Ever feel like your virtual big rig just isn’t *quite* right? You’ve got the roaring engine, the open road stretching before you, but something’s missing in that satisfying gear shift. For many American Truck Simulator players, that missing piece is the perfect shifter. It might seem like a small detail, but it can totally change how you experience the game.
Choosing the right shifter can be a real headache. There are so many kinds out there – some just look cool, while others actually change how you feel the gears. Do you want something simple and easy, or do you crave that heavy-duty, real-truck feel? Figuring out what fits your playstyle and your budget is tough, and nobody wants to waste money on something that doesn’t feel right.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the different types of shifters, what makes them great, and how to pick the one that will make your trucking adventures even more awesome. Get ready to upgrade your cockpit and feel the road like never before.
Our Top 5 Shifter For American Truck Simulator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Shifter For American Truck Simulator Detailed Reviews
1. USB American Truck Simulator Shifter
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for a more realistic truck driving experience with this USB American Truck Simulator Shifter! This gearshift knob is designed to make your games, like American Truck Simulator (ATS) and Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2), feel like you’re really behind the wheel. It works with your PC and many popular racing wheels, making it easy to upgrade your setup.
What We Like:
- It lets you switch between high and low gears quickly with special buttons.
- You can set up to 18 gears, giving you lots of control.
- It has a custom button so you can set it up just how you like it for personalized gaming.
- This shifter works with popular racing wheels like Logitech G25, G27, G29, G920, and Thrustmaster TH8A.
- It comes with different adapter sizes to fit other shifter shafts, making it more compatible.
- Installation is super easy with plug and play – just plug it in, no extra drivers needed.
- The USB cable is nice and long, about 2 meters.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works with Windows PCs.
- The setup steps might seem a little tricky at first, but the instructions help.
This shifter is a fantastic way to add realism and fun to your truck simulator games. It makes controlling your truck feel much more authentic and enjoyable.
2. aikeec USB Gearshift Knob from a Man Truck ATS ETS for Logitech G29 G27 G25 G920 H Gearshift Shifter Knob for ATS ETS2 Games AI PC …
Rating: 8.9/10
Take your truck driving simulator experience to the next level with the aikeec USB Gearshift Knob. This cool accessory lets you feel like a real truck driver in games like American Truck Simulator (ATS) and Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2). It’s designed to work with popular Logitech wheels like the G29, G27, G25, and G920, giving you more control and a more realistic feel.
What We Like:
- Realistic Shifting: The G113 handball head lets you switch between high and low gears, just like in a real truck. You get two switchers, which can give you up to 18 gears in total.
- Easy Setup: Just plug it in! It uses a separate USB cable and is plug-and-play, so you can start using it right away without complicated installations.
- Works with Your Wheel: It’s made for modified G25, G27, G29, and G920 H shifters, so it fits perfectly with your existing Logitech setup.
- Game Integration: You can easily set it up in your ETS2 or ATS game settings. Just tick the box for the switch gear, and assign your gears.
What Could Be Improved:
- Gear Pattern Display: The gear pattern printed on the knob only shows 13 gears, even though you can use up to 18. This might be a little confusing at first.
- PC Only: This gearshift knob only works with Windows PCs. If you play on a different system, this won’t work for you.
- Troubleshooting: If you have issues with the high/low gear switch, you might need to look at the included guide for help.
This gearshift knob makes truck simulators feel much more real. It’s a great upgrade for serious sim racers who want more immersion.
3. RYANSTAR RACING USB Truck Simulator Shifter Knob – Compatible with Logitech
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to take your truck simulator experience to the next level with the RYANSTAR RACING USB Truck Simulator Shifter Knob. This awesome accessory is designed to make your virtual trucking adventures feel more real than ever before. If you love playing American Truck Simulator (ATS) or Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) on your PC, this shifter knob is a must-have upgrade.
What We Like:
- It looks and feels just like a real truck shifter.
- It works with many popular racing wheels like Logitech and Thrustmaster.
- Setting it up is super easy – just plug it in.
- You get a helpful guide to learn how to use all its features in the game.
- It makes driving in ATS and ETS2 much more fun and real.
- It only works with Windows computers, which is good if that’s what you use.
What Could Be Improved:
- It won’t work with PlayStation or Xbox gaming consoles.
- The shaft diameter needs to be under 12mm for it to fit.
This shifter knob is a fantastic way to add more realism to your truck simulator games. It’s easy to set up and use, making it a great addition for any PC trucker.
4. HCXLELD SimWayTech USB Shifter Knob for ATS & ETS2 PC For Logitech G25 G27 G29 G920 G923 Thrustmaster TH8A Fanatec SQ PXN A7 other DIY shifter
Rating: 9.2/10
The HCXLELD SimWayTech USB Shifter Knob is designed to bring a whole new level of realism to your truck simulator experience. If you play American Truck Simulator (ATS) or Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) on your PC, this shifter knob can make a big difference. It looks and feels like a real truck shifter. This means you get a more immersive driving feel. It works with many popular shifters and even some DIY setups. Plus, it’s easy to set up and use.
What We Like:
- Realistic Design: It’s a 1:1 copy of a real truck shifter knob. This makes driving feel more real.
- Wide Compatibility: It works with many brands like Logitech, Thrustmaster, and PXN. It also fits DIY shifters with a shaft less than 12mm.
- Easy Setup: Just plug it into your PC via USB. The computer installs the driver automatically.
- Helpful Tutorial: A detailed guide explains how to set up the buttons and different gear patterns in your games.
- Gear Pattern Options: It comes with covers for 8, 10, 13, and 18-speed gear patterns.
- Improved Buttons: The range and splitter buttons have been upgraded for better stability and ease of use.
- Customer Support: They offer FAQ help and will reply quickly to solve any issues you have.
What Could Be Improved:
- Windows Only: This shifter knob only works with Windows PCs. It does not work with PlayStation or Xbox.
- DIY Shaft Size Limit: For DIY shifters, the shaft must be less than 12mm.
Overall, this shifter knob offers a fantastic way to enhance your truck simulator games. It’s a great choice for PC players looking for more realism.
5. RASTP USB American Truck Simulator Shifter
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to take your truck simulator experience to the next level? The RASTP USB American Truck Simulator Shifter is here to make your virtual hauls feel more real than ever. This gearshift knob is designed to work seamlessly with popular PC sim racing setups for games like American Truck Simulator (ATS) and Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2). It gives you the control you need to manage your truck’s gears like a pro.
What We Like:
- Quick Gear Changes: This shifter lets you switch between high and low gears fast. It has two switchers, giving you up to 18 gears to play with. This makes driving feel much more realistic.
- Works with Many Wheels: It’s compatible with many popular steering wheels, including Logitech G25, G27, G29, G920, Thrustmaster TH8A, and Fanatec SQ. This means you can probably use it with your current setup.
- Great Feel: Made from good quality materials, this shifter feels nice in your hand. It makes the game more fun to play.
- Easy Setup: Just plug it in using its own USB cable. It works right away on PC Windows systems. No complicated installation needed.
What Could Be Improved:
- Game Settings Needed: You need to go into the game settings to set it up. This might take a few minutes the first time.
- PC Only: It only works on PC computers running Windows. It won’t work on other systems.
This RASTP shifter is a fantastic upgrade for any serious truck simulator fan. It adds a layer of realism that makes playing ATS and ETS2 even more engaging.
Get a Grip: Your Guide to American Truck Simulator Shifters
Ready to feel like a real trucker? Adding a shifter to your American Truck Simulator (ATS) setup can totally change the game. It makes driving feel way more real. This guide helps you pick the best one.
Why Use a Shifter for ATS?
Driving ATS with a keyboard or controller is fun. But a shifter? That’s next level. You get to manually change gears, just like in a real truck. It makes the game more immersive and challenging. You feel more connected to your truck.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an ATS shifter, keep these things in mind.
- Gear Layout:
- H-Pattern: This is the classic. It has six or more gears in an H shape. Some have a splitter button. This is for trucks with more complex transmissions.
- Range and Splitter Buttons: Many shifters have buttons. These change the transmission type. They let you drive different kinds of trucks. Look for shifters with enough buttons for all the trucks you like.
- Build Quality:
- Sturdy Construction: A good shifter feels solid. It won’t wobble or feel cheap. This means it will last longer.
- Compatibility:
- Plug and Play: Most shifters work with ATS easily. You plug them in, and the game recognizes them.
- Software: Some shifters need special software. This helps you set them up. Check if the shifter works with your computer.
- Feel and Feedback:
- Tactile Feedback: You want to feel the gears click into place. This makes shifting satisfying.
- Adjustable Resistance: Some shifters let you change how hard you have to push. This lets you make it feel like a real truck.
Important Materials
What your shifter is made of matters.
- Metal: Metal shifters feel strong and durable. They often have a premium feel. Aluminum is a common choice.
- High-Quality Plastic: Good plastic shifters can still be strong. They are often lighter and less expensive. Look for reinforced plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a shifter great, others not so much.
- Improves Quality:
- Solid Mounting: A shifter that clamps tightly to your desk or wheel stand feels more stable.
- Smooth Shifting Action: Gears should engage without sticking or feeling rough.
- Realistic Weight: A shifter with a bit of weight feels more substantial and authentic.
- Reduces Quality:
- Wobbly Base: If the shifter moves around, it breaks the immersion.
- Sticky Gears: Gears that are hard to find or engage ruin the experience.
- Cheap Plastic: This can feel flimsy and break easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who is a shifter for, and how do you use it?
- For the Immersive Player: If you want ATS to feel as real as possible, a shifter is a must. You’ll spend more time focused on your driving.
- For the Truck Enthusiast: If you love trucks, you’ll love the detail a shifter adds. You can learn about different transmissions.
- Use Cases:
- Long Hauls: Make those long drives more engaging.
- Challenging Routes: Navigate tricky roads and inclines with more control.
- Learning New Trucks: Practice shifting with different truck models in ATS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a special steering wheel for a shifter?
A: No, you don’t always need a steering wheel. Many shifters can be used with just a keyboard or controller. But, a steering wheel and pedal set really complete the setup.
Q: Are shifters hard to set up?
A: Most shifters are easy to set up. You usually just plug them into your computer’s USB port. The game often detects them automatically. Some might need a quick driver install.
Q: Can I use a shifter with my Mac?
A: Some shifters work with Macs. Always check the product description for compatibility. Most are designed for Windows PCs.
Q: How do I clean my shifter?
A: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe it down. Avoid using liquids or harsh cleaners. This keeps the materials from getting damaged.
Q: What’s the difference between a USB shifter and one that plugs into a wheel?
A: A USB shifter connects directly to your computer. A shifter that plugs into a wheel connects to the wheel’s base. Both work well for ATS. USB is more common for standalone shifters.
Q: Can I use a shifter for other games?
A: Yes! Many shifters work with other driving simulation games. Check the game’s compatibility list or the shifter’s specifications.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good shifter?
A: Prices vary. Basic shifters might cost $50-$100. Higher-end models with more features can cost $150-$300 or more.
Q: Does the shifter affect my in-game speed?
A: No, the shifter itself doesn’t change your truck’s top speed. It changes how you control the gear changes. This can help you maintain speed better on hills.
Q: Can I switch between automatic and manual shifting easily?
A: Yes. In ATS, you can usually switch between automatic and manual transmission settings in the game’s options. Your shifter will work with manual mode.
Q: What if the shifter doesn’t work with ATS?
A: First, check that it’s plugged in correctly. Then, make sure you’ve set the transmission to manual in the game’s settings. If it still doesn’t work, check the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting tips or driver updates.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.