Soul of Anatolia DLC – Türkiye will come to ETS2
The mystery is over. After teasing us last week with a cryptic post called “Bridge Between Communities” — featuring a single shot of the iconic 1915 Çanakkale Bridge — SCS Software has officially pulled back the curtain today. The next map expansion for Euro Truck Simulator 2 is called Soul of Anatolia, and it’s taking us deep into Türkiye.
What Is Soul of Anatolia?
Soul of Anatolia is an upcoming paid DLC for ETS2 that covers Anatolia — the vast Asian heartland of Türkiye that has never been in the game before. SCS describes it as a land of stunning contrasts: sunlit coasts, towering mountains, open plains, olive groves, and the glittering Mediterranean. The expansion runs from Istanbul all the way east to Aksaray.
The confirmed locations and highlights from the reveal include:
- 1915 Çanakkale Bridge — the world’s longest suspension bridge, crossing the Dardanelles strait, serving as your gateway into Anatolia
- Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and Osmangazi Bridge — two more engineering landmarks you’ll cross on your routes
- Ankara — the capital city, positioned as a central logistics hub of the expansion
- Tuz Gölü — the massive salt lake in central Anatolia
- Antalya and Alanya — major Mediterranean tourist cities with hotel cargo delivery routes
- Challenging coastal roads along both the northern and southern shores, plus steep mountain routes with tight turns and big views
The Steam page is already live, and you can wishlist it now at store.steampowered.com/app/4400930.
Why This Is a Big Deal
Türkiye is already partially in ETS2 — the Road to the Black Sea DLC (2019) added the European side of the country: Edirne, Istanbul with Bosphorus views, and the Kapikule border crossing. Istanbul is still one of the largest and most detailed cities in the game. But everything beyond the Bosphorus — Ankara, Izmir, the entire coastline, Central Anatolia — has been missing for over six years.
Soul of Anatolia fills that gap, and then some. More importantly, this DLC marks a historic first: ETS2 stepping outside of Europe and into Asia. That’s not just a geographical expansion — it’s a signal of where the game can go next. The Caucasus, the Middle East, Central Asia — none of that is confirmed, but it’s now a realistic conversation for the first time.
What About the Mods?
While the official DLC has been in the community’s wishlist for years, modders never waited around. The most well-known community effort is the Roextended updated up to ETS2 1.58.
There’s also Road to Heavy: Türkiye, a more niche mod focused on heavy haulage simulation across Turkish highways.
Worth noting: once Soul of Anatolia releases officially, these mods will almost certainly become incompatible. They’re great for right now, but treat them as a placeholder — the real thing is coming.
When Can We Expect It?
SCS has been clear that Soul of Anatolia is still early in development — everything shown is work-in-progress and subject to change. There’s no release date, and given SCS’s typical pace of roughly one major map DLC per year, with Iceland and Ireland both still in the queue, a realistic window is no earlier than 2028, with 2029 being equally possible.
That wait will be long, but the announcement itself is the milestone. Soul of Anatolia is happening, it’s confirmed, and the Steam page is live. Add it to your wishlist and settle in.
Hidden Roads Study – April, 15 2026
Since the last update, ATS 1.58 has added numerous new secret roads, and I’ve been thinking about updating the guide for America — I found about 18 new hidden roads, bringing the total to around 263 (though I may remove some of the older unmarked ones). However, we’re very close to the new Illinois DLC, and I’m sure it will add even more roads. As I explore it, the guide will grow significantly.
The reason I mostly skip mid-tier videos is how YouTube ranks and promotes content — older videos come first, and guide-style videos below that have very poor discoverability and low view counts. I don’t want to invest a lot of time into a guide that ends up with 900 views. (The ETS2 guide has 1.7K views, while the ATS one is still at 970.) The same goes for 100% discovery guides and map combos. I know my audience is interested in this kind of content, but without YouTube’s help in promoting it, it just keeps getting buried.
Below you’ll find all hidden roads in ATS and ETS2 discovered in version 1.57. You can see the complete list of cities with hidden paths here: https://trucksim.top/y9t6. It probably won’t help with exact secret locations, but you can use it to check if you’ve missed any.
I’ve been sharing hidden secret roads in both American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2 periodically since 2022, when this feature was introduced in ETS2 and ATS 1.44. For now, though, I’m reducing my uploads and letting others take over this coverage.
ETS2 (updated 01.24.2026, actual on 1.58 with Scandinavia Refresh and Nordic Horizon DLC, 110 roads so far)
ATS (updated 12.26.2025, actual on 1.57 with Louisiana DLC, 245 roads so far)
New hidden roads with footages on Route 66 (collection of videos)
American Truck Simulator: 1.59 Open Beta
SCS Software released beta version of ATS 1.59 and as always you can read about all changes of the official blog. To try beta go to Steam client → LIBRARY → right-click on American Truck Simulator → Properties → Betas tab → Beta Participation drop-down menu → public_beta. No password is required. Sometimes you will have to restart your Steam client to see the correct branch name there.
Changelog
Gameplay
- Tow to Road Feature
UI/UX
- Advisor Update – Finances & Damage Widgets
- Skills UX Redesign
- QoL UI/UX Changes
- Improved News Banner Readability
- World Map Pin Enhancements
- Save Icon Update
- Garage Cutscene Skipping
- D-pad Accessibility Improvements
Visuals
- Height Blend Improvements
Sounds
- Traffic Sound Rework
Other
- Detour Feature Maintenance
ETS2 Benelux Rework: Everything We Know So Far
If you’ve been waiting for SCS Software to finally modernize one of Euro Truck Simulator 2’s oldest regions — your time is coming. Project Benelux is well underway, and based on everything revealed so far, it’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious base-map overhauls in the game’s history.
What Is Project Benelux?
Announced in February 2025, Project Benelux covers a complete ground-up rebuild of all three Benelux countries — Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. SCS Software It follows directly from the Germany city rework completed in update 1.53. The region had remained almost completely unchanged since ETS2’s initial release back in 2012.
The project is a major team effort. Lead designer Jan H. confirmed that 10 map designers are working on the project, alongside contributors from the Research, QA, Assets, and Programming departments.
New Cities and Roads
Among the headline additions are brand-new cities like Antwerp and Eindhoven, plus major road routes including the A2 motorway, a large portion of the E40 highway, and the scenic N57 road in the Netherlands.
Here’s a breakdown of every location confirmed so far:
Brussels, Belgium — the Belgian capital’s road network has been reworked, connecting major industrial areas like Forest and Anderlecht to strategic logistics districts such as Schaerbeek.
Antwerp, Belgium — previewed in December 2025 as one of the new cities being added as part of the rework.
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg — SCS promises the city will be elevated to the quality standard players expect from modern ETS2, delivering an experience that is far from small despite the country’s size.
Eindhoven + DAF Trucks Facility, Netherlands — Eindhoven is being introduced as a completely new city, with recognizable landmarks including the Lichtnaald sculpture and the iconic UFO-shaped Evoluon building. The DAF Trucks manufacturing facility in Eindhoven is also included.
Groningen, Netherlands — the city has been fully rebuilt from the ground up. A major highlight is the accurate recreation of the N7 ring road, including its real-life underground section. Industrial areas include furniture stores, logistics depots, grocery warehouses, and a large modern sugar factory. Closer to the city center, drivers will pass the Verbindingkanaal canal, the main railway station, the bus terminal, and the architecturally striking Groningen Museum.
New Gameplay Features
Players can look forward to delivering to reworked depots and entirely new industries, including a sugar beet processing factory, as well as new landmarks scattered across the region.
The team has been open about the unique challenges of the region: the Benelux countries are rich in complex highway infrastructure, waterways, canals, dams, locks, and drawbridges, with terrain ranging from flat northern plains criss-crossed by canals to the dramatic scenery of the Ardennes in Belgium and Luxembourg.
One notable first for the ETS2 base map: the Benelux rework will introduce custom depots to Europe — a feature that had previously only been available in American Truck Simulator.
When Does It Release?
No official release date has been announced. SCS head Pavel suggested during a Christmas 2025 stream that Benelux was targeting update 1.58 SCS Software, though the rework did not ship with 1.58 when it released in February 2026. Given the increasing frequency of devblogs through early 2026, a release in the first half of the year seems likely.
Project Benelux isn’t a visual touch-up — it’s a full reconstruction of one of the game’s oldest map sections. New cities, reworked capitals, hundreds of kilometers of new roads, canals, drawbridges, custom depots, and new industries, all built from scratch by a dedicated team of over 10 map designers. It’s going to be a big one.
Keep an eye on the official SCS blog at blog.scssoft.com for the latest updates.
How to Download and Setup Promods 2.81
Latest Promods 2.81 for ETS2 1.58 is currently requiring all map DLC. In the guide below as always you will find step by step instruction, but please watch carefully and don’t ask about archives on the Youtube.
Illinois gameplay
38 minutes gameplay of upcoming expansion for American Truck Simulator is available on official SCS Youtube channel. That means that new DLC is around the corner.
I also collected available footages from developers with new expansion teasers:
American Truck Simulator: Everything We Know About the Upcoming Illinois DLC
Hidden Roads Study – March, 13 2026
Since the last update we have numerous new secret roads in ATS 1 .58 I was thinking about updating the guide for America – I found already 18 new hidden roads and still in progress (mostly checking the correctness of them than discovery). But I believe soon we will see also new Illinois DLC so can expect new secrets on that new state. Unfortunately youtube rank and promote older videos first and below guides have a very bad discoverability and low views. So I don’t want to spent a lot of time for guide with 700 views.
Below you find all hidden roads in ATS and ETS2 found in version 1.57.
You can see the complete list of cities with hidden paths here: https://trucksim.top/y9t6. It is probably won’t help you with exact secrets locations but you can check if you missed any.
I’m sharing found hidden secret roads in both American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2 periodically since 2022 when this feature been released on ETS2 and ATS 1.44. But maybe right now it is time to freeze the series and let others do this job.
ETS2 (updated 01.24.2026, actual on 1.58 with Scandinavia Refresh and Nordic Horizon DLC, 110 roads so far)
ATS (updated 12.26.2025, actual on 1.57 with Louisiana DLC, 245 roads so far)
New hidden roads with footages on Route 66 (collection of videos)
American Truck Simulator: Everything We Know About the Upcoming Illinois DLC
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.
ATS 1.58 Secret Roads of Route 66 Rework
I continue to discover reworked map of Route 66 in ATS 1.58 and found already 15 hidden markable roads. Not sure that I will update Big guide until Illinois DLC this spring. Latest videos attract less attention and have very low views.
Below you can see couple videos with hidden paths in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.
And overall 1.58 changes and Route 66 teasers
Promods 2.81 Released – Guide How to Download and Setup
New Promods 2.81 has just been released. You can enjoy new version on the ETS2 1.58 but note that all map DLC are required. In the guide below as always you will find step by step instruction, but please watch carefully and don’t ask about archives on the Youtube.