Get started · First event

Your first event, minute by minute.

The goal of your first event is not winning. It’s fighting, learning, repairing, and returning when the schedule permits. Match count and competition format can change by event. Here’s how to show up ready.

What to pack

Bring	Because
The robot + the transmitter	Charged TX batteries. Yes, people forget the transmitter.
Batteries in the required transport container	Bring only packs that pass your pre-event condition check.
Approved charger + battery checker	Use the correct equipment and settings for the exact battery.
Weapon lock	You cannot pass inspection without it. Make it obnoxiously bright.
Spares of everything printable	Wheels, hubs, armor panels, the mount you already know is weak.
Tools	Hex drivers, flush cutters, soldering iron, tape, zip ties, spare screws.
Safety glasses	One pair per person who will touch the robot in the pits.
Food, water, a phone charger	Check the event page for the day’s schedule and venue services.

The actual inspection checklist

This is the list the inspector works through with you at check-in. Run it at home the night before and inspection becomes a formality. Each line links back to the rule it comes from.

☐Robot weighs ≤ 1 lb (454 g) on the official scale (bonuses only for shuffler/non-traditional/walker locomotion)Construction §1

☐Chassis, armor, weapon printed in PET / PETG / ABS / PLA / PLA+ / ASA only, no metal or composite structureConstruction §2

☐No TPU anywhere except drive/weapon beltsConstruction §2

☐Fasteners recessed; no large protruding bolts in strike zonesConstruction §2

☐Battery fully enclosed in the chassis: not visible, not strikeable, no screws protruding into its bayConstruction §3

☐Battery 3S or less; terminals and contacts fully insulatedConstruction §3

☐Mechanical power disconnect (switch or removable link) reachable from outsideConstruction §3

☐Power light visible from outside when the robot is liveConstruction §3

☐2.4 GHz radio; fail-safe demonstrated: transmitter off, everything stopsConstruction §3

☐Full deactivation (drive + weapon) in under 60 seconds via the disconnectConstruction §4

☐Weapon lock: bright, labeled, securely attached, physically prevents motionSafety §3

☐Functional safety test passed in the test box, per the 10-step procedureSafety §4

If a line fails, correct the problem and return for another inspection.

How the day runs

Check-in & weigh-in

Official scale, team phone code for the live bracket, pit table assignment.

Inspection

The checklist above, including the powered check in the event test box.

Drivers meeting

Referee walks the arena rules. Ask the questions now.

Competition rounds

The event may use Swiss rounds, round-robin pools, or an elimination bracket. The event page and drivers meeting give the format and repair-window rules.

Final rounds

If the event has a finals phase, the event page and live board show who advances and what comes next.

Awards

Podium plus judged awards. Your robot’s career card updates the same night. Send the link to grandma.

Veteran advice, verbatim: “Don’t be afraid to just compete. Just get a bot done. Doesn’t matter if it’s perfect. The thing that matters most is getting real-world fighting experience.” — Chase C., builder of Fragment

Find the next event Read the full rules