South Dakota DLC: A Closer Look at Custom Depots

Excited to get truckin’ in The Coyote State? This post is for you. Today, the team at SCS Software is happy to share a look at some of the custom depots in the upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. Let’s hit the road.

Unlike standard prefabs, these depots have been carefully assembled by map designers using a variety of assets. Each one has a distinct look and feel. Many are based on real-world locations. Some drivers might recognise them if they live locally or visit South Dakota often.

Farming: The Heart of South Dakota

On your travels, you will quickly see just how central farming is to South Dakota’s identity. As the 13th largest agricultural exporting state, there is certainly no shortage of work to be done. The talented map and asset teams have recreated farms found across the state to represent this important industry in-game. These South Dakota DLC custom depots showcase the agricultural heritage of the region.

The Great Plains Shelterbelt

One thing the team could not miss adding alongside these custom farm depots was the Great Plains Shelterbelt. This large-scale windbreak project began in the 1930s in response to the Dust Bowl. Millions of trees were planted in long belts across the Plains to reduce wind speeds and combat soil erosion.

For farms, the Shelterbelt plays an important role. It helps protect exposed agricultural soils, shields buildings and livestock from harsh prairie winds, and improves growing conditions by reducing moisture loss. With only around 4% of South Dakota covered in forest, these purposeful lines of trees stand out across the open landscape. They become both a practical tool for farmers and an iconic part of the region’s rural scenery.

Black Hills: Timber and History

Farming is not the only big business in town. In the Black Hills, drivers will discover a region rich in history and natural beauty. Best known for its Gold Rush era, natural hot springs, and historic railway, this area offers a completely different feel compared to the open plains. It is also home to carefully managed timber operations that form another part of South Dakota’s working landscape. These operations are represented by custom depots.

Protected Forestry Operations

While timber harvesting does take place in the Black Hills, much of the area is protected as National Forest. Forestry work is highly regulated and carried out on a smaller scale. Rather than focusing on one specific real-world site, the timber depot captures the spirit of these operations. It represents the industry as it exists within this unique and historic region.

Sioux Falls Quarry: Below the Surface

It is not just what is above ground, but also below. This upcoming DLC will feature a quarry in Sioux Falls uniquely located within the city, surrounded by highways and suburbs. Here, they extract hard metamorphic rock and pink quartzite used in construction. This material has helped shape much of Sioux Falls’ architecture.

Grain Elevators: Prairie Landmarks

Across South Dakota, drivers will also spot a familiar sight: grain elevators. These specialized agricultural facilities store and handle large quantities of harvested crops. Standing tall as iconic landmarks across the prairie, you won’t travel far without seeing one. Drivers will make quite a few deliveries to and from them as well.

More to Come from South Dakota

Liked what you read today? There is more to come. The team looks forward to sharing even more from this upcoming DLC for American Truck Simulator in the future, right here on the blog. If you are excited to be haulin’ in the Mount Rushmore State, add South Dakota to your Steam Wishlist. Your support means a lot. Until next time, happy haulin’!