Calvins Puzzle Standard World Map 4x4 Cube

Calvins Puzzle Standard World Map 4x4 Cube

Instead of six solid colors, this Calvins Puzzle World Map 4x4 cube has a world map printed across its faces. It's a puzzle for people who like cubes with unusual designs and for anyone who wants to combine solving with a bit of geography. The Standard version shows just the map. Calvins Puzzle also makes a Flag version, where countries are marked with their flags.

How to solve the world map cube

Mechanically it's a classic 4x4, so the same methods apply as with a regular cube: centers first, then edge pairing, and finally solving it like a 3x3, parity included. The difference is that you recognize pieces of the map instead of colors. On a regular 4x4, the four centers of one color can swap places without it mattering. Here, every piece of the picture has to go to its exact spot for the map on each face to line up. That makes solving take longer and demand more attention, even if you've already mastered the 4x4.

A collector's cube, not a speed cube

The World Map 4x4 has no magnets. It also lacks the features speedcubers look for in a cube for timed solving, such as a tension adjustment system and magnetic layer stabilization. For timed practice, it's better to choose a magnetic 4x4 from a speedcubing-focused brand. This model works well as a change from regular solving, a shelf decoration or a gift.

Who is it for?

For people who can already solve a 4x4 and want to try a picture version, and for collectors of unusual puzzles. It also makes a great gift for a child or teenager who already solves cubes and is interested in geography. If you're learning your first 4x4, it's easier to start with a regular colored cube, because the map makes individual pieces harder to tell apart.

Specifications

• Type: 4x4x4 cube with world map graphics
• Manufacturer: Calvins Puzzle
• Version: Standard (map without flags)
• Magnets: none
• Size: 62 mm
• Weight: approx. 142 g