American Truck Simulator: Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Keep an Eye out for Cops

You’re off on the road, living some kind of dream in American Truck Simulator. This game is so immersive and addictive, you might forget you’re playing a simulator that relies on you abiding by traffic laws. As such, get conditioned to check your surroundings every once in awhile because if a police car is near you and you’re breaking the law, you’re going to be paying a hefty fine. This is something you literally won’t be able to afford when you start up your career. If you see a car with a white roof, odds are it’s a cop that’s about to fine you up a storm.

When there are no cops, though, feel free to lower how long it will take for you to complete a job by speeding all you want, running stop signs, and not paying attention to red lights. However, keep in mind that this still could mean that you’ll crash. Always check your surroundings and be sure to…

Use Your Turn Signals

Turn Signals aren’t just for show in American Truck Simulator. They can be triggered with your controller’s bumpers or, if you’re sticking to keyboard and mouse, the brackets ([ and ]). These will not only keep you from getting fined for no turn signals when you’re crossing an intersection, but they will also help you out a lot when dealing with traffic. Putting on a turn signal to switch lanes will let NPC cars know to get the hell out of your way. Don’t try switching lanes without doing this first, unless you have a super clear road. NPC cars tend to be stupid and don’t at all move out of the way if a giant truck missed their blind spot. This, of course, could lead to a fine if a cop is around and also some damage to your truck and cargo. Both of these would mean a problem for your bank.

Forgo Rest and Gas For Quick Jobs

Since you’re starting out in American Truck Simulator, you will be working on Quick Jobs most of all. These are the jobs that you have to do before you can buy your own truck and expand your business. They’ll have you using a rental truck. What this means for you is that you’ll get money for completing your job and not really have to worry about gas. Odds are the jobs you choose, being “quick,” will not see you staying awake for an inhuman amount of time. Thus, completing the job will satiate your tiredness. Save the time that you would spend putting in gas and going to sleep and just complete the job.

Pick the Fastest Jobs First

When you’re looking at the Quick Jobs window, you’re able to sort available jobs by a number of different filters. Set it so that it’ll show the shortest route length jobs first and go through those. You’re going to want to get cash quickly and efficiently and the best way to do this is by getting the fastest jobs you can. This will lead to you getting a steady income (provided you’re completing the job well), which is something you’ll really need starting out.

Take Out a Loan

While a loan could be scary, don’t let the interest rates deter you. You’ll be working a ton of quick jobs for a long time if you’re planning on buying your own truck without owing the bank anything. Gather up at least $20,000 and then take out the $100,000 loan to buy yourself the cheapest truck you can to start. Cheapest I’ve found so far is $118,000 and will open up a wealth of possibilities for you. Do keep in mind that while buying your own truck is the next step, it does cost you more. Repairs for it will come out of your pocket. So be prepared for your new responsibilities.

Be Smart in Your Skill Investments

Within American Truck Simulator, you’ll have the opportunity to level up your skills. Every time you level up (by completing jobs successfully), you’ll get a skill point that you’re able to invest into a number of different things:

• Hazardous Cargo – Allows you to accept jobs that will have you handling hazardous cargo.
• Long Distance – Allows you to accept further jobs and awards more money/experience for traveling long distances.
• High Value Cargo – Awards you with more money/experience when completing a high value delivery.
• Fragile Cargo – Allows you to accept fragile cargo deliveries as well as get more money/experience for completing them.
• Just-in-Time Delivery – Allows you to accept important deliveries as well as get more money/experience for completing them.
• Fuel Economy – Saves you gas as you drive around.

You should consider the Long Distance skill to start off with after landing your first, spendable point. As it lets you go further distances, you’ll be opening up your map and you’ll have a wealth of possibilities for delivery.

Try Your Best to Not Mess Up

It’s not that easy to keep concentrating on the road after awhile of driving. Nor is it simple to have the patience when dealing with traffic or laws in a video game. However, you’re going to have to deal with them and abide by every rule as you begin. You simply cannot afford the hefty fines and deductions that come with being reckless. Not only that, but it’ll mess up the experience that you’ll get when you do manage to accomplish a job. Stop at red lights, stop at stop signs, keep an eye on the speed limit, and don’t crash into anything or anyone. And, look, if you really can’t help it, refer to the first tip on this list.