Cuboids 

Cuboids: cubes with different numbers of layers

In a cuboid, the number of layers is not the same in every dimension. Examples include 1x3x3, 2x2x3, 3x3x4 and 3x3x15. The shape is no longer a cube, so some moves you know from the 3x3 cube work differently or are not possible at all. If you can already solve a 3x3x3, cuboids let you use that knowledge on completely new puzzles. In this category you will find both small models you can solve in a few minutes and tall towers for collectors.

How is a cuboid different from a regular cube?

The square faces of a cuboid turn 90 degrees, just like on a classic cube. The rectangular faces turn only 180 degrees, because after a quarter turn the layer would not fit the rest of the puzzle. On a 2x3x3, the 3x3 faces turn normally, while the side faces only make half turns. Floppy cubes, i.e. 1x3x3, turn only 180 degrees on every side. Because of this limitation, 3x3x3 algorithms do not carry over to cuboids one to one. Some larger models can also change shape while scrambling (shape-shifting), which raises the difficulty considerably.

How to choose a cuboid for your level?

• To start with: 1x2x2, 1x2x3 and the floppy 1x3x3 from QiYi, MoYu, YJ, YuXin or Z-Cube. They have few pieces and you can figure them out intuitively, without algorithms. They also work well as a child's first unusual puzzle.
• Next step: the 2x2x3 from QiYi or MoYu is similar in difficulty to a 2x2x2. The 2x3x3 and the 3x3x2 cylinder from LanLan are solved much like a 3x3x3, but with restricted moves. Another interesting variant is the floppy 1x4x4 from ZePuzzles.
• A bigger challenge: 2x2x4 and 3x3x4 from FanXin or WitEden. Here, experience with cubes larger than 3x3x3 comes in handy.
• For collectors: tall WitEden puzzles such as the 3x3x8 or 3x3x15 I, and the shape-shifting TomZ 4x4x6 Cuboid from Calvin's Puzzle. Solving them takes a lot of time and patience. They are best suited to people who already have a few cuboids in their collection.

Themed and unusual versions

You will also find the cuboid mechanism in less obvious forms. Examples include the Z-Cube Christmas Tree Cube, the Zcube DinoSaur 2x2x3, the LanLan cylinder and the QiYi Fidget Cube. There are also models with a different colour scheme, such as the QiYi Two Colors 2x2x3 or the Four-Color Cube 2x3x3. Some floppy cubes come in several versions, e.g. the YuXin 1x3x3 with glossy or matte stickers. You can check the available colours and versions on each product page.