

The game does not require a very powerful computer to operate properly since it can run on most older PCs. Users can choose from 32 rigs, 45+ cargoes and 47+ trailers in the game, including double trailers. The ability to use custom soundtracks and save games during deliveries was also added.

This installment adds more cities and has more realistic graphics, but Mexico is gone from this installment, as in Convoy. Players can also buy things to protect themselves. However, other graphical features such as dynamic dashboard gauges were replaced with simple inanimate textures, although this and minor bugs were fixed with a patch released by SCS Software in 2008. The graphics are also much improved in this version, and users can see drivers in other vehicles and when the trucks are "lugged" under 1500 RPM, they emit black exhaust much like older non-computerized trucks do. The player has to use the mouse to look outside of the cab at the mirrors. The player can travel through 30+ cities and choose from 35+ rigs, 45+ cargoes and 47+ trailers. In this updated installment, the player can travel through the United States, as well as southern Canada, though it differs from 18 Wheels of Steel: Pedal to the Metal in that Mexican cities are not present. It also has the fastest map to date besides Haulin' and is the first trucking game to feature more than one country.

18 Wheels of Steel: Pedal to the Metal requires OpenGL. The sleep timer was brought back in this version. In this installment, released in 2004, the user can travel across the entire continental US, and also through northern Mexico and southern Canada, through 30 cities. There is an improved traffic model as well as airplanes, helicopters, and trains with authentic sounds. Unlike Hard Truck: 18 Wheels of Steel, Across America does not feature a sleep timer. Players also go against three AI drivers. This game focuses on the delivery of cargo. Time is made up of a total of 24 minutes in a day in the clock. In this version, players can choose from 30 trucks and 40+ trailers. This installment is very similar to Hard Truck: 18 Wheels of Steel except that the graphics were updated, more trucks and cargo were added, and a new map was created that enables users to travel across the entire continental U.S., through 30 cities. The first installment in the series, released in 2002. Main article: Hard Truck: 18 Wheels of Steel
