ShengShou 6x6 Mastermorphix

ShengShou 6x6 Mastermorphix

ShengShou 6x6 Mastermorphix is the first mass-produced rounded tetrahedral 6x6. The mechanism comes from a 6x6 cube, but the puzzle is shaped like a tetrahedron with rounded faces and has only four colors. As a result, the pieces differ in shape and size. The puzzle was released in 2019 and is made of stickerless plastic in a bright color scheme with a matte finish.

How to solve it

The solving order is the same as for a 6x6 cube: centers first, then edge pairing, and finally the 3x3 stage with the parities typical of even-layered cubes. The difficulty is that pieces of the same color can have different shapes, so while solving you have to look at the shape, not just the color. If you know the 3x3 Mastermorphix, you'll know what this means, but the 6x6 version has many more such pieces to tell apart.

According to users, the turning can feel sandy and fairly stiff at first, because there are many layers and the pieces are irregularly shaped. After a few solves the puzzle breaks in and turns noticeably smoother. It has no magnets, so you won't feel the distinct layer stopping found in modern speedcubing cubes. This is a puzzle for relaxed solving, not for setting fast times.

Adjustment

Tension is set using adjustment screws. If the layers turn too heavily, you can loosen them a little. Don't overdo it, though: with such a large and irregular shape, a setup that is too loose increases the risk of popping.

Who is it for?

For someone who can already solve a 6x6, or at least a 4x4 and 5x5, and is looking for a new challenge. It also fits well in a collection alongside other ShengShou Mastermorphix puzzles. As a first puzzle, or for a child who is just starting out, it's too big a leap. It's better to start with the 3x3 Mastermorphix or a classic 3x3 cube. This model is not permitted in official WCA competitions.

Specifications

• Type: 6x6 cube shape mod (Mastermorphix, rounded tetrahedron)
• Manufacturer: ShengShou
• Size: approx. 93 mm
• Weight: approx. 230 g
• Magnets: none
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Color scheme: stickerless bright
• Release year: 2019
• WCA competitions: no
• In the box: puzzle