ATS 1.61 Update Adds Proximity Exploration

SCS Software has released version 1.61 of American Truck Simulator, making the update available on Steam. The release follows a period of Open Beta and Experimental Beta testing, during which the development team collected feedback on various systems. While the current update focuses on map discovery and visual improvements, SCS Software confirmed that the Multi-Function Display (MFD) and In-Game Menu, which were also part of the experimental phase, will be introduced in a future update to allow for further refinement.

Proximity Exploration

The primary addition in version 1.61 is a new quality-of-life feature called Proximity Exploration. This system is designed to assist players with navigating the world map and discovering new areas without requiring them to manually drive over every single road segment.

When enabled, Proximity Exploration automatically reveals a small area around the player’s vehicle as they travel. This change addresses a common challenge for players aiming for 100% map discovery, as it eliminates the need to physically traverse every tiny section of road to mark it as explored. The feature is particularly useful in areas where multiple road segments are closely packed, such as rest stops, toll gates, border crossings, and gas stations. By revealing these nearby accessible roads automatically, the system makes map discovery more intuitive while preserving the core enjoyment of exploration.

SCS Software emphasized that the feature does not remove the challenge of finding hidden content. Secret roads will still require active discovery. Proximity Exploration will only reveal the first segment of a secret road when the player gets close enough, providing a subtle hint that a new area exists. The remainder of the route must still be discovered by actually driving along it. Players can choose to use this feature to hunt down final percentages of map completion or simply to make general exploration smoother.

Improved Material System

The second major component of the 1.61 update is the Improved Material System, which significantly enhances the lighting and visual quality of vehicle interiors in selected trucks. The system focuses on how interior materials react to light, resulting in a more readable and detailed cabin environment.

A key aspect of this update is the redesign of materials used in vehicle interiors. This redesign makes the differences between various materials, such as leather, fabric, plastic, and metal, far more apparent. The improvements are noticeable even in low-light conditions, contributing to a visually pleasing and realistic cabin experience. The update applies to selected trucks, meaning not all vehicles in the game will immediately reflect these material changes.

Beta Feedback and Future Plans

SCS Software thanked the community for participating in the Open Beta and reporting issues or providing general feedback on their forum. This feedback helped the team fine-tune the update and ensure a smooth transition to the full release. The studio also specifically acknowledged participants in the 1.61 Experimental Beta, particularly those who shared thoughts on the Multi-Function Display and In-Game Menu.

Although these features were tested, they are not included in the current 1.61 release. SCS Software stated that these additions will be introduced in a future update, allowing the team more time to refine and polish them. This approach is intended to ensure that the features deliver the best possible experience when they are ready for general availability.

The 1.61 update is now live on Steam, allowing players to immediately access the Proximity Exploration and Improved Material System features. For those interested in the technical details or a visual overview, SCS Software included a preview video in their announcement. The update represents a focused effort to improve usability and visual fidelity, addressing specific pain points in map discovery and interior rendering without overhauling the core gameplay mechanics.