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  • ATS 1.58 Update: Route 66 Rework, New UI & Physics
    ATS 1.58 Update:
    Route 66 Rework, New UI & Physics

    American Truck Simulator 1.58 Update is Now Live on Steam

    The American Truck Simulator 1.58 update is officially released and available on Steam. The team at SCS Software thanks everyone who participated in the Open Beta, reporting issues and providing feedback on the forum. This feedback was invaluable for fine-tuning the update.

    Route 66 Rework Project: Revitalizing an American Icon

    The ATS 1.58 update introduces the major Route 66 Rework Project. This initiative refreshes the legendary Historic Route 66 and its surrounding locations. The initial release focuses on key stretches in Northern Arizona and parts of New Mexico.

    The legendary highway will be completed with the upcoming Illinois DLC. This rework updates older sections to match current mapping standards. It features completely reworked stretches of I-40 and Historic Route 66.

    Reworked section of Historic Route 66 in the ATS 1.58 update
    Updated road network and scenery along Route 66 in American Truck Simulator
    New city Lake Havasu City added to Arizona in the 1.58 update
    Scenic view of reworked Arizona landscape in ATS 1.58

    Completely Reworked Cities and New Additions

    Truckers can discover multiple completely reworked cities in Northern Arizona. These include Kingman, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon Village, Page, Kayenta, Camp Verde, and Show Low. A brand-new city, Lake Havasu City, has been added on AZ-95. This premier vacation destination sits along the Colorado River.

    Lake Havasu City is famous for being home to the London Bridge. Originally built in 1831 over the River Thames, it was relocated from London and rebuilt brick by brick in 1971. Players can now see and drive across this iconic British landmark.

    London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona in ATS 1.58
    Reworked city of Flagstaff in the Route 66 project
    Updated urban environment in reworked Arizona cities

    Other map changes include saying goodbye to Holbrook and welcoming the new city of Winslow. In New Mexico, the cities of Gallup, Albuquerque, and Tucumcari have been completely reworked from the ground up.

    The project also revisits memorable landmarks like the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley. These areas now have a fresh, updated look. For more details, read the dedicated blog post.

    Updated Monument Valley landmark in the ATS 1.58 rework
    Reworked Grand Canyon area with improved visuals
    Scenic drive through reworked New Mexico in Route 66 project

    Driving Academy: Double Trailer Handling

    The ATS 1.58 update introduces a new Driving Academy module: Double Trailer Handling. This module provides hands-on know-how for handling trucks with two trailers, known as doubles. It features challenging scenarios that guide players step-by-step through forward driving, maneuvering, and reversing.

    The experience is split into three chapters. It begins with forward-driving maneuvers, then teaches reversing techniques. Finally, it presents real-world-inspired scenarios to test newly gained skills.

    Driving Academy Double Trailer Handling module interface in ATS
    Double trailer reversing scenario in the new Driving Academy

    Completing all scenarios rewards players with the “Frankie” wiener dog toy for their truck cabin. The team also adjusted an achievement in the Truck Driving Proficiency module. The “Nerd of the Road” achievement now requires three stars in only 15 scenarios instead of 23. Learn more in the dedicated blog post.

    Advanced double trailer maneuvering challenge in Driving Academy
    Real-world inspired scenario testing double trailer skills
    Frankie the wiener dog cabin reward for completing Double Trailer Handling

    New Truck Garages: A Visual Rework

    Garages have received a full visual rework in the ATS 1.58 update. Designers refreshed these essential spaces to better reflect the game’s current quality and detail. The update brings a fresh look with updated interiors, improved visuals, and a better atmosphere.

    The goal was to turn garages into places players enjoy returning to. They should feel modern, immersive, and rewarding to upgrade. For more details, see the dedicated blog topic.

    Exterior view of the newly reworked truck garage in ATS 1.58
    Modernized interior of a small truck garage after the rework
    Detailed view of garage lighting and updated assets
    Large garage interior showing improved visual quality and space

    Vehicle Behavior Physics & Collisions Update

    In preparation for new vehicle types like those in the upcoming Coaches DLC, the team has significantly refined the in-game physics simulation. Improvements include vehicle behavior, response to inputs, and collision handling.

    Adjustments were made with new vehicle categories in mind. Many improvements also benefit all existing trucks. The goal was to improve realism and responsiveness while keeping the core driving experience recognizable.

    Visual representation of updated vehicle physics and suspension behavior

    Key Physics Improvements

    • Throttle Response: Now based on a proper throttle torque engine map for more realistic acceleration.
    • Off-Throttle Engine Resistance: Provides smoother, more natural coasting.
    • Hill Start Assistant: Makes starts on inclines more reliable.
    • Keyboard Control: New optional double-tap system for smoother throttle control.
    • Wheel Geometry: Wheels now properly camber off-road and incorporate caster when turning.
    • Audio Refinements: Driving feedback sounds more connected.
    • Collision Geometry: Updated on almost all roads for better stability and wheel contact.
    Diagram explaining the new smart throttle control and hill start assistant
    Animation demonstrating updated wheel and suspension physics

    Learn more in the dedicated physics blog post.

    Major UI Overhaul: Route Advisor & Quick Info

    The ATS 1.58 update brings a complete UI overhaul, starting with the Route Advisor. The old Advisor has been replaced with a new widget-based system. Information is now presented through individual graphical widgets dedicated to specific functions.

    This allows for a cleaner on-screen experience and gives players more control. Widgets can be customized to suit different playstyles, from minimal setups to information-rich HUDs.

    New widget-based Route Advisor interface in ATS 1.58
    Customizable widget layout example for the new Route Advisor
    Minimalist widget configuration for a clean driving view

    Quick Info Feature (Redesigned Pause Screen)

    The Pause Screen has been completely reworked into the Quick Info feature. It presents key information in a structured, readable way. This includes controls, truck information, job details, and local regulations all in one place.

    Job information, truck damage details, and service options have moved here from the old Advisor. This keeps the HUD cleaner. In multiplayer, players can access Quick Info by pressing F1.

    New Quick Info screen replacing the old pause menu in ATS 1.58

    Tutorial Redesign & Contextual Hints

    A redesigned tutorial introduces a new system of contextual hints. The goal is to present helpful information to new players at the right moment organically. This system incorporates prompts from the current first job tutorial and new hints.

    New contextual hint system appearing during gameplay in ATS

    Management Screen & Configurator Improvements

    The 1.58 update brings refinements to management screens (Driver, Trailer, Truck, Garage Managers). Improvements focus on usability, clarity, and polish.

    Players can now more easily track hired drivers’ skill progress. The selected skill training for each driver is highlighted in the overview. Company-related information like name and logo is also more accessible.

    The Truck and Trailer Configurator received targeted improvements for better controller and mouse use. Navigation is clearer, with better feedback and added hints. A new “Apply to All Compatible” feature allows quick color changes for paintable wheel accessories.

    Updated management screen with improved driver skill tracking
    Improved Truck Configurator interface with new features

    Update Changelog Overview

    Gameplay: Driving Academy – Double Trailer Handling.

    Vehicles: Vehicle Behaviour Physics & Collisions Update.

    Map: Route 66 Rework Project; Map Changes for Road Trip; New Truck Garages.

    UI: Tutorial Redesign & Contextual Hints; Route Advisor Redesign; Quick Info Feature; Management Screen Improvements; Truck Configurator Improvements.

    Explore the Update Today

    We hope you are excited to try all the new features in the American Truck Simulator 1.58 update. The best way to learn about the changes is by hitting the road!

    Keep up to date with future updates by following SCS Software on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, and Instagram. Subscribe to our newsletter for direct news. Happy haulin’!

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