VRC Competition History

Past Official VRC Games

Every year, VEX teams are challenged with new official games to encourage teams to take on new obstacles and produce new strategies. Since 2007, teams have been achieving increasingly capable machines. Here are past games:

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Change Up

2020-2021

The Game

VEX Robotics Competition Change Up is played on a 12’x12’ square field configured as seen above. Two (2) Alliances – one (1) “red” and one (1) “blue” – composed of two (2) Teams each, compete in matches consisting of a fifteen (15) second Autonomous Period, followed by a one minute and forty-five second (1:45) Driver Controlled Period.

Details

There are thirty-two (32) Balls on a VRC Change Up Field. Sixteen (16) Red and sixteen (16) Blue. There are also nine (9) Goals placed around the field.

Balls are to be Scored in Goals. Each scored Ball is worth 1 point for the corresponding Alliance color. The highest scored Ball in a Goal will be owned by the corresponding Alliance color.

If an Alliance owns three goals in any direction (vertical, horizontal or diagonal), they will receive a 6 point bonus for a Connected Row. But be careful, Balls can be descored by the opposing Alliance at any time during the Driver-Control period!

The alliance that scores more points in the Autonomous period is awarded with (6) bonus points, added to the final score at the end of the match. Each Alliance also has the opportunity to earn an additional Win Point by completing their Home Row during the Autonomous Period. This Bonus can be earned by both Alliances, regardless of who wins the Autonomous Bonus
https://www.vexrobotics.com/vexedr/competition/vrc-current-game

Scoring

Each Ball Scored in a goal = 1 point for the Alliance corresponding to the Ball color
Each Connected Row = 6 points for the Alliance corresponding to the Ball color
Autonomous Bonus6 points = Completed Home Row in Autonomous1 Win Point

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Tower Takeover

2019-2020

The Game

VEX Robotics Competition Tower Takeover is played on a 12’x12’ square field configured as seen above. Two (2) Alliances – one (1) “red” and one (1) “blue” – composed of two (2) Teams each, compete in matches consisting of a fifteen (15) second Autonomous Period, followed by a one minute and forty-five second (1:45) Driver Controlled Period.

The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing Alliance by placing Cubes in Towers, or scoring Cubes in Goals.

Details

There are sixty-six 66 Cubes on a Tower Takeover Field. Twenty-two (22) Green, twenty-two (22) Orange and, twenty-two (22) Purple. There are also seven (7) Towers placed around the field. Five (5) of these are neutral, with the remaining two being alliance specific. Alliance specific Towers may only be utilized by robots of the same alliance.

Cubes can be Placed in Towers, or Scored in Goals. Cubes are worth at least 1 point when Placed in a Goal Zone. The exact value of each cube is determined by how many Cubes of that specific color have been Placed in Towers. When Cubes are Placed in or removed from Towers, the new values apply to ALL cubes. So the actions of one Robot will impact the potential score for both their own alliance, and their opponents.

The alliance that scores more points in the Autonomous period is awarded with (6) bonus points, added to the final score at the end of the match. The Alliance who wins this Autonomous Bonus is also awarded 2 purple cubes, which may be introduced at any time during the driver control period.

https://www.roboticseducation.org/vrc-history-2019-2020-tower-takeover/

Scoring

Each Green Cube Scored in a goal: 1 point + 1 point for every Green Cube Placed in Towers
Each Orange Cube Scored in a goal: 1 point + 1 point for every Orange Cube Placed in Towers
Each Purple Cube Scored in a goal: 1 point + 1 point for every Purple Cube Placed in Towers
Autonomous Bonus6 points

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Turning Point

2018-2019

The Game

VEX Robotics Competition Turning Point is played on a 12’x12’ square field configured as seen above. Two (2) Alliances – one (1) “red” and one (1) “blue” – composed of two (2) Teams each, compete in matches consisting of a fifteen (15) second Autonomous Period, followed by a one minute and forty-five second (1:45) Driver Controlled Period.

Details

There are eight (8) Caps, six (6) Posts, nine (9) Flags, twenty (20) Balls, two (2) Alliance Platforms, and one (1) Center Platform.

Caps can be Low Scored on the field tiles, or High Scored on Posts, for the Alliance whose color is facing up at the end of the match. Flags can be Toggled to red or blue, and are Scored for the Alliance whose color is Toggled at the end of the match. Low Flags can be Toggled by Robots, but High Flags can only be Toggled by Balls. Turning Point is intended to be a back and forth game, no scored object is safe!

Alliance Platforms can be used for Alliance Parking by Robots of the same color Alliance as the Platform. The Center Platform can be used by Robots from either Alliance for Center Parking. An additional bonus is awarded to the Alliance that has the most total points at the end of the Autonomous Period.

https://www.vexrobotics.com/vexedr/competition/vrc-current-game

Scoring

Each Low Flag Toggled 1 point
Each High Flag Toggled 2 points
Each Cap Low Scored 1 point
Each Cap High Scored 2 points
Robot that is Alliance Parked 3 points
Robot that is Center Parked 6 points
Autonomous Bonus 4 points

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In the Zone

2017-2018

The Game

VEX Robotics Competition In the Zone is played on a 12’x12’ square field configured as seen above. Two alliances – one “red” and one “blue” – composed of two teams each, compete in matches consisting of a fifteen second autonomous period followed by one minute and forty-five seconds of driver-controlled play. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing Alliance by Stacking Cones on Goals, by Scoring Mobile Goals in Goal Zones, by having the Highest Stacks, and by Parking Robots.

Details

There are eighty (80) Cones that can be Stacked on ten (10) Goals [5 per Alliance] during a Match. Some cones begin in designated locations on the field, while others are available to be entered into the field during the Match.Each Robot (smaller than 18”x18”x18”) begins a match on one of their Alliance Starting Tiles. Each Alliance has three Zones in which they can place their Goals. Alliances earn points for Stacking Cones on Goals, Scoring Mobile Goals in Goal Zones, having the Highest Stacks, and by Parking Robots. A bonus is awarded to the Alliance that has the most total points at the end of the Autonomous Period.

https://www.roboticseducation.org/vrc-history-2017-2018-in-the-zone/

Scoring

Each Cone Stacked on a Goal - 2 points
A Mobile Goal Scored in the 5 - Point Zone5 points
A Mobile Goal Scored in the 10 Point Zone - 10 points
A Mobile Goal Scored in the 20 Point Zone - 20 points
Having the Highest Stack in a Zone - 5 points
A Robot that is Parked at the end of the Match - 2 points
Alliance with the most points at the end of Autonomous - 10 points

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Starstruck

2016-2017

The Game

VEX Robotics Competition Starstruck is played on a 12’x12’ square field configured as seen above. Two alliances – one “red” and one “blue” – composed of two teams each, compete in matches consisting of a fifteen second autonomous period followed by one minute and forty-five seconds of driver-controlled play.The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing Alliance by Scoring your Stars and Cubes in your Zones and by Hanging Robots on your Hanging Bar.

Details

There are twenty-four (24) Stars and four (4) Cubes, available in Match. Some begin in designated locations on the field, while others are available to be entered into the field during the Match.Each Robot (smaller than 18”x18”x18”) begins a match on one of their Alliance Starting Tiles. Each Alliance has two Zones across the Fence to Score into. Alliances also earn points for having one Robot Hanging at the end of the Match from their Hanging Bar. A bonus is awarded to the Alliance that has the most total points at the end of the Autonomous Period.

https://www.roboticseducation.org/competition-teams/competition-history/vrc-history-2016-2017-starstruck/

Scoring

Each Star Scored in the Near Zone - 1 point
Each Star Scored in the Far Zone - 2 points
Each Cube Scored in a Near Zone - 2 points
Each Cube Scored in a Far Zone - 4 points
A Robot that is Low Hanging - 4 points
A Robot that is High Hanging- 12 points
Alliance with the most points at the end of Autonomous - 4 points

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Nothing But Net

2015-2016

The Game

VEX Robotics Competition Nothing But Net is played on a 12’x12’ square field configured as seen above. Two alliances – one “red” and one “blue” – composed of two teams each, compete in matches consisting of a fifteen second autonomous period followed by one minute and forty-five seconds of driver-controlled play.

Details

There are ninety-four (94) Balls and ten (10) Bonus Balls, available as Scoring Objects. Some Scoring Objects begin in designated locations on the field, while others are available to be entered into the field during to the Match.Each Robot (smaller than 18”x18”x18”) begins a match on one of their Alliance Starting Tiles. Each Alliance has one High Goal and one Low Goal to Score into. Alliances also earn points for Low and High Elevating one of their Robots upon the other. A bonus is awarded to the Alliance that has the most total points at the end of the Autonomous Period.

https://www.roboticseducation.org/competition-teams/competition-history/vrc-nothing-but-net/

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Skyrise

2014-2015

The Game

VEX Robotics Competition Skyrise is played on a 12’x12’ square field configured as seen above. Two alliances – one “red” and one “blue” – composed of two teams each, compete in matches consisting of a fifteen second autonomous period followed by one minute and forty-five seconds of driver-controlled play. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing Alliance by Scoring your Cubes in Floor Goals, on Posts or on your Skyrise, by Owning Posts, and by Building your Skyrise Sections.

Details

There are a total of forty-four (44) Cubes, and twenty-two (22) red and twenty-two (22) blue, and fourteen (14) Skyrise Sections available as Scoring Objects in the game. Most Scoring Objects begin in designated locations on the field, while some are available to be entered into the field during the Match.Each Robot (smaller than 18”x18”x18” to start) begins a match on one of their Alliance Starting Tiles. There are ten (10) Posts and four (4) Floor Goals that Robots can Score Objects onto. The Alliance with the topmost Cube on a Post Owns the Post. Alliances also earn points for Building Skyrises on their Skyrise Base out of Skyrise Sections, and Scoring Cubes on Skyrises. A bonus is awarded to the Alliance that has the most total points at the end of the Autonomous Period.

https://www.roboticseducation.org/competition-teams/competition-history/vrc-skyrise/

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Toss Up

2013-2014

The Game

VEX Toss Up is played on a 12’x12’ square field configured as seen above. Two alliances – one “red” and one “blue” – composed of two teams each, compete in matches consisting of a fifteen second autonomous period followed by one minute and forty-five seconds of driver-controlled play. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing Alliance by Scoring your colored BuckyBalls and Large Balls into the Middle Zone and Goal Zone, by Stashing your colored BuckyBalls and Large Balls into the Goals, and by Hanging or Hanging With A Ball, at various heights, off your colored Bar at the end of the match.

Details

There are a total of twenty (20) BuckyBalls and eight (8) Large Balls available as Scoring Objects in the game. Most Scoring Objects begin in designated locations on the field, while some are available to be loaded prior to the Match. Each Robot (smaller than 18”x18”x18” to start) begins a match on one of their Alliance Starting Tiles. There are two (2) scoring Zones and (2) Goals that Alliances can Score Objects into. Alliances also earn points for having Robots of their own color Hanging from their Hanging Bar at the end of the Match. A bonus is awarded to the Alliance that has the most total points at the end of the Autonomous Period.

https://www.roboticseducation.org/competition-teams/competition-history/vrc-toss-up/

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Sack Attack

2012-2013

The Game

VEX Sack Attack is played on a 12’x12’ square field configured as seen above. Two alliances – one “red” and one “blue” – composed of two teams each, compete in matches consisting of a fifteen second autonomous period followed by one minute and forty-five seconds of driver-controlled play. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing Alliance by Scoring Sacks and Bonus Sacks in your colored Floor Goals, Troughs and High Goal, and by having the most Robots of your color Parked at the end of the Match.

Details

There are a total of ninety-eight (98) Sacks and four (4) Bonus Sacks available as Scoring Objects in the game. Most Scoring Objects begin in designated locations on the field, while some are available to be loaded prior or during the Match.Each Robot (smaller than 18”x18”x18” to start) begins a match on one of their Alliance Starting Tiles. There are ten (10) scoring areas, five (5) of each color, of varying heights which teams can Score Sacks or Bonus Sacks in. Alliances earn a bonus for having the most Robots of their own color touching their Alliance Starting Tiles at the end of the Match. A bonus is awarded to the Alliance that has the most total points at the end of the Autonomous Period.

https://www.roboticseducation.org/competition-teams/competition-history/vrc-sack-attack/

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Gateway

2011-2012

The Game

VEX Gateway is played on a 12’x12’ square field configured as seen above. Two alliances – one “red” and one “blue” – composed of two teams each, compete in matches consisting of a twenty-second autonomous period followed by two minutes of driver-controlled play. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than your opponent Alliance by Scoring Barrels and Balls in Goals, earning Bonus Points and Doubling or Negating Goals. A bonus is awarded to the alliance that has the most total points at the end of the Autonomous Period.

Details

There are a total of twenty-six (26) Barrels, eighteen (18) Balls, two (2) Doubler Barrels and two (2) Negation Barrels available as Scoring Objects in the game. Most Scoring Objects begin in designated locations on the field, while some are available to be loaded prior or during the match.Each Robot (smaller than 18”x18”x18” to start) begins a match on one of their Alliance Starting Tiles. There are thirteen Goals, of varying heights which teams can Score Balls or Barrels in. Alliances earn Bonus Points for having the lowest Ball or Barrel in a Circular Goal. Doubler or Negation Barrels which are scored alter the point values in a Circular Goal. The field is divided into sections by two 6’ long PVC Gates that teams can lift during the Match.

https://www.roboticseducation.org/competition-teams/competition-history/vrc-gateway/

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Round Up

2010-2011

The Game

VEX Round Up is played on a 12’x12’ square field configured as shown. Two alliances – one “red” and one “blue” – composed of two teams each, compete in matches consisting of a twenty-second autonomous period followed by two minutes of driver-controlled play. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than your opponent alliance by scoring tubes upon goalposts, owning goalposts and by low hanging or high hanging from the ladder. A bonus is awarded to the alliance that has the most total points at the end of the Autonomous Period.

Details

There are a total of forty (40) – twenty (20) red and twenty (20) blue – tubes available as scoring objects in the game. Thirty-six (36) of the tubes will start at designated locations on the field; while two (2) will be available to each alliance prior to the match.Each robot (smaller than 18”x18”x18” to start) begins a match on one of their colored alliance tiles. There are nine goalposts, five of which are attached to movable weighted bases, which teams can score tubes on. Alliances earn extra points for owning a goalpost by scoring more tubes on the goalpost than their opponents. At the center of the field is a 36” high structure known as the ladder that teams can climb or hang off of for additional points. Robots earn different point values for being at least 6” (low hanging) or 18” (high hanging) off the ground.

https://www.roboticseducation.org/competition-teams/competition-history/vrc-round-up/

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Clean Sweep

2009-2010

The Game

VEX Clean Sweep is played on a 12’x12′ square field configured as seen above. Two alliances – one “red” and one “blue” – composed of two teams each, compete in matches consisting of a twenty-second autonomous period followed by two minutes of driver-controlled play. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than your opponent’s alliance by moving as many balls as possible onto their side of the field and by “locking up” small balls in the triangular goals.A bonus is awarded to the alliance that has the most total points at the end of the Autonomous Period.

Details

There are a total of fifty (50) small balls, twenty-one (21) medium balls and two (2) large balls available as scoring objects in the game.The field is divided down the center by an 11.5″ tall lexan wall. This wall separates the two alliances of two robots onto opposite sides of the field. Each robot (no larger than 18″x18″x18″ to start) begins a match on their side of the field touching the wall furthest from the center wall. There are four 18″ high triangular goals attached to the wall which robots can place small balls into. There are two slots in the wall which robots can pass small balls through.At the start of the match small & medium balls are positioned on the center wall, and around the field. Each alliance will have one large ball which must be introduced to the match with less than thirty seconds remaining.

https://www.roboticseducation.org/competition-teams/competition-history/vrc-clean-sweep/

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Elevation

2008-2009

The Game

Elevation is played on a 12’x12′ square field. Two alliances – one “red” and one “blue” – composed of two teams each, compete in each match which consists of a twenty-second autonomous period followed by two minutes of driver-controlled play. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than your opponent alliance by placing cubes into goals, and by “owning” goals by having the highest cube in a given goal. Points can also be earned by “parking” on the platform or by “controlling” the bonus cube. A bonus is awarded to the alliance that has the most total points at the end of the Autonomous Period.

Details

There are a total of fifty-eight (58) 3″ cubes available as scoring objects in the game. Thirty (30) of these cubes will be found on the field, twenty (20) in autoloaders located at the edges of the field, while four (4) will be available to each alliance prior to the match. There is one large 10.5″ bonus cube, which starts the match on top of the platform.Each robot (no larger than 18″x18″x18″ to start) begins a match touching one of the colored alliance station tiles for their alliance. There are eight (8) triangular shaped goals ranging in height from 3″ to 21″ off the ground. In addition there is one low goal located in a corner of the field. At the center of the field is a 28″ square platform. It features a 30° ramp, and an 18″ surface.

https://www.roboticseducation.org/competition-teams/competition-history/vrc-elevation/

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Bridge Battle

2007-2008

The Game

Bridge Battle is played on a 12’x12′ square field configured as seen above. Two alliances – one “red” and one “blue” – composed of two teams each, compete in a match. Matches consist of a twenty-second autonomous period followed by two minutes of driver-controlled play. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than your opponent alliance by placing tennis balls and bonus balls into goals. In addition, an alliance can earn additional points by “parking” robots on either of the two platforms. A bonus is awarded to the alliance that has the most total points at the end of the Autonomous Period.

Details

There are a total of seventy-seven (77) tennis balls available as scoring objects in Bridge Battle. Sixty-one (61) of these tennis balls will be found on the field, while eight (8) will be available to each alliance prior to the match. Three (3) of the sixty-one tennis balls on the field are bonus balls.Each robot (no larger than 18″x18″x18″ to start) begins a match touching one of the colored alliance station tiles for their alliance. There are two rectangular bin shaped goals designated for each alliance, at a height of 14.5″ off the ground. These four goals effectively divide the field into two halves, with less than 12″ of clearance for robots to pass underneath. Alliances can earn additional points at the conclusion of a match by having one or two of their robots “parked” on either of the 3/4″ high, 15″ square scoring platforms located on the far side of the field.

https://www.roboticseducation.org/competition-teams/competition-history/vrc-bridge-battle/