SCS Software continues to improve its hit vehicle freight transportation sim, American Truck Simulator. The latest 1.54 update features plenty of improvements, fixes, and quality-of-life changes, most of which have been implemented thanks to feedback from the recent Open Beta.
The first noticeable gameplay change can be found in the cargo system in American Truck Simulator. Now, cargo and trailers will automatically merge simplified rules, as each cargo is assigned its own model, loading methodology, and lashing method.
You’ll also likely notice some UI redesigns, with the Truck Adjustment menu getting a full rework to make it more user-friendly and intuitive. Originally, each option for adjusting your driver’s FOV, seat, and mirrors had separate menus with different layouts.
American Truck Simulator update 1.54 combines them all into one interface, making adjustments much easier. You can see an example of the change in the images below:
Physics-wise, implementing the NVIDIA PhysX system will allow players to experience more precise collision detection results and more dynamic behaviour during scenarios involving collisions between vehicles and obstacles or other vehicles. These improvements are considerably noticeable in the Driving Academy, which no longer has objects appear to levitate above the ground or have incorrect collisions with objects.
Speaking of the Driving Academy game mode, the update also adds rewards for completing modules. Anyone who has completed or will complete the entire first module gets a hanging blue traffic cone cabin accessory and a customizable Driving Academy paint job for your truck.
American Truck Simulator is available now for PC (Steam) starting at $19.99. For more information on this and other trucking simulators, including the long list of DLC for them, be sure to check back to Simulation Daily.