We are thrilled to announce that the Version 1.58 update for American Truck Simulator has officially launched and is now available for download on Steam!
Before diving into the details, we want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the Open Beta. Your bug reports and constructive feedback on our official forums were instrumental in helping our team polish this update, ensuring a stable and seamless transition for the entire community.
The Route 66 Revitalization Project
A major highlight of the 1.58 update is the rollout of the Route 66 Rework Project. Our dedicated world-building team has meticulously refreshed the legendary “Mother Road,” updating landmarks, depots, and entire cityscapes along this world-famous corridor. This phase of the project focuses specifically on Northern Arizona and significant portions of New Mexico.
While the full length of this historic highway will be finalized with the upcoming Illinois DLC, we felt it was vital to revisit the older segments of the route to bring them up to our modern mapping standards. Players can now enjoy a completely overhauled I-40 and Historic Route 66, featuring modernized road networks and enhanced environmental detail.
Truckers navigating Northern Arizona will discover that cities such as Kingman, Flagstaff, Page, and Show Low have been rebuilt from the ground up. We are also introducing Lake Havasu City on AZ-95. This premier destination is famous for the London Bridge—a structure originally built in 1831 that was transported from England and reconstructed brick-by-brick in Arizona in 1971. You can now drive across this piece of British history in-game!
Furthermore, the city of Holbrook has been replaced by the newly added city of Winslow. As you cross into New Mexico, you will find Gallup, Albuquerque, and Tucumcari completely reimagined with greater fidelity, capturing the authentic spirit of the Route 66 corridor. Iconic landmarks like the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon have also received visual upgrades to ensure they remain breathtaking destinations.
Driving Academy: Master the Double Trailer
To help drivers sharpen their technical skills, we have introduced a new module to the Driving Academy: Double Trailer Handling. This expansion provides comprehensive, hands-on training for managing “doubles,” covering everything from forward maneuvers to the complexities of reversing with two articulated units.
The module is structured into three distinct chapters. It begins with fundamental forward-driving techniques before progressing to advanced reversing challenges and real-world scenarios. As a reward for completing all scenarios in this chapter, players will unlock Frankie—an adorable dachshund cabin toy—to join them on their hauls.
Modernized Truck Garages
Garages are the backbone of your logistics empire, and in 1.58, they have received a significant aesthetic overhaul. Our team has redesigned all three garage tiers to offer a more modern, immersive environment. These refreshed spaces feature improved lighting, updated textures, and a more rewarding atmosphere, making your home base feel like a true reflection of your professional success.
Advanced Physics and Collision Updates
In preparation for future content like “Road Trip” and “Coaches,” we have implemented a major overhaul of our physics simulation. This “under the hood” update improves how vehicles respond to input and interact with the environment.
Key improvements include:
- Engine Torque Mapping: More authentic throttle response and engine resistance.
- Hill Start Assistant: Enhanced reliability when starting on steep inclines.
- Keyboard Controls: A new optional double-tap throttle system for finer acceleration control.
- Mechanical Realism: Improved wheel camber and caster behavior to reflect solid axle suspensions.
- Road Geometry: Updated collision meshes on highways for smoother handling and predictable wheel contact.
Redesigned Route Advisor and User Interface
One of the most transformative changes in this update is the complete replacement of the old Route Advisor with a new, widget-based system. Instead of a static panel, information is now displayed through customizable graphical widgets. This allows players to tailor their HUD to their preference, whether they want a data-heavy display or a minimalist, immersive view.
The Pause Screen has also been reimagined as a Quick Info feature. This centralized hub provides immediate access to essential data like truck damage, job details, and local regulations without cluttering the main driving experience. Additionally, the Truck Configurator now includes an “Apply to All Compatible” option for wheel accessories, allowing you to sync colors across bolts, rims, and hubs with a single click.
1.58 Update Changelog Summary
Gameplay & Vehicles
- New Driving Academy module: Double Trailer Handling.
- Comprehensive overhaul of vehicle behavior physics and collision mechanics.
World Environment
- Major Route 66 Rework (Arizona & New Mexico).
- Introduction of Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge.
- Visual redesign of all Truck Garages.
User Interface
- Introduction of contextual hints and a redesigned tutorial.
- New widget-based Route Advisor system.
- Reworked Pause Screen (Quick Info feature).
- Streamlined Management Screens and Truck Configurator tools.
We hope these enhancements make your journey across America more immersive than ever. Stay connected with us on X/Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for future updates. Safe travels and happy hauling!