I can drive a car, so surely I can drive a truck, right? The answer is yes, sort of. Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition, available now Xbox Series X|S, is unlike any truck simulation I’ve played before, which is a good thing! I built a business in the frozen wilderness of Alaska and now I’m here to help all you aspiring trucking magnates to get a jump start on your careers.
How Many Truck Drivers Does It Take to Screw in a Lightbulb?
I love how involved you can get with your truck, and that means making sure you’re prepared for every eventuality! I’m changing light bulbs, batteries, air filters, wipers, you name it. You definitely do not want to be found without spare parts for these, as I found making sure you take the survival side seriously can be make or break for your business. (Bonus tip, look under the driver’s door for a storage with a radiator cover and tire chains from the start).
There’s No Place Like Truck
Your cab is your home, so it’s worth getting to know it and what you can do there. I had a little explore and I must say, it’s quite cozy. I took a nap, I made a meal with the radio on and I got to know the tools in there too. Knowing my way around the cab became vital on longer challenging winter drives, as it meant I was always prepared to act fast in an emergency. Taking a few minutes to know your cab means the difference between a successful job, or calling in an expensive rescue.
A Little DIY Never Hurt Anyone
Remember how we talked about keeping all those spare parts around? This is where they come in handy. I found fixing things myself meant not only did I save money compared to using the workshop, but I also gained precious experience points that in turn help me gain new skills. Every little bit helps as they say, and fixing your own truck is also incredibly satisfying.
Repair Kit, Repair kit, Wherefor art thou, Repair Kit?
Once you have your workshop ready to go, make sure you buy a repair kit. I foolishly didn’t on my first drive, broke something and saw the error of my ways. Learn from my mistakes, bring the repair kit.
Ready, Steady, Cook
Any good chef will tell you that having a good set of core ingredients is the key to a great meal. I found myself scouring shops for new ingredients to bring back to my HQ where I could use the kitchen to cook myself some great meals to take on the road. Ingredients like reindeer meat and king crab legs can only be used at HQ and gave me three meals at once. That’s huge value for your money as well, giving you another opportunity to collect some experience points.
Repeat After Me – Coffee is Not a Balanced Diet
I know I know, we all love drinking coffee, but everything in moderation! If you’re tired, an energy drink or a coffee is a great quick fix, but I found drinking more than two in a short span actually gave me negative effects (art imitates life). I saw the same thing happen with eating too many hot dogs (don’t judge me), so the lesson here is to eat junk food and drink coffee in moderation.
I’ve Seen the Light
Don’t underestimate how dark it can get when you’re in Alaskan winters. Always carry a flashlight (with some batteries) so you don’t get caught out. I found myself attaching trailers in the dark with the aid of my trusty flashlight as well as carrying out a repair or two.
Staycation or Vacation?
I love my truck, the freedom to rest anywhere on the road and deliver on my own schedule is fantastic. However, I sometimes wanted to have a little extra comfort and that’s where hotels came in. If I rested at a hotel, I’d get all my energy back compared to 75 percent in the truck. It makes sense, a full bed and room will always be better, but it’s nice to have options.
Whatever the Weather, Dress Appropriately
I don’t like being cold. I also don’t like being hot. I like being in a lovely tepid environment, and my character is no different. Stock up on jackets and warm drinks for winter, but ditch them when it comes to summer so you don’t overheat. Both aren’t good for you, and Alaskan seasons will challenge you to adapt.
Thanks for the Memories
I loved traveling around Alaska and like with any trip, one of the best ways to remember the sights was with a camera. An underrated feature for sure, I would recommend seeking out a store that is selling one. I had the best time snapping away as I went through the world of Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition and built the most adorable collection of postcards back at my HQ (the experience points didn’t hurt either).
Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition is available now on Xbox Series X|S and includes three DLC packs (Ice Road Truckers, Mother Truckers, Trucking Hell) in one package. I loved being able to explore a new twist on driving simulation, and having survival, driving and simulation in one game, what’s not to love?
Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition
Green Man Gaming Publishing, Movie Games S.A.
$29.04
Step into the boots of an Alaskan Trucker!
Live the thrill of a new kind of driving simulator and risk it all in the challenge to become an Alaskan trucking legend. Balance the risk vs reward of taking perilous routes to save time, perform roadside repairs on your rig and brave the dangerous conditions on foot in challenging survival-based gameplay. Highway Edition includes all DLC released to date, adding new trucks and skins as well as the Ice Roads expansion.
Drive
– Travel the wilds of Alaska in a sprawling map as you battle a dynamic weather system
– Haul a range of cargo through the toughest conditions
– Gear up and prepare for the journey ahead, with truck maintenance, emergency repairs and other challenges to contend with
Survive
– Stranded and low on funds for roadside assistance? Leave the safety of your cab and fix your truck, if you can brave the wintery conditions
– Don’t just fuel your rig; contend with hunger, fatigue and body temperature to keep yourself healthy
– Battle the elements with mud slides, avalanches, fallen trees and blizzards
– Tackle three game modes; casual, standard and hardcore, for the most challenging experience
Thrive
– Make your mobile home your own – customise your truck and stand out from the crowd
– Build your reputation, manage your HQ and be the master of your own destiny
