Read the installed branch, not the forum headline
SCS's October 20 post documented opting into 1.62 Open Beta through Steam's Game Versions & Betas → Beta Participation → public_beta path and warned it was experimental. A later November 3 post says 1.62 was released on Steam. The beta instructions remain useful for understanding branch selection, but do not imply that beta is still the branch needed to play current stable.
- In the Steam Library, open ATS Properties and inspect the current Game Versions & Betas/Beta Participation selection.
- Read the installed client version shown by the current game UI or official platform manifest; don't infer it from the date a guide was written.
- Ask a Convoy host for their displayed build and branch before joining.
- If participating in a newly announced beta, check SCS's latest post for the current branch name and instability warning.
References: SCS Software: American Truck Simulator 1.62 Open Beta instructions · SCS Software: American Truck Simulator 1.62 Update Release
Protect a profile before changing branch or mods
A mod that loads on one branch may be incompatible after a version switch. This is a risk-management practice, not a claim that every ATS save will fail. Preserve the profile before testing so that a mismatched session does not become an irreversible experiment.
| Mismatch clue | Check | Safe next action |
|---|---|---|
| Convoy host not found or version differs | Every player's build and beta participation | Join only after the host confirms the same current branch/build |
| Mod warning after update | Mod source, last updated build, load order and required DLC | Disable or update one mod at a time on a copied/test profile |
| Profile asks to remove incompatible content | Which mod/DLC the prompt names and whether the profile is backed up | Cancel and preserve the original profile until you understand the prompt |
| Old guide says select public_beta | Publication date and later full-release announcement | Follow the latest SCS release state; do not remain in beta by habit |
Troubleshoot one compatibility layer at a time
Branch, client version, mod list, DLC dependencies and Convoy host version are separate variables. Changing all at once makes it difficult to identify the cause and can place a profile at risk.
- Write down Steam branch, ATS version, profile name (not account ID), enabled mods, DLC requirement and Convoy host version.
- Back up the profile using the current SCS/Steam instructions before switching branch or removing content.
- Use an empty test profile where possible; compare stable and beta only after reading the current SCS notice.
- If testing mods, disable one mod and restart; preserve the error text and whether the affected profile is a copy.
- Ask in Steam discussions with the exact version, branch, host/client role, mod list and error; mark replies as player reports, not official fixes.
References: SCS Software: American Truck Simulator 1.62 Update Release · SCS Software: American Truck Simulator 1.62 Open Beta instructions · American Truck Simulator Steam Discussions
Before you play
- The game is ATS on PC Steam.
- Current stable release and beta dates distinguished.
- Steam branch and host/client builds recorded.
- Profile backup made before branch/mod experimentation.
- One compatibility variable changed at a time.
- Mod and forum advice treated as build-specific.
Frequently asked questions
Should I opt into public_beta to get ATS 1.62?
Not based on the old beta post alone: SCS announced full 1.62 release on Steam November 3, 2026. Verify current Steam branch state.
Can I load my main profile after downgrading?
This guide does not claim backwards compatibility. Back up first and check official instructions before opening a valuable profile on a different branch.
Does matching the game version prove every mod is safe?
No. Mods can depend on DLC, other mods, configuration or a specific build; test reversibly and consult the mod author/current documentation.
Sources & revision notes
Editorial revision: November 7, 2026; not a gameplay test date. The reference notes identify source limits and version differences.
- SCS Software: American Truck Simulator 1.62 Update Release (Official)
SCS says 1.62 released on Steam on November 3, 2026. Its Route 66 Cross-Border Tourist Board spans eight named states and has separate exploration and full-postcard requirements tied to map expansions. This is PC/Steam release information; confirm the current client and DLC list.
- SCS Software: American Truck Simulator 1.62 Open Beta instructions (Official)
The dated beta notice documents Steam's public_beta selection path and explicitly warns that an open beta can be unstable. SCS later announced full 1.62 release on November 3. Branch labels and menu names may change; check the current Steam properties and official feed.
- American Truck Simulator Steam Discussions (Community)
Player reports may concern another version, beta branch, DLC combination, mod or Convoy host. Include displayed build/branch, enabled mod names and the exact route/content symptom; never assume another player's report is reproducible on your setup.
November 7, 2026: first publication; reconciled SCS's dated 1.62 beta instructions with the later stable release announcement. No profile or mod was tested.
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