If you've prepared properly and use the correct strategy and tactics, you can win the war in a year +/. Wait until Sept/Oct of '38 and you will get an event about factory sabotage that will let you declare war without the debuffs. You will suffer severe debuffs against the Chinese. If you choose 'Purge the Koda Faction' and play Historical, do NOT take the Marko Polo focus. But, whatever template you use, add Logistics Companies to your divisions. I find the standard 7-Inf & 2-Art with Engineer, Recon and SupArt template works well for me because of the attacking power. Then whatever seems most appropriate at the time. After that, the Military Theorist then the Industrial Concern. If you choose 'Purge the Koda Faction' you can get some pretty good boosts fairly quickly.įor PP usage I go: War Industrialist (for the military factory speed boost because, contrary to generally accepted strategy, I like to get my equipment production going as quickly as possible) then Silent Workhorse (for the PP boost). Whichever path you choose I would recommend taking the foci that boost your IC first (including 'New Naval Estimates' for the dockyards) then the one for another research slot. If you choose to play democratic you can join the Allies and not have to worry about your navy too much. The focus tree branch you choose will greatly influence the other decisions you make for the rest of the game.