The “Shakedown” mission in GTA Vice City is an important story mission for Tommy Vercetti. After taking control of the Vercetti Estate, Tommy needs to show local businesses that his organization has power. The mission involves intimidating store owners by destroying their property before the time runs out.

If you want to complete GTA Vice City “Shakedown” without wasting time, you need a fast car, a clear route, and a good understanding of the target locations.

How to Start the Shakedown Mission?

To start “Shakedown,” return to the Vercetti Estate after completing the required previous missions. Enter the mission marker to trigger the cutscene and receive your objective.

Tommy learns that some businesses in Vice City are refusing to cooperate. His solution is simple: scare them into submission.

Once the mission begins, a timer starts. You must reach the required stores and destroy their windows before the deadline.

What Is the Objective of Shakedown?

The main objective is to smash the windows of several businesses across Vice City.

You can use a vehicle to reach each location and then destroy the marked windows. The mission requires speed because the targets are spread around the city.

The basic steps are:

  • Start the mission at the Vercetti Estate.
  • Get into a fast vehicle.
  • Drive to the marked businesses.
  • Destroy the required windows.
  • Continue moving between the targets.
  • Complete all objectives before the timer expires.
  • Return to the required area if the mission instructs you to do so.

How to Complete the Shakedown Mission?

1. Choose a Fast Vehicle

Before starting, make sure you have access to a reliable and reasonably fast vehicle. A sports car can make the mission easier because you need to travel between multiple locations quickly.

Avoid vehicles that are slow or difficult to control. A damaged vehicle can also become a problem if you crash repeatedly during the mission.

2. Follow the Map Markers

After the mission starts, check the radar for the target locations. The businesses are spread across the city, so planning your route can save valuable seconds.

Try to move directly from one target to the next instead of driving around unnecessarily.

3. Destroy the Store Windows

When you reach a target, use your vehicle or another suitable method to break the required windows.

Watch the mission counter carefully. You need to destroy enough windows to complete the objective.

Do not spend too much time fighting pedestrians or police officers. The mission is primarily about reaching the targets quickly.

4. Keep Moving

The biggest mistake during Shakedown is wasting time. Once one business has been damaged, immediately move toward the next target.

If police attention becomes a problem, avoid unnecessary confrontations. Your priority is completing the objective before the timer expires.

5. Finish the Required Targets

Continue visiting the marked businesses until you have destroyed all the required windows.

Once the final target is completed, the mission objective will be finished and you can proceed with the story.

Tips for Passing Shakedown

  • Use a Fast Car: A quick vehicle gives you more time to reach distant targets.
  • Learn the Streets: Knowing Vice City's roads makes it easier to choose shorter routes.
  • Watch the Timer: Keep checking the remaining time instead of stopping unnecessarily.
  • Avoid Crashes: Hitting buildings, traffic, or obstacles can cost valuable seconds.
  • Ignore Distractions: Do not waste time fighting NPCs or exploring unrelated areas.
  • Plan Your Route: Move between nearby targets efficiently instead of crossing the city repeatedly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is starting the mission without a suitable vehicle. If your car is slow or badly damaged, reaching every target can become difficult.

Another mistake is spending too much time dealing with police. While police attention can make driving harder, fighting officers usually wastes time. Keep moving and focus on the mission objectives.

Players can also lose time by missing target windows. When you reach a business, make sure you are attacking the correct marked area before moving on.

What Happens After Shakedown?

After completing “Shakedown,” Tommy's control over Vice City continues to expand. The mission is part of the larger storyline in which Tommy builds his criminal empire and establishes control over different businesses.

Completing it also helps unlock further story progression and moves Tommy closer to taking complete control of the city's criminal operations.

Final Thoughts

The GTA Vice City “Shakedown” mission is mainly a test of speed, navigation, and efficient driving. Choose a fast vehicle, follow the map markers, destroy the required store windows, and avoid unnecessary fights.

The key to completing the mission is simple: keep moving, manage your time, and reach every target quickly. Once you understand the route and objectives, Shakedown becomes a straightforward part of Tommy Vercetti's rise to power.