a steering wheel or controller provides a more immersive and enjoyable experience. If using the keyboard and mouse to play ATS, I found it best to steer with the keys and look around with the mouse.

Are there any DLCs available for American Truck Simulator?

Yes, several DLCs are available for American Truck Simulator, including map expansions, new trucks, and various customization packs. These DLCs add new content and features to the game, enhancing the overall experience and offering more variety for players.

Can I drive across borders to other countries in American Truck Simulator?

As of now, American Truck Simulator focuses on the United States, and driving across international borders to other countries is not possible. There is a mod called ‘Promods Canada‘ that has a small section of Canada that is very high quality and worth the purchase.

Does American Truck Simulator support mods on the Steam Workshop?

Yes, American Truck Simulator supports the Steam Workshop, allowing players to easily browse, download, and install mods directly through the Steam client. The Workshop features a vast range of mods, including new trucks, trailers, maps, and gameplay enhancements.

Can I play American Truck Simulator in virtual reality (VR)?

Yes, you can play American Truck Simulator in virtual reality (VR). The game supports VR headsets such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive through SteamVR. To play in VR mode, you will need to opt into the “Oculus/Vive – Experimental Beta” through the game’s properties on Steam. Keep in mind that playing in VR may require a more powerful computer to maintain smooth performance and prevent motion sickness. Ensure your system meets the recommended VR specifications for an optimal gameplay experience.

How do I earn experience points (XP) and level up in American Truck Simulator?

You can earn experience points (XP) by completing jobs, delivering cargo on time, and driving safely. As you accumulate XP, your driver level will increase, unlocking new skills and certifications that allow you to take on more challenging and lucrative jobs.

What types of trailers and cargo can I transport in American Truck Simulator?

American Truck Simulator offers a wide variety of trailers and cargo types, including dry vans, refrigerated trailers, flatbeds, lowboys, bull haulers, oversize, specialized, grain hoppers, tankers and more.

Can I play American Truck Simulator on a Mac?

Yes, American Truck Simulator is compatible with macOS, and you can purchase and download the game through platforms like Steam or the official SCS Software website. Keep in mind that the system requirements for the macOS version may differ from those for Windows.

Are there any plans to add more trucks or brands to American Truck Simulator?

As of writing this all of the largest manufactures of semi trucks are in the game, that I’m personally aware of.

Can I run my own logistics company in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, as you progress in the game, you can build your own trucking company, purchase trucks, hire drivers, and manage various aspects of your business. You can choose which jobs to accept, assign drivers to specific tasks, and expand your company across the United States.

Is there a way to disable the in-game police and traffic fines in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, you can turn this off in the Gameplay Settings.

How do I maintain and repair my truck in American Truck Simulator?

To maintain and repair your truck, visit a service station or dealership, which are marked with a red wrench icon on the map. Here, you can repair damage, perform maintenance, and even upgrade your truck with new parts and accessories.

Can I adjust the difficulty settings in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, you can adjust the difficulty settings in American Truck Simulator to tailor the gameplay experience to your preferences and skill level. The game offers various customization options, such as adjusting traffic fines, automatic or manual transmission, fatigue simulation, and trailer coupling options. You can also modify the job and parking difficulty, which will affect how challenging it is to pick up and deliver cargo. These settings can be accessed through the game’s options menu, allowing you to create a more accessible or challenging trucking experience as desired.

How often are new map expansions released for American Truck Simulator?

There is no fixed schedule for new map expansions, as the development process depends on factors such as licensing, research, and the complexity of the area being added. However, SCS Software has consistently released new expansions every year, gradually expanding the game’s map and content. Lately, it’s been about 2 states/year.

Can I create and share my own mods for American Truck Simulator?

Yes, you can create your own mods for American Truck Simulator using various modding tools and resources available from the community and SCS Software. Once you’ve created a mod, you can share it with others through platforms like the Steam Workshop or modding websites.

Are there any speed limits in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, American Truck Simulator enforces realistic speed limits based on the roads you are driving on, which vary between states and types of roads. Obeying the speed limits helps you avoid fines and drive safely, ensuring the success of your trucking business.

Can I play American Truck Simulator offline?

Yes, you can play American Truck Simulator offline, provided you have the game installed on your computer. However, some features, such as updates, downloadable content, and the Steam Workshop, require an internet connection to access and use.

What languages does American Truck Simulator support?

American Truck Simulator supports multiple languages, including English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Czech, Russian, Hungarian, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Turkish, Brazilian Portuguese, Bulgarian, Greek, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Romanian.

Can I change my truck’s license plate in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, you can customize your truck’s license plate in American Truck Simulator. To do this, visit a service station or dealership, go to the upgrade shop, and choose the license plate option. You can enter custom text and choose a design based on the available options.

Is there a photo mode or screenshot feature in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, American Truck Simulator includes a photo mode, allowing you to pause the game, adjust the camera angle, and take high-quality screenshots of your truck and the beautiful scenery. To access photo mode, press the assigned key.

Can I use American Truck Simulator to practice for my real-life truck driving test?

While American Truck Simulator can be a fun and immersive way to learn about the basics of truck driving, it should not be used as a substitute for professional training or real-life experience. The game may help familiarize you with some trucking concepts, but it’s essential to seek proper training and guidance before attempting to drive a real truck.

Can you get pulled over in American Truck Simulator?

While you can’t get physically pulled over, you will receive fines for traffic violations like speeding, running red lights, or causing accidents. These fines will be automatically deducted from your earnings.

Can you drive cars in American Truck Simulator?

American Truck Simulator primarily focuses on trucks, and driving cars is not a core feature of the game. However, there are mods available that allow you to drive cars or other vehicles if you’re interested in exploring the game world in a different way.

How long is 12 hours in American Truck Simulator?

In American Truck Simulator, time is accelerated compared to real life. Typically, one in-game day (24 hours) takes around 72 minutes of real-time play. So, 12 hours in the game would take approximately 36 minutes of real-time play. However, the actual duration may vary depending on your settings and whether you’re using any mods that affect the in-game time scale.

How much over the speed limit can you go in American Truck Simulator?

The game allows a small margin for error, typically around 3-5 mph over the speed limit. Going beyond this threshold will result in a speeding ticket and a fine. If traffic fines are turned off, you can go as fast as the truck and road allows.

What happens if you run out of fuel in American Truck Simulator?

If you run out of fuel in the game, you will be unable to drive your truck. To refuel, you can call for emergency roadside assistance, which will transport your truck to the nearest gas station and charge you a fee.

What is the fastest way to make money in American Truck Simulator?

To make money quickly, focus on taking high-paying jobs with shorter distances and faster delivery times. As you gain experience and unlock more skills, you can accept higher-paying and specialized jobs, such as those involving hazardous materials.

Do you need to sleep in American Truck Simulator?

If you have the fatigue simulation enabled in the game settings, you will need to rest periodically to avoid penalties and maintain your driver’s performance. You can rest at designated rest areas, truck stops, or hotels.

Can I sleep at my garage in American Truck Simulator?

Yes, you can sleep at your own garage in the game, which allows you to rest and advance the game time.

How many drivers can you hire in American Truck Simulator?

There is no fixed limit to the number of drivers you can hire in the game. As you expand your trucking company, you can hire more drivers and assign them to trucks and jobs, growing your business and increasing your profits.

What happens if you don’t stop at weigh stations in American Truck Simulator?

If you fail to stop at a weigh station when required, you will receive a fine for non-compliance, which will be deducted from your earnings. You can turn ‘Traffic Fines’ off to not be fined.

What all can you do in American Truck Simulator?

In American Truck Simulator, you can take on various trucking jobs, drive across different states, explore the game world, manage your own trucking company, customize and maintain your trucks, and interact with various game mechanics like weigh stations, rest areas, and fuel stops.

Why can I only go 65 mph on American Truck Simulator?

You have ‘Speed Limiter’ Enabled and you need to disable it in the Gameplay Settings.

Can American Truck Simulator teach you how to drive?

While American Truck Simulator can familiarize you with some basic trucking concepts and driving techniques, it should not be used as a substitute for professional driving lessons or real-life experience. It’s essential to seek proper training and guidance before attempting to drive a real truck.

Which is the best truck in American Truck Simulator?

There isn’t a definitive “best” truck in the game, as each truck has its pros and cons. The best truck for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the types of jobs you want to take on. Test drive different trucks and choose the one that best suits your needs and playstyle. I personally prefer the Peterbilt 389 or the Kenworth w900. The Kenworth T680 is also a nice truck.

What is the best way to play American Truck Simulator?

The best way to play American Truck Simulator depends on your preferences and setup. Some players prefer to use a keyboard and mouse, while others use a gaming controller. For a more immersive experience, consider investing in a steering wheel and pedal set, which can enhance the realism of the game.

How accurate are the roads in American Truck Simulator?

American Truck Simulator strives for realism in its road designs, with the developers using real-world maps, satellite imagery, and field research to recreate roads, cities, and landscapes. However, the game uses a scaled-down version of the United States, so not every road or location is precisely accurate.

If you have a question ask below and I’ll try to answer it.

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