Robocode Quickstart

Step 1: Install Java

Java 17 LTS or higher is required.

Step 2: Install Robocode

1. Download robocode-1.10.0-setup.jar
2. Save the file as robocode-1.10.0-setup.jar

Launching Robocode

Step 3: Write Your First Robot

1. In Robocode, click Robot → Source Editor
2. In the editor, click File → New → Robot
3. Enter the robot name: MyFirstRobot
4. Enter a package name: mypkg
5. Replace all the generated code with:

package mypkg;

import robocode.*;

public class MyFirstRobot extends Robot {
    public void run() {
        while (true) {
            ahead(100);
            turnRight(90);
        }
    }

    public void onScannedRobot(ScannedRobotEvent e) {
        fire(1);
    }
}

5. Save and compile in the Editor: Compiler → Compile (or Ctrl+B)
6. Wait for the message "Compiled successfully"

Step 4: Run Your First Battle

1. In Robocode, click Battle → New
2. Click the Robots tab
3. In the left panel (Available Robots), find your package mypkg then find and double-click MyFirstRobot
4. In package sample, find and double-click Tracker (a sample robot) to add it as your opponent
5. You should see both robots listed in the right panel (Selected Robots)
6. Click Start Battle
7. Watch your robots battle! You can pause, resume, or adjust the speed

Step 5: Package and Submit Your Robot

1. In Robocode, click Robot → Package Robot
2. Select mypkg from packages then find MyFirstRobot in Robots and click next
3. Add a robot description (Required) and click next
4. Choose the output path of the packaged robot jar file and click next
5. Click Package! - this creates a .jar file
6. You now have a packaged robot ready to submit
7. Alternatively: You can also submit the .java file directly without packaging, but packaging is recommended for better compatibility

Learn More

• Robocode Wiki - Complete documentation and guides
• Robocode API Reference - All robot methods and classes
• Strategy Guides - Advanced techniques and tactics
• Official Installation Guide - Detailed setup instructions