If you’re new to American Truck Simulator and looking for an in-depth guide on how to play, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re behind the wheel for the first time or returning after a long break, this article provides valuable beginner tips to help you get started, enjoy the game, and become a successful virtual trucker. In this guide, I’ll cover everything from setting up your controls and managing your first delivery to upgrading your truck and expanding your trucking business.
What Is American Truck Simulator
Before diving into how to play American Truck Simulator, it’s important to understand what the game is about. Released by SCS Software, American Truck Simulator (often abbreviated as ATS) is a realistic truck driving simulation game. Players can drive licensed trucks across the United States, deliver cargo, build their own trucking empire, and explore beautifully recreated American landscapes.
The core of the game focuses on:
- Driving long distances safely
- Following traffic laws
- Managing time and fuel
- Running a profitable business
Now, let’s jump into some essential tips for beginners on how to play American Truck Simulator.
Start with the Tutorial – Learn the Basics
When you launch the game for the first time, you’ll be asked if you want to play the tutorial. Always say yes. The tutorial is well-designed and gives you a feel for the game mechanics. You’ll learn how to:
- Accelerate, brake, and steer
- Use mirrors to reverse and park
- Attach and detach trailers
- Deliver your first cargo
This basic training is crucial for beginners learning how to play American Truck Simulator effectively.
Choose the Right Control Setup
One of the most common questions from new players is how to play American Truck Simulator using different control options. The game supports:
- Keyboard and mouse
- Gamepad (like Xbox or PlayStation controllers)
- Steering wheel and pedals
For beginners, a gamepad is often the easiest and most intuitive way to start. However, if you’re aiming for realism, a steering wheel setup provides the most immersive experience.
Make sure to:
- Calibrate your controls properly
- Adjust sensitivity settings for smoother handling
- Map essential functions like headlights, wipers, and cruise control
Use External and In-Cab Views Wisely
In American Truck Simulator, you can switch between various camera angles:
- First-person (in-cab) view for realism
- Third-person (external) view for better visibility when parking
- Top-down camera for tricky maneuvers
Learning when to use each view can drastically improve your driving and parking skills, especially during tight deliveries.
Follow Traffic Laws and Speed Limits
One of the main aspects of how to play American Truck Simulator is to follow traffic laws. This includes:
- Obeying speed limits (visible on your GPS and dashboard)
- Stopping at red lights and stop signs
- Yielding and using blinkers
- Not running over curbs or traffic signs
Failure to comply will result in fines and damage, which can hurt your profits early in the game.
Take Your Time with Parking
When you arrive at a delivery location, the game gives you three options:
- Park manually for full XP
- Skip parking for no XP
- Easy park for partial XP
If you’re new, don’t feel pressured to park perfectly on the first try. Practice makes perfect. Try manual parking when you feel comfortable—it’s rewarding and adds to your skill progression.
Keep an Eye on Your Fuel and Rest Needs
In American Truck Simulator, you need to manage your driver’s fatigue and fuel consumption. This adds realism and strategy to the game. On long trips, always:
- Check your fuel level regularly
- Use rest stops to sleep when needed
- Plan routes with gas stations and rest areas
Running out of fuel or falling asleep at the wheel will cost you time and money.
Start with Quick Jobs
When starting your trucking career, you don’t own a truck. That’s where Quick Jobs come in. These are company-assigned deliveries using their trucks. It’s the best way to earn money in the beginning.
Focus on:
- Short to medium hauls for experience
- Avoiding damage to the cargo
- Building up funds for your first truck
Quick Jobs also include insurance and fuel, so they’re cost-effective while you’re still learning how to play American Truck Simulator.
Save Up for Your First Truck
After doing several Quick Jobs, you’ll want to buy your own truck. This unlocks Freight Market jobs and gives you more control over your deliveries.
Good first truck choices include:
- Peterbilt 389 (classic design)
- Kenworth T680 (fuel efficient)
- International LT (budget-friendly)
Take a bank loan if needed, but ensure you can cover the monthly payments. Owning your truck is a huge step toward growing your trucking business.
Upgrade Your Garage and Hire Drivers
Once you own a truck and have some money saved, you can start expanding your empire. Here’s how:
- Upgrade your garage to add more truck slots
- Hire AI drivers via the recruitment agency
- Buy additional trucks for your employees
The more efficient your drivers are, the more passive income you earn. Managing your company becomes part of the gameplay, and it’s a key component of how to play American Truck Simulator in the long run.
Use the In-Game GPS Smartly
Your GPS is your best friend in ATS. It helps you:
- Follow your route
- Identify rest stops, gas stations, and repair shops
- Plan detours and avoid tolls or traffic
Advanced players often use external route planners, but beginners should rely on the in-game GPS to learn the layout and plan routes efficiently.
Explore New States and DLCs
The base game includes a few states like California and Nevada. But as you progress, consider investing in DLCs (Downloadable Content). These add more states, companies, cargo types, and realism.
Popular map expansions include:
- Oregon and Washington for lush forests
- Colorado and Wyoming for scenic mountains
- Texas and Oklahoma for long highway drives
Each DLC enhances your experience and makes learning how to play American Truck Simulator even more enjoyable.
Customize Your Truck for Performance
When you own a truck, visit the upgrade shop to improve it:
- Better engines for power on hills
- Stronger transmissions for heavy cargo
- Upgraded chassis and tires for stability
- Interior accessories for immersion
Just like in real trucking, small upgrades make long-term driving more efficient and comfortable.
Avoid Crashes and Damage
Crashes not only reduce your delivery income but also damage your truck and cargo. To avoid this:
- Keep a safe following distance
- Use mirrors and check blind spots
- Slow down for sharp turns
- Avoid speeding in cities
Safe driving is the foundation of how to play American Truck Simulator effectively.
Join the Community and Use Mods
ATS has a huge fanbase and modding community. Once you’re comfortable with the base game, consider:
- Downloading realistic truck skins
- Adding weather effects and traffic mods
- Joining virtual trucking companies (VTCs)
- Participating in World of Trucks events
Also, mods can enhance realism and keep the game fresh for months to come.