American Truck Simulator – Missouri DLC Review (PC)

Welcome to the Gateway to the West, in the latest DLC from American Truck Simulator featuring the famous ‘Show-Me’ State of Missouri.

Being the first foray into DLC for this title (beyond California and Arizona provided with the base game), I was both pleasantly surprised and impressed by the authenticity and spirit of this newest add-on. To begin, the Missouri DLC is everything great about the American Midwest. Large, expansive highways surrounded by trees, lower steel bridges covering gorgeous rivers, small towns just off the beaten path bursting with character and charm, and a slew of agriculture- oriented deliveries at one’s disposal. I’ll give that airhorn an enthusiastic ring!

Missouri is a surprisingly fantastic location for a DLC as all its major highways (Interstate 44, 40 and 57, among others) lead somewhere amazing. Illinois, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee are all but a several hours drive. Moreover, Missouri features two major landmark US cities in St Louis and Kansas, respectively, also Midwestern favorites in Springfield, Branson, Johnson City, and Rolla. And who doesn’t want to visit the Fantastic Caverns, prominently featured across I-44 and just outside of Willard?

Seeing Kansas City’s cityscape pop-into the morning horizon and the charm of surrounding small towns along the way are a pleasurable and relaxing drive. If you’ve even been through ‘fly-over country’ by vehicle, this is a great encapsulation.

I’ve got some frustrations with this DLC, however, that cannot be overlooked. First, the roads are simply too narrow…a serious issue as many of the major routes in Missouri are limited to a small number of lanes in tandem. When some off the beat delivery lanes are single lane directional, expect oodles of frustration making turns. Sadly, American Truck Simulator can be unforgiving in trailer alignment and punishes profusely for job abandonment.

Similarly, starting points can be ofrustrating, where – unlike exiting California based ones – it rarely obvious how to exit and start a journey. Underground truck storage areas look awesome, but are not well marked and turns way too tight when holding cargo. On the flipside, rural beginning areas possess sometimes posses no signage, and – even on full zoomed in view – navigating at night is terrible with little lighting and lots of dirt roads.

Also, and while I appreciate this DLC mixing things up by requiring detours due to accidents or road construction, fuel then runs out way too quickly with no obvious way to refill. I’ve tried…but end up with petrol stations inaccessible to my vehicle…? Related, one detour I get. When you close the detour mid-route, extend delivery time by 2 more hours…c’mon, people. The good Department of Transportation folk in Missouri wouldn’t do me wrong like that.

Last, my preferred view is overhead, and getting penalized for headlight violations is silly as you simply can’t see them on/off except when pitch black. Guys: simply turn them on automatically or provide a warning prior to required usage. The same can be said for turning signals, as there is no on-screen notice in this view as they are active (which can confuse AI controlled drivers all round, resulting in unnecessary accidents). For the love of Pete, some more specificity on the GPS prior to required lane changes as well.

Final Thoughts?

Minor quibbles aside, American Truck Simulator – Missouri is a surprisingly high character DLC that captures the State and region wonderfully. Lots of character awaits both on Interstates and smaller paths. Nit-nads like too small lanes and poor starting points can frustrate, but these are more likely a product of the series than this DLC.