Fangshi Crucis3×3×3+Skewb No.3

FangShi Crucis 3x3x3 + Skewb No.3

FangShi Crucis 3x3x3 + Skewb No.3 is a puzzle from the LimCube line, in which FangShi releases puzzles outside of WCA competition. One cube combines two mechanisms at once: it turns like a classic 3x3, by its faces, and like a Skewb, around axes passing through the corners. You can mix both types of moves freely. Version No.3 (labelled V3 or #3 by some shops) has two bundled corners, which sets it apart from the other variants in the Crucis series.

How version No.3 works

Skewb moves work without restrictions on the No.3. It is the 3x3 moves that are restricted: at two corners the manufacturer used a so-called bundled corner. When you turn a layer containing such a corner, the outer layer takes the middle layer along with it, so it can't be turned on its own. To unlock the rest of the puzzle, you first need to make the right Skewb moves. On top of that, once you mix both types of moves, the cuts no longer line up and different turns keep becoming impossible. That's why the Crucis solves completely differently from a regular 3x3 or a Skewb. Knowing both puzzles helps, but it isn't enough on its own to solve it.

How do the Crucis versions differ?

The series has four variants that differ in the number of bundled corners. No.1 has all standard corners, No.2 has one bundled corner, No.3 has two, and No.4 has four. The more bundled corners, the less freedom you have with 3x3 moves and the harder it is to unlock the rest of the puzzle. No.3 is a good choice if you already know No.1 or No.2 and want a harder variant, but not straight away the most restricted No.4.

Who is it for?

This puzzle is for people who know the 3x3 and the Skewb well and enjoy shape mods, bandaged puzzles and puzzles where you have to work out a method yourself. It is not suitable as a first cube or as a gift for a child who is just learning to solve. It is not a speedcubing cube either: what counts here is figuring things out, not TPS. The cube has no magnets.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3x3 + Skewb hybrid puzzle (shape mod, non-WCA)
• Manufacturer: FangShi (LimCube series)
• Version: No.3, two bundled corners
• Skewb moves: unrestricted
• Magnets: none
• Colour scheme: Stickerless Bright