Top 4 puzzles after 3×3

So you’ve been practicing your first cube for awhile. You can now solve it relatively easily. The stickers might we wearing off, and the mechanism has loosened up significantly. You’re ready for a new challenge, but aren’t quite sure where to start. You need to find the best puzzles to solve after the 3×3. There are so many different types of twisty puzzles. What’s the best next step? Below you’ll find my top 4 puzzle recommendations for curious cubers.

If you haven’t mastered the 3×3 solution yet be sure to check out my beginner tutorial on how to solve a Rubik’s cube.

4×4 Cube

I think the obvious first choice here is the 4×4 cube. Adding one more layer of complexity upon the 3×3, the 4×4 gives you a whole new sense of enjoyment. You can take what you know for the 3×3 and apply it here, but that won’t get you all of the way. Additional creativity is required to solve this one. For those looking for something similar to a 3×3 with an added twist, this is the one for you.

3x3x2 Cuboid

This 3x3x2 (sometimes called the domino cube) is a perfect introduction to the cuboid family of twisty puzzles. As you probably noticed, this type of puzzle is not a cube like the original 3×3. That’s why it’s called a “cuboid” This adds a unique twist on the twisty puzzles that we don’t find on perfectly cubic puzzles. The 3x3x2 introduces the cuboid family of puzzles without getting into the complexity of shape shifting and repetitive layer solving.

Pyraminx

The Pyraminx is a fantastic puzzle. It looks more difficult than it really is. In fact the standard size Pyraminx is much easier than the 3×3. However, the mechanism is much different then cubic puzzles. Making this the perfect introductory puzzle to non cubic twisty puzzles.

Megaminx

If you thought your friends were amazed when you solved a standard Rubik’s cube. Imagine the look on their faces when you pull out this beast. The megaminx is a dodecahedron twisty puzzles. That means it has 12 faces. That’s twice as many faces as a cube. However, the mechanism is fairly similar to the 3×3 cube. The puzzle is split up into corners, edges, and centers just like a 3×3. Not all of your 3×3 algorithms will work on this puzzle, but you should know enough to get you most of the way there.

Your favorite puzzle isn’t on the list? Be sure to add to the comments your recommendations.