Ready to experience the open road in a big rig? American Truck Simulator, the acclaimed successor to Euro Truck Simulator 2, delivers an immersive trucking experience with a massive and dedicated fanbase, further enhanced by a thriving modding community. Choosing from the thousands of available mods can be overwhelming, so we've compiled ten of the best to significantly upgrade your ATS gameplay. Note that compatibility between mods may vary, and you can easily enable or disable them individually within the game.
TruckersMP
While American Truck Simulator now features multiplayer, the fan-created TruckersMP mod remains a popular choice. This mod allows you to team up with up to 63 other players, offering multiple servers and a moderation team to ensure fair play. While ATS's Convoy mode is enjoyable, TruckersMP often surpasses it in several aspects.
Realistic Truck Wear
American Truck Simulator allows truck purchases, but on the road, you're stuck with your current vehicle. Proper maintenance is crucial, as collisions result in damage. While repairs are possible, this mod enhances the damage system for increased realism. For example, tire retreading is introduced before full replacement becomes necessary. However, the mod also incorporates challenges, such as higher insurance costs, incentivizing safe driving. Even without installing it, exploring the Steam Workshop discussion, which includes contributions from real truckers, is worthwhile.
Sound Fixes Pack
Also available for Euro Truck Simulator 2, this mod provides numerous audio enhancements and additions. Subtle sound effects are improved, such as more pronounced wind noise with open windows and realistic reverb under bridges. The mod also includes five new air horns, adding to the overall immersive audio experience.
Real Companies, Gas Stations and Billboards
Real-world brand integration is rare in open-world games. This mod introduces various real-life companies like Walmart, UPS, and Shell, adding a layer of authenticity to the American Truck Simulator environment.
Realistic Truck Physics
This mod enhances the game's realism without making it excessively difficult. The focus is on improved vehicle suspension and other subtle adjustments that provide a more authentic trucking experience for serious players. This mod is also available for Euro Truck Simulator 2.
Ludicrously Long Trailers
This mod significantly increases the challenge by allowing the use of incredibly long trailers. While potentially frustrating, it offers a unique and humorous gameplay experience, particularly for streamers. However, it's important to note that this mod is incompatible with multiplayer.
Realistic Brutal Graphics and Weather
This mod enhances the game's weather system with improved visuals and new skyboxes. The weather effects are more realistic, including varying fog intensities. Importantly, it doesn't require significantly higher system specifications.
Slow Traffic Vehicles
This mod adds slow-moving vehicles like tractors and garbage trucks to the game, creating more realistic and varied traffic scenarios. While potentially frustrating at times, it adds an element of unpredictability and challenge to the gameplay.
Optimus Prime
For Transformers fans, this mod offers eight different Optimus Prime skins, including various movie incarnations. While requiring the purchase of a Freightliner FLB truck, the skins add a fun and unique visual element to the game.
More Realistic Fines
This mod adjusts the game's penalty system, making it less punitive. Speeding and running red lights might go unpunished unless caught by cameras or police officers. While this adds a riskier element to gameplay, it allows for a more forgiving experience.
These ten mods offer a great starting point for enhancing your American Truck Simulator experience. If you're also a fan of European trucking, be sure to check out the top mods for Euro Truck Simulator 2 as well.
