ATS Mods / American Truck Simulator Mods, Trucks, Maps

Excited to get truckin' in The Coyote State? This post is for you! Today, we're happy to share a look at some of the Custom Depots you'll be delivering cargo to and from in our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. Let's hit the road!


Unlike standard prefabs, these depots have been carefully assembled by our map designers using a variety of assets, giving each one a distinct look and feel. Many of them are based on real-world locations, which perhaps some of you might recognise if you live locally or visit South Dakota often.

On your travels, you’ll quickly see just how central farming is to South Dakota’s identity. As the 13th largest agricultural exporting state, there’s certainly no shortage of work to be done! Our talented map and asset teams have recreated farms found across the state to represent this important industry in-game.




One thing we couldn’t miss adding alongside these custom farm depots was the Great Plains Shelterbelt. This large-scale windbreak project began in the 1930s in response to the Dust Bowl, when millions of trees were planted in long belts across the Plains to reduce wind speeds and combat soil erosion.

For farms, the Shelterbelt play an important role, in helping to protect exposed agricultural soils, shielding buildings and livestock from harsh prairie winds, and even improving growing conditions by reducing moisture loss. With only around 4% of South Dakota covered in forest, these purposeful lines of trees stand out across the open landscape, becoming both a practical tool for farmers and an iconic part of the region’s rural scenery. 




Farming ain't the only big business in town, though! In the Black Hills, you’ll discover a region rich in history and natural beauty. Best known for its Gold Rush era, natural hot springs and historic railway, this area offers a completely different feel compared to the open plains. It’s also home to carefully managed timber operations that form another part of South Dakota’s working landscape, and one which is represented by our custom depots! 



While timber harvesting does take place in the Black Hills, much of the area is protected as National Forest, meaning forestry work is highly regulated and carried out on a smaller scale. Rather than focusing on one specific real world site, our timber depot captures the spirit of these operations, representing the industry as it exists within this unique and historic region.



It's not just what's above ground, but also below! This upcoming DLC will also feature a Quarry in Sioux Falls which is uniquely located within the city, and surrounded by highways and the suburbs. Here, they extract hard metamorphic rock and pink quartzite used in construction, one which has helped shape much of Sioux Falls’ architecture.





Across South Dakota, you'll also spot a familiar sight, Grain Elevators! These specialized agricultural facilities store and handle large quantities of harvested crops. Standing tall as iconic landmarks across the prairie, you won’t travel far without seeing one, and we’re sure you’ll make quite a few deliveries to and from them as well!



Liked what you read today? There's more to come! We look forward to sharing even more from this upcoming DLC for American Truck Simulator in the future, right here on our blog. If you're excited to be haulin' in the Mount Rushmore State, be sure to add South Dakota to your Steam Wishlist, your support means a lot to us. Until next time, happy haulin’!

Excited to get delivering in South Dakota? Then this blog is for you! Today, we're happy to share more of the custom depots you'll deliver to and from in our upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. From busy agricultural industries to a large scrapyard, let's take a closer look at what our teams have been busy creating!


Unlike standard prefabs, these depots have been carefully assembled by our map designers using a variety of assets, giving each one a distinct look and feel. Many of them are based on real-world locations, which perhaps some of you might recognise if you live locally or visit South Dakota often.



Agriculture plays a major role in South Dakota’s economy, and players will find plenty of job contract opportunities from a range of farming industries across the state. One such location can be found near the city of Aberdeen, where you'll discover a large farm facility featuring numerous silos used for storing crops and seeds before they are shipped further afield. Set amongst the vast prairies and open spaces that define much of South Dakota's landscape, drivers will be treated to panoramic views and seemingly endless horizons as they travel between jobs. This is just one of the many farms that make up South Dakota’s number one industry. 





The agriculture industry covers much more than just seeds and crops, however, and nearby the city of Mitchell, players will discover a custom farm livestock depot inspired by a real-life facility. You'll be sure to spot plenty of livestock roaming the nearby fields, as South Dakota famously has the highest cattle to people ratio in the U.S., with approximately 4 times as many cattle as people living in the state!



For those who enjoy heavy industry and rugged terrain, the Spearfish area will feature a large quarry-inspired depot nestled within the scenic Black Hills region. Hauling materials in and out of this site will require careful driving through winding roads and rough terrain, all while surrounded by impressive rocky landscapes and industrial machinery.



In the city of Lead, you’ll find the largest open pit in South Dakota. It is a closed gold mine and a clear visual dominant of the city. In the mine's underground, 4,850 feet deep, we can find a unique research laboratory. It is the deepest underground laboratory in the United States and it houses experiments connected to dark matter and neutrinos, which need to be conducted far below the Earth’s surface, shielded from cosmic radiation. This research facility also serves as an inspiration for one of our locations in the South Dakota DLC. Our players will be able to explore a part of the facility and experience the atmosphere of a place like this for themselves 



Nearby Aberdeen, players will also come across a large scrapyard depot inspired by a real-life agricultural salvage facility. Spanning a huge area filled with rows of machinery, stacked equipment, scrap piles, containers, and industrial vehicles, this custom depot is based on a well known scrapyard business where people travel from across the region in search of spare parts, equipment, and older vehicles.



Grain transportation remains a key part of South Dakota’s economy, and nearby Mitchell, players can deliver to and from a large grain elevator situated amidst the surrounding countryside. Surrounded by open fields, this agricultural landmark captures the scenic character of South Dakota’s farming regions. Standing tall above the prairie, grain elevators like this serve as important hubs for storing and transporting crops throughout the Midwest, and are a familiar sight for truckers travelling America's backroads and highways alike. 



We look forward to sharing even more from this upcoming DLC for American Truck Simulator in the future, right here on our blog. If you're excited to be haulin' in the Mount Rushmore State, be sure to add South Dakota to your Steam Wishlist, your support means a lot to us. Until next time, happy haulin’!