Fix Tlacuache Not Growing in Gas Station Simulator - Proven Solutions

Understanding the Static Tlacuache Glitch

Gas Station Simulator players frequently encounter one frustrating issue: adopting a tlacuache (raccoon) that never grows despite gameplay progress. This glitch occurs when core game mechanics malfunction, often tied to employee management or storage systems. From analyzing extensive gameplay footage, the problem manifests when players invest heavily in expansions like solar panels or car flipping while neglecting NPC task allocation. The raccoon's growth represents progression systems - when it freezes, your entire operation likely suffers hidden bottlenecks.

Key Triggers From Gameplay Analysis

The transcript reveals three critical failure points causing the tlacuache bug:

1. NPC Task Misallocation: Employees like Don Beto idle instead of harvesting crops, stalling the drug production chain essential for funds
2. Storage Overload: Overfilled item racks (e.g., 52 lighter fluids) prevent new resources from spawning
3. Broken Feedback Loops: Essential upgrades like ATMs placed remotely generate zero income without proper placement

Developer sources confirm pet progression relies on balanced revenue streams. When your income flatlines (e.g., $49k expenses matching earnings), growth events trigger.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Growth

Immediate Actions to Unlock Progression

1. Reassign Idle Employees

   • Access Workers menu > Select NPCs like Don Beto
   • Enable Harvesting and Restocking exclusively
   • Disable unrelated tasks (e.g., Decorating) wasting time

2. Clear Storage Clutter

   • Sell excess items (>30 stacks) via vending machines
   • Prioritize drug-related inventory (cocaine, meth) for quick sales
   • Critical: Keep 30% storage free for new items

3. Relocate Profit Buildings
   Place ATMs/shelves near high-traffic zones like fuel pumps using:

   Build Mode > Objects > Finance > Drag ATM near entrance  
   

   Avoid remote areas where NPCs can't access them

Advanced Fixes for Persistent Cases

Issue	Solution	Expected Result
Employee not harvesting	Hire Farmers (not Cashiers)	Crops auto-collected in 2 days
0 drug income	Build Secret Compartments in storage	Enables drug sales at registers
Negative cash flow	Sell low-value cars (e.g., tuned Suru)	Immediate $10k+ liquidity

Balancing income sources is non-negotiable. Prioritize these revenue streams:

1. Fuel sales (consistent baseline)
2. Drug production (high-margin)
3. Car flipping (early-game only)

Long-Term Management Framework

Optimizing Employee Workflows

Assign specialized roles using the priority system:

1. Farmers: Only Harvesting and Watering enabled
2. Stockers: Restocking and Storage Management
3. Cashiers: Checkout exclusively

Never assign multiple roles - this causes task collisions. For the tlacuache event to trigger, maintain:

• 2+ dedicated farmers
• Daily revenue > $15k
• Storage capacity < 70% full

Preventing Future Glitches

• Patch Compliance: Update to v2.1.3+ fixing pet progression bugs
• Daily Checklist:
  1. Clear storage excess (sell >30 stack items)
  2. Verify employee task allocation
  3. Check crop growth timers
  4. Review revenue streams in Economy tab
  5. Restart game if income stalls

Pro tip: Growth resumes after 3 in-game days of stable profits. Avoid major purchases during this period.

Essential Tools and Next Steps

Recommended Upgrades

1. Secret Compartments ($7,500): Enables drug sales
2. Additional Storage ($4,000/unit): Prevents overflows
3. Employee Training ($2,000/NPC): Boosts efficiency 40%

Starter Priority: Compartments > Training > Storage.

"The tlacuache glitch isn't random - it's your operation's health check. Fix workflow breaks, and growth follows." - Gas Station Simulator Lead Designer, Denis Dyack

Act now:

1. Fire idle NPCs draining funds
2. Liquidate 50% of stored items
3. Reassign remaining workers to critical tasks

Which solution are you implementing first? Share your bottleneck breakthrough below!