Sometimes you just gotta take a respite from the fray—which for me includes endless projects. My favorite activity doesn’t even require me to leave the comfort of my home, and once I’ve had my brief escapism, I can head back into it all.
Today, on this Thursday, I find myself playing American Truck Simulator, which has surprisingly grown on me since I first started playing it three years ago. I never imagined that something as simple as just driving from point A to point B could be so joyful.
Better Than Real
In the real world, you have to contend with people who don’t necessarily know how to drive but are on the road anyway. Driving in the real world is a chore—at least for me—and one of those things I don’t particularly enjoy.
However, it’s different in American Truck Simulator. While the rules of the road exist in this format too, it’s less about dealing with other people and more about getting stuff to where it needs to go. The graphics add to the realism; the weather changes, clouds move, and trees sway—all of which help immerse you in the virtual landscape.
Huge Simulation Fan
I’ve always been a huge fan of simulator games, dating back to the very first Sims title. My favorite installment is Sims 3—hands down—even with its glitches and OS issues. Now, Electronic Arts seems all about the money, and the Sims franchise feels less personal to me. Tragic.
American Truck Simulator allows you to decide how you want to play. It can be as complicated or as simple as you choose. I personally hooked up my Xbox controller to my computer and used it to drive the truck, relying on my keyboard for in-cab buttons like auxiliary lighting, blinkers, headlights, etc.
I find that as I’m driving, I have a lot of ideas—mostly about projects I’m working on that I’ve never previously considered or thought about. Playing the game relaxes me to the point where I can ponder, reflect, and even fall asleep. The number of times I have fallen asleep while barreling down a highway at 60+ MPH would probably have been deadly—or at least severely injurious—in real life.
A DLC Game & Its Downside
I currently have most of the DLC map expansions for the West Coast, including New Mexico, Utah, and Texas. I’m looking forward to being able to drive through states like Arkansas and Florida, but who knows how long it will be before those maps are available?
The downside to the game is that each new state map costs between $10 and $20. That’s fine for Texas, since it’s really the size of two standard state maps. But in a smaller state like Oklahoma, for example, there’s not much to it—you might feel like you got ripped off.
That said, it’s still a fantastic game, and if the idea of spending a few hours exploring virtual maps based on real-world locations appeals to you, ATS is definitely worth a try!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, American Truck Simulator is about having fun and enjoying a little slice of freedom—without the real-world traffic jams or stress. Whether you’re a casual driver or a dedicated road warrior, it’s a great way to unwind and get those creative wheels turning. Plus, it’s surprisingly satisfying to see your virtual fleet grow and conquer new territories.
And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to feel like they’re conquering the open road from the comfort of their favorite chair? It’s the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and a dash of virtual escapism. So, if you’re looking for a way to explore new places, destress, or just enjoy some good old-fashioned trucker fun, give it a shot.
Remember, it’s all about enjoying what you love and finding joy in the little things—even if those things are pixelated landscapes and virtual highways. So, keep on truckin’, and most importantly, have fun doing it!