Tech Tree

What is a tech tree and why would I need it?

When you first begin playing Universe Wars your nation will not have access to all of the features which it will eventually be capable of using.
The Tech tree shows you the progression of nearly every element of the game, including requirements. Since gaining access to advanced technology, buildings, abilities, etc. is not completely linear (there is more than one path you can take to obtain everything), you can use the tech tree if you like to plan your path of research and building.
Of course, there is no substitute for playing the game and gaining experience with all these things, and the Tech Tree does not necessarily explain what things are best or why some things are better than others. Use it if you like, how you like.

It's confusing me! I'll swear I'll kill you if you don't make some sense of this thing for me!
Again, a little experience, exploration, and experimentation in-game can go a long way in helping you to understand what the tree is talking about, but here are some tips:

If an arrow is leading to something, then that means that the source of that arrow is a requirement for the target of the arrow. Example: A→B --In this example, A is a requirement for B, which means you will not even see an option for B, let alone be able to use it, before you have A complete.

If two arrows are leading to something, then that indicates that both, not either, are requirements for the object of the arrows. Example: X→Z←Y --In this example, both X and Y are requirements for Z; Z will not be visible until both requirements are met.

The tree generally builds down where it is convenient to build it that way. Example:

↓

In this example, 1 is a requirement for 2.

What do those green numbers beneath the Power Plants in the list signify?
The numbers indicate how much power each plant gives you to use.

According to the tree, I have ♣ and ♦, so I should have ♠, but I can't get it yet. What's up?
Message me or post on a tech tree thread. Either there's an explanation, or I made a mistake in the tree and will need your help to fix it. Thanks.

What's up with the Resource Tree (also, what's up with the Storage Building list)?
The Resource tree is just a clarification of the objects listed as A, B, and C in the Discovery Age, as that specific progression of objects was particularly difficult to adjust and clarify as it was.
The Storage Building list is simply meant to help those individuals who get * where *→#, yet have trouble using #, whatever # would represent in the specific instance. You should need at least one of each type of storage (except Grain Elevators if you already have one or more silos) to be able to use the items they store. Makes sense, no? So when you are having trouble with aircraft, for example, check that you have storage in the first place (Hangars, in this example), then make sure you have enough of that type of storage building.