ZePuzzles Tricky Pyraminx

ZePuzzles Tricky Pyraminx

It looks like an ordinary Pyraminx, but something different is going on inside. ZePuzzles Tricky Pyraminx is a tetrahedron-shaped 3x3 shape mod. When solved, it looks like a classic pyramid, but after the first few moves it turns into a spiky, irregular shape. The cuts don't match those of a standard Pyraminx, so your Pyraminx habits and algorithms won't help you here.

What's inside

Underneath, it runs on a 3x3 mechanism. The cube's corners are hidden inside the puzzle, and from the outside you can see the centers and edges. It is closest to the Mastermorphix: one user described it as a Mastermorphix without four corners. The pieces have different shapes, so while solving you need to keep track not only of the colors, but also of whether each piece is back in its place and correctly oriented.

How to solve it

If you can solve a 3x3, you can solve the Tricky Pyraminx too. The challenge lies in recognizing the pieces, because once scrambled, the puzzle looks completely different from a cube. If you already solve the Mastermorphix, you can use the same methods. First reviews say the puzzle turns well and is solidly made. This is not a puzzle for setting times. It is not a WCA event and was not designed for TPS.

Black or White?

The Black version has a black body and stickers in four colors. It is easier to track the pieces on it, so it is a better choice for your first attempt. The White version is single-colored. That leaves only the shape of the pieces, which significantly raises the difficulty of a shape mod. It also looks great on a collection shelf.

Who is it for?

For those who have already mastered the 3x3 and the Pyraminx and are looking for something unusual for their collection. It will also delight fans of the Mastermorphix and other shape mods. As a first puzzle for a child, a classic 3x3 cube or a regular Pyraminx is a better choice, because without knowing how to solve a 3x3, the Tricky Pyraminx can quickly become discouraging.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: ZePuzzles
• Type: Pyraminx-shaped 3x3 shape mod (tetrahedron)
• Edge length: approx. 108 mm
• Height: approx. 89 mm
• Weight: approx. 89 g
• Variants: Black (black body, stickers in 4 colors), White (single-colored)