Chicago Illinois DLC: Exploring the Windy City

Chicago is the city that never stops moving. It is best known for its iconic skyline, hot dogs, and historic architecture. Today, the team at SCS Software is excited to give you a closer look at the Windy City. The focus is on its unique road network and new Special Transport routes. These are coming with the upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator, which releases on May 14th. Ready to head downtown?

Chicago Illinois DLC: Recreating a Massive City

Recreating a city of this size and scale in ATS is no easy task. There is so much detail to capture. Many industries must be represented. Road networks need proper connections. The team faced many challenges. Lukas, one of the Senior Map Designers, worked on Chicago for over a year. He shared insights about the in-game version and what players can expect.

“Chicago is a unique city,” Lukas shares. “Many people know it from movies and games, even if they have never been there. My personal goal was to create a believable version that we could all be proud of. Not just for our players, but for locals too.”

The Largest Skyline Yet

Chicago’s skyline is one of the most visually striking features. It is the largest the team has created to date. Lukas shares more: “We tried to make the skyline as accurate as possible in terms of scale, space and optimisation… the fact that you can actually drive right into it is crazy, and I’m really glad we managed to make that possible.”

Driving Through Downtown Chicago

Players can drive through key downtown areas. These include the famous Chicago Loop, parts of Streeterville, and the Near South Side. These districts have been recreated with attention to detail. Some areas, such as Navy Pier, are represented creatively within the game’s scale. However, they remain recognizable and true to their real-world inspiration. Iconic routes such as Lake Shore Drive offer stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city panorama.

The Chicago ‘L’ Train

For many living in the city, driving is not the fastest or most affordable way to get around. The Chicago ‘L’ is the city’s rapid transit system. It is part of the daily commute for many residents. The team could not miss including it in the recreation. A brand-new train model was created by the vehicle team. This iconic public transport weaves through the city with elevated, subway, and surface-level lines. Its distinctive steel elevated structures date back to 1892. They are a defining feature of Chicago’s streets.

Lower Wacker Drive: Underground Roadway

There is more than meets the eye on the surface. The team has also recreated Lower Wacker Drive. This is an iconic three-level underground roadway system in Chicago. It runs beneath the Loop to help alleviate congestion. Completed in 1926, it serves as a fast-moving through-route. It is also a key shipping artery for the city. The team looks forward to players experiencing these unique road networks. They are rarely seen in American Truck Simulator.

Chicago Illinois DLC: Industries and Depots

A city this big could not run without its truck drivers. Chicago brings a wide range of industries and delivery opportunities. One notable location is O’Hare International Airport. It is the sixth busiest airport in the world, handling more than 850,000 aircraft movements each year. Players can take on deliveries within the airport and its cargo operations. These include transporting goods to and from a cargo warehouse, unloading at a custom fuel depot, and delivering directly to a specialized large cargo aircraft on the apron.

Beyond the airport, Chicago features a variety of other depots. These include a large intermodal yard, a car factory, and a custom car export depot. Players can deliver to a construction site located next to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge along Lake Shore Drive. Other delivery locations include the marina, a food processing facility, a heavy machinery service, and a chem oil industry. Some of the most unique deliveries take players underground. These include the custom-built Undercity storage depot on Lower Wacker Drive and the Wallbert warehouse situated even deeper below the city.

Thornton Quarry: A Standout Location

The team could not miss the iconic Thornton Quarry. It is one of the largest and most recognizable quarries in the region. This vast, custom-built depot is a standout location for players looking for work. It is a landmark in its own right. Its real-life counterpart spans an immense area. The team has worked hard to bring that same sense of scale and depth into its virtual recreation. Whether you are hauling heavy materials in or out of the site, or simply passing by, take a moment to admire this impressive operation located south of Chicago.

Landmarks Galore in Chicago Illinois DLC

No city would be complete without its landmarks. From towering skyscrapers and historic buildings to well-known attractions, there is plenty to see. These include Buckingham Fountain, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and Soldier Field. Navy Pier is also represented, complete with the Chicago Children’s Museum and Centennial Wheel. Love bridges? Check out the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge and the William P. Fahey Bridge. Both are dynamic. And that is just scratching the surface.

Special Transport Routes in Illinois

The city is not the only thing that is BIG in Illinois. If you are looking for a challenge, the new Special Transport routes may be for you. Truckers ready to take on mighty loads will find several new job contracts. These routes have been carefully pre-planned by dispatchers. Expect challenging maneuvers and scenic views on the road to your final destination. Trained escort teams and local police will guide you along the correct route. They will also help block traffic to allow safe passage when necessary.

Special Transport DLC owners will find contracts between:

• Peoria to Chicago
• Moline to Quincy
• Springfield to Marion

Add Illinois DLC to Your Wishlist

Whether you are taking on Special Transport routes or hauling cargo through the busy streets of Chicago, the team hopes you enjoy all that the Chicago Illinois DLC has to offer. It releases on May 14th. If you like what you see, add it to your Steam Wishlist. For more on Illinois, check out our custom depots preview, Illinois murals article, and South Dakota DLC cities overview.

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