The VEX V5 Robotics Competition Override Playground is a virtual representation of the Field for the VEX V5 Robotics Competition Override (2026-2027) Competition game. The Playground Window is a space for the Hero Bot, Flex, to interact and move to play Override Virtual Skills.
How to Start, Stop, and Reset a Project
Select the Start button to start a project.
This button will change to a Stop button when a project is actively running.
Selecting the Stop button will stop the project and the timer immediately.
The Match Results Window will appear at this time. See below for more information on the Match Results Window.
Select the Reset button to reset the timer, point value, and Field.
Using the Pre-Match Checklist
The Pre-Match Checklist enables you to edit the starting location of Flex on the Field, as well as set the color orientation of the Preload in Flex's claw, with either the red or the yellow side of the Pin facing upwards.
Select the Location icon button to open the Pre-Match Checklist.
The Pre-Match Checklist also appears upon opening the Playground window for the first time.
Changing the Starting Location
The default starting location for Flex is location C. To change the starting location, select the Edit button. Then select your desired starting location, A, B, C, or D. You will see the robot change position as locations are selected.
Select Confirm to save your changes, and close the Pre-Match Checklist.
Changing the Preload Orientation
By default, the Preload Orientation toggle is selected, and the Red/Yellow Pin in Flex's claw starts with the red side facing up. Unselect the toggle to start with the yellow side facing up.
Select Confirm to save your changes, and close the Pre-Match Checklist.
Viewing Your Score and the Timer
Your score can be seen above the Field on the left side. This will be updated in real-time while the project is running.
The timer is located above the Field on the right side.
The timer begins when a project is started and counts down from 1:00. The timer will count down until Stop is selected, the Stop project block is used in the project, or the timer reaches 0 seconds.
Using the Match Results Window
When a project is stopped, or the timer hits 0 seconds, the Match Results window will appear.
The total score for the project will be shown, along with the name of the team.
Select the Retry button to return to the Field and reset the timer and score.
Select the X in the top-left corner to close the Match Results Window and return to the Field.
This will not reset the Field, timer, or score. It will return to the Field exactly as it was at the moment the project was stopped.
Expanding the Playground Window
The Playground window begins at a smaller size by default. If you want to expand the window, select the Expand button at the top-left corner.
Select the Shrink button in the top-left corner to return the window to the default size.
Hiding and Showing the Playground Window
Select the Hide button to collapse the Playground Window. This will still keep the toolbar at the top of the window visible.
To view the full Playground Window again, select the Show button.
Selecting Different Camera Views
Select the Top Camera button to see an overhead view of the entire Field. This is the default view when you open the Override Playground Window.
Select the Chase Camera button to see a behind-the-robot view.
Select the Orbit Camera button to see a perspective view of the robot on the Field.
Select the Driver Station Camera button to see a perspective view, as if you were standing at the Driver Station by the Field.
Using the Match Load Buttons
The Match Load buttons are located on the right side of the Playground Window. While a project is running, select one of the six buttons to place that Game Element in the Loader. You can place a Blue/Yellow Pin, a Red/Yellow Pin, or a Cup, and choose which side of the element will face up.
Game Elements are always placed in the Loader closest to Flex. Selecting additional buttons will not place a Game Element in the farther Loader.
You can place a Pin by itself, a Cup by itself, or a Pin and a Cup together in either order — a Pin with a Cup on top, or a Cup with a Pin on top. Two Pins or two Cups cannot be placed together.
Once the Loader is holding a Pin and a Cup, no additional Game Elements can be placed until the contents of the Loader have been moved out.
Viewing AI Vision
Select the AI Vision button to view the AI Vision camera viewer.
Data from the AI Vision will appear in a window to the left side of the Field. Here you will see the camera view from the AI Vision sensor, with data about any game elements or AprilTag IDs in view.
To learn more about using AI Vision in the Override Playground, view the Blocks and Python support in the VEX API (Coming Soon).
Viewing Additional Information
Select the Info icon to open the User and Hardware Information window.
Data about your device will be displayed in the User and Hardware Information window. This can be used to help troubleshoot any performance issues.
Select the X button in the upper-left corner to close the window and return to the Playground.