How to Solve the Mirror Cube

The Mirror Cube looks intimidating — all those uneven, shiny blocks stacked into a scrambled mess. But here’s the secret: it’s solved using the exact same method as the standard 3×3 Rubik’s Cube.

The difference? Instead of matching colors, you’re matching shapes and piece sizes. Once you understand that, solving the Mirror Cube becomes a lot less scary — and a lot more fun.

In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through solving the Mirror Cube step by step.

Prefer to watch a video tutorial? We really like this one by Learn_The_Cube !

What is the Mirror Cube?

The Mirror Cube (or “Mirror Blocks”) is a shape mod of the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube. That means it’s built on the same mechanism as a regular cube, but the stickers are replaced with metallic-looking foil, and the puzzle is cut into pieces of varying shapes and sizes.

• The largest piece is the “center” you’ll build around.

• The smallest thin slices are edge pieces.

• The uneven rectangular chunks are corner pieces.

When scrambled, the cube turns into a jagged, uneven mess. Solving it restores the shape into a perfect cube again.

Step 1: Pick the Largest Center

Start by holding the cube so the biggest square center piece is facing up. This is your “white side” equivalent. All solving steps will be based around this reference.

Step 2: Make the Cross

Find four long rectangular edge pieces that fit around the large center. These will form a plus sign.

✅ Tip: Make sure the sides also line up with the correct height of the side centers. If an edge looks “too tall” or “too short,” it’s in the wrong place or flipped.

Step 3: Solve the First Layer Corners

Now, slot the correct corner pieces around your cross. Each corner will be a “blocky chunk” that fits snugly with the edges.

✅ Trick: Use the same beginner’s cube corner insertion moves (R U R’ U) until the piece locks in place.

When finished, your first layer will look flat and even.

Step 4: Solve the Middle Layer

This is where it really feels like a Rubik’s Cube again. Find edge pieces that belong in the middle layer and insert them using the edge algorithm:

• If it needs to go right: U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F

• If it needs to go left: U’ L’ U L U F U’ F’

You’ll notice the cube taking shape as each layer becomes more even.

Step 5: Build the Top Cross

Now, turn the cube upside down so the unsolved, bumpy side is on top. You’ll build the “yellow cross” here.

Use the F R U R’ U’ F’ algorithm to form a flat cross. Don’t worry if it takes a few repetitions — just like a normal cube, you’ll go from dot → L-shape → line → full cross.

Step 6: Position the Top Corners

At this stage, the cube is mostly solved, but the last four corners are sticking out at odd angles. Use the beginner’s corner positioning algorithm:

U R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L

This puts the corners in the right spots (though not necessarily oriented correctly yet).

Step 7: Orient the Top Corners

Now, twist the corners into their correct orientation. Hold the cube so one misaligned corner is in the front-right-top, and repeat:

R U R’ U R U2 R’

Do this until the corner is correct, then rotate the top layer to bring the next unsolved corner into position. Repeat until all corners are aligned.

Step 8: Solve the Final Edges

Finally, use the edge-swapping algorithm (F2 U L R F2 Li Ri U F2) to fix any last edges.

When the last edge pieces click into place, your Mirror Cube should be perfectly solved — back to a shiny, smooth cube.

Tips for Success

• Don’t think in colors. Think in piece size and shape.

• Patience pays off. Sometimes it’s tricky to identify which piece is which — turn slowly and compare shapes.

• Practice with a 3×3 first. If you already know the beginner’s method, the Mirror Cube will feel familiar.

Final Thoughts

The Mirror Cube looks wild, but it’s really just a Rubik’s Cube in disguise. Once you understand that, solving it becomes a rewarding (and impressive) puzzle to show off.

Next time someone hands you a scrambled Mirror Cube, you’ll know the secret: you’re not solving a shiny mystery, you’re just solving a cube you already know — by shape instead of color.