American Truck Simulator – 1.53 update has been released in open beta. As part of the California Rework, Phase 4 offers a rework of a total of 10 cities, including Los Angeles and San Diego. The update includes the sliding tandems feature, smooth and automatic camera centering, a Special Transport speed limit update, and some UI improvements. SCS Software is also expanding log trailer support for dynamic cargo loading and unloading animations to other U.S. states.

You can provide feedback and report bugs in the section opened for 1.53 on the SCS forum.

California Rework – Phase 4

Phase 4 of the California Rework project focuses on the southern region of California and includes 10 cities, 3 of which are entirely new to the world of American Truck Simulator. Drivers working in this region can look forward to making deliveries to and from the cities of Bakersfield, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Mojave, Barstow, Indio, Blythe, Los Angeles, San Diego, and El Centro. Similar to previous phases, much of the original base map was removed and reworked entirely from the ground up including the cities’ surrounding areas.

The American Truck Simulator rework brings more realistic state highways, creating an incredible experience for American players. Since road networks are as important as cities, the SCS team has focused on reworking primary routes, including major coastal roads such as US-101, CA-1, and I-5. This area offers beautiful ocean views and is a route that was highly popular when ATS first launched. Additionally, other key routes like CA-58, CA-14, and CA-99, along with interstate highways I-10, I-15, I-40, and I-8, have been revamped. Some road connections to neighboring U.S. states have also been provided.

Dynamic Cargo (Un)loading Update

The dynamic cargo loading and unloading feature introduced with the 1.50 update is being expanded. Until now, we could use it with grain hopper trailers, chip van trailers, and log trailers. However, players could only experience this feature with the log trailer in Arkansas, but with the 1.53 update, they will be able to enjoy animated loading and unloading of logs in all U.S. states in the game.

Driving Academy Fifth Generation Cascadia

In the 1.53 update, The Fifth Generation Cascadia from Freightliner will be implemented into Driving Academy, brand new game module introduced in 1.52. This state-of-the-art truck is the newest addition to the ATS truck roster, and now you will have the option to try it out in various challenging scenarios in Driving Academy!

Options QoL improvement

Improvements continue in the options menu following the new interface update. When changing an option with a default value, players will now see a visual indicator whenever a setting is adjusted or moved from its default state. Options set away from their default values will now appear with a small indicator next to the setting, making it easier to identify which settings have been changed from the default.

Special Transport Update

Also updating the Special Transport DLC. As part of the California Rework project, added a new route for truckers to haul oversized cargo – between the rebuilt cities of Los Angeles and San Diego via I-5 route.

Sliding Tandems Update

In the 1.53 update, SCS Software also introducing a new sliding tandems feature. Previously, players could only set trailer axles in a fixed forward or rear position. Now, select trailers come with updated chassis, allowing players to slide the axles freely to optimize the weight distribution for their load.

But be cautious! To make this feature as realistic as possible, if the trailer’s rear axle’s distance exceeds 40 feet from the kingpin, you risk receiving a fine at California weigh stations and, in some cases, directly from the police.

Changelog 

Map

• California Rework – Phase 4 release

Gameplay

• Dynamic cargo loading & unloading of logs available throughout the USA
• New Special Transport route from Los Angeles to San Diego
• Raised speed limit for Special Transport jobs from 40 mph to 55 mph

• The new Fifth Generation Freightliner Cascadia® added to Driving Academy
• Fully functional sliding tandems and fines system

So enjoy all the new additions, but please remember: It’s only an open beta, not a stable public version – so you may encounter bugs, instability, or crashes. It’s completely okay if you want to wait for the final release. But if you’re interested in helping them to get there faster, we’ll appreciate all of your feedback on SCS’s forum and your bug reports in this section.

Please check SCS’s modding wiki to get details pertaining to mods for the game.

If you wish to participate in the open beta, you can find this version in the public_beta branch on Steam. The way to access it is as follows: Steam client → LIBRARY → right-click on American Truck Simulator  → Properties → Betas tab → public_beta → 1.53. No password is required. Sometimes you may have to restart your Steam client to see the correct branch name there.

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San Diego

Nicknamed “America’s Finest City,” San Diego has been completely rebuilt. They retained the best areas from the original version while adding new locations that were highly requested by the community. In San Diego, players will nearly reach the Mexican border as they drive on the I-5 or enjoy views of Snapdragon Stadium as they travel along the I-8. CA-905 will take you directly to the border, passing through a sprawling logistics warehouse district. Additionally, we’ll have the opportunity to cross the iconic Coronado Bridge and see San Diego from a whole new angle.

Los Angeles

The City of Angels, Los Angeles, was also redesigned from scratch, just like San Diego. While some areas from the original L.A. (rebuilt as well) were preserved, such as Santa Monica, the beginning of the I-10, and the major intersection of routes I-10, I-5, and US-101, many more iconic areas of Los Angeles were added. These include L.A. Airport, the L.A. River, Long Beach Pier, and the I-405, one of the busiest highways in the U.S., along with several other locations. Thanks to the excellent work of SCS Software’s 3D modelers and map designers, players will be able to discover numerous landmarks and logistics depots in the reworked city of Los Angeles.

With the 1.53 update, many California cities, including Los Angeles and San Diego, will be renewed.

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When you explore this area, you’ll be able to transport and deliver cargo to cities like Bakersfield, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Mojave, Barstow, Indio, Blythe, Los Angeles, San Diego, and El Centro. This rework was by no means a small undertaking; within the limits of the game engine, map scale, and realistic truck routes, they meticulously utilized a large area to incorporate accurate city layouts, industrial zones, and road networks in great detail.

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