CODING CATEGORY

Training arena for Grand Final participants and all coding competitors
Introduction to CodeCombat AI League: Equinox Arena

The Coding Category of the NEO Grand Final will feature an AI Arena challenge offered by CodeCombat, specially designed for the event in New York.

Introduction

The online rounds of the Coding Category focused on solving multiple challenges within time constraints. The Grand Final brings a more dynamic and competitive experience. Participants now have the opportunity to demonstrate their coding skills in Python or JavaScript, face live algorithmic challenges, and compete in the exciting AI Arena.

To support preparation, each participant receives access to Equinox Arena, a training platform where they can:

• Code and test AI strategies in real-time,
• Simulate battles,
• Analyze performance and ranking,
• Challenge other participants for strategic practice.

Important: Equinox Arena is for training purposes only. The official AI Arena for the Grand Final will be revealed on the day of the exam and will be exclusive to Grand Final participants.

On the day of the exam:

• Students will be introduced to a new competition arena.
• Arena details will be provided at the start of the exam. Students will have 2 hours to write, improve and submit their code before the simulation begins.
• During this time, students can test and refine their strategies based on the newly revealed arena rules and layout.
• Once the submission window closes and the arena is locked, no further changes will be allowed. 
  

Simulation battles will then begin and rankings will be determined based on student performance in the live AI Arena. Winners will be selected based on the final simulation results.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Who Can Join: Only for Grand Finalists (Grades 3–12)
• Coding Languages: Choose Python or JavaScript
• What You Need: Bring your own laptop and charger with internet access
• Participation Fee: Participation in the Coding category is completely free.

How to Prepare

• The Equinox Arena features 3 key coding strategies. Check the links below to learn how to study each one in detail:
  - Equinox Strategy 1 > Build Towers
  - Equinox Strategy 2 > Command Allies
  - Equinox Strategy 3 > Time Your Attacks
• Practice daily on Equinox Arena
• Analyze your battles and challenge others

Tips & Strategies to Win

For the Exam 

• Understand the problem before jumping into code
• Write clear, structured functions
• Use edge-case testing (e.g. empty inputs, max limits)
• Time management: don’t get stuck—come back to tough problems later

For AI Arena Equinox

• Practice with CodeCombat’s multiplayer arenas
• Design balanced strategies: speed, attack and defense
• Modular code is easier to debug and optimize
• Simulate multiple test runs to refine your bot's behavior

Pro Tips

• Stay consistent: Practice a little each day
• Collaborate: Discuss logic problems with friends
• Plan your strike: Save your best strategy for the final round

Ranking Structure

Unlike other categories, rankings for the Coding Category are grouped by grade levels, not individual grades:

• Level 1: Grades 3–5
• Level 2: Grades 6–8
• Level 3: Grades 9–11 
  

The highest-performing participants in each level will be recognized for their achievement.