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American Truck Simulator’s v1.56 Open Beta is available now, introducing new terrain blending system

American Truck Simulator’s v1.56 Open Beta is available to download and try now, featuring a whole host of minor improvements.

American Truck Simulator’s v1.56 Open Beta is available now, introducing new terrain blending system

The Open Beta for American Truck Simulator’s v1.56 update is available to download and try now, and it’s set to add a variety of quality-of-life improvements to the game.

It’s not a significant update in terms of new content, but with developer SCS Software focusing on releasing its truck sim titles, including Euro Truck Simulator 2, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and new modes like Road Trip and Project Coaches in the works, it’s quite understandable.

Graphics

American Truck Simulator’s v1.56 Open Beta is available now, introducing new terrain blending system
American Truck Simulator’s v1.56 Open Beta is available now, introducing new terrain blending system

In terms of visuals, a new height blend technique is set to make the transition between grass, asphalt, dirt and stone look more visually appealing. Apparently, the new technique allows SCS to use fewer extra decals when designing landscapes, helping save time and improving game performance.

Dynamic cargo loading

The game’s dynamic cargo loading feature has been extended to include players’ own logging and chipvan trailers. In selected depots, players will now see a telehandler load and offload logs, scrap, and large poles—a small but immersive addition.

UI and camera

Players can choose to hold or toggle switch a button or key to use the interior camera’s zoom function, with a new DLC browser making it much easier to see the extra content you own versus the content you might want to add to your collection (vital when ATS has so many add-on packs).

The game’s profile creation and management system has also been revamped, making it much easier to navigate your saved profiles as well as start a new career. A new truck preference screen has also been added to this section, allowing players to browse all the available trucks in three dimensions.

American Truck Simulator’s v1.56 Open Beta is available now, introducing new terrain blending system

The Company tab has also had its UI tidied up, with the Driver, Trailer, Truck and Garage Manager sections all redesigned for ease of use.

To sample ATS’s v1.56 Open Beta, right-click on the game icon in your Steam Library, select ‘Properties’, then ‘Betas’ and pick the ‘Public Beta 1.56’ option.

American Truck Simulator v1.56 Open Beta changelog

Gameplay

  • Dynamic Cargo Improvements
  • Camera Zoom – Hold/Toggle

Visual

  • Height Blend

UI

  • New Profile Creation and Start-up Flow
  • Management UI/UX Improvements

Other

  • DLC Browser

Source: SCS Software

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