Preparing for the Arena: A Guide to the NHRL 2026 Open Rules

By: Jimmy Havok

Date: November 20, 2025

For combat robot builders, staying compliant with the rules is just as critical as optimizing your weapon motor or dialing in your drive ESCs. The National Havoc Robot League (NHRL) has released its Open Rules for 2026, bringing a set of modest but impactful revisions. While the core spirit of the competition remains focused on safety, creativity, and entertainment, several key procedures and technical limits have been updated.

This article breaks down the new 2026 rules and highlights the major differences from the 2025 season that every builder needs to know before their next event.

Major Changes at a Glance

If you are a returning competitor, these are the critical updates you need to flag in your build log:

1. Design Approval Timeline Extended (Section 4.8.7)

The Change: The deadline for submitting restricted designs for approval has been pushed back.

• 2025 Rule: Submissions were required 3 weeks prior to the event.
• 2026 Rule: You must now email safety@nhrl.io no less than 4 weeks prior to the competition.

Why it matters: This gives the safety team enough time to complete their review by the 3-week mark. If you are running a flame system, hydraulics, or a high-speed weapon, do not wait until the last minute. Late submissions—even safe ones—will likely be rejected.

2. Projectile Velocity Limits (Section 4.8.4)

The Change: High-speed projectiles are no longer strictly forbidden, provided they have approval.

• 2025 Rule: A fired projectile’s maximum speed was strictly capped at 300 mph.
• 2026 Rule: Robots with projectiles exceeding 300 mph muzzle velocity are now permitted if they go through the Design Approval Process.

Why it matters: This opens the door for more powerful kinetic energy weapons, but they require rigorous safety checks. If you plan to break the sound barrier (or just 300 mph), start your approval process early.

3. Introduction of "Robot Archetypes" (Section 4.10.1)

The Change: NHRL has formalized robot classifications into Archetypes (e.g., Horizontal Spinner, Vertical Spinner, Control Bot, Full Body Spinner).

• The Rule: Competitors must compete at NHRL Championships with a robot that matches the archetype they qualified with. You cannot qualify with a "Control Bot" and then show up to Championships with a "Vertical Spinner" unless your robot is modular and the change is approved.
• Exemptions: You may request an exemption if changes are limited in scope and maintain visual continuity, but significant deviations are restricted.

4. Forbidden Features Clarified (Section 4.9)

The Change: Specific explosive devices have been moved to the explicitly "Forbidden" list.

• The Rule: Ram-set charges and blank firearm cartridges are now listed alongside rocket motors and fireworks as strictly prohibited.

Why it matters: While these were restricted in previous iterations, the 2026 rules leave no room for ambiguity—these pyrotechnic devices are not allowed.

5. Judging Criteria Updates

The Change: The judging system is undergoing revisions to improve consistency and intuitiveness.

• The Rule: Builders should be aware that the specific text for Judging Criteria (Appendix A) is being updated. The 2026 introduction notes a focus on "Entertainment," "Aggression," and "Damage" consistency. Builders should review the latest Judging Matrix documents provided by NHRL closer to their event date.

Key Rules That Remain the Same

Many of the foundational rules that define NHRL events have been preserved:

• Weight Bonuses: The Locomotion Weight Bonuses remain unchanged.
  • Non-Traditional Locomotion (NTL): +1.5 lb (3lb class), +6 lb (12lb class), +15 lb (30lb class).
  • True Walker: +3 lb (3lb class), +12 lb (12lb class), +30 lb (30lb class).
• Tournament Format: The qualification structure (Opening, Cusp, Redemption, Bubble) remains the standard path to the single-elimination bracket.
• Repair Extensions: Builders are still allotted one 15-minute repair extension per tournament. This must be declared within your standard repair window and cannot be used before your very first fight.

Safety & Conduct Reminders

• Sharp Edge Covers (Section 4.7.6): A specific section now addresses the requirement for covering sharp edges in the pits. Always ensure your weapon and sharp armor points are covered when not in the cage to prevent injury to yourself and others.
• Builder Conduct: The policy remains strict regarding behavior. Physical violence, harassment, and unsafe conduct can lead to immediate disciplinary action or banishment from the league.

Conclusion

The 2026 NHRL Open Rules reflect a league that is maturing—tightening safety loopholes while simultaneously expanding the creative ceiling for high-velocity designs. For builders, the most immediate action item is to adjust your project timelines. With the 4-week approval window, procrastination is now a design constraint you cannot afford.

Read the full rules at the NHRL Wiki 2026 Rules Page before you cut your first part. Good luck, and see you in the cage!