DECODE™ presented by RTX is the 2025–2026 FTC game challenge within the broader FIRST® AGE™ season. It’s designed to inspire students (grades 7–12) to use STEM skills — including robot design, programming, strategy, and teamwork — to unlock mysteries and interact with game elements themed around artifacts and discovery. 

Kickoff: September 6, 2025 — The DECODE game is officially revealed, with all materials becoming available to teams. community.firstinspires.org

League Meets: Can begin as early as late October 2025.

Regional & Advancement Events: Through late 2025 and early 2026, teams compete to earn advancement points and qualify for higher-level events. community.firstinspires.org

FIRST Championship: April 29–May 2, 2026 — The culminating global event, where teams from around the world compete based on regional performance.