Wiki

effect · load_focus_tree

Definition

  • Supported scope:COUNTRY
  • Supported target:none

Description

Sets what focus tree a country uses, retains finished shared focuses. Parameters:
 * `keep_completed`: if set to yes (default no), then all completed focuses in the previous focus tree that exists in
 the new focus tree will be kept as completed.
 * `copy_completed_from` if is set to a valid country, then all completed focuses from that country will be marked as completed
 in the new focus tree.
 ### Examples

load_focus_tree = { tree = persian_focus_tree copy_completed_from = PER }

Hands-On Notes

Hands-on notes are AI-generated and checked against the vanilla command vocabulary — treat them as a starting point, not authoritative reference. The definition above is the game's own documentation.

Hands-On Usage

load_focus_tree is most commonly used in scenarios where national focus completion triggers a fundamental ideological shift or transition to an entirely different focus tree. By leveraging keep_completed or copy_completed_from, you can preserve the player's prior progress when switching trees, avoiding the disjointed experience of losing accumulated work.

# After Persia completes its reform focus, switch to the new dynasty focus tree while preserving completed shared focuses from the old tree
complete_national_focus = PER_modernization
country_event = { id = persia.10 }
# In the event's option block:
load_focus_tree = {
    tree = persian_imperial_focus_tree
    keep_completed = yes
}

Synergy

  • [complete_national_focus](/wiki/effect/complete_national_focus): Complete key focuses before or immediately after switching focus trees; combined with copy_completed_from, this enables fine-grained control over progress migration.
  • [has_completed_focus](/wiki/trigger/has_completed_focus): Use as a trigger condition to check whether the player has advanced to a sufficient milestone before deciding whether to load the new tree, preventing logic breaks caused by premature tree loading.
  • [add_ideas](/wiki/effect/add_ideas): Focus tree switches typically involve changes to national character and usually require removing old ideas and adding new ones to reflect the new regime's traits.
  • [country_event](/wiki/effect/country_event): Trigger events before or after switching focus trees to provide narrative explanation or additional choices—a standard practice for narrative-mechanic integration.

Common Pitfalls

  1. Omitting the tree = field and writing the tree name directly: load_focus_tree requires block syntax (curly braces) with tree = tree_name specified inside. Using load_focus_tree = tree_name is legacy syntax and may behave inconsistently or cause errors in certain versions. Always use block syntax for consistency.
  2. Silent failure when the copy_completed_from target nation no longer exists: If the specified country tag has been eliminated from the game world (e.g., annexed) when the effect triggers, the game will not error but will copy no progress. Beginners often mistakenly suspect keep_completed and troubleshoot in the wrong direction; use [exists](/wiki/trigger/exists) to verify existence before applying this effect.