The mission triggers two primary technical glitches depending on your gaming platform and configuration:
Do not press any buttons during the initial Pedro's Pawn Shop cutscenes.
If your game freezes on the Empire map screen right after buying the shop, it's typically due to modern multi-core processor conflicts or outdated game files.
The most common cause of the objective softlock is skipping the dialogue or introductory cutscene.
Download and install the community-made SilentPatch or ThirteenAG's widescreen fix GTAForums. These patches automatically handle single-core affinity and resolve the UI freezes that lock the keyboard.
Right-click the game's executable file, select Properties , go to the Compatibility tab, and set it to run as Windows XP (Service Pack 3) . Method 3: The NPC Reload Trick
Follow these actionable steps to bypass the glitches and continue playing without losing your save data. Method 1: Do Not Skip the Intro Cutscene
Thankfully, the community on GTAForums and other hubs has discovered reliable fixes. 🛠️ Identifying the Pedro's Pawn Shop Bugs