Players who want to change the visual look of BAR units often ask about custom models. Here is what works, what breaks multiplayer, and common modding errors to avoid.
Changing textures is straightforward and does not break multiplayer compatibility. Swapping models is more complicated. The simulation uses piece points defined in the model. If those pieces do not match the base game, multiplayer will fail because the simulation data diverges between clients. Every player would need the exact same model file, which is impractical for most modding setups.
If the Deadeye unit does not show up in your build lab, the unit is likely not enabled in your current configuration. Extra experimental units need to be explicitly loaded. Check your modoptions or preset settings for a toggle that enables experimental or additional units.
Recent updates added nil checks to the base64 decoder to stop common encoding errors from crashing the lobby. If you are still seeing errors after a game update, your tweak string likely contains a nil value that the encoder cannot handle. Check the source data before encoding.
Texture swaps and color changes are the safest visual mod. Full model replacements require coordination and are best kept to single-player or private matches where all players run the same file set.
[Crd] It is so easy to get on with everyone and there is zero toxicity. Just fun games of BAR which can have quite a toxic community usually.