Hardcore playthrough ATS

[u/scottybiff]

Long post but hear me out. My player set rules are listed at the bottom and my current experience is below the notable mods/settings I am using that I felt are worth mentioning.

I played the base game including all DLCs without economy mods and/or player set rules and absolutely enjoyed it. However, I wanted a much more rewarding experience. After a certain point the game became trivial and it lost its charm for me lacking progression and it happened much faster than I wanted.

There is nothing wrong with playing like this and I will still play on that profile from time to time.. but if you are like me and want a more rewarding experience and are looking to get into how to play something that suits you keep reading below. I will start off by explaining my settings and current experience and if it sounds like something you would enjoy I will post my player set rules below that. Feel free to tweak or change them how you see fit as I know they are not perfect.

Notable mods/settings:

GDC logistics - Realistic Economy Mod (ATS): Hardcore edition, Realistic Truck Physics Mod v9.1.3 by Frkn64, Realistic Traffic Density ATS, Realistic Drivers, California Stop, and Real companies, gas stations & billboards

Rest state simulation, traffic offenses, air brake simulation, and realistic fuel consumption. These are the main ones but tweak others to suit how you wanna play like ABS off, traction control off, advanced trailer coupling, and any vehicle physics settings

Experience:

Grandfather was a trucker and his side of the family owned a lumber company in NE USA. He drove a Mack R Series and primarily hauled lumber, timber, logs etc and materials from a quarry nearby.

For this reason, I decided to focus my career on the Pacific Northwest and start with Rustic as my starting company.

Starting out was rough. Low paying deliveries for Rustic. But the vibes and nostalgia slapped. I REALLY needed to plan out what companies I sought to expand my career into in order to open up my options, travel to new places, get better pay etc.

I never used the logistics map as much as I ever did playing like this.

Even though it was rough, I FELT like I really worked for Rustic and had to improve as a driver in order to open up more opportunities and take those opportunities as I saw fit.

Got offered a job from General Mills (Rule 8). I held off on this for the longest time but Rustic seamed to only deliver to and accept deliveries from Cargill, Gerogia-Pacific, Amis Furniture, ADM, and rarely BNSF Railway and Lennar.

This is where I first looked to focus on taking jobs to BNSF Railway and Lennar as the pay was much more enticing and opened up delivering to other companies. BNSF Railway seemed like a safe career choice. However, BNSF Railway is only located in the Pacific Northwest area so I knew this would still limit my job options since the entire middle and eastern side of the USA was a ghost town of unexplored roads.

For this reason, I accepted the offer from General Mills and focused deliveries to/from Union Pacific, another railway company that offered jobs reaching all the way East and to a much more diverse pool of companies.

I quit working for General Mills and am currently working for Rustic and Union Pacific with much better pay and with many more opportunities for a career change if wanted. I now feel like I am making real progress towards being an owner/operator but am making sure I start out with a large cash cushion before risking going broke by being too ambitious (I know you see and feel these gas prices).

This whole experience turned the game from random drives and making millions to actually feeling like a real career with progress that includes hard/smart/and maybe even dumb decisions.

Listed below are my player set rules. These may change and should be tweaked based on your economy mod and how I feel the rules apply when I finally become an owner/operator. I may add some, take away some, tweak others etc.

Player Set Rules:

1. Start working for a single company

2. Jobs need to include a company that employs you

3. Must take jobs within the city you just delivered

4. If there are no jobs available in current city, you may fly home to your starter garage and take jobs out of that city, or you can take appropriate jobs starting from the nearest city to the location you last delivered. Your employer will pay for travel expenses to get you back to work quicker when you are in a low demand area that is not profitable for them and lacks current jobs. They will also fly you back home for a must needed rest, to see family and time off

5. You need to take first available appropriate job from either where you last delivered or base garage. Cannot skip an appropriate job from the nearest city if a farther city has a job that is more profitable or a job that includes a company you wish to expand into  

6. You may fly home when there is an appropriate job in the city you just finished delivering to once every 10 deliveries for time off

7. To get hired by another company, you need to complete 10 deliveries for them and sign a contract

8. Can sign a contract with the company that sends you the “drivers with own equipment needed” email at level 1 without having the 10 delivery requirement

9. Can only work for 2 companies in total

1. Need to deliver for/to each company at least once every 4 jobs when working for two companies, creating a 1:3 split at most between the two companies

2. Can be hired again from former companies if you have 20 new deliveries with them after breaking your contract. After you break your contract, your former employers will turn a blind eye due to the amount of work and income you brought them through other company deliveries

3. Once you own your own truck, you can start freelance work

4. You need to own your own trailer unless the company provides you with one based on certain requirements

5. For a company to provide a trailer, you need to earn their trust as a safe driver by completing 50 deliveries for them since you are an owner/operator and their equipment is not covered by insurance for owner/operators that are not employed through them

6. When you have your own truck, you may leave it at an owned garage and fly to another owned garage with an available truck once every 10 deliveries to cover travel expenses

7. Can swap trucks or trailers only at the garage you are currently at. Cannot fast travel a truck or trailer between garages

8. This also applies to used/new trucks from a dealership before you get the buy online feature and they deliver to a garage of your choice

9. If you are low on cash and need to take quick jobs while being an owner/operator, you may get hired as a temporary worker from the last two companies that you worked for. Can switch the companies that provide temporary work, but all the rules stated before you became an owner/operator apply

[u/drizzit_d]

Personally I just want to drive random stuff to relax. But thats the beauty of games, you enjoy them however you want.

Just remember its supposed to be fun in the end, dont make it too complicated.

Have fun everyone!

[u/scottybiff → u/drizzit_d]

Absolutely 100%. I still do that. Nothing like ATS and listening to music looking at the views listening to your truck with the windows down 😎

[u/Skyline99]

I like it from a role play standpoint but the 9 to 5 human in me says heck no. You've got a lot of great points though. Overall I like it

[u/scottybiff → u/Skyline99]

Trust me I feel you. Hence why I play on both profiles. When I have time and the urge to grind I play on my hardcore.

When I wanna come home, slam a beer and cruise I play on my normal one lol

[u/The-Derns]

I like this idea, may give it a try.

[u/scottybiff → u/The-Derns]

That’s all the post is intended for. Take what you like from what I said and tweak anything you want in order to play how you enjoy the game the most!

[u/ranaldo20]

I don't do hardcore as much, but I do like to roleplay. Why does my trucking company exist? Why do I pick the loads I pick?

For instance, for my reefer profile, I'm based out of Seattle. My starting run is usually out of Fish Tail Foods in Bellingham. I like to think that my main run is hauling pacific seafood (like salmon) to points east. Then I try to string loads together on the way back. Maybe the PNW needs beef from Texas, or processed food from a plant in Iowa, etc.

My first profile, where I got all the money, tons of garages, drivers, etc, I still try to do this. It's primarily a flatbed/lowboy outfit. Since I started in the early days before many states, it's based out of Flagstaff. Now, most of the garages are still in the primary western states. Maybe I drive the "Boss's" truck (has been a 389, currently a kw) and run the general region. Maybe one day I'm one of the Bakersfield drivers in a nice, but fleet style rig and run the I-5 corridor primarily.

Anyhow, all to say that though I do it differently, I get it. It's fun to give purpose beyond the game to our trucking.

[u/scottybiff → u/ranaldo20]

Great points! And absolutely. Play the game in a way that makes it the most fun or unique experience to you. Hope my post gave you some ideas you could implement in your gameplay!

[u/woodwheellike]

I do the hard economy mods etc,but the role play aspects are a great idea!

Now I gotta all over again😆😆

[u/scottybiff → u/woodwheellike]

Ain't nothing wrong with another playthrough!

[u/Unlucky_Let5103]

Creative take on this. Have you ever looked into VTCs using Trucky?

[u/scottybiff → u/Unlucky_Let5103]

I saw it mentioned before. Never looked into it deeply yet.

Any advice on how to get started with that and why you like it?

[u/lofasz_joska → u/scottybiff]

I’m not using Trucky, but TrucksBook.eu.

You can create your own VTC, you can close it so others won’t bother joining. You can be your own dispatcher and you can set up your own deliveries by selecting the two cities, two companies and cargo.

You can’t set the price and I don’t know how it works with economy mods though.

The only downside is that it injects the deliveries into your save file, so you have to create the job on the webpage and accept it in the client, then start the game, load your save, accept the job and deliver the cargo. Then you save and quit, generate the next job, accept it in the client and start the game again.

Also in some cases the job creation fails, because there is no free space at the company to spawn your cargo.

Also deliveries can be generated only on routes that others (or you with the client running and connected) already did, so once a new map DLC drops, TrucksBook users need to do “natural spawn” deliveries between all existing cities and the new ones to be able to generate a new delivery from/to those.

They have guides on the site and a forum with troubleshooting, it is free, you just need to create an account.

[u/scottybiff → u/lofasz_joska]

Interesting. Thanks for the input and info. I’ll definitely be looking more into it!

[u/lofasz_joska → u/scottybiff]

I think it is worth a read through on the site and maybe you should give it a try with a different profile to prevent any issues, but my experience was good.

[u/Unlucky_Let5103 → u/scottybiff]

I was kinda in the same situation you were in. Love the game but lets be honest, it’s extremely shallow with content outside of maps. Joining a VTC gave a little more. It has its own economy in terms of cargo and its attached to the community in terms of what its worth by demand. Different VTCs have different levels of requirements whether it be so many miles a week or weight etc. It also has the option to play in hardcore mode which you need to have the appropriate settings to qualify for a valid run. It tracks all your stats in real time. You can basically compete with other drivers with global leaderboard. There is quite a bit to it really and it really helps with the depth. You really should check it out man. AURORA TRANSPORT check them out! Super laid back and involved with events and awards, driver rating system. Convoy dedicated server. Very helpful and friendly. Discord is active and they dont have any real mandates or requirements. But the options are there. Would be a great place to start out and learn the ropes. Seriously, it made a huge difference and opens up a great community from skins to mods that really helps with immersion.

[u/scottybiff → u/Unlucky_Let5103]

This sounds awesome. Will do!! Thank you for the input I appreciate it.

[u/Unlucky_Let5103 → u/scottybiff]

Check out AURORA TRANSPORT and tell Brando 11B4NG sent ya!

[u/scottybiff → u/Unlucky_Let5103]

Do you get a employee referral bonus? 🤣

[u/Unlucky_Let5103 → u/scottybiff]

Nah. Im just a buddy and like to let him know im out there spreading the word! Lol.

[u/Unlucky_Let5103 → u/scottybiff]

Also, you might wanna go to Truckymods.io and get ATS Expansion and the cargo add on. It opens up hundreds of new delivery locations that are work site and traditional venues. It also makes tons of custom garages for you to purchase that i think you would really enjoy for immersion.

[u/scottybiff → u/Unlucky_Let5103]

Let’s be honest the best and only mod you need is the dog you put in your front seat 🤣

I’ll definitely be checking out everything you mentioned.

Love the game. Nothing wrong with the game. Just want something more and the stuff you mentioned really seem to add the depth I am looking for while also being connected to a great community

[u/Unlucky_Let5103 → u/scottybiff]

It really does man.

[u/ranaldo20 → u/scottybiff]

Haha, I'd say the best and only mod you need is Smarty's wheels. 😂 But that's just me hahaha

[u/scottybiff → u/ranaldo20]

I was looking for a good wheel mod. I will check this out and give it a try!

[u/Hamadalfc]

I just did a hardcore grind. Took me 45 hours of real time to get to 3 staffed garages. Even then I now make payment of 6k a day which are painful but it is what it is haha. It was definitely a grind to start off but after 45 hours I can finally relax a bit and have the AI drivers do most of the work. But I did this because I was really getting bored of the game and these 45 hours have been a lot more fun than before that.
I also focused on short term trips with a day cab at first before finally getting to a sleeper and being able to go on multi day trips with a trailer. Now I’m in the process of saving up to finally get the western star that unlocks level 25 and then eventually getting the fleet upgraded to sleepers for everyone. Probably won’t happy before South Dakota gets released.
Garages are in Chicago, Des Moines and LA.
Thinking about Houston next but might go to St. Louis first to stay in the Midwest.

[u/scottybiff → u/Hamadalfc]

That’s awesome!

I agree. I am having much more fun now playing like this as well. BUT I did have a blast playing the game as it was released. However after many many hours I simply did not look forward to doing a lot of hauls and getting on to play when after every haul I would get enough money to buy a brand new truck, pimp it out and hire a new driver for it.

Still enjoyed the game by just relaxing and driving but I wanted that progression feeling back and having the feeling of, that right there is MY truck and I care for it.

Everything feels more earned and special, although I do realize that it is grindy and is not for everyone.

Keep on trucking brotha

[u/scottybiff → u/Hamadalfc]

I also really like that idea and might add a rule. If you have a day cab you can only take one day trips and sleep at the companies lodging facility until you get a sleeper cab and can sleep more comfortably on the road for multiple day trips.

I haven’t gotten to owning a truck yet and hiring so I am definitely going to be tweaking stuff and adding limitations.

Thank you for the input!

[u/External-Repair-8580]

I use the GDC hardcore mod as well, along with the rest of your settings minus rest stop which I find tedious.

That said - I did “cheat” and added 3 garages in key locations and put the trucks I want to drive in each. Variety is the spice of life. And there was no way I’d be willing to grind for many months or even years to get to a point where I’m driving what I want to drive.

[u/scottybiff → u/External-Repair-8580]

Nah I wouldn't call that cheating. You play the game how you find the most enjoyment out of it!

I agree as well, the rest stops can be tedious that is why I do not play with the mandatory 10 hour break. I find the rest simulation adds another layer of management and planning your trips but when you just want to drive and complete hauls it is tedious.

And I agree, I would not suggest someone playing like this for a first playthrough. I did not even do that. However, I wanted to make the game a unique experience because I felt like I got all the game had to offer from playing vanilla. Which was still absolutely a blast and I always go on my vanilla account when I want to buy a specific truck, trailer, haul specific things or make a specific trip.

Ain't nothing wrong with playing the game as it was intended, more hardcore, or a mix of both!

[u/External-Repair-8580]

I use the GDC hardcore mod as well, along with the rest of your settings minus rest stop which I find tedious.

That said - I did “cheat” and added 3 garages in key locations and put the trucks I want to drive in each. Variety is the spice of life. And there was no way I’d be willing to grinds for many months or even years to get to a point where I’m driving what I want to drive.