Proper Load Order for Mods [1.57+]

In this guide I will keep it short and simple! I will list the proper way to load your mods into your mod manager in American Truck Simulator. It is very crucial your mods are in the correct order, or it could cause chaos in game or mods to conflict with one another, or just not work in general. I have over 125+ mods installed and with this load order, I have had no issues once so ever. This list will go from TOP to BOTTOM as it would be in the mod manager. NOTICE: depending on the mod, it may have different parts (example is Rollin 389) so you will need to check the file provided to see the correct order for a specific mod IF NEEDED.

1. Backgrounds

2. Sounds

3. Graphics/Weather

4. Physics

5. Traffic Mods

6. Skins/Accessories/Tuning Parts

7. Trailers

8. Trucks

9. Maps

[Distiller]

I still use this order and made some mod separators to help organize your mods.

ATS https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3718148195
ETS2 https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3718174283

[dc467102]

1

[FunGaming44]

Doesnt really work this way a lot of mods require there own sorting and it all depends on the mods you use. Tried this order of loading and constant crashing, went back to my own order of how i had it an no problems and all worked perfect and smooth

[H4RDC0R3V1B3Z]

11. AI Traffic & Density Packs: Jazzycat Packs and traffic spawning rate multipliers.

12. Map Fixes & Road Connections: Critical .scs patches bridging two distinct map regions.

13. Sector Tweaks & Custom Yards: Parallel 42 Yards and localized dealership expansions.

14. Map Definitions (Def/Map): The data, routing, and sector coordinates for core map modifications.

15. Map Models (Models/Assets): 3D models, custom vegetation textures, and bridge structures for maps.

16. Mega Resources & Core Libraries: Central asset bases like Mega Resources 2.9.8.

17. Map Backgrounds & Zoom Fixes: Satellite navigation backgrounds and UI zoom alignment files

[H4RDC0R3V1B3Z]

1. UI & Menu Layouts: Route Advisors, mirrors, full screen maps, and menu navigation adjustments.

2. Economy & Progression: Experience modifiers, bank loan adjustments, and garage price tweaks.

3. Sound Frameworks: Engine sound packs, ambient environment audio, and cabin acoustic alterations.

4. Graphics & Season Weather: Grimes Season Packs, skybox overhauls, and lighting system updates.

5. Physics Systems: Cabin suspension behaviour, steering wheel rotation configurations, and brake intensity modifications.

6. Interior & Cabin Accessories: Steering wheel choices, dashboard tables, and custom cabin clutter.

7. Standalone Trucks: Individual vehicle models added outside of standard game dealers.

8. Paint Jobs & Skins: Custom company graphics, metallic paint layers, and cabin visual themes.

9. Wheel & Tire Packs: Trailer and truck wheel hubs, tire textures, and rim accessories.

10. Trailers & Cargo Add-ons: Standalone trailers and custom freight market cargo types.

[H4RDC0R3V1B3Z]

Bit of an update to this list, with some more detailed information I found online. While this isn't perfect, it's a good baseline to use for any load orders. Some mods may require moving up or down, depending on what is said in the descriptions.

Always check a mod beforehand, as some have specific placement requirements.

Would be a LOT easier if SCS would just ditch the load order nonsense and have mods work anywhere, so until then we're stuck faffing and getting frustrated lol.

[RUSO]

Sometimes this sorting method works, sometimes it doesn't. I'm currently having problems loading saves when sorting mods I've been using for a very long time this way. I don't understand why SCS Software doesn't automatically add priority based on tagging, so mod creators can properly tag their mods. Another problem is that if there's a priority issue or a problem between mods, it won't identify which ones are causing the problem so I can remove the culprit.

[JaFa]

Where do pre-fabs go? OR do I put that somewhere else in the game?

[dc467102]

9. Mapas

[monarch]

Where would XP mods go?