Ready to conquer the open road in a big rig? American Truck Simulator, the acclaimed sequel to Euro Truck Simulator 2, offers an unparalleled trucking experience. Boasting a massive following and a thriving modding community, ATS is ripe for enhancement. With thousands of mods available, choosing the right ones can be overwhelming. Here are ten top-tier mods to significantly elevate your ATS gameplay.
Note: Compatibility between mods can vary. Enable and disable mods individually within the game settings as needed.
TruckersMP
While American Truck Simulator now features a multiplayer mode, the community-created TruckersMP mod takes the experience to another level. Join up to 63 other players for collaborative trucking adventures across multiple servers. A dedicated moderation team ensures fair play, so reckless driving might result in a ban. TruckersMP surpasses even ATS's built-in Convoy mode in several aspects.
Realistic Truck Wear
ATS allows truck purchases, but on the road, you're stuck with your current rig. This mod refines the damage system for a more realistic experience. Instead of immediate tire replacements, you can retread them multiple times. However, it's not all player-friendly; insurance costs increase, incentivizing safer driving. The Steam Workshop thread, featuring input from real truckers, is worth exploring even if you don't use the mod.
Sound Fixes Pack
Also available for Euro Truck Simulator 2, this mod enhances the audio experience with numerous tweaks and additions. Subtle improvements, like more audible wind noise with open windows, and more noticeable reverb under bridges, immerse you further. The addition of five new air horns is a welcome bonus.
Real Companies, Gas Stations, and Billboards
This mod injects realism by incorporating real-world brands like Walmart, UPS, and Shell into the game environment. It adds a layer of authenticity that enhances immersion.
Realistic Truck Physics
This mod focuses on improving vehicle suspension and other physics aspects for a more realistic driving feel, without making the game overly difficult. It's also available for Euro Truck Simulator 2.
Ludicrously Long Trailers
For a challenging and humorous experience (especially for streamers), this mod lets you haul absurdly long trailer combinations. Be warned: the turning radius is immense, and it's not compatible with multiplayer.
Realistic Brutal Graphics and Weather
This mod significantly improves the visual quality of the weather system, introducing new skyboxes and more realistic fog effects without demanding high-end hardware.
Slow Traffic Vehicles
Adding slow-moving vehicles like tractors and garbage trucks to the roads creates more realistic and varied traffic patterns, enhancing the challenge and immersion.
Optimus Prime
Eight different Optimus Prime skins are available for various trucks, allowing you to drive around as the iconic Autobot leader. Requires purchasing the appropriate truck model (Freightliner FLB in this case).
More Realistic Fines
This mod adjusts the penalty system, making minor infractions less frequent, but still retaining consequences for serious offenses caught on camera or by law enforcement. Proceed with caution!
These ten mods offer a diverse range of enhancements for American Truck Simulator. For European trucking adventures, explore the top mods for Euro Truck Simulator 2 as well.
