Galacticruler's Noob-case

[Galacticruler]

This is my first showcase, and it will mostly be bots that I've built that I consider to be so terrible that I need advice on them.
Most of these bots will contain cheaty parts and DSL parts.

Warning: I am horrible at skinning bots, so I use whatever I can from the ingame stuff, please do NOT tell me to skin them, it would only look worse.

first up is Updraft, a bot so terrible, I've basically forsaken upgrading it.


1. Fusion reactor(∞ Power)
2. Reactor exhaust catcher(∞ CO2)
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up next is Flashlight, my mid-weight...thing. Its an edit of the stock extra bot with the spinning maces. This one works great, but it has one occurrence of a Warp in a battle.
(the markings on the side are to help me discern which direction i'm facing.

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third is a bot I've named Richter Scale for how much it bounces while attacking.(it utilizes a...peculiar...weapon.)(horrible skin is horrible)
Back:


Front:


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and lastly, Dominator. This bot is decent but does lose on rare occasion.
Front:


(Maximum close)
Back:



Fire away.

[AlexGRFan97]

I'm not even going to criticise the other robots, but Updraft? Let me just list 5 of the problems there are:
1. Way too much empty space.
2. Piglet drives.
3. Inward facing drive motors.
4. There is 25kg left for maxing out the bot. Use it.
5. You don't need CO2 for Burst Motors.
Unless the other members here are going to reveal your other mistakes, fix these first. You're gonna need a hell out of a lot of work to become a better builder.

[KOS]

^ Exactly what he said

[Lemonism]

Starting with custom components first? Interesting, not something I would recommend personally, to be honest. It would probably be better if you tried regular DSL building first, but whatever.
As for the bots, my advice is as follows:

-Updraft: Firstly, try to minimize empty space. Less unused space = more weight for weapons/ drive etc. This goes for all of them really. Second, Piglets don't work as drive motors, try NPC Fasts, and turn them outwards so your bot can turn better. Finally I'd use a tougher material for the flipper, so it doesn't get ripped off, like flippermakers. Once you've got less empty space, you might even be able to get two flippers and make it symmetrical and cooler looking etc :P
-Flashlight: If you're using DSL (even with the custom components added) I recommend not using stock parts. They have super low HP. If it's a stock bot to begin with I assume it will have bad armour on it too, so choose a better armour (Naryar did a good tutorial on DSL, choose an armour he recommends). I can't really add anything else until you've done that to be honest.
-Richter Scale: Those perms you have with the wheels on are not drive motors, but weapon motors. Try use Etek Drive motors, and different wheels. Technos? That's a fairly odd weapon you have there too. The lawnmower blades really suck, and are not worth using, so try DSL blades and beaters.
-Dominator: Empty space! Also, I would advise concentrating all weapons on the front of a bot. You probably won't use the back ones,
especially not in a tournament. Next, I wouldn't use chewblades for your weapons, as they also suck (most stock parts do in DSL, except razors and irons, maybe some others). What are you testing your bots against? The stock DSL AI?
Keep trying, though, you will only get better.

[Galacticruler]

Worry not you two, I've removed RA2 for a fresh install of DSL 3.
I had been using DSL 2.1, thats why there were stock angles and stuff.

[AlexGRFan97]

There isn't supposed to be stock parts in DSL 2.1 though. They're supposed to be hidden.
Also, I'm fairly sure the Cold Fusion reactors were supposed to weigh 100kg each.

[Naryar]

Indeed you are right, your building is pretty bad. But all people improve over time.

I suggest you take a good look at the tutorials section and other showcases for advice and building ideas.

Try to copy other designs for a while, then start to build new things with the techniques you have learned by copying.

Other guidelines :

-Don't put things randomly over your bot, plan out your building and stick to it, only change it is the plan is bad or could be better.
-Simplify your designs : more stuff attached ISN'T necessarily good. Generally a simpler design is more effective and uses weight more effectively.

I'm not even going to criticise the other robots, but Updraft? Let me just list 5 of the problems there are: why so arrogant/negative man ? just point out his mistakes
1. Way too much empty space. Explain why this is bad
2. Piglet drives. Explain why this is bad, he's a newbie he doesn't even know why they are bad
3. Inward facing drive motors. more explanation needed
4. There is 25kg left for maxing out the bot. Use it.
5. You don't need CO2 for Burst Motors.
Unless the other members here are going to reveal your other mistakes, fix these first. You're gonna need a hell out of a lot of work to become a better builder.

[AlexGRFan97]

K fine.

1. Too much empty space is bad because you could easily fit everything you currently have into a way smaller chassis.
2. Piglet drives are bad because these are geared for spinning weapons, not wheels.
3. Inward facing drive motors hinder the turning circle of the robot slightly due to the lower distance between the two wheels.