Love the idea of hauling virtual cargo across America? Great choice! But to truly enjoy American Truck Simulator (ATS), you need the right PC. This guide simplifies the technical terms to assist you in selecting the ideal configuration. We’ll concentrate on the basics – equipping you with a high-performance vehicle designed for seamless trips. Let’s get you on the road!
The Best PC Setup for American Truck Simulator
As with any PC game, having the right setup is crucial to fully enjoy the experience. In this article, we will explore the importance of a proper PC setup for American Truck Simulator, including the minimum and recommended system requirements, core components for enhanced gameplay, peripheral devices, software enhancements, building the PC, setting up the game, and maintenance and upgrades.
System Requirements
Before diving in, let’s talk specs – the technical details of your PC’s components. Every game has minimum and recommended system requirements. Here’s what SCS Software, the makers of ATS suggest:
- Minimum Requirements:
- Processor (CPU): Dual-core CPU 2.4 GHz (Think of the CPU as the brain of your PC, handling game calculations)
- Memory (RAM): 4 GB (RAM stores temporary game data, affecting loading times and performance)
- Graphics Card (GPU): GeForce GTS 450-class (The GPU handles visuals, so a better one means sharper graphics)
- Storage: 3 GB available space (This is where the game gets installed)
- Recommended Requirements:
- Processor (CPU): Quad-core CPU 3.0 GHz (More cores mean better multitasking for smoother gameplay)
- Memory (RAM): 6 GB (More RAM allows for more complex graphics and smoother performance)
- Graphics Card (GPU): GeForce GTX 760-class (A better GPU means higher resolutions and smoother frame rates)
- Storage: 3 GB available space (Same as minimum)
Selecting the Right Gaming Platform
To kickstart your American Truck Simulator journey, the first step is to choose the right gaming platform. Whether you prefer to play on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, selecting the platform that suits your preferences and budget is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
Trucking Simulator Setup Accessories
Once you have decided the gaming platform, now it’s time to gather the essential hardware equipment. Here’s a list of the key components that affect your ATS experience:
Processor (CPU)
A robust CPU is the heart of your gaming rig, crucial for managing the game’s complex physics and AI. Look for processors from Intel (e.g., Core i5 or i7) or AMD (e.g., Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7) for optimal performance.
Graphics Card (GPU)
A powerful GPU translates to breathtaking visuals and fluid motion. Look for a graphics card with at least 4GB of video RAM (VRAM) and support for DirectX 11 or higher. Popular options include NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX series and AMD Radeon RX series.
Memory (RAM)
More RAM equals better performance and faster load times. Aim for a minimum of 8GB of RAM, but for smoother performance, consider 16GB or more.
Storage
An SSD over an HDD means lightning-fast game startups and load screens. While the game itself may require around 20-30GB of storage space, it’s recommended to have additional space for mods, updates, and other games.
Operating System
American Truck Simulator is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Ensure your gaming PC or laptop has the required operating system and is up to date with the latest updates and drivers.
Connectivity
A stable internet connection is necessary if you plan to download mods or participate in online events or multiplayer sessions.
Monitor
High resolution and refresh rates make for a more lifelike journey. Here is a detailed summary of the requirement and benefits of having a high-resolution monitor in an ATS setup:
- Enhanced Visual Clarity: High-resolution monitors provide sharper images, making it easier to see the details of the game, from the textures of the trucks to the landscapes of the open road.
- Increased Immersion: With more pixels, the gaming experience becomes more immersive, allowing players to feel like they’re truly part of the virtual world of American Truck Simulator.
- Wider Field of View: A higher resolution can offer a wider field of view, which is particularly beneficial in a game like American Truck Simulator where being aware of your surroundings is key.
- Higher Refresh Rates: Often, high-resolution monitors support higher refresh rates, which can lead to smoother gameplay and less motion blur during fast-paced driving.
- Future-Proofing: Investing in a high-resolution monitor ensures that your setup remains compatible with future game releases that may require higher resolutions for optimal play.
- Better Multi-tasking: For gamers who stream or need multiple applications open alongside their game, a high-resolution monitor allows for more screen real estate to efficiently multitask without switching windows.
Steering Wheel and Pedal Set
- First Person Experience (FPP): The setup mimics the actual feel of driving a truck, enhancing the game’s realism.
- Precision Handling: The Steering Wheel replicates the feel of turning an actual steering wheel, leading to a more nuanced driving experience. With its 900-degree rotation capability, you can make precise turns, navigate tight corners, and maintain better control over their truck’s trajectory.
- Gameplay Authenticity: The Pedal Set provides the intended experience of a driving simulator, which is hard to replicate with standard controllers. Consisting of an accelerator, brake, and clutch pedal (in some models), it allows you to modulate your truck’s speed, apply brakes, and shift gears (if a manual transmission is preferred). The pressure-sensitive pedals offer a more authentic feel, requiring gamers to apply the right amount of pressure to mimic real-life driving situations.
- Comfort for Extended Play: Long gaming sessions become more comfortable with a wheel and pedal set, as they are ergonomically designed to be used from a natural driving position.
Gear Shifter (optional)
- With a gear shifter, you can experience the tactile sensation of shifting gears, matching the RPMs and speed of your virtual truck as you navigate through different driving conditions.
- By manually shifting gears, you can optimize your acceleration, manage engine braking, and handle challenging terrains with more finesse.
- It typically consists of a lever or knob that allows you to shift between different gears, including reverse, neutral, and various forward gears. It is usually connected to your gaming platform, such as a PC or console, and integrated with the ATS software.
Wide-Screen Monitor or TV (optional)
- By opting for a widescreen monitor or connecting your gaming platform to a TV, you can simulate the truck’s windshield and gain a more realistic perspective of the road ahead.
- The extended horizontal space offered by a wide-screen display allows for better peripheral vision, enabling you to monitor your surroundings and react to traffic, road signs, and obstacles more effectively.
- It is also important to consider factors such as screen size, resolution, and refresh rate. Higher resolutions, such as 1440p or 4K, enhance the visual fidelity, making the details of the surroundings sharper and more vibrant. Additionally, a higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz, ensures smoother gameplay with reduced motion blur.
Comfortable Gaming Chair
When it comes to trucking simulation, spending long hours behind the wheel is inevitable. Here are some benefits why a comfortable gaming chair is essential for your ATS setup:
- Ergonomic Design: Gaming chairs are specifically designed to support your body during extended periods of sitting. They often feature adjustable lumbar support, headrests, and armrests, allowing you to find the optimal position for your back, neck, and arms.
- Posture Support: Maintaining good posture is crucial, especially when spending long hours in front of a screen. A gaming chair with proper lumbar support helps align your spine correctly, reducing the risk of back pain and promoting better posture.
- Improved Focus: A comfortable chair keeps you relaxed and focused on the game. By reducing discomfort and distractions, you can fully engage in the ATS experience, enhancing your concentration and immersion.
- Adjustable Features: Gaming chairs typically offer various adjustment options, such as height adjustment, reclining features, and tilt functions. These allow you to customize the chair to your preferred sitting position, ensuring optimal comfort and reducing strain on your body.
- Durability and Longevity: Investing in a high-quality gaming chair ensures durability and longevity. The materials used in gaming chairs are designed to withstand the rigors of long gaming sessions, providing long-term comfort and support.
- Health Benefits: Sitting in an uncomfortable chair for extended periods can lead to various health issues, including back pain, muscle stiffness, and poor circulation. A comfortable gaming chair helps alleviate these problems, promoting better blood flow and reducing the risk of muscle strain.
Quality Headset
A good headset or speakers can make the in-game world come alive. Moreover, a headset with good audio quality helps you to detect important audio cues, such as honking horns or emergency vehicle sirens, enhancing your situational awareness on the virtual roads. This can be crucial for safe driving and reacting to traffic events effectively.
Another significant feature of a quality headset is the ability to communicate with other players if you’re using multiplayer modes or participating in virtual trucking communities. Clear communication with other players adds a social aspect to the game, enabling you to coordinate convoys, share experiences, and make new friends along your virtual trucking journey.
Mouse and Keyboard
Choose between a steering wheel for authenticity, a gamepad for comfort, or a keyboard and mouse for control.
Creating a Realistic ATS Cockpit
To fully engage in the trucking experience, think about setting up a realistic cockpit. Here are some suggestions to make your setup more authentic:
- Mount your monitor or TV at eye level to simulate the truck’s windshield: To recreate the immersive experience of sitting in a truck’s cabin while playing American Truck Simulator, it is recommended to mount your monitor or TV at eye level. This positioning simulates the truck’s windshield, allowing you to have a more realistic and wide view of the road ahead. By aligning the screen with your eye level, you can better immerse yourself in the virtual trucking experience and feel like you’re truly behind the wheel of a big rig.
- Use a sturdy desk or dedicated simulator cockpit to house your hardware: In an American Truck Simulator setup, it is recommended to use a sturdy desk or a dedicated American truck simulator cockpit to accommodate and secure your hardware. Having a stable surface ensures that your equipment, such as the gaming PC, steering wheel, pedals, and other accessories, are properly supported and positioned for a comfortable and realistic trucking experience. A dedicated simulator cockpit, specifically designed for simulating a truck’s cabin, offers additional authenticity and immersion by providing a designated space for mounting your hardware and creating a more lifelike truck-driving environment.
- Install additional accessories like dashboard displays, control panels, and cabin lighting to add to the realism: To enhance the authenticity of your American Truck Simulator setup, consider installing additional accessories such as dashboard displays, control panels, and cabin lighting. These thoughtful additions contribute to the realism, making your virtual trucking experience even more immersive and engaging. With these extra touches, you’ll feel like you’re truly behind the wheel of a powerful truck, navigating the highways with precision and style.
Choosing the Right ATS Mods
One of the beauties of the American Truck Simulator is the availability of mods that enhance the gameplay and visuals. Explore the vibrant modding community and customize your ATS experience to your liking. Some popular mods include:
Realistic truck and trailer models
When it comes to creating an immersive American Truck Simulator setup, choosing the right ATS mods can make all the difference. Opting for realistic truck and trailer models enhances the visual experience, allowing players to feel like they’re truly behind the wheel of a powerful rig, hauling cargo across the virtual highways. With a wide range of mod options available, enthusiasts can personalize their ATS gameplay and take their trucking adventures to a whole new level.
Improved graphics and weather effects
With improved graphics, players can enjoy stunningly detailed environments, lifelike truck models, and enhanced lighting effects. Additionally, weather effects mods add an extra layer of realism by simulating various weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, and dynamic weather changes. By choosing the right ATS mods for improved graphics and weather effects, players can elevate their gaming experience and enjoy a more visually captivating virtual trucking adventure.
Additional maps and routes
By adding additional maps, you can explore new regions, cities, and highways beyond the default game environment. These maps may introduce iconic landmarks, challenging terrains, and unique road networks, providing a refreshing and realistic feel to your virtual trucking adventures.
Furthermore, including extra routes through mods allows you to take on different delivery jobs and discover alternative paths between destinations. This variety enhances gameplay by offering new challenges, scenic routes, and opportunities for lucrative cargo hauls.
Custom soundtracks
Custom soundtracks allow players to replace the default in-game music with their own favorite songs or playlists. This feature adds a personal touch to the gameplay, enabling players to listen to their preferred music genres while cruising the virtual highways. Whether it’s country, rock, or hip-hop, custom soundtracks let players create a unique atmosphere that suits their individual taste in the game.
Setting Up Your Control System
Now that you have all the American truck simulator equipment, it’s time to set up your control system. Follow this step-by-step process for a seamless experience:
- Connect your steering wheel, pedals, and gear shifter to your gaming platform.
- Calibrate your control inputs for optimal sensitivity and responsiveness.
- Customize button assignments according to your preference.
Mastering the ATS Gameplay
Before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with the gameplay mechanics of the American Truck Simulator. Here are some essential tips for you to get started:
- Follow traffic rules and regulations such as speed limits, traffic signals, and lane discipline to avoid fines and accidents. Stay vigilant and watch out for other AI-controlled vehicles on the road.
- Keep an eye on your fuel gauge and plan your refueling stops accordingly. Additionally, take regular breaks to rest and avoid fatigue. Ignoring these aspects can result in penalties and reduced earnings.
- Before out for a delivery, plan your route using the in-game map or external navigation tools. Consider factors like distance, traffic conditions, and the profitability of the job to optimize your earnings.
- Explore different trucking jobs and build your career.
- Upgrade and customize your truck to enhance performance and aesthetics.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-performance gaming PC or Laptop ensures that you can enjoy American Truck Simulator with smooth frame rates, crisp graphics, and responsive controls. I’ve personally logged countless hours rolling through the digital landscapes of ATS, and trust me, a solid PC setup makes all the difference.
FAQs
How much does an American Truck Simulator setup cost?
Hey there! The cost of an American Truck Simulator setup can vary depending on a few factors. To play the game, you'll need a computer that meets the minimum system requirements, which typically includes a decent processor, a good amount of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card.
If you already have a computer that meets these requirements, then the cost would mainly be for purchasing the game itself, which is usually around $20-$30. However, if you need to upgrade your computer or buy additional accessories like a steering wheel or pedals for a more immersive experience, then the cost can increase.
What do you need for American Truck Simulator?
To play American Truck Simulator, you will need a few things:
1. A computer: Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the game. This includes having a compatible operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux), sufficient RAM, and a decent graphics card.
2. Internet connection: Although not necessary for the single-player mode, an internet connection is required for updates and accessing online features.
3. Game installation: You'll need to purchase and download the game from a reputable source, such as Steam or the official website and follow the instructions for the installation process.
4. Input devices: You'll need a keyboard and mouse to control your truck and navigate through menus. If you prefer a more immersive experience, you can also use a compatible steering wheel or gamepad.
5. Optional extras: If you want to enhance your gameplay experience, you might consider investing in additional accessories like a gaming headset or a larger monitor.
Remember to always check the official system requirements and recommendations provided by the game developers to ensure optimal performance.
How do you get started on American Truck Simulator?
To get started on American Truck Simulator, follow these steps:
1. Install the game: Purchase and download American Truck Simulator from a reputable gaming platform such as Steam or the official website.
2. Set up your controls: Connect a compatible controller or configure your keyboard and mouse settings to control your truck effectively. You can do customization of the controls as per your preferences.
3. Create a profile: Launch the game and create a new profile. This allows you to save your progress and personalize your experience.
4. Choose your starting city: Select a city where you want to begin your trucking journey. You can choose from various locations across the United States.
5. Purchase your first truck: Visit a dealership in the chosen city and buy your first truck. You may have limited funds at the beginning, so choose wisely based on your budget and needs.
6. Complete tutorial missions: The game offers tutorial missions to help you get familiar with the controls, mechanics, and basic gameplay. These missions will guide you through various aspects of trucking, such as driving, parking, and making deliveries.
7. Start taking jobs: Once you have completed the tutorial missions, you can start taking jobs from different companies. These jobs involve delivering cargo to various destinations within specified time limits.
8. Explore and expand: As you progress in the game, you can explore more cities, unlock new trucks, upgrade your equipment, hire drivers to work for you, and expand your trucking business.
Remember to obey traffic rules, manage fuel consumption, maintain your truck's condition, and deliver cargo safely to earn money and reputation points.
Enjoy the open roads of American Truck Simulator and have a great time exploring the virtual United States!
What is the best truck to start American Truck Simulator?
The best truck to start American Truck Simulator is the Volvo VNL 780. It is a reliable and powerful truck that can handle the long hauls and heavy loads that come with being a trucker. It also has a comfortable cab and is one of the most popular trucks in the game.
Can I play American Truck Simulator on Xbox one console?
American Truck Simulator is currently available for PC only. Console versions may be released in the future, but for now, it is limited to PC.
Can I use a controller instead of a keyboard and mouse?
Yes, American Truck Simulator supports a variety of input devices, including gamepads, steering wheel controllers, and joystick setups.
Are there different weather conditions in the game?
Yes, American Truck Simulator features various weather conditions such as rain, fog, and snow, which add realism and challenge to your trucking journeys.
Yes, you can create and share your custom truck designs using the in-game customization options or by installing mods that provide additional customization features.
Are there different types of cargo to transport in American Truck Simulator?
Yes, American Truck Simulator offers a wide range of cargo types, including standard goods, hazardous materials, and oversized loads, providing a diverse and challenging trucking experience.
Is there a way to hire AI drivers to work for me?
Yes, once you progress in the game, you can expand your trucking business by hiring AI drivers who will work for you, allowing you to focus on managing your company and taking on more challenging jobs.
Can I drive across the entire United States in American Truck Simulator?
While American Truck Simulator does not feature the entire United States, it offers a substantial map with iconic locations and diverse landscapes, providing a satisfying trucking experience.
Can I play American Truck Simulator without a steering wheel?
While a steering wheel enhances the realism, you can still enjoy the game using a gamepad or keyboard and mouse.
Are there multiplayer options in American Truck Simulator?
Currently, American Truck Simulator does not support official multiplayer, but there are mods available to enable multiplayer functionality.
Can I use my real truck's controls for the simulator setup?
It is possible to integrate some real truck controls into your simulator setup with the help of specialized hardware and software.
Are there any age restrictions for playing American Truck Simulator?
American Truck Simulator is rated for gamers aged 3 and above, but parental guidance is recommended for younger gamers.
