From first idea to combat-ready.
Everything here assumes you are starting from zero: no CAD experience, no soldering experience, maybe no printer. Adapting a proven design is a legitimate first build — original engineering comes with reps, not with rule-following.
Parts & cost
The true shopping list — electronics core, spares, tools — with an honest all-in number and the no-printer options.
Open →First 30 days
A sequenced path from nothing to a robot that passes inspection. One phase per week, each with a definition of done.
Open →Design
CAD tools, proven archetypes (wedge, drum, vertical spinner), and design-for-repair thinking.
Open →Electronics
Wiring the core: receiver, ESCs, motors, battery, switch, power light. Soldering, fail-safe setup, binding.
Open →3D printing
Legal materials, slicer settings that survive hits, print orientation, and where to print if you don’t own a printer.
Open →Test box
The containment policy, lab test-box access days, and the status of the published plans.
Open →The build loop
The whole sport in five arrows — the same loop whether it’s your first bot or your tenth:
Dream → Design → Build → Battle → Level up
Every event feeds the next build. Your robot’s career card shows you exactly what broke, what won, and what to fix — and the XP system pays you for showing up to find out.