Fangshi Crucis3×3×3+Skewb No.4

Fangshi Crucis 3x3x3 + Skewb No.4

Fangshi Crucis 3x3x3 + Skewb No.4 is a puzzle with two mechanisms in one body. You can turn it like a classic 3x3 cube and also make diagonal moves like on a Skewb. After a few Skewb moves the cube loses its cubic shape, which makes it a shape-shifting puzzle. The model is made by FangShi under the LimCube brand. Our version comes in the Stickerless Bright colour scheme, meaning coloured plastic with no stickers.

How the No.4 version works

The Crucis series comes in four versions. They differ in the type of corners fitted inside. The No.4 has four regular corners and four corners that block 3x3 turns. In the solved state, corners of the same type sit on one face, and 3x3 turns work around only one axis. Skewb moves have no restrictions at all. Once the corners get scattered and no longer sit together on one face, 3x3 turns lock up completely. To use the 3x3 mechanism again, you have to bring the corners back together with Skewb moves.

In practice, while solving you constantly have to think about which moves are available at any given moment. Standard 3x3 or Skewb algorithms won't help you much here.

How it differs from No.1, No.2 and No.3

• No.1: all corners are regular, so neither 3x3 turns nor Skewb moves are restricted.
• No.2: one corner blocks turns, so the middle layer can't be turned on its own.
• No.3: two corners block turns. In the solved state the 3x3 turns are blocked, and some of them can be unlocked with Skewb moves.
• No.4: has the most restrictions in the series and usually gets the highest difficulty rating in specialist shops.

Who is it for?

It's not suitable as a first cube or for speedcubing. The Crucis No.4 is for people who know the 3x3 and the Skewb well, enjoy bandaged puzzles and want to figure out an unusual mechanism on their own. If you're just getting to know the series, you can start with the No.1, which is the least restricted. The cube has no magnets – it's a puzzle for your collection and relaxed solving, not for breaking time records.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 and Skewb hybrid, shape-shifting puzzle
• Manufacturer: FangShi (LimCube)
• Version: No.4 (4 regular corners and 4 corners that block 3x3 turns)
• Magnets: none
• Material: ABS plastic
• Colour scheme: Stickerless Bright
• Cube weight: approx. 200 g (without packaging)