Elevation is played with four VEX robots on the field, competing against each other in alliances of two. Each robot is operated by up to two student drivers and one coach.

The primary scoring object is a 3 inch foam cube. 20 of these cubes are located in 4 autoloaders at the side of the field and four are available to each alliance prior to the match. Teams will attempt to score these cubes in one of eight triangular goals ranging in height from three to 21 inches there is also a low goal located in the corner of the field. In the center of the field is a platform topped by a large bonus cube.