American Truck Simulator continues its expansion into the American Midwest, and one of the most anticipated upcoming map expansions is the Illinois DLC. This new state will bring players to the heart of the U.S. transportation network, featuring major cities, iconic highways, and a diverse economy centered around agriculture, industry, and logistics.

Based on official developer posts from SCS Software and available previews, here is everything currently known about the upcoming Illinois map expansion.

Welcome to the Prairie State

The Illinois DLC was officially announced in February 2025. The state is often called the Prairie State, known for its vast farmland, historic towns, and one of the most important transportation hubs in the United States.

In ATS, Illinois will allow players to:

• Drive along historic routes such as Route 66
• Explore the state capital Springfield
• Visit the massive metropolitan area of Chicago
• Travel through agricultural regions and industrial corridors

The state sits in a key geographic position connecting the Midwest with the rest of the country, which makes it an important logistics hub both in real life and in the game.

Cities Expected in the Illinois DLC

According to teasers and previews, Illinois will include a mix of major cities and smaller towns. The currently known or expected cities include:

• Chicago
• Springfield
• Peoria
• Champaign
• Bloomington
• Rockford
• Quincy
• Effingham
• Marion
• East St. Louis
• Moline

These locations will allow players to experience a mix of large metropolitan areas, mid-sized industrial cities, and smaller agricultural communities.

Detailed City Previews

Peoria

One of the cities already showcased by SCS is Peoria, located along the Illinois River.

In ATS, the city will include:

• Industrial depots related to heavy equipment manufacturing
• A custom river port depot
• Scenic riverfront driving routes
• Connections via Interstate 74 and US Route 24

Peoria’s strong manufacturing heritage and river logistics will play an important role in the cargo economy of the region.

Champaign

Another previewed city is Champaign, part of the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area.

Highlights expected in ATS include:

• University-inspired landmarks and buildings
• A recognizable downtown skyline
• Agricultural industries such as corn and soybean farming
• Depots like food processing plants, warehouses, and retail stores

The region will represent the agricultural heart of Illinois, providing a variety of cargo opportunities for players.

Smaller Towns and Settlements

In addition to the main cities, the Illinois DLC will feature at least 11 smaller settlements. These towns help make the map feel more realistic and provide additional road connections and scenery.

One example shown by the developers is Monmouth, a historic agricultural town in western Illinois near the Iowa border.

These settlements will likely include:

• Small agricultural communities
• Scenic rural roads
• Truck stops and service areas

Industries and Cargo

Illinois is one of the most economically diverse states in the U.S., and the DLC will reflect that with a wide range of industries.

Expected cargo sectors include:

• Agriculture (corn, soybeans, farm supplies)
• Food processing
• Manufacturing and heavy equipment
• Logistics and warehousing
• River and rail transportation

The state is also known for its role in national exports and manufacturing, making it a natural fit for ATS freight operations.

Roads and Truck Stops

Developers have already teased several truck stops and highway facilities located across the state, including rest areas near:

• Peoria
• Rockford
• Effingham
• Rend Lake

These locations will provide realistic rest areas for long-distance trucking routes through the Midwest.

Illinois is expected to feature major interstate connections, including corridors linking the state with neighboring DLC regions.

Expected Release Window

While no official release date has been announced yet, community expectations suggest the Illinois DLC may arrive sometime in 2026, possibly as one of the next ATS map expansions after the current development pipeline.

Final Thoughts

The Illinois DLC represents an important step in the eastward expansion of American Truck Simulator. With major logistics hubs like Chicago, historic highways like Route 66, and a mix of industry and agriculture, the Prairie State has the potential to become one of the most interesting regions in the game.

As development continues, we can expect more previews showcasing new cities, industries, landmarks, and highways from this upcoming expansion.

For now, Illinois already looks like a promising addition to the growing ATS map.