SCS Software launched American Truck Simulator in February 2016 with California and Nevada, then spent the next decade adding states one map expansion at a time, from Arizona through Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Illinois. The world runs at roughly 1:20 scale, so a Los Angeles to Denver haul takes real hours rather than real days, and the 80,000 pound federal gross weight limit governs what you can legally put behind the cab. You start as a hired driver taking quick jobs, and end up running a company with garages, hired drivers and a fleet you specified engine by engine.
American Truck Simulator features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order: what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | Base game, level 1 onward | Dense job market, short profitable runs between major cities | High Value Cargo |
| 2 | Texas | Map expansion DLC | High paying long hauls, oil and industrial freight | High Value Cargo |
| 3 | Wyoming | Map expansion DLC | Scenic long runs, mining and energy cargo | Long Distance |
| 4 | Montana | Map expansion DLC | Mountain routes, timber and agricultural loads | Long Distance |
| 5 | Oregon | Map expansion DLC | Forestry freight, coastal and mountain scenery | Long Distance |
California: Starting Area
Base game territory, from Los Angeles and San Diego up through Bakersfield and Fresno to San Francisco, Sacramento and Redding. The most varied road network in the game, mixing eight lane urban freeway with Highway 101 coastline.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Base game, level 1 onward |
| Key Rewards | Dense job market, short profitable runs between major cities |
| Recommended Build | High Value Cargo |
| Key Equipment | Peterbilt 389 |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of Job types and the freight market. This is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Texas.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Texas: Early Game
The biggest single map expansion at release, running from El Paso across to Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin with long empty stretches through Amarillo and Lubbock. Distances here are where Long Distance skill points earn their keep.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Map expansion DLC |
| Key Rewards | High paying long hauls, oil and industrial freight |
| Recommended Build | High Value Cargo |
| Key Equipment | Peterbilt 389 |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering Driver skills and ADR training. It's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Peterbilt 389 if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Wyoming.
Wyoming: Mid Game
Wide open high country between Cheyenne, Casper, Rock Springs and Sheridan, with mountain grades and winter feeling roads. Light traffic and long sightlines make it a favourite for relaxed driving.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Map expansion DLC |
| Key Rewards | Scenic long runs, mining and energy cargo |
| Recommended Build | Long Distance |
| Key Equipment | Peterbilt 389 |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Kenworth W900 becomes accessible here. Prioritize getting it.
- Master Garages, hired drivers and company growth for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Montana: Late Game
Big sky country linking Billings, Missoula, Helena, Bozeman and Great Falls, with serious elevation change and some of the best scenery SCS has built. Grades here reward engine power and early braking.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Map expansion DLC |
| Key Rewards | Mountain routes, timber and agricultural loads |
| Recommended Build | Long Distance |
| Key Equipment | Kenworth W900 |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Kenworth W900 should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- Fatigue, fines and cargo damage mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Oregon.
Oregon: Endgame
The 2018 expansion and still one of the best looking, covering Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, Medford and the coast road. Forest cargo and river valleys give it a different feel from the desert states.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Map expansion DLC |
| Key Rewards | Forestry freight, coastal and mountain scenery |
| Recommended Build | Long Distance |
| Key Equipment | Kenworth W900 |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with ADR hazardous materials for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order: California → Texas → Wyoming → Montana → Oregon. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner: Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment: Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough: Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush: Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
More American Truck Simulator Guides
- American Truck Simulator American Truck Simulator Overview
- American Truck Simulator Best Builds
- American Truck Simulator Tier List
- American Truck Simulator Walkthrough
- American Truck Simulator Beginner's Guide
- American Truck Simulator Tips & Tricks
- American Truck Simulator Weapons Guide
- American Truck Simulator Combat Guide
- American Truck Simulator Boss Guide
- American Truck Simulator Crafting Guide
- American Truck Simulator Classes & Characters
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