What Are the Must-Have Mods for American Truck Simulator (Ats)?

American Truck Simulator (ATS) offers a relaxing and immersive trucking experience, but the game’s vibrant modding community can take your gameplay to a whole new level. From enhancing graphics to adding realistic mechanics and expanding the map, mods can significantly improve your trucking journey. If you’re looking to customize and elevate your ATS experience, here are some must-have mods to consider.

Realistic Graphics Mods

Visuals are a crucial part of ATS, and graphics mods can make your journeys more breathtaking and immersive.

• Realistic Graphics Mod by Frkn64: This popular mod improves weather effects, lighting, and overall visuals, making the game look more lifelike.
• Grimes’ Weather Mods: Mods like Cold Rain or Realistic Brutal Weather bring dynamic and atmospheric changes, from rain-soaked highways to moody skies.
• Project Next-Gen: This mod is ideal for those with high-performance PCs, offering ultra-detailed textures, improved lighting, and realistic reflections.

Map Expansions

While the base ATS map is expansive, mods can add even more variety and detail to your routes.

• Coast to Coast (C2C): This mod extends the game’s map to include all of the continental United States, providing a massive range of new routes to explore.
• ProMods Canada: For those looking to drive in the scenic beauty of Canada, this meticulously detailed map mod is a must-have.
• Montana Expansion: Until SCS Software officially releases the Montana DLC, this mod offers a fantastic representation of the state’s highways and landscapes.

Truck Mods

Adding new trucks to your fleet is one of the most enjoyable ways to customize ATS.

• Kenworth K100-E by Overfloater: A beautifully detailed classic truck with customizable interiors and exteriors.
• Freightliner FLB by Harven: A mod that brings an iconic cabover design to life, perfect for nostalgic trucking fans.
• Volvo VNL 2018 by Frank Brasil: A modern, sleek option for fans of Volvo’s heavy-duty trucks.

Trailer Mods

Variety in trailers can keep your deliveries interesting.

• SiSL’s Mega Pack: Adds a huge collection of custom trailers and cargo options, including branded liveries.
• Schwarzmüller Trailers Pack: Offers high-quality trailers with a European touch, for those who want something unique on U.S. highways.

Economy and Gameplay Mods

If you want a more realistic or challenging experience, these mods tweak the game’s mechanics and economy.

• Realistic Economy Mod: Adjusts fuel prices, delivery payments, and job availability to reflect real-world trucking conditions.
• Sound Fixes Pack: Improves in-game audio by enhancing engine noises, environmental sounds, and even roadside ambiance for a richer experience.
• Frosty Winter Weather Mod: Turn your trucking into a frosty challenge with snowy roads, icy weather, and winter textures.

Utility and Quality-of-Life Mods

Small changes can make a big difference in gameplay.

• Route Advisor Mod Collection: Offers cleaner and more customizable navigation displays, making long hauls more user-friendly.
• Realistic Mirror FOV: Adjusts the field of view for mirrors to reflect how they would appear in a real truck.
• Truck and Trailer Physics Mods: Enhance handling by adding realistic suspension and physics for both trucks and trailers.

Traffic and AI Mods

These mods improve the behavior of AI vehicles and add variety to traffic.

• Real Traffic Density and Ratio by Cip: Increases traffic volume and adjusts the behavior of AI vehicles for a more realistic driving environment.
• AI Traffic Pack by Jazzycat: Adds dozens of new car models and trucks to make traffic more diverse and immersive.

How to Install Mods for ATS

1. Download Mods: Visit trusted modding sites like Steam Workshop, ATSMods, or ModLand.
2. Extract Files: Mods usually come in .zip or .scs format. Extract files if necessary.
3. Place in Mod Folder: Move the mod files to the ATS “mod” folder on your PC (typically located in Documents > American Truck Simulator > mod).
4. Activate in Game: Launch ATS, go to the “Mod Manager” in the main menu, and activate your desired mods.

Mods are a fantastic way to enhance your American Truck Simulator experience, offering everything from improved visuals to new maps and vehicles. While the base game is excellent, the creativity and dedication of the modding community can transform it into something truly extraordinary.

Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated virtual trucker, experimenting with mods can bring fresh excitement to your journeys. Just remember to download mods from reputable sources and ensure compatibility with the latest game updates.

What are your favorite ATS mods? Share your recommendations and experiences in the comments below!