A Scenic Detour Through South Dakota’s Black Hills
American Truck Simulator usually gives players plenty of room to settle into a steady highway rhythm. The Black Hills should feel different. This western corner of the upcoming South Dakota DLC is built around winding roads, thick forests, exposed rock and smaller destinations that reward a slower drive.
SCS Software has confirmed that the region will include Deadwood, US-385 and Pactola Lake. These locations show that the Black Hills will be more than scenery between delivery points. Drivers will pass through historic streets, climb through changing terrain and encounter landmarks closely connected with South Dakota.
A route worth taking slowly
US-385 appears to be one of the main roads through the area. It runs between forested hills, mountain viewpoints and large rock formations, creating a route that should require more attention than the open roads elsewhere in the state.
The road will also pass Pactola Lake, the largest reservoir in the Black Hills. A visitor center overlooking the water is being recreated for the DLC, while bison may occasionally be seen near the roadside. These details should make the journey feel less repetitive, especially for players who prefer exploring instead of always choosing the quickest delivery route.
Different games, similar appeal
Detailed landscapes often attract players who enjoy changing and expanding simulation games. Farming Simulator 25 has a similar audience, with players using resources such as Mod Network FS25 to add machinery, maps and other community-made content. ATS handles exploration differently, but both games benefit from locations that feel specific rather than assembled from generic scenery.
The Black Hills fit that idea well. A forest road, historic town or recognizable lake can make a route memorable even when the delivery itself is routine.
Deadwood brings history to the map
Deadwood will be one of the region’s most recognizable stops. The town developed during the Black Hills Gold Rush and became associated with figures such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
In ATS, players will drive along its historic Main Street instead of seeing the town only from a bypass. SCS has recreated several local buildings, including the Town Hall, museum and old train station. The closely packed storefronts and preserved architecture should give Deadwood a character that differs from the larger industrial cities found elsewhere in the game.
More Black Hills locations may follow
The current preview covers only a small part of western South Dakota. The Black Hills contain many more roads, towns and landmarks, leaving plenty for SCS Software to reveal before release.
South Dakota still has no confirmed launch date, and all shown content remains subject to change. Even at this stage, the Black Hills look set to become one of the DLC’s strongest driving areas, especially for players who value mountain roads and detailed regional scenery.
