Megaminx 

Megaminx: the dodecahedron puzzle

The Megaminx is a twelve-sided puzzle shaped like a dodecahedron. It works much like a 3x3 cube, but it has 12 faces and 50 moving pieces, compared with 20 on a 3x3 cube. It reached the market in the 1980s thanks to Uwe Mèffert and his company Meffert's. Today almost every major speedcubing brand makes its own megaminx, including ShengShou, QiYi, YJ, MoYu, YuXin, GAN, DaYan and Mofangge. The Megaminx is also an official WCA event. The single-solve world record is 21.04 seconds, held by Ziyu Wu.

If you can solve a 3x3 cube, the megaminx won't feel completely new to you. The solving method is very similar. There are simply more faces, so a full solve takes longer. That's why the megaminx is a great next puzzle after the 3x3 cube.

How to choose a megaminx?

Magnets matter most. Non-magnetic models, such as the classic ShengShou Megaminx, are cheaper and perfectly fine for learning. Magnetic versions usually have the letter M or the word Magnetic in their name. The magnets hold the layers more clearly in the right position. This makes it easier to avoid lockups, when you turn a face while the neighbouring one isn't fully aligned. Budget magnetic models include the YJ YuHu V2 Megaminx Magnetic, the newer YJ YuHu Megaminx V3 M and the YuXin Little Magic Megaminx V3 Magnetic. Flagship models offer the most features, such as the GAN Megaminx V2 MagLev UV. Instead of springs, it uses the MagLev system, meaning repelling magnets, and the UV coating gives a better grip. However, a more expensive design doesn't mean everyone will find it better to solve. To start with, a good, cheaper magnetic model is all you need.

WCA Megaminx and collector's editions

Models for speedsolving can be found in the Megaminx WCA subcategory. Apart from these, the category also includes versions with an unusual look, such as the QiYi QiHeng S2 Megaminx, ShengShou Megaminx Gem and ShengShou Aurora Megaminx. These are mainly for collectors and for those who already own a classic megaminx.

Kilominx, Gigaminx and other megaminx variants

This puzzle comes in many versions with different numbers of layers:

• Kilominx: 2 layers
• Master Kilominx: 4 layers
• Gigaminx: 5 layers
• Elite Kilominx: 6 layers
• Teraminx: 7 layers
• Petaminx: 9 layers
• Examinx: 11 layers
• Zettaminx: 13 layers
• Yottaminx: 15 layers

The Kilominx, such as the QiYi Kilominx or MoYu Meilong Kilominx, is the equivalent of a 2x2 cube. It's the easiest way to start your adventure with dodecahedron puzzles. The Gigaminx, such as the SengSo Gigaminx or YuXin Huanglong Gigaminx, takes quite a lot of patience.