How to Get MacArthur (Guide)

Hearts of Iron IV4 · 38 ratings3.4k views45 favorites2 min readby FelraksisUpdated 22 Nov, 2025View on Steam ↗

1. Complete the Required Focus Path

Progress through the following focuses in order:

1. Commonwealth of the Philippines


2. Align with the USA or Align with Japan
<-------->

3. Leverage the Peso


4. Rebuild Sakdalistas


5. United States Army in the Far East


6. Appoint MacArthur


7. Bring in Eisenhower


8. Subordinate Philippine Department


9. USAFFE Headquarters


10. Utang na Loob

Important: This will unlock the Decision "Request Indefinite Stay for MacArthur". It is required to click this decision before completing the focus "Assassination of Quezon".


11. Police Chief Eisenhower


12. Slippery Slope


13. Assassination of Quezon



This chain sets up the political tension and prepares the assassination storyline to begin.

2. Handle the Assassination Events

Once you complete Assassination of Quezon:
1. Wait 35 days for the assassination event to trigger. (ID: SEA_PHI_political_events.40)

2. When the event fires, choose Eisenhower.


3. Your nation will then enter the No Government state, which is required for the next step and only last 35 Days.


4. An Event about the Siege of the National Assembly will appear. This shows, that you did everything correctly. (ID: SEA_PHI_political_events.43)

4. A few days later a new event will appear, granting you Douglas MacArthur as your new leader. (ID: SEA_PHI_political_events.44)

3. Secret Focuses

After MacArthur arrives through the assassination event chain, a hidden branch of Philippine focuses becomes available. These represent his emergency rule, militarisation, and consolidation of authority.


1. Declare Military Emergency
Grants a 180-day stability/war support order-restoring idea. (Ticking Weekly war support and stability)



2. Weapons of War

Effects:
- Gives a nuclear research bonus if you don’t have Atomic Research yet.
- Instantly builds a nuclear facility in Manila if none exist.
- Generates a nuclear scientist (specialization_nuclear = 2).
- Adds nuclear breakthrough progress (25%).


3. Pre-emptive Strikes

Effects:
Adds the "Pre-emptive Strikes" modifier improving military industry and giving you army buffs.


4. Sunset Empires

Effects:
- 6 building slots
- 4 free military factories
- 2 free dockyards


5. Land of the Setting Sun

Effects:
- Declares war on Japan (instantly).
- Increases "Pre-emptive Strikes":
+5% factory efficiency cap
+10% naval organization
+15% naval range
+10% dockyard output


6. Sea of Cobalt

Effects:
Depending on your nuclear progress:
- Gives nuclear tech bonus or Major breakthrough progress or Builds a nuclear reactor or heavy water reactor.


7. The Sun Has Set

Effects:
- Declares war on the UK (instantly).
- Increases "Pre-emptive Strikes":
+5% factory efficiency cap
+10% air range
+10% air mission efficiency


8. Traitors Back Home

Effects:
- Declares war on the USA (instantly).
- Increases "Pre-emptive Strikes":
+5% factory efficiency cap
+15% factory output
+5% dockyard output


9. End Colonialism

Effects:
- Increases "Pre-emptive Strikes":
+10% compliance growth
–10% resistance
+10% non-core manpower


10. Cobalt Supremacy

Effects:
- Grants the national spirit "Cobalt Supremacy".



Thank you for reading and I hope you found this Guide helpful. :)

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