BAR does not use a research button. Tech progression happens through construction. Here is exactly how to unlock higher-tier units and buildings in Beyond All Reason, plus what the constructor system means for your game plan.
New players coming from games with research trees expect to find a tech lab where they spend resources to unlock new units. BAR works differently. Everything you can build is either available immediately or becomes available when you construct the right building or constructor unit.
If you want higher tier vehicles, build a vehicle constructor and use it to construct a higher tier vehicle factory. Same pattern applies to bots, ships, and aircraft. The tech tree is literally the buildings on your map. Want tier two, build the tier two constructor and the tier two factory.
Every faction in BAR starts with a tier one constructor that can build tier one factories. From a tier one factory, you can build a tier one constructor. That tier one constructor can then build a tier two factory, which in turn can produce a tier two constructor.
The chain is straightforward but has an important timing implication. Each step in the chain takes construction time and metal. The player who starts the sequence first usually reaches higher tier units first, which creates real pressure on anyone still stuck at lower tech.
A lesser-known mechanic involves amphibious units and naval flagships. Platypuses and Ducks can position themselves alongside a Flagship to gain a higher firing angle for their turrets. This lets them engage targets they could not reach from open water alone.
Historical precedent exists for this kind of positioning. Naval forces in World War II occasionally listed damaged ships to bring certain gun batteries into firing arcs. BAR simulates this concept through its positioning system.
The most frequent error newer players make is upgrading constructors before securing their current tier. Rushing a T2 constructor while your T1 production is still weak leaves you vulnerable during the transition. The opponent who sees you investing heavily in constructor upgrades can push aggressively with cheap T1 units and exploit the gap.
A safer approach is to build enough T1 production to hold your position and defend your expansion, then start the constructor chain for T2. Defensive capability first, expansion second.
Creed of Champions organizes training sessions that walk newer players through the tech progression system step by step. Instead of discovering the constructor chain through hard losses, players learn the pattern in a controlled environment with experienced teammates who explain each decision as they make it.
[Crd] Creed of Champions is a great place to learn and play BAR in a friendly atmosphere. Training sessions, team gameplay, even some non-BAR stuff. Large cross section of abilities, time zones, and game mode interests.