2025 Rules Change Log

This page will contain a list and description of all appreciable rules changes for the NHRL Open 2025 Rules as they are implemented over the course of the year. It may exclude modifications for formatting, typos, or similar.

Clarified Wording on Pin - 5/29/25

Clarified that pins must be released *before* the count of 10 for judges to give credit for the pin.

Changes to Inspection Wording - 4/8/25

For anyone who wishes to take on the immense challenge of building a true walker melty-brain, we will exempt them from the 150% weapon weight limit, but a tip speed limits will be required to ensure the system is not a danger to the arena or a competitive issue.

Changes to Inspection Wording - 4/2/25

Modules must be declared during inspection. Wording has been clarified on declaring modules versus configurations.

Foodstuffs Added to Arena Fouling List - 3/26/25

Do you want ants? Because that's how you get ants.

Maximum Modular Weight - 2/6/25

The maximum weight for a module has been changed from 50% of the robot's weight to 50% of the maximum weight allowed for a robot, inclusive of weight bonuses, but not weight exemptions.

This change was implemented to make maximum module weight more straightforward for competitors and NHRL staff, and to make things less complicated when a robot changes smaller design aspects like removing forks, optional armor, or other options.

Flamethrower Pins - 2/4/25

NHRL policy has been that a flamethrower pinning its opponent must disengage its fire from an opponent when it attempts to disengage its pin. This has been inconsistent and was not previously captured in the rules, and has been added for clarity.

Passive Object Restrictions and Changes to High Centering Rules - 1/25/25

Based in large part on builder feedback, NHRL has disallowed inactive design features that are intended primarily to high center opponents.