Enthusiasm is building among fans of American Truck Simulator (ATS) for the upcoming Illinois map expansion, with early previews suggesting a visually appealing and technically sound addition to the game. Discussions on platforms like Reddit indicate a generally positive reception, particularly regarding the game’s performance even in virtual reality (VR) environments.
The Illinois DLC, currently in development by SCS Software, promises to showcase the diverse landscapes of the “Prairie State,” from the bustling city of Chicago to the agricultural heartland and the historic capital of Springfield. Players will be able to traverse the state along the iconic Route 66, experiencing a variety of environments including urban centers, prairies, and waterways. The state’s importance as a national transportation hub, with its extensive rail network, busy airports like O’Hare International Airport, and vital waterways, is expected to be reflected in the gameplay opportunities available within the DLC. According to SCS Software, Illinois ranks among the nation’s leaders in exports, agricultural production, and manufacturing.
VR Performance and Engine Optimizations
A key point of discussion among players, as highlighted in a recent Reddit thread, centers on the game’s performance, especially for those utilizing VR headsets. One user specifically noted that the engine “is not so bad,” particularly given their exclusive apply of VR for both Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) and American Truck Simulator. This suggests SCS Software has made strides in optimizing the game engine for demanding hardware configurations. The positive feedback regarding VR performance is significant, as VR gaming often requires substantial processing power and efficient optimization to deliver a smooth and immersive experience.
SCS Software first announced the development of the Illinois DLC in February 2025, adding it to a list of four map expansions currently in progress, alongside Missouri, Iowa, and Louisiana. The announcement was made on the SCS Software blog, where they emphasized their excitement about bringing the “beautiful Prairie State” to life within the game. Read more about the announcement on the SCS Software blog.
Exploring the Illinois Landscape in-Game
The Illinois DLC aims to capture the state’s geographical diversity. The American Truck Simulator website details how the DLC will feature prairies and fields, as well as a variety of water bodies, ranging from the urban lakeside atmosphere of Chicago to tranquil wetlands. Learn more about the Illinois DLC on the American Truck Simulator website. Cities like Marion, with its proximity to Crab Orchard Lake and its national wildlife refuge, and Rockford, known as the “City of Gardens” with its extensive parks and gardens, are also slated for inclusion. The DLC will also allow players to travel alongside the Mississippi River, which defines Illinois’ western border.
The state is bordered by Wisconsin to the north, Lake Michigan to the northeast, Indiana to the east and southeast, Kentucky to the south, and Iowa and Missouri to the west, according to the Truck Simulator Wiki. The Flag of Illinois was added to the map on June 22, 2023.
What to Expect Next
Although a specific release date for the Illinois DLC has not yet been announced, SCS Software encourages players to add the map expansion to their Steam Wishlist to stay informed about updates and the eventual launch. The developers have indicated they are focused on optimizing the DLC for a smooth and enjoyable experience, suggesting further refinements may be underway. The ongoing development of multiple state DLCs – Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Louisiana – demonstrates SCS Software’s continued commitment to expanding the American Truck Simulator experience and providing players with new and diverse virtual trucking routes.
What aspects of the Illinois DLC are you most looking forward to experiencing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
