Roadside Masterpieces in Louisiana

How SCS Software is Sculpting Art and Statues into American Truck Simulator's Newest Haul

Hey there, truckers! If you've been keeping tabs on SCS Software's dev diaries, you know the Louisiana DLC for American Truck Simulator is shaping up to be a bayou-soaked dream of swamps, jazz vibes, and endless highways. But today, we're zooming in on something a little more artistic—literally. The team's latest blog post spills the beans on how they've woven Louisiana's vibrant street art and eye-popping statues right into the fabric of the game's world. It's not just about hauling cargo through the Pelican State; it's about cruising past murals that pop like fireworks and statues that whisper tales of history. Let's break down what the devs at SCS had to say, straight from their October 16, 2025, post titled "Louisiana: Street Art & Statues."

SCS kicked things off by celebrating Louisiana's creative soul, calling it a state "rich with street art, colorful murals, and striking statues." Their asset and map teams didn't just slap on generic billboards—they dove headfirst into real-world inspirations to make every drive feel alive. As the blog puts it, these elements are scattered along trucking routes to "add vibrancy and life" to the cities you'll rumble through. Imagine spotting a massive mural while navigating Baton Rouge traffic or pulling over at a welcome center to snap a virtual pic of a veteran tribute. It's all about turning those long hauls into rolling galleries, reminding you that Louisiana's not just ports and petroleum—it's a canvas of culture.

The goal? Total immersion. SCS wants you to "keep an eye out" and "look around and take in the art" mid-delivery. In a sim where the details make the difference, these touches crank up the realism dial, making the subtropical sprawl feel like a living postcard.

Let's talk murals first—these bad boys are the colorful heartbeat of Louisiana's urban scenes, and SCS has recreated a bunch to pepper your routes. Drawing from spots across the state, the devs highlighted a few standouts that scream Southern flair:

• Ruston’s "Experience Ruston" Mural: Picture peaches bursting in the background like a fruity explosion—it's a cheeky nod to local agriculture, splashed across a wall that'll have you grinning as you idle nearby.

• Mansfield's Patriotic Pair: Two murals waving the American flag high—one capturing the crack of a baseball bat in a classic game, the other soaring with an airplane tribute. Perfect for that all-American trucking spirit.

• Shreveport's Showstoppers: The blog spotlights a lively, diverse beast of a mural (the one topping their post) packed with eclectic imagery that'll stop you in your tracks. And don't miss the giant one wrapping an entire building wall—it's like street art on steroids, dominating the skyline.

• Scattered Gems Elsewhere: From Lafayette's lively walls to Baton Rouge and Houma's hidden stunners, these aren't one-offs. SCS spread 'em out so every city feels unique, turning routine runs into treasure hunts for pixelated pop art.

These aren't random doodles; they're faithful recreations that capture the "diverse imagery" and bold energy of the real deal. As a trucker glued to the windshield, you'll catch glimpses that make the miles fly by.

If murals are the splashy extroverts, the statues are the quiet storytellers—poignant markers of Louisiana's past that SCS has placed with care. The blog dives into a trio that hit right in the feels, positioned at key stops along your routes:

• Baton Rouge's Columbus Plaza: A towering figure of Christopher Columbus, saluting the explorer's voyages that kicked off European eyes on the Americas. It's a historical heavyweight, plunked in a plaza where you might park up after a long haul.

• Atchafalaya Welcome Center Monument: Tucked along I-10 west of Baton Rouge, this humble nod honors the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge and vets who've served. Simple, solemn, and a total gut-punch—ideal for that reflective break between jobs.

• Houma's Heartstring Puller: Near the city court, a tender statue of a mother cradling her kids, all about "intimate remembrance." It's the kind of detail that sneaks up on you, adding emotional depth to the game's deep South simmer.

SCS's approach here? Pure respect for the source material. These aren't filler props; they're tributes that ground the DLC in Louisiana's soul, making your drives through bayous and deltas feel layered with legacy.

Peeking behind the curtain, the blog keeps it light on tech talk but heavy on passion. The asset team handled the recreations, while mappers wove them into the landscape like threads in a quilt. No big drama about challenges—SCS just focused on nailing the essence, ensuring everything fits seamlessly without breaking the flow of your freight-hauling flow. It's a testament to their knack for blending beauty with gameplay; these art pieces won't snag your rig, but they'll snag your attention.

One subtle nod: Placing these at real-inspired spots means they're rewards for exploration. Spot a mural mid-run? That's SCS whispering, "Hey, take a detour—you earned it."

All in all, SCS Software's take on Louisiana's art and statues isn't just window dressing—it's the secret sauce that’ll make this DLC a standout in the ATS lineup. From mural mayhem to statue serenity, it's clear the team's all-in on making the Pelican State pop with personality. Can't wait to thunder past these beauties myself; it'll turn every load of lumber or LNG into a cultural cruise.

If this has your engine revving, hop over to the Steam page and add the Louisiana DLC to your wishlist—you'll get pinged the second it's ready to roll (release date TBA, but the hype is real). For more scoops straight from the SCS hive mind, check out their full blog post here. Follow us on our socials for the latest, and hit the comments if you've got fave roadside art from your real-world runs.

Safe travels, folks—may your next haul be framed by some fine Louisiana flair. What's your must-spot statue? Drop it below!