Cruisin’ the Digital Highways: Your Guide to American Truck Simulator
Ever dreamt of the open road and a powerful engine? American Truck Simulator (ATS) delivers this experience to your screen. It’s more than just a game; it’s a look into long-haul trucking across a detailed virtual USA. Think of it as your escape from spreadsheets with plenty of eighteen-wheelers.
The Kings of the Road: Best Trucks in ATS
Choosing your rig in ATS feels like picking a spirit animal, with more chrome. Opinions vary, yet one name often leads: the Peterbilt 389.
- Peterbilt 389: This truck is a statement. With its long nose and shining grill, the 389 embodies American trucking. It’s timeless and powerful. Parking this beast requires skill. For a deeper dive into top truck makes, check TheGamer.
Power and Performance: Unleashing the Beasts
The trucking world evolves. European giants like the Scania V8, at 770 horsepower, ruled. But hold on; there’s a new challenger from the East.
- Most Powerful Truck: The Shacman X6000 broadens “power” on the digital highway. This Chinese truck changes the game. The X6000 gains attention in virtual trucking.
- Fastest Truck: Surprisingly, the Peterbilt 389, our best truck, competes in speed when you customize it in-game. A truck that looks strong also moves fast.
- Most Powerful American Truck: The Ford F-150 Raptor R has 720 hp, showcasing American muscle in pickups. Not an eighteen-wheeler, it shows power potential in a semi.
Life on the Road: Trucking Through ATS
ATS is not just driving; it’s about building a trucking empire. Let’s delve into making virtual cash.
- Most Profitable Trailer: For digital profits, aim for Sterling trailers. They average $16,479 daily in-game profit. They overshadow flatbeds. They rule virtual earnings.
- Longest Haul: Think you can endure? Try the Texas to Alaska route, with over 5,000 virtual miles. That’s nine in-game days of commitment to asphalt.
- Map Coverage: ATS expands its digital map continually. You can explore 17 states in total, covering 4.5 million square kilometers. That’s nearly 59% of lower 48 lands. Plenty of road awaits! For more details, check Wikipedia.
- Number of Cities: ATS includes 228 visitable cities. They feature state capitals and larger urban centers. Countless in-game roads connect them.
- Truck Brands: ATS offers variety with 7 truck manufacturers and 21 models. Collect virtually! Real trucks would require too much parking space.
- Realism: ATS emphasizes realism. The game recreates real routes, adding impressive authenticity. It’s a geography lesson posing as a trucking simulator.
- Police Fines: Breaking laws incurs fines in ATS. Police AI patrols roads. Speeding or causing collisions results in penalties. Drive safe!
Gameplay Deep Dive: Levels, XP, and Heavy Haul
ATS focuses on driving and progression challenges.
- Levels: The highest level in ATS is 150. After level 36, rewards shift to bragging rights over bonuses. It’s the journey that matters!
- Experience Points: Leveling up involves earning experience points (XP). Complete jobs for XP to advance. Keep on trucking!
- Heavy Haul: Want to carry large loads? Heavy Haul is for you. You’ll collaborate with your driver manager for specialized classes to haul oversized loads.
Rules of the Road (and the Game): Driving Regulations
Even in the game, rules exist, particularly about driving hours.
- 14-hour rule: ATS includes realistic regulations like the 14-hour rule. You have a maximum of 11 hours driving in a 14-hour window. Time management matters.
- Recap hours: To avoid digital driver fatigue, ATS has recap hours. No more than 70 on-duty hours in an 8-day period. Recap resets nightly, shedding earlier hours.
Simulator Showdown: Realism and Steering Wheels
Is ATS a true simulator? Many think so.
- Realism: For those wanting realism, ATS is top-notch. From well-modeled trucks to detailed landscapes, ATS offers immersion and authenticity.
- Best Steering Wheel: For a truly immersive ride, a quality steering wheel matters. The Thrustmaster T128 and T248 are well-recommended for enhanced control.
Truck Stop Paradise: Iowa 80
No trucking adventure lacks a visit to a famous truck stop.
- Largest Truck Stop: The Iowa 80 Truckstop reigns supreme in ATS and reality. It serves as a haven for truckers taking breaks or resets.
Mapping the Miles: Texas and Beyond
The ATS map grows steadily, adding new states and regions.
- Texas: Get ready to greet the Lone Star State! Texas brings natural beauty and vast miles to drive.
- Mexico: ¡Hola, México! ATS reaches south, covering the US-Mexico border region. California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas allow access to new routes and scenery.
Trailer Talk: Length Matters
Consider trailer length when growing your trucking empire.
- Trailer Length: Trailer length impacts cargo capacity. Longer trailers carry more goods, leading to increased profits.
With that said, whether you’re an experienced sim enthusiast or curious about trucking, American Truck Simulator offers an engaging experience. Now, go ahead and
start truckin’!
