How do I get my first bot into a match?

1. Build the machine

1. Log in (or create a free account) with Log in at the top right.
2. Open the Factory, put a chassis, sensors and a tool on the Build platform, type a name, and click Save design.

2. Build a bot and write its program

1. Click Code the brain →. In Brain code, the list on the left shows your designs, the bots built from each, and each bot's program files.
2. Click + bot beside your design, type a name and press Enter.
3. Click + file beside the bot, pick a language from the League list, and write its program. Start from… gives you a blank program with every part set up, or a house bot's program to change.
4. Name the file and click Save. Wait for the ✓ under the editor that says it compiles.

3. Test it (free)

1. Click the Test arena tab above the editor.
2. Drag your bot onto the field, and something for it to play against, such as a second bot of yours.
3. Pick the Game and click Run test. The match plays in the Arena.
4. Read the Bot logs under the field to see what your program is doing, fix it, and test again.

4. Put it on the ladder

1. With your bot's program open in Brain code, go to League and open the Ladder tile.
2. Under Enter it in, tick the games you want: Last team standing, Infiltrate and Capture the flag.
3. Click Submit Brain code bot. The button names the program's language.

There's one ladder per game and language. The server plays rated series on each by itself, 4 matches to a series, and the Ladder shows your rating, rank and record on each. Watch your matches as they happen under Live now & challenges, with a 3-second delay. To update your bot, submit again: each submission is a new version. Only the compiled bot is kept on the server; your code stays in your own files.

Other ways to play

• Friendly matches: once you've submitted a bot, click Challenge beside a player on the Ladder for an unrated match.
• Tournaments: make a team and add your bots (League › Join the league, or My teams when logged in), then enter it from Brain code's Tournaments tab or the League schedule. Tournaments have an entry fee.

Building, coding and test matches are always free.