Getting Started

Welcome to FIRST Tech Challenge!

Pretty much anything you need to know about the game or where to buy parts can be found on the FTC portion of the FIRST website.  Here we've listed some of the links we think you might need right away.


Mentors
The FTC Mentor Guide will answer most of your questions and help get you started.  After an introduction to FTC, mentorship, and team roles, it guides you through the entire season, from brainstorming to fundraising to competing in a tournament.


The Game
Before you start building your robot, you should learn about this year's game.  The FTC game page has all the information you'll need.  Start by watching the video and reading the one-page game description, then check out the game manual for more details.  Part 1 of the manual describes competitions, awards, and robot rules, while Part 2 has this year's specific game rules.



Field Materials
Now that you know about the game, you need to build the field.  Here's a list of what you'll need and where to find it.


Field perimeter (or click here for the low-cost option)
Foam tiles
IR beacons
Rings for this year's game

You'll find everything else you need at Home Depot, Lowe's, or McMaster-Carr.
Click here to see the full list of materials you'll need to buy.


Building the Field
Now get your team and materials together, along with a few common tools, and build the field!  FIRST's field build guide will give you detailed instructions on how to do it.  Also see the field set-up guide for final instructions on setting up the field.


Robot Parts
Hopefully you've already ordered the standard Tetrix kit of robot parts, which includes most of what you'll need.  You'll need some common tools (pliers, wire cutters...) and items not included (zip ties, tape...)  You can also buy special items like extra sensors, sheet plastic, and threaded rod from your local hardware store, McMaster-Carr, AndyMark, or HiTechnic.  This year's game manual has specific information on what you're allowed to use on your robot, so make sure to read it carefully.


Now you're ready to start brainstorming, prototyping, and building your robot.  We're still working on our building help page, so for now, see our Tournaments page for some helpful hints and sample documents.