American Truck Simulator’s v1.54 Open Beta introduces new physics system

Another Open Beta is available for American Truck Simulator, soft-launching new features and improvements to SCS Software’s logistics sim.

Check out the full range of additions to v1.54 below.

Cargo system redefined

ATS’s cargo system has been overhauled and simplified, with the game code amended to make joining cargo to trailers easier. 

The new system should save disk space and memory as the game no longer requires separate models displaying cargo attached to trailers, allowing the two to merge seamlessly.

Considering the number of cargo and trailer combinations in-game (and still to come in future in the form of DLC), this could well be a vital addition to ATS.

Truck Adjustment Menu Redesign

Previously, factors like FOV and seat and mirror position were only accessible via separate menus. For the v1.54 Open Beta, however, these now reside as part of the same menu and are optimised for mouse and gamepad use.

On keyboard, navigating the menu can be performed using the WASD keys and mouse-adjustable sliders, while gamepad users use the D-pad to navigate, the left stick to change values and the right stick to move the camera for mirror adjustments.

PhysX System Implementation

Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the v1.54 Open Beta is the implementation of Nvidia’s PhysX physics engine to the game, phasing out SCS’s own Bullet engine.

Physx is now the default engine in ATS, and is said to offer the developers better debugging tools as well as improve in-game collisions. This is especially true in the game’s Driving Academy mode, where cones would exhibit odd behaviours when knocked over.

Players who prefer the Bullet engine can still switch back to it by entering the ‘-bullet- command line in the game’s Steam launch options.

Driving Academy Rewards

Finally, players who have completed the first part of ATS’s Driving Academy mode will receive a special in-game accessory and a new paint job. The livery is a customisable Driving Academy-themed scheme, while the accessory is a small blue traffic cone to hang from your mirror. Nice.

To sample ATS’ v1.54 Open Beta, right-click on the game icon in your Steam Library, select ‘Properties’, then ‘Betas’ and pick the ‘Public Beta 1.54’ option.

What are you most looking forward to in American Truck Simulator’s v1.54 update? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: SCS Software

American Truck Simulator, v1.54 Open Beta changelog

Gameplay

• Cargo System Redefined
• Driving Academy Rewards

Visual

• Truck Adjustment Menu Redesign
• First Launch Screen Flow Refresh

Vehicles

• Lode King & Prestige Trailers Pack bug fixes

Other

• PhysX Implementation