American Truck Simulator’s V1.61 Open Beta introduces proximity exploration and new cargo types

• ATS’s V1.61 Open Beta is available to try now
• Minor update adds proximity exploration feature, plus new cargoes and minor graphics tweaks
• Subtle map changes pave the way for Road Trip mode

A new Open Beta is available to download and sample in American Truck Simulator now, with several minor improvements touted.

V1.61 adds new cargo types, including seed containers, trailers and trusses, with the game’s improved materials system, initially rolled out during V1.60, now extended to the International LT and International LoneStar trucks.

Proximity exploration has been added in the new build, meaning it no longer requires players to fastidiously cover every inch of a road for it to count as ‘explored’. This should also help uncover other map items like rest stops and gas stations.

Perhaps the most important change in V1.61 is the addition of several Tourist Boards across California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota (the latter is a work-in-progress DLC).

These are currently inactive, according to developer SCS Software, but alongside the addition of several new gas stations, will help pave the way for the game’s upcoming Road Trip mode, where players can purchase road car DLC and explore the map in a new way.

This is the clearest indication yet that Road Trip’s release is imminent, with further feature deep-dives arriving during Gamescom week.

American Truck Simulator V1.61 Open Beta changelog

Map

• Proximity Exploration
• Map Changes for Road Trip

Vehicles

• New Cargoes

Visual

• Improved Material System: International LT & International LoneStar

Source: SCS Software