Welcome to South Dakota
The world of American Truck Simulator is about to get bigger. SCS Software has officially announced the South Dakota DLC, bringing players into the Mount Rushmore State with its wide-open prairies, rugged landscapes, and bustling cities. Players can also enhance their experience with a variety of ATS Mods, making the journey even more customizable.
South Dakota sits in the North Central region of the United States, bordered by North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana. Known for its peaceful plains and dramatic natural scenery, the state offers a mix of quiet farmland and rugged terrain.
The eastern part of South Dakota is filled with flat river valleys and rolling fields, while the west transforms into plateaus, buttes, and canyon-marked landscapes. Players can also look forward to exploring two of the state’s most iconic areas:
- The Badlands – famous for fossil beds, wildlife, and striking rock formations.
- The Black Hills – a forested mountain region filled with scenic drives and home to the legendary Mount Rushmore.
Cities and Towns to Explore
The DLC will feature a range of big cities and small towns, each offering unique stops and delivery opportunities. Highlights include:
- Sioux Falls – the largest city in the state.
- Mitchell and Rapid City – important regional hubs.
- Pierre – the capital, located along the Missouri River.
- Smaller towns like Deadwood, Wall, and Sturgis, which add charm and history to the journey.
Roads and Cargo
Truckers will be able to drive along two major interstates:
- I-90 – running east to west across the southern part of the state.
- I-29 – cutting north to south through the eastern region.
South Dakota is mainly agricultural, with crops like corn, wheat, soybeans, and sunflowers. But that’s not all. The state also has forestry and mining industries, giving drivers a wide range of cargo to haul.
Culture and Nature
South Dakota is home to nine Native American tribes, offering a unique cultural backdrop. The state’s wildlife is just as diverse – from bison roaming the plains to deer and eagles in the forests. And with the mighty Missouri River running through the center, the scenery never disappoints.
Release Timeline
The South Dakota DLC has been hinted and teased for months before its official reveal.
- April 3, 2025 – First hint during the Missouri release stream.
- May 25, 2025 – Teaser video “Reaching the Middle” at Belle Fourche, the geographic center of the U.S.
- June 7, 2025 – Official announcement with screenshots and a Steam Store page.
- August 6, 2025 – Blog post introducing the development team.
- September 3, 2025 – Blog post showcasing truck stops across South Dakota.
The South Dakota DLC is set to deliver a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and trucking opportunities. From the sweeping plains to the rugged Badlands and the forested Black Hills, players will experience everything that makes this state special. Whether hauling farm goods, mining cargo, or just cruising along I-90, South Dakota promises to be a memorable addition to American Truck Simulator.
