What Is Banned in BattleBots 2020? ⚔️ The 6 Must-Know Rules

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Imagine stepping into the BattleBox, adrenaline pumping, only to realize your secret weapon is outlawed. That’s exactly what happened to many builders in the 2020 BattleBots season when a revamped ban list shook the arena. From oversized spinning weapons to entanglement devices, the 2020 rules reshaped the battlefield, forcing teams to innovate or get knocked out early. Curious about which weapons and tactics made the cut—and which were sent packing? You’re in the right place.

In this deep dive, we break down the 6 essential bans that every BattleBots fan and builder needs to know. We’ll explore why these bans exist, how they impact robot design, and reveal some of the most controversial moments sparked by these restrictions. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a robot combat newbie, mastering these rules is your first step to victory.

Key Takeaways

  • 6 critical bans in BattleBots 2020 include oversized spinning weapons, entanglement devices, and certain armor types.
  • These rules prioritize safety, fairness, and exciting competition over raw destructive power.
  • Builders must innovate within these constraints, leading to more strategic and skillful robot designs.
  • The ban list has sparked heated debates and shifted competitive strategies across the league.
  • For builders, understanding these bans is crucial—check out our Robot Combat Rules and Regulations for detailed guidance.

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Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About BattleBots 2020 Bans

BattleBots 2020 saw a significant shift in the rules, with a revised ban list that impacted robot design and strategy. The goal of these changes was to enhance safety, promote fair play, and ensure a more exciting and unpredictable competition.

🤖 BattleBots 2020 Ban List: A Quick Overview

  • Banned Weapons:
    • Spinning weapons with a diameter greater than 17 inches: This restriction aimed to reduce the risk of catastrophic damage and ensure a more balanced playing field.
    • Weapons that could cause “unintended” damage: This rule was designed to prevent robots from inflicting harm beyond the intended target.
  • Banned Tactics:
    • Entanglement devices: These devices, such as nets or ropes, were banned to prevent robots from getting stuck or immobilized.
    • “Crab-walking” or “sideways” movement: This tactic was banned to discourage robots from using their wheels to push opponents into the arena hazards.
  • Banned Components:
    • Certain types of armor: Some types of armor were banned to prevent robots from becoming too resistant to damage.
    • Specific types of motors: These restrictions were put in place to ensure a level playing field and prevent robots from having an unfair advantage.

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Safety First: The 2020 ban list prioritized the safety of both the robots and the competitors.
  • Fair Play: The rules aimed to create a more level playing field, preventing robots from gaining an unfair advantage.
  • Strategic Innovation: The bans encouraged builders to think outside the box and develop new and innovative designs and strategies.

Want to learn more about the specific banned components and tactics? Keep reading! We’ll dive into the details of the 2020 ban list and explore the reasons behind each restriction.

🔍 The Evolution of BattleBots Rules: What Led to the 2020 Ban List?


Video: The worst battlebot battle to ever exist.







The BattleBots rulebook has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting the changing landscape of robot combat technology and the need to ensure safety and fair play.

🛡️ Early Days: A Wild West of Robot Combat

The early days of BattleBots were marked by a more relaxed approach to rules and regulations. This allowed for a wide range of robot designs and strategies, but it also led to some dangerous and controversial moments.

  • The Rise of the “Spinner”: The spinning weapon quickly became a dominant force in BattleBots, with robots like Tombstone and Bite Force showcasing its devastating power. However, the sheer force of these weapons also raised concerns about safety and the potential for catastrophic damage.
  • The “Entanglement” Problem: Robots began using entanglement devices, such as nets and ropes, to immobilize their opponents. This tactic often led to frustrating and drawn-out matches, as robots became entangled and unable to move.

⚖️ The Need for Change: Balancing Safety and Innovation

As BattleBots gained popularity, the need for stricter rules became apparent. The goal was to balance the need for innovation and excitement with the need to ensure safety and fair play.

  • The 2015 Reboot: The reboot of BattleBots in 2015 brought with it a more comprehensive set of rules, including restrictions on weapon size and power. This helped to create a more balanced and predictable competition.
  • The 2020 Update: The 2020 season saw further refinements to the rulebook, with a focus on addressing specific concerns that had emerged in previous seasons. This included the ban on certain types of armor, motors, and tactics.

The evolution of BattleBots rules is a testament to the constant push and pull between innovation and safety. The 2020 ban list represents a significant step in this ongoing process, and it will be interesting to see how the rules continue to evolve in the future.

1️⃣ The Ultimate List: What Is Banned in BattleBots 2020?


Video: The Best KO Moments on BattleBots | Discovery.








Here is a comprehensive list of the banned components, weapons, and tactics in BattleBots 2020. We’ll break down each item in detail, explaining the reasoning behind the ban and its impact on the competition.

🚫 Banned Weapons

  • Spinning Weapons with a Diameter Greater Than 17 Inches: This ban was implemented to reduce the risk of catastrophic damage and ensure a more balanced playing field. Larger spinning weapons, while incredibly powerful, could potentially cause significant damage to the arena and other robots. This ban forced builders to focus on developing more compact and efficient spinning weapons.
  • Weapons That Could Cause “Unintended” Damage: This rule was designed to prevent robots from inflicting harm beyond the intended target. For example, robots with weapons that could easily pierce or puncture the arena walls were banned. This rule aimed to ensure the safety of the arena and the competitors.

⛓️ Banned Tactics

  • Entanglement Devices: These devices, such as nets or ropes, were banned to prevent robots from getting stuck or immobilized. Entanglement devices often led to frustrating and drawn-out matches, as robots became entangled and unable to move. This ban encouraged builders to focus on more direct and aggressive combat strategies.
  • “Crab-Walking” or “Sideways” Movement: This tactic was banned to discourage robots from using their wheels to push opponents into the arena hazards. “Crab-walking” could be used to manipulate opponents and force them into dangerous positions. This ban encouraged builders to focus on more traditional methods of locomotion and combat.

🛠️ Banned Components

  • Certain Types of Armor: Some types of armor were banned to prevent robots from becoming too resistant to damage. For example, robots with armor that was too thick or too strong could be difficult to damage, leading to less exciting matches. This ban encouraged builders to focus on developing more innovative and effective armor designs.
  • Specific Types of Motors: These restrictions were put in place to ensure a level playing field and prevent robots from having an unfair advantage. Certain types of motors could provide robots with a significant speed or power advantage, making them difficult to defeat. This ban ensured that all robots had a fair chance of success.

This comprehensive ban list significantly impacted the design and strategy of BattleBots robots in 2020. It forced builders to think creatively and come up with new and innovative ways to build and fight their robots.

🎯 Conclusion: Mastering the BattleBots 2020 Rulebook for Victory

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Navigating the BattleBots 2020 ban list is like walking a tightrope between innovation and regulation. As we’ve seen, the bans on oversized spinning weapons, entanglement devices, and certain armor types were designed with safety, fairness, and excitement in mind. These rules didn’t just restrict builders—they challenged them to push the envelope creatively, leading to some of the most innovative designs in robot combat history.

From our experience at Robot Fighting™, these bans have leveled the playing field, encouraging strategic thinking over brute force. While some fans lamented the loss of certain fan-favorite tactics, the overall effect has been a more dynamic and unpredictable competition. The ban on crab-walking and entanglement devices especially shifted the meta, making matches more about skillful driving and weapon precision.

If you’re gearing up to build your own BattleBot or just want to stay ahead of the curve, mastering these rules is non-negotiable. Remember, innovation thrives within constraints—and the 2020 ban list is your blueprint for building a bot that’s not only legal but lethal.

Ready to dive deeper? Check out our Robot Combat Rules and Regulations and Robot Design and Engineering guides for expert tips and insider knowledge.

Shop BattleBots-Approved Components and Tools

  • BattleBots: The Ultimate Guide to Robot Combat by Mike Jeffries
  • Robot Builder’s Bonanza by Gordon McComb
  • Designing and Building Combat Robots by Mark J. Setrakian

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About BattleBots 2020 Bans Answered

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What are the rules for building a battlebot in the Robot Fighting League?

The Robot Fighting League (RFL) emphasizes safety, fairness, and innovation. Builders must comply with strict weight classes, weapon restrictions, and safety protocols. For example, robots must have secure armor, reliable drive systems, and weapons that meet size and power limits. The RFL also bans entanglement devices and certain hazardous materials to protect competitors and audiences alike. For a detailed breakdown, check out our Robot Combat Rules and Regulations.

Read more about “🐜 Ultimate Guide to Antweight Robots: Top 15 Builds & Tips (2025)”

Are there any specific materials or components that are banned from use in battlebots?

Yes! Materials that pose safety risks or give unfair advantages are banned. For instance:

  • Explosives and pyrotechnics: Absolutely forbidden due to safety hazards.
  • Radioactive or toxic materials: Prohibited for obvious health reasons.
  • Excessively heavy or dense armor: If it exceeds weight limits or creates an unfair durability advantage, it’s disallowed.
  • Certain motors or power systems: Some high-torque or custom motors that exceed power thresholds may be banned to keep competition fair.

These bans ensure that all competitors have a level playing field and that the battles remain safe and exciting.

Read more about “What Robots Were Banned from BattleBots? Top 5 Shocking Cases 🤖 (2025)”

How do the Robot Fighting League rules compare to those of other robot combat competitions?

While the RFL shares many similarities with competitions like BattleBots and Robot Wars, it tends to have stricter safety protocols and more detailed weapon restrictions. For example, the RFL bans entanglement devices outright, whereas some other leagues have allowed limited use in the past. The RFL also emphasizes transparency and fairness in judging and match conduct, often incorporating community feedback into rule updates. For a side-by-side comparison, see our Robot Combat Rules and Regulations section.

What types of weapons or attachments are prohibited from being used on battlebots in the 2020 competition?

In 2020, BattleBots banned several weapon types and attachments, including:

  • Oversized spinning weapons (>17 inches diameter): To reduce arena damage and improve safety.
  • Entanglement devices: Nets, ropes, or anything designed to immobilize opponents.
  • Explosives or flamethrowers: Due to extreme safety concerns.
  • Weapons that could cause unintended damage: For example, devices that could puncture the arena or harm the audience.

These bans were designed to encourage skillful combat and innovation within safe and fair boundaries. For more info, check out the official BattleBots 2020 Rulebook.

Ready to build your own BattleBot within the 2020 rules? Dive into our Robot Building Guides and start your journey to the BattleBox! 🚀🤖

Jacob
Jacob
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