What a difference using a wheel & pedals makes!

[Uncle Hulka]

First off, let me say I love ATS. I bought this game back in May 2017 and, with the exception of the Steampunk Paint Jobs Pack, I have purchased every DLC for the game over the years.

That said, I only managed to log about 270 hours of playtime over that 6 1/2 year period. The main obstacle preventing me from putting more hours into the game was simply my setup. I played ATS using a combination of the Xbox controller and the keyboard/mouse. It could get both exhausting (My fingers would actually cramp up occasionally after long drives) and frustrating, due primarily to the lack of precision that control combination provided. It's actually amazing that the game is still as fun, playable and satisfying as it is using that hardware control combination. That's a definite tribute to the devs and this great game they've created.

To get the most out of ATS, I finally broke down and bought a wheel for it (Logitech G920) during Amazon's Black Friday sale. I had come close to purchasing a G920 (and other wheels) several times over the years, but each time I talked myself out of it. I'm not into racing games at all, so buying a steering wheel meant it would be used exclusively for ATS, and I could never justify the expense to myself. This year, after first placing and then immediately canceling my order, I finally went ahead and just said "eff it" and took the plunge and bought one,

My only regret now is that I didn't do this years ago, because what a game-changer playing with a wheel and pedals is. Yeah, I know the G920 is kinda low end, especially compared to some YouTubers I've seen who have $1,000-2,000+ dollar setups, with wheels, pedals and shifters that can practically simulate the exact experience of driving a big rig in their own living rooms. But you know what?....I couldn't be happier with my current setup. It has really taken the game (cliche time) to a whole other level. Who would've thought that driving through a simulated version of Texas and Oklahoma could be such fun?

At any rate, sorry for the length of this. I didn't intend to ramble on so much when I started writing. For those who made it this far, thanks for hanging in there. And for those who are still debating with themselves as to whether to buy a wheel in order to get the most out of ATS, JUST DO IT! Trust me, you won;t regret it.

[AyMazingATS]

Congrats on your purchase!

A wheel makes a world of difference to the game. You don't need anything more than what you bought!

[roggek]

A steering wheel and pedals is a core necessity for both ATS and ETS. Period!

I still remembered when i was using only the keyboard in ETS and boy, did i got aching fingers. Then i bought my G29 and now it fels more immersive and "the real deal". So I join the chorus: Buy a wheel, you won't regret it.

[meatballs_21]

Dang it! I was humming and hawing over getting a T248 this Black Friday but couldn’t stomach the price (especially if I wanted a shifter) and decided not to. Maybe another time…

[captain403]

Playing with a controller is very playable, imo. Just a keyboard and mouse, not so much. A wheel and pedals is however, infinitely better than a controller.

[Stenleh44]

Congrats on your wheel!

Wait until you get a head/eye tracking setup. Even much more enjoyable. Check out Tobi eye tracker or TrackIR.

Oh yea..then get a nice shifter with an add-on range splitter with high low switch.

[H.G.B.]

I've been playing ATS / ETS 2 for almost 2 years. I started with the keyboard, I couldn't complete my first 5 km tour without a crash.
After I got used to it, my nephew lent me his G920 and shortly after I bought a G29. I now also have an H switch and, for a few days now, a gear knob with a splitter/range switch and a freely assignable button (unfortunately I can't assign it to the clutch like with MAN) which I now use for the engine brake.
Of course, an H-shifter only makes sense if you want to switch gears manually in the game. (-;

[witur]

The G920 is not a bad device. Of course, there are many steering wheels that are better than her, but there are also many worse ones. For a game like ATS that is not a racing game, this steering wheel will be enough. I have been using a very similar one (G29) for 6 years and I am very satisfied because it works flawlessly. I recommend purchasing a gear shift lever and an SKRS shifter for half-speeds and the lower and upper gearbox. Only then will you see how much fun it is to manually change the gears of Eaton Fuller 13- and 18-speed gearboxes.

[H.G.B.]

The G920 is almost identical to the G29. Apart from the fact that the G29 has a few more buttons, the G920 is for the XBox and the G29 for the Playstation, but both also work on the PC.
The Eaton-Fuller 18-speed gearbox is something nice.
Here in Europe there used to be MANs with Fuller gearboxes, which showed who could really shift gears. (-;

[joliverinspects]

Congratulations partner for taking the plunge. The cost of the "super rig" has keep me back as well, but I like the idea of having the full driving experience. Maybe in the New Year. Take care all.

[McPhil]

I got the Thristmaster T150 years ago for ETS2 in 2015 and used it since. Having Force Feedback really enhances any driving game.
I was thinking of buying the shofter and new metal pedals for it or maybe even a new setup.

[joliverinspects]

Originally posted by witur:

The G920 is not a bad device. Of course, there are many steering wheels that are better than her, but there are also many worse ones. For a game like ATS that is not a racing game, this steering wheel will be enough. I have been using a very similar one (G29) for 6 years and I am very satisfied because it works flawlessly. I recommend purchasing a gear shift lever and an SKRS shifter for half-speeds and the lower and upper gearbox. Only then will you see how much fun it is to manually change the gears of Eaton Fuller 13- and 18-speed gearboxes.

Hi Witur only one thing that the system is missing is when momentum in a real truck changes the need for you to change the shift RPM's to account for pulling the weight or it pushing you down a hill. Enjoy partner.

[Fiveball]

Ive got a very similar story. Even bought the same wheel and pedals on a black friday sale and it arrives tomorrow. Glad to see you like it

[Etny2k]

I have a messed up sternum so steering all day makes my ribcage sore. Most of my 5000 hours in on xbox controller but I do use the wheel a few times a month.

[fiese Fee™]

Now try it in VR.

[davesnow]

Like they said. Get a Track I.R. or similar device and that'll change your whole game experience again! It's Great!