Narrative‑driven Truck Driver: The Dutch Connection debuts on Xbox

Table of Content

Truck Driver: The Dutch Connection is now available on Xbox Series X|S, marking the third main entry in Soedesco’s trucking franchise and development by Kyodai. The game centers on a dual‑protagonist narrative about mentorship and belonging, told through the perspectives of veteran driver Felix and rookie Lucas. Set in a fictional world inspired by the Netherlands and wider Europe, it runs on Unreal Engine 5 with ray tracing and dynamic weather. The driving model aims for accessibility while preserving a sense of weight, and there is steering‑wheel support. The release is available in both digital and physical editions.

Story built on the road – two drivers, one journey

The Dutch Connection frames its narrative through the everyday rhythms of long‑haul work rather than traditional cutscene‑only storytelling. You play as Felix, a driver with more than thirty years of experience, and Lucas, a newcomer chasing his first real break after leaving school. Their relationship evolves from mentorship toward a father‑and‑son dynamic, surfacing during night drives, storm‑hit deliveries, maintenance stops, and quiet moments in the cab. The world acknowledges a “new era of trucking,” where AI dispatchers operate alongside human drivers, shaping how routes and jobs come together.

Open roads shaped by UE5 tech

The game’s world draws from Dutch and European landscapes – rolling fields, village lanes, and windmills – with a focus on atmosphere and small visual details. Built in Unreal Engine 5, the experience emphasizes lighting, reflections, and weather variance so that rain, fog, and neon-lit road surfaces materially affect what you see on each run. The handling model is not a strict sim; it blends approachable controls with trucks that respond with visible mass and inertia, reinforcing the story’s grounded feel.

Two ways to play: structured narrative or free exploration

• Story Mode – follow a structured arc for Felix and Lucas across planned routes and character beats.
• Freedom‑to‑Roam Mode – pick up jobs at your own pace and explore the map without a fixed storyline.

Freeform exploration adds the Vista System: scattered landmarks, statues, and distinctive sights can be located using drone image hints in a dedicated menu. Finding these spots and capturing an in‑game photo turns exploration into a light puzzle and photography activity, layering discovery on top of standard cargo runs.

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At a glance – core facts

The table below summarizes the key release and feature details confirmed by the official announcement.

Post‑launch plans

The developers note that The Dutch Connection is complete at release yet designed for growth. Kyodai plans ongoing updates and new content, following the support cadence established with Truck Driver: The American Dream. Specific timelines were not provided in the announcement.

Final takeaway – a trucking story that values the miles between moments

For players who prefer character‑driven progression over pure simulation, The Dutch Connection offers two complementary playstyles and a setting where the technology serves the atmosphere. Whether you stick to the narrative or roam for vistas, the core promise is the same – trucking where the journey matters as much as the destination.