The Rubik’s Cube is a classic puzzle that has captivated millions of people for decades.
This three-dimensional puzzle often takes the form of a cube, such as the Rubik’s Cube.
Invented by the Hungarian sculptor Ernő Rubik in 1974.
The Rubik’s cube is made up of smaller cubes that twist and turn to form each of its faces.
The cube must be solved so that each of its six sides displays a single color (white, red, blue, orange, green, and yellow).
Feliks Zemdegs is an Australian Rubik’s cube speed solver and world champion. Thanks to his unrivaled achievements, he holds a Guinness World Record for speedsolving and is regarded as the greatest speed solver of all time in the cubing community.
While the original Rubik’s Cube remains popular, there are now numerous variants of this iconic puzzle, each with its own unique twist.
Rubik’s cubes are now available in different shapes, sizes, and platforms.
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These variants range from those that change the number of faces on the cube to those that alter the way it is solved.
In this article, we will explore the different types of Rubik’s Cube variants. Whether you are a seasoned Rubik’s Cube solver or just starting out, this guide will provide an in-depth look at the different options available.
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1. The 3×3 Rubik’s Cube
The 3×3 Rubik’s Cube is the original and most well-known version of the puzzle.
It consists of six sides, each made up of nine smaller squares of a single color. The aim of the puzzle is to scramble the cube and then return it to its original state with each side having one solid color.
This version of the Rubik’s Cube is considered the classic and is the one that most people think of when they hear the name.
One of the key features of the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube is its simplicity. With just six sides and nine squares on each side, it is a manageable size that can be easily manipulated.
This makes it a great starting point for people new to the puzzle and is why it remains a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned solvers alike.
Another feature of the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube is its ability to be solved in a variety of different ways. Some solvers prefer to use algorithms, while others prefer to use intuition.
The fastest time to solve a Rubik’s cube is currently 3.47 seconds. What’s Yours?
This versatility is part of what makes the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube so appealing, as it allows for a personal touch to be added to the solving process.
Despite its popularity and simplicity, solving the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube can still be a challenging and rewarding experience. With a little bit of practice, anyone can learn how to solve this classic puzzle and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.
Whether you’re looking to beat your personal best time or just want to enjoy a fun and engaging puzzle, the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
2. The 2×2 Rubik’s Cube
The 2×2 Rubik’s Cube, also known as the Pocket Cube, is a smaller and simplified version of the classic 3×3 Rubik’s Cube.
It consists of four sides, each made up of four smaller squares of a single color. Like its larger counterpart, the aim of the puzzle is to scramble the cube and then return it to its original state with each side having one solid color.
One of the key advantages of the 2×2 Rubik’s Cube is its smaller size, which makes it a great option for those who are looking for a more portable puzzle.
Its compact size also makes it easier to manipulate, allowing for quicker solving times and less frustration for beginners.
Despite its smaller size, the 2×2 Rubik’s Cube can still provide a challenging and rewarding experience.
While it is considered easier than the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube, it still requires a certain amount of skill and patience to solve. This makes it a great stepping stone for those who are looking to work their way up to the larger version of the puzzle.
Another advantage of the 2×2 Rubik’s Cube is that it can be solved using many of the same techniques and algorithms as the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube.
This means that solvers can transfer their knowledge and skills from one puzzle to the other, making it an excellent option for those who are looking to progress in their solving abilities.
Official 2×2 Rubik’s Cube 0.49 WR Single by Maciej Czapiewski. (Video)
In conclusion, the 2×2 Rubik’s Cube is a great option for those who are looking for a smaller, more portable puzzle that can still provide a challenging and rewarding experience. Beginner’s Guide: How To Solve The 2×2 Rubik’s Cube.
3. The 4×4 Rubik’s Revenge
The 4×4 Rubik’s Revenge, also known as the Rubik’s Cube’s big brother, is a more complex version of the classic 3×3 Rubik’s Cube.
It consists of eight sides, each made up of sixteen smaller squares of a single color. Like the other versions of the Rubik’s Cube, the aim is to scramble the puzzle and then return it to its original state with each side having one solid color.
One of the main challenges of the 4×4 Rubik’s Revenge is its increased size and complexity. With twice as many squares on each side as the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube, it requires a greater level of skill and patience to solve.
This makes it a great option for those who are looking for a more challenging puzzle or who have already mastered the 3×3 version.
Another unique feature of the 4×4 Rubik’s Revenge is that it requires the use of additional algorithms and techniques that are not used in the smaller versions of the puzzle.
This adds an extra level of challenge and complexity to the solving process and makes it a great option for those looking to expand their knowledge and skills.
Despite its increased size and complexity, the 4×4 Rubik’s Revenge is still a popular and rewarding puzzle.
With a little bit of practice and patience, anyone can learn how to solve this iconic puzzle and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
4. The 5×5 Professor’s Cube
The 5×5 Professor’s Cube, also known as the Rubik’s Wahn or the Rubik’s 5×5, is an even more complex version of the Rubik’s Cube puzzle. It consists of six sides, each made up of twenty-five smaller squares of a single color.
The aim of the puzzle is to scramble the cube and then return it to its original state with each side having one solid color.
The 5×5 Professor’s Cube is considered to be one of the most challenging Rubik’s Cube variants, with a high degree of difficulty and a greater number of possible combinations than its smaller counterparts.
This makes it a great option for those who are looking for a true test of their solving abilities or who have already mastered the 3×3 and 4×4 versions.
One of the key features of the 5×5 Professor’s Cube is its increased size and complexity.
With five times as many squares on each side as the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube, it requires a much greater level of skill and patience to solve.
This makes it a great option for experienced solvers who are looking for a new challenge.
Another unique feature of the 5×5 Professor’s Cube is that it requires the use of advanced algorithms and techniques that are not used in the smaller versions of the puzzle.
The 5×5 Professor’s Cube is still a fun and gratifying puzzle game to solve, despite its larger size and level of difficulty.
5. The Pyraminx
The Pyraminx, also known as the triangular Rubik’s Cube, is a tetrahedron-shaped puzzle that is sure to captivate and challenge solvers of all skill levels. Unlike its cubic counterparts, the Pyraminx has a unique and visually striking design that sets it apart from the crowd.
The aim of the Pyraminx is to scramble the puzzle and then return it to its original state, with each of its four triangular sides made up of nine smaller triangles of a single color. Although it may look intimidating, the Pyraminx is actually quite simple to use and is a great option for those who are new to Rubik’s Cube-style puzzles.
How to Solve a Pyraminx in Under 1 Minute!
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Pyraminx is its unique turning mechanism. Unlike the classic Rubik’s Cube, which is turned by rotating entire sides, the Pyraminx is turned by rotating individual triangular pieces. This adds an extra level of challenge and intrigue to the solving process, making it a great option for experienced solvers who are looking for something new and different.
Another great feature of the Pyraminx is its compact size and portability. It’s smaller than the classic Rubik’s Cube and fits easily into a pocket or bag, making it a great option for those who are looking for a puzzle that can be taken on the go.
In conclusion, the Pyraminx is a great option for those who are looking for a unique and visually striking puzzle. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or just starting out, this puzzle is sure to provide hours of entertainment and satisfaction.
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6. The Mirror Pyraminx
The Mirror Cube is a difficult, yet rewarding 3×3 puzzle that resembles a simple Rubik’s Cube but with a uniform color.
The Mirror Pyraminx adds another level of difficulty. Not only is it all one color but it is also a tetrahedron-shaped puzzle. A shiny Pyraminx that you solve by shape and not color!
Also known as the Reflection Pyraminx, is a truly one-of-a-kind puzzle that is sure to captivate and challenge solvers of all skill levels. With its mirrored surface and visually striking design, this puzzle is the perfect blend of form and function.
The aim of the Mirror Pyraminx is to scramble the puzzle and then return it to its original state, with each of its four triangular sides made up of nine smaller triangles of a single color.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Mirror Pyraminx is its mirrored surface. This unique feature adds an extra level of challenge to the solving process, as it can be difficult to tell which direction the puzzle is being turned.
This makes it a great option for experienced solvers who are looking for a new and challenging puzzle.
Another great feature of the Mirror Pyraminx is its compact size and portability. It’s smaller than the classic Rubik’s Cube and fits easily into a pocket or bag, making it a great option for those who are looking for a puzzle that can be taken on the go.
7. Megaminx
Mengaminx comes in a lot of different forms, but the most common one has 12 colors and 11 pieces that are arranged in a star pattern on each side. There are five corner pieces, five edge pieces, and one fixed piece in the middle.
The Megaminx normally has five distinct colors on its face, with each face having a separate hue. Restoring the Megaminx to its solved state, in which each face is a single color, is the goal of the problem.
The Megaminx has a distinctive appearance because of its dodecahedron structure and twelve faces.
The puzzle can be bought in different colors, and “shape mods” can be used to change the shape to make it more difficult.
A transparent design on certain Megaminx puzzles enables the solver to view the inside workings of the challenge and understand its difficulty.
The fastest average time to solve a Megaminx rotating puzzle cube is 28.56 seconds by Leandro Martín López (Argentina) at the Buenos Aires Cubes 2022 event in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 19 November 2022.
Megaminx solving is an evolving field, with new techniques and strategies being discovered often.
8. The Rubik’s Magic
The Rubik’s Pocket Cube, also known as the Rubik’s Magic, is a smaller, more portable version of the original Rubik’s Cube puzzle.
Ern Rubik, an architect, and professor of architecture from Hungary devised it in 1974. He is also the inventor of the original Rubik’s Cube.
A cube-shaped puzzle called the Rubik’s Magic is made up of eight smaller cubes that are hinged together. There are many variations and permutations possible since each of these smaller cubes may independently spin.
The Rubik’s Magic features just four faces with four stickers each, as opposed to the standard Rubik’s Cube’s six faces with nine stickers each.
The Rubik’s Magic is substantially smaller than the original Rubik’s Cube, which is 56mm x 56mm x 56mm, measuring just 57mm x 57mm x 57mm.
The Rubik’s Magic problem, despite its little size, is nonetheless difficult and enjoyable to solve and calls for a mix of spatial thinking, patience, and perseverance.
Yusheng Du of China now holds the title of the quickest Rubik’s Magic cube solver after finishing the task on April 17, 2021, in only 2.48 seconds.
People of all ages who enjoy puzzles continue to find the Rubik’s Magic cube to be a satisfying mental exercise.
9. The Dodecahedron
The dodecahedron is a unique and complex geometric shape supercube that has fascinated mathematicians, scientists, and artists for centuries.
It is a three-dimensional solid with 12 faces, each of which is a regular pentagon. The dodecahedron has 20 vertices and 30 edges, making it a highly symmetrical and stable structure.
One of the most interesting aspects of the dodecahedron is its relationship to the golden ratio, a mathematical concept that has been studied and celebrated for thousands of years.
The golden ratio is a ratio of approximately 1.618, and it appears in many natural phenomena, from the spirals of seashells to the proportions of the human body.
The dodecahedron has a special relationship to the golden ratio, in that the ratio of the length of its edges to the length of its diagonals is exactly equal to the golden ratio.
In science, engineering, and design, the dodecahedron is used in many ways. In chemistry, it is used to make complex molecules, and in crystallography, the study of crystals and how they are put together, it is an important shape.
Dodecahedrons have also been used in architecture and art because of their unique beauty and symmetrical shapes.
Yusheng Du from China now holds the record for the quickest dodecahedron solution, often known as the ghost cube, having completed it on March 27, 2021, in just 2.93 seconds.
A dodecahedron version that allows for greater mobility and raises the difficulty level of the solution is the ghost cube.
The ghost cube is still a well-liked problem among speedcubers and puzzle fans despite its intricacy.
Additional reading:
How to Solve the 6x6x6 Rubik’s Cube [Easy Beginner Tutorial]
10. The 7×7 Cube
Panagiotis Verdes also created the 7×7 cube, which is a variation of the 6×6 cube.
Like the 5×5 this cube has both fixed and moveable centerpieces. Out of the total of 218 tiny cubes that make up this cube, exactly six are fastened to the interior frame and are therefore locked into place.
There are 1,958,060 possible ways to solve this variant of the Rubik’s Cube.
7×7 Rubik’s Cube Tutorial For Beginners.
Conclusion
Finally, Rubik’s Cube variations provide a fresh and fun challenge for both recreational and competitive solvers.
People of all ages and ability levels continue to be captivated and inspired by these twisty puzzles, which range from the traditional 3×3 cube to the dodecahedron and everything in between.
Rubik’s Cube variations cater to a wide range of interests, whether you want to sharpen your problem-solving abilities, compete with others, or just have fun.
Why not get one and find out what all the fuss is about?
You’re guaranteed to discover a Rubik’s Cube variation that will keep you occupied for hours on end with the variety of forms and sizes available.
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