Different Types of Popular Rubik's Cubes You Should Know
Charles Sandfield
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The Rubik's Cube, since its creation in the 1970s, has captivated puzzle enthusiasts around the world. While the classic 3x3 cube remains a beloved staple, the world of twisty puzzles has grown to include a wide range of fascinating variations. From different sizes like the 2x2 and 5x5 cubes to unconventional shapes and unique mechanisms, each type of Rubik's Cube presents its own set of challenges and solutions. This guide introduces how many different types of Rubik's cubes are there, what they look like, and what their traits are.
Type 1. Traditional Cubes
Traditional cubes are the foundation of twisty puzzles. They are in the common shape of cube, and differ only in layers. The content below introduces different types of Rubik's cubes and their names.
2x2 Rubik's Cube
The 2x2 Rubik's Cube is also called Pocket Cube, and it has only two layers, which can be solved easily. With only eight corner pieces and no center or edge pieces, this compact puzzle provides a fun entry point for beginners while still presenting an engaging challenge.
3x3 Rubik's Cube
This is the standard Rubik's Cube, and it is the iconic twisty puzzle that started it all. Invented by Hungarian architect Ernő Rubik in 1974, this 3x3 cube quickly became a global sensation for its seemingly simple design yet challenging mechanics. The standard Rubik's Cube is one of the most popular cube puzzles in the world, and the first lesson that all cubers should take. With modern AI technology, you can learn how to solve a standard Rubik's cube with Delta Rubik's Cube Solver app. You can use the camera on your smart phone to input the scrambled pattern and the app will show you step-by-step solutions.
4x4 Rubik's Cube
The 4x4 version of the Rubik's Cube is called Rubik's Revenge, which was created by Sebestény Péter. This puzzle can be used as a 2x2 Rubik's Cube. One of the key differences between the 4x4 and the 3x3 is the absence of fixed center pieces on the 4x4, which means that solvers must deal with the added intricacies of pairing edge pieces and correctly positioning the centers during the solving process.
5x5 Rubik's Cube
The 5x5 version of the Rubik's Cube is also named Professor's Cube. Invented by Udo Krell, the 5x5 Rubik's Cube doesn't have many shape mods. Unlike its simpler counterparts, the 5x5 cube has 98 individual moving parts with 8 corner pieces, 36 edge pieces, and 54 centerpieces, making it significantly more complex to solve. Due to its larger number of layers and intricate patterns, solving the 5x5 cube requires advanced techniques and a deep understanding of the cube's mechanics.
Type 2. Higher-Order Cubes
Higher-order cubes are traditional Rubik's Cube with more layers. Additional layers bring more challenges and complexity.
6x6 Rubik's Cube
Introduced by V-Cube, it has an additional layer beyond the 5x5, making it more complex. With 36 smaller squares on each of its six faces, this puzzle presents an impressive challenge, boasting over 10 quintillion possible configurations.
NxN Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube also has a variety of big versions, and they are harder and more challenging. We won't go through all different types of rubik's cubes in a higher-order, because most of them are simulated by computer.
Type 3. Shape Mods
Shape mods of the Rubik's Cube are creative twisty puzzles that alter the classic cube's shape, adding a visual and mechanical challenge.
Megaminx
The Megaminx, used to be called Hungarian Supernova, was invented by Uew Mèffert. It is a 12-sided twisty puzzle, which doubles the faces of a traditional Rubik's Cube, and significantly brings more complexity and challenge.
Pyraminx
The Pyraminx is a Rubik's cube with all faces in triangle, and that's the reason it can also be called triangle Rubik's Cube. Actually, the shape of the Pyraminx is called tetrahedron, which has four triangular faces, and each of them is divided into 9 smaller triangles.
Skewb
The Skewb is a twisty puzzle that is similar to the classic Rubik's Cube, but its structure is totally different from the latter. It twists around its corners instead of its faces. This creates a unique challenge because each turn affects multiple pieces in different ways. It was invented by Tony Durham and later popularized by Uwe Mèffert.
Conclusion
The diverse types of Rubik's Cubes—from traditional cubes and larger multi-layered versions to unique shape mods and non-cubic puzzles—offer something for every puzzle enthusiast. Each type presents its own set of challenges, enhancing skills in spatial reasoning, logic, and problem-solving. With all types of cubes listed above, you will be able to distinguish them, and also gain some idea of which you should try.
Different Types of Rubik's Cubes FAQ
Q: How many types of Rubik's cubes are there?
There are many types of Rubik's cubes, and the majority are listed below:
- Traditional Rubik's Cube: 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 5x5
- Higher-Order Rubik's Cube: 6x6, 7x7, 8x8, NxN
- Rubik's Cube Shape Mods: Megaminx, Pyraminx, Skewb, Mirror Cube, Ghost Cube, Mastermorphix
- Non-Cubic Puzzles: Ivy Cube, Dino Cube, Axis Cube, Windmill Cube
- Bandaged and Constrained Cubes: Bandaged Cube, Fisher Cube, Curvy Copter
- Twisty Puzzle Variants: Square-1, Redi Cube
- Specialty Cubes: Rubik's Touch Cube, Electronic Rubik's Cube
Q: Which rubiks cube is the hardest?
Generally, the higher-order a Rubik's cube is, the harder it is. Also, twisty puzzles and non-cubic puzzles are also hard to solve.
Charles Sandfield
Charles Sandfield is the technician and cotent provider for Delta Software. He loves puzzle game, and always writes easy-to-read instructions to share them with beginners.
