Ranking Twisty Puzzles From Easy to the Hardest
While solving a Rubik's Cube or a twisty puzzle might seem easy at first, then impossible at the second, every twisty puzzle has a method or algorithm that can be learnt by anyone. In fact, Ernő Rubik, the inventor of the Rubik’s Cube, reportedly spent an entire month trying to solve his own creation for the first time!
There are easier and harder twisty puzzles but all their solution can be learnt
Speedcubers rely on muscle memory to solve twisty puzzles by practicing algorithms repeatedly until the sequences of moves become automatic, allowing them to execute solutions quickly without consciously thinking about each step.
A common misconception is that being good at math makes you naturally skilled at twisty puzzles. In reality, solving them relies more on pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and memorizing algorithms than on advanced mathematical ability.
Factors That Can Increase Difficulty:
- Shape Shifting – Puzzles that change shape as they are twisted, like the Ghost Cube, obscure the original structure, making it harder to identify solved states.
- Shape Mods – Puzzles that build a new unusual shape on the standard cube or other puzzle.
- Sticker Variants and Patterns – Custom sticker layouts combine jigsaw puzzles and twisty puzzles. Orienting the center pieces comes in as an additional challenge, even for the 3x3x3 cube.
- Deep Turning – This is the reason why the Megaminx looks hard but being a face-turning puzzle it really isn't.
- Bandaging – Some puzzles restrict certain pieces from moving independently by sticking them together.
- Higher Dimensions – Puzzles with more layers, such as the Petaminx or a 5x5x5 cube.
- Jumbling – Certain puzzles allow moves that jumble pieces into seemingly unsolvable positions, which can even lock up the puzzle.
- Stickerless or Colorless Puzzles – The Mirror Cube is a great example, while the Blonde Cube is the opposite.
- Multiple Axes of Rotation – Puzzles with more than three axes (x, y, z), such as the Megaminx or Dayan Gem series.
Easy and Trivial 🤪
For beginners or those seeking a gentle introduction to the world of twisty puzzles, there are many options considered "easy" or "trivial." These puzzles have fewer pieces or simplified mechanics, making them approachable while still engaging.
- The 2x2x1 (2x2 Floppy Cube) is one of the simplest trivial twisty puzzles, with only one 2x2 layer. It can be solved quickly by just randomly turning the sides. Due to its simplicity, solving it from any scrambled position requires a maximum of 4 rotations.
- Similarly, the 1x2x3 (Christmas tree-shaped as shown in the image above) offers slightly more complexity but is still straightforward, often solved intuitively with minimal or no need for algorithms. To solve it from any scrambled position, a maximum of 11 rotations are required
- Another fun option is the Super Floppy Cube. This variation requires some brain activity and solving it from any position requires a maximum of 20 rotations which should be easy for someone familiar with twisty puzzles.
Beyond twisty puzzles, simpler non-twisty puzzles like the sliding 15 Puzzle or 3D jigsaw puzzles provide a similar sense of satisfaction with a different approach.
The puzzles in this category can be solved out by almost anyone. The next tier will probably make you want to look up an online tutorial.
Easy To Learn 😎
For beginners, several twisty puzzles offer a great introduction to the hobby. The 2x2x2 Cube (Pocket Cube), is simple yet engaging, focusing solely on corner pieces and requiring minimal algorithms. Despite its small scale, it still has 3.6 million possible scrambles. The classic Rubik’s Cube (3x3x3), while more complex, is surprisingly approachable with many beginner-friendly tutorials available.
Other accessible options include the tetrahedron -shaped Pyraminx that’s quicker to solve due to fewer permutations, and the Domino Cube (2x3x3), which limits movement to specific layers, simplifying the process while still being fun to solve. These puzzles balance challenge and simplicity, making them ideal for new solvers. But it is definitely not as easy as finding a professional to help me write my essay in school.
Hard Twisty Puzzles 🤔
For advanced solvers, hard twisty puzzles offer extreme challenges. The Cube-shaped Megaminx shape mod combines the mechanics of a Megaminx with a cube’s form, while the 3x3x7 Cube adds small outer layers. The Qiyi MoFangGe Star features a rotating star-shape that can cause the puzzle to lock up during certain moves.
Puzzles like the Square-1 and Curvy Copter Plus stand out for their shape-shifting and jumbling mechanics, while the Dayan Gem series introduces unconventional geometries and deep-cut turns. These puzzles demand advanced techniques and creative problem-solving, perfect for those ready to push their skills to the limit. Cracking them can eventually feel as daunting as tackling a challenging academic assignment—especially without someone to ask, “Please, help me write my paper,” and receive professional assistance
With patience, practice, and a willingness to learn, even the most challenging twisty puzzles can be mastered.
Extremely Hard 🤯
For the most dedicated puzzle enthusiasts, extremely hard twisty puzzles push the limits of both complexity and time investment. Ghost Cubes (ranging from 2x2x2 to 7x7x7) are notorious for their difficulty due to shape-shifting mechanics and offset layers, which obscure the puzzle's solved state. These puzzles require solvers to understand their structure deeply, as even identifying the starting position can be a challenge. Similarly, the Sudoku 3x3x3 sticker mod adds a new layer of difficulty by requiring not just correct piece placement but also precise number orientation, testing attention to detail and memory.
The 12-sided Petaminx puzzle, is intimidating due to its sheer size and time-consuming solve. However, it follows similar principles to the Megaminx, so experienced solvers can tackle it with enough patience. At the extreme end of the spectrum is the 49x49x49 Cube, which is more a feat of engineering than a practical puzzle. Even making a checkerboard pattern takes hours on such scale.
Big Puzzles 😵💫
Large NxNxN cubes, like the 11x11x11 or 49x49x49, might look daunting, but they follow the same principles as smaller puzzles. If you can solve a 6x6x6 (even-layered) and a 7x7x7 (odd-layered), you can solve any larger puzzle.
⏳ These cubes involve familiar steps like solving centers, pairing edges, and reducing them to a 3x3x3. The main challenge with big puzzles is managing the sheer number of pieces, making them more about patience and persistence than new techniques.
