Chicago: a restless metropolis defined by its legendary skyline, deep-dish heritage, and historic urban fabric. We are thrilled to offer an exclusive preview of the Windy City’s intricate road network and the challenging new Special Transport routes arriving in our upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator, launching on May 14th. Ready to hit the streets? Let’s head downtown.
Replicating a city of this magnitude for American Truck Simulator is a colossal undertaking. Balancing immense detail, diverse industrial zones, and complex infrastructure presented significant hurdles. We caught up with Lukas, a Senior Map Designer who has spent over a year meticulously crafting this virtual Chicago, to discuss what players should anticipate.
“Chicago is truly singular,” Lukas remarks. “It’s a city many recognize from pop culture, even without visiting. My priority was building a convincing, authentic environment that feels genuine—not just for our players, but for the locals who know it best.”
The city’s skyline is perhaps its most arresting feature—and our most ambitious to date. “We prioritized accuracy in scale, spatial layout, and optimization,” Lukas explains. “The fact that you can navigate directly into the heart of this skyline is incredible, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.”
Trucking through Chicago allows you to traverse vital districts, including the iconic Loop, Streeterville, and the Near South Side. Each has been rendered with rigorous attention to detail. While landmarks like Navy Pier have been creatively scaled, they remain instantly recognizable. Furthermore, routes like Lake Shore Drive offer breathtaking panoramas of Lake Michigan and the urban horizon.
We couldn’t capture the spirit of Chicago without its rapid transit system, the ‘L’. Our vehicle team developed a brand-new train model to accompany the city’s elevated, subway, and surface-level tracks. Those iconic steel structures, originating in 1892, are an essential component of the Chicago aesthetic.
Beyond the surface lies Lower Wacker Drive—a complex, three-tiered underground roadway beneath the Loop designed to bypass surface congestion. Completed in 1926, this subterranean network serves as a fast-paced, labyrinthine artery for the city. We can’t wait for you to experience these rare, specialized road networks.
Chicago’s heartbeat is its industry. A major hub is O’Hare International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airfields. Players can undertake diverse logistical tasks here, from navigating cargo warehouses to unloading at custom fuel depots and even delivering directly to specialized freight aircraft on the apron.
The industrial landscape extends to intermodal yards, car manufacturing plants, and export terminals. Deliveries range from construction sites near the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge to food processing plants, heavy machinery hubs, and chemical oil facilities. For a unique twist, you can even haul goods to the Undercity storage depot or the deep-underground Wallbert warehouse.
We’ve also faithfully recreated the massive Thornton Quarry, a significant landmark south of the city. Whether you’re hauling heavy materials or simply passing by, the sheer scale of this operation is a sight to behold.
From Buckingham Fountain and the Field Museum to Soldier Field and the Centennial Wheel, Chicago is packed with landmarks. Bridge enthusiasts will appreciate the dynamic Franklin Delano Roosevelt and William P. Fahey bridges. And that’s merely scratching the surface.
BIG in Illinois: Special Transport Routes
If you’re craving a genuine challenge, look no further than our new Special Transport routes. These demanding contracts are designed for experienced drivers ready to haul massive, oversized loads.
Each route has been meticulously planned, featuring tight maneuvers and breathtaking scenery. As always, you will be accompanied by trained escort teams and police units to manage traffic and ensure your safe passage through the state.
Special Transport DLC owners can accept contracts between the following locations:
- Peoria to Chicago
- Moline to Quincy
- Springfield to Marion
Whether you’re maneuvering oversized freight or navigating the urban intensity of Chicago, we hope you enjoy every aspect of the Illinois DLC when it arrives on May 14th. Be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist, and until next time—keep on truckin’!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3486960/American_Truck_Simulator__Illinois/