MoYu Meilong Puppet 1 3x3x3

MoYu MeiLong Puppet 1 3x3x3

At first glance it looks like an ordinary 2x2 cube, but inside there is a full 3x3 mechanism. The MoYu MeiLong Puppet 1 3x3x3 is a bandaged puzzle: some of the pieces are joined together into large blocks, and underneath them sit smaller pieces that you can't see when the cube is solved. To count it as solved, these hidden pieces also have to end up in their correct places.

What makes it difficult

The mechanism itself is no different from a regular six-sided cube. All the difficulty comes from the construction: in practice, the Puppet 1 is a combination of a 2x2 and a 3x3 cube. The large, joined blocks restrict some moves, so standard 3x3 algorithms usually don't work. Once scrambled, the cube changes shape, and often the first challenge is simply getting it back into a cube shape. Users describe it as one of the hardest puzzles in their collections. Even experienced cubers can spend many days on it.

Puppet 1 or Puppet 2?

Both versions are the same size and look similar. They differ in one corner. In the Puppet 1, this corner is entirely joined into a single block, just like on a 2x2. In the Puppet 2, it is split into smaller pieces and resembles part of a 4x4. So the Puppet 1 has more bandaged connections and, according to users, is the harder of the two. On the Puppet 2, the edges move more independently of the corners.

How it turns

The cube has a matte stickerless finish and, for such an unusual design, turns smoothly. When the large blocks pass over the smaller pieces inside, it can catch, and sometimes you need to push a move through gently. This is normal for this kind of construction. Tension is adjusted with the screws under the centers, but in some positions the large blocks cover access to them.

Who is it for?

For those who can already solve a 3x3 and are looking for a puzzle that requires independent thinking rather than repeating memorized algorithms. The Puppet 1 is also a great addition to a collection of shape-shifting puzzles. It is not a speedcubing cube and is not allowed in official WCA competitions. It's not a good choice as a child's first cube.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3x3 bandaged cube, shape mod
• Manufacturer: MoYu (MeiLong series)
• Size: 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 66 g
• Adjustment: tension adjustment screws
• Finish: matte, stickerless (Stickerless Bright)
• Release year: 2020
• WCA legal: no