For as long as I can remember, I have always been drawn to the world of truck simulators. When it became known that American Truck Simulator was coming out, I literally counted down the days. Those who spent hours playing 18 Wheels of Steel: American Long Haul will definitely understand: there is something mesmerizing about these endless American highways. The soft hum of the engine, the relaxing blues in the speakers and the narrow tunnel of light from the headlights leading through the night – all this creates a special magic of the road.

It is as if you dissolve in the truck cabin, and the world outside it ceases to exist. This is exactly the atmosphere that fans of the SCS Software studio were expecting from the new game. But the question arises: is the mood alone enough for the game to really hook you? This is what I want to talk about – in this review of American Truck Simulator.

American Truck Simulator Free Steam Account

When you first launch American Truck Simulator, there is a strange feeling – as if you have already been here. The welcome screen, familiar buttons in the menu, familiar music in the background – all this seems to say to you: “Relax, you are home.” Those who played Euro Truck Simulator 2 will immediately recognize the interface, design and even the profile avatars. It seems as if the game is not so much new as an expansion of the old one – it’s just that now you are not in Europe, but on the other side of the ocean. And the longer you play, the more you feel that this is the whole charm. It’s like returning to your hometown after years: everything is in its place, but the view is slightly different.

This approach of the developers is quite understandable. They decided not to risk the atmosphere that players have already gotten used to. Instead of radical changes – familiar mechanics, a tested interface and smooth movement to new scenery: hello, America. The landscapes, cities, road signs have changed – but the spirit remains the same. There is something cozy about it. Those who have long been in love with virtual trucks will appreciate the continuity. But for beginners, everything will be new – and they will most likely not have enough time or energy to complain about a game that is “too similar”.

If you are just getting to know the world of ATS, then you will have to start from the basics. At first, you are just a hired driver. You take orders: you need to transport cargo from point A to point B, not damage it, not run into fines and, preferably, arrive on time. For now, it is not your concern – neither gasoline, nor maintenance, nor even your own truck. The whole focus is on the road and your ability to drive. Each order brings money and experience. And with experience, new skills are unlocked: transportation of hazardous materials, urgent flights, long distances and so on. Everything is simple – but addictive.

Gradually, the moment comes when you want more. The game nudges: “Don’t you want to buy your own truck?” And you start saving money or take out a loan. Now you are the boss. Choose a base: Los Angeles? San Francisco? Maybe Las Vegas? Your place of residence will determine where you will start new routes. You can tune the car: from the engine to the interior lighting. And then – one more step: hire a driver, then a second, then buy another truck … and now you are not just a driver, but the head of your own logistics empire.

But everything is not so simple. Along with the expansion of the business comes a headache. Now you pay for fuel yourself, fix broken cars yourself, monitor the salaries of your drivers. In theory, you can not get behind the wheel at all – just manage the company, quickly rewind time and watch the profit accumulate. But is that the point?

After all, the most valuable thing in American Truck Simulator is the road. Not numbers, not XP and not the number of garages. But night tracks with rare headlights of oncoming cars. Morning fog on the highway. Gas stations in the middle of the desert. Music in headphones. The monotonous hum of the engine. You drive, just drive – and at that moment the whole world seems to freeze. This romance of the road – it is at the heart of the whole game. And for this reason you launch ATS again and again.

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What awaits players in American Truck Simulator

Now it’s time to talk about the main highlight that distinguishes American Truck Simulator from its European “sister” – this is, of course, the USA. From the first minutes of the game, you find yourself on the roads of California and Nevada – two states that became the starting point of a large virtual journey across America. Although the developers did not strive to recreate these regions with absolute geographical accuracy, they did the main thing – they conveyed the atmosphere, recognizable images and the spirit of the area. GTA fans will immediately feel nostalgia: the familiar landscapes of Los Angeles, the prototype of which was Los Angeles from San Andreas and GTA 5, evoke a smile and a slight deja vu. And if you have ever dreamed of driving through Las Vegas with its neon signs, casino noise and crazy pace of life – the game will definitely give you this moment.

One of the strongest elements of ATS is undoubtedly the game map. California here is not just a set of roads and buildings. This is the hot sun, the sultry air, the endless highways with dry tumbleweeds rolling along them. These are the lights of the big city that light up with the onset of evening, illuminating the streets of megalopolises. These are rare rains, dusty villages and abandoned sections of the highway – all together they create the feeling that you really are somewhere between Fresno and Sacramento. Nevada greets you with its deserted expanses and, of course, the legendary Las Vegas. And although the scale of the map is not gigantic, the fullness of details is amazing. You are not just driving from point A to point B – you are watching how the world around you lives and breathes.

The traffic – although not the most diverse – feels alive. Pedestrians wander along the roadsides, workers scurry around industrial bases, everyone is busy with work. These little things are not immediately obvious, but they are exactly what make the game real – with atmosphere, rhythm and character.

American Truck Simulator doesn’t just let you drive on American roads – it lets you experience what it’s like to be part of the American dream on wheels.

American Truck Simulator Gameplay

Many years have passed since the release of Euro Truck Simulator 2, but the gameplay in American Truck Simulator still feels almost the same. The developers enthusiastically talked about the improved police behavior system, but in reality this “new feature” turned out to be more cosmetic. Yes, the police really react to your violations: they turn on flashing lights and “carefully” watch. But do not expect a chase or live interaction – everything ends with a dry message on the screen about the received fine. No dynamics, everything is the same.

It is also a little disappointing that the game still does not have normal damage physics. No matter how many times you crash, there will not be a scratch on the truck body. The panel may signal breakdowns, but visually your truck will look like it just came off the assembly line. This really knocks you out of the atmosphere and deprives what is happening of a share of realism that you expect from a simulator.

Now let’s talk about what you will be driving on American roads. At the start, you have access to only two trucks: Peterbilt 579 and Kenworth T680. Both are free add-ons, and there is almost no fundamental difference between them – they feel similar in control. But if you compare them with the usual European trucks, there is a contrast. American trucks seem more powerful, massive and “heavyweight” in terms of maneuverability and driving experience. This gives the game its own individuality.

Visually, American Truck Simulator does not make a leap forward compared to ETS 2, but it is also impossible to say that the picture is outdated. It is especially pleasant to drive at a certain time of day: at sunset, when the shadows lengthen, or early in the morning, when the sky is painted in pink and orange tones. The landscapes at such moments look so picturesque that sometimes you want to stop at the side of the road, turn off the engine and just admire the beauty of the world around you.

American Truck Simulator: Is It Worth Playing at Launch?

To sum it up, the main criticism of the developers is, of course, the catastrophically small amount of content with which the game begins. SCS Software loudly promised us large-scale cargo transportation throughout the United States, creating a feeling of almost unlimited freedom in players. But in reality, we received only a small fragment of the country – beautiful, atmospheric, but still tiny compared to what was expected.

To be honest, the company warned in advance that soon after the release there would be a free update with the addition of Arizona. This, of course, smooths out the overall impression a little. However, in the future, the developers plan to include the remaining states already in the form of paid add-ons. And although the idea of ​​​​gradual expansion is logical, especially considering the scale of the country, it is difficult not to feel disappointed – after all, the basic version feels more like part of something bigger than a full-fledged game for $ 18.

At this stage, American Truck Simulator resembles more a large DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2 than an independent product. Especially considering:

• limited game map;
• small number of routes and variety;
• lack of full progression at the start;
• a feeling of “cutting off” the project for the sake of future paid DLC.

And with all the advantages of technical implementation, such a volume of content is clearly not enough to fully justify the expectations of fans and the price of the game.

But you know what’s surprising? In those moments when you’ve been driving for hours on smooth highways, when the sunset is outside the window, and Hotel California or your favorite radio is playing in the speakers, all these complaints melt away. A special magic appears in these restrained, meditative trips. It’s as if you disconnect from reality, immerse yourself in a trance, in this special state of “road meditation”. And then you catch yourself thinking: “Okay, one more order. The last one. And definitely sleep.” And then – again the road, again the cabin, and again you want to forgive the game for all its imperfections.

American Truck Simulator System Requirements

How to play American Truck Simulator for free on Steam via VpeSports

Sometimes you just want to get away. Not forever, not seriously – but at least virtually: on the deserted highways of Nevada, past the endless fields of Texas or along the California coast. American Truck Simulator is not just a game, but a real journey in which you are your own driver, map and soundtrack. And you know what’s the coolest thing? You can try all this without spending a cent – we have a free Steam account ready for you so you can just get behind the wheel and go.

We have done everything so that you do not stumble over technical trifles. If you want – register, go to your personal account, and in a couple of minutes your first load will be waiting for you. No headaches, just you and the road. The launch instructions are inside, so even if you have never dealt with simulators before, it will be easy to figure it out.

And when you finish your first trip – share your impressions. It is really important for us to know what you felt: freedom, excitement, maybe even a little nostalgia? If the review does not appear right away, don’t worry, it is just being moderated. Correct a few words and everything will be fine. After approval, we will send you all the data by email.

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