14 Coolest and the Most Interesting Cubes of All Time

Introduction

Invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik, the Rubik’s Cube is one of the most recognized puzzles in the world. Traditionally designed with six faces in a 3x3x3 dimension, the cube has inspired countless variations, modifications, and entirely new puzzles over the years.

However, over the years, several versions of the Rubik’s cube have been designed. Additionally, there are also several art forms, mods, concepts, gadgets and designs that are inspired by the traditional model of Rubik’s cube. Here is a list of some of the most fascinating and unique puzzles inspired by the Rubik’s Cube!

1. Face-Turning Octahedron (FTO)

The Face-Turning Octahedron (FTO) is an eight-sided puzzle that functions similarly to a Rubik’s Cube but requires different solving techniques due to its shape and turning style. It challenges solvers with complex layer moves and a unique approach to color recognition.

2. Mirror Cube

The Mirror Cube, also known as the Bump Cube, is a visually striking 3x3 puzzle that replaces colors with different-sized pieces. While it solves like a standard Rubik’s Cube, the challenge lies in recognizing shapes instead of matching colors. Scrambled, it looks chaotic—but once solved, it returns to a perfect cube. Its unique mechanism and shape-shifting nature make it one of the coolest and most rewarding Rubik’s Cube variants.

3. Megaminx

The Megaminx, also known as the Magic Dodecahedron, is a popular non-cubic puzzle with 12 colorful faces and 11 pieces per face in a star pattern. Similar to solving a 3x3 but with extra layers and unique algorithms, it offers a fun challenge for speedcubers. With its striking shape and competitive appeal, the Megaminx is also featured as an official event in WCA competitions.

4. Pyraminx

The Pyraminx is a triangular puzzle that has been around for decades. Unlike the standard cube, this puzzle has edge-turning and tip rotations, making it one of the easier puzzles to solve but still enjoyable for speedsolving.

5. 4x4 & 5x5 (Rubik's Revenge & Professor Cube)

The 4x4 (Rubik’s Revenge) and 5x5 (Professor Cube) add extra complexity to the standard 3x3 by introducing parity errors that require additional solving techniques. These puzzles are a natural step up for those looking for a greater challenge.

6. Big Cubes (8x8 to 11x11)

The 8x8 to 11x11 cubes take the challenge even further, adding more layers and increasing the solving difficulty. While the basics remain similar to smaller cubes, these puzzles require an advanced understanding of the puzzle and patience.

7. Kilominx Cube

The Kilominx, also known as the Flowerminx, is a 2x2 version of the Megaminx that keeps the dodecahedral shape but removes the edge pieces. With only corner pieces to solve, it’s a simpler yet unique puzzle—perfect for those looking to step up to the full Megaminx. First introduced in 1982 and popularized by ShengShou in 2016, it's a fun challenge for anyone familiar with Megaminx algorithms.

8. Axis Windmill Fisher

The Axis Cube, Fisher Cube, and Windmill Cube are three different shape modifications of the standard 3x3. The Axis Cube shifts the cube's axis, making it look completely scrambled after just a few turns. The Fisher Cube rotates the layers diagonally, changing the alignment of edge and corner pieces. The Windmill Cube alters only one axis, creating an off-center appearance while maintaining familiar solving mechanics. Each of these puzzles requires a different approach to recognizing piece placement and solving misalignments.

9. Snake Puzzle

The Snake Puzzle is a flexible, segmented puzzle that allows you to twist and form different shapes instead of solving it in a single orientation. It’s more of a creative toy than a logic-based challenge but remains a classic puzzle.

10. Magic Clock

The Magic Clock is a unique WCA puzzle featuring nine clock faces in a 3x3 grid. Using four gears and pins, the goal is to align all clocks to 12 o’clock. Invented in the 1980s, it stands out from other puzzles with its mechanical design and distinct solving method, making it one of the simplest yet most unique events in official speedcubing competitions.

11. Square-1

Square-1 is a shape-shifting WCA puzzle, is one of the most unique Rubik's Cubes made of kite-shaped corners and triangular edges. Its ability to change form dramatically makes it one of the most visually confusing and unique puzzles. Unlike standard cubes, it allows corners and edges to swap places, adding to the challenge. Once known as Cube 21, it's now a popular event in official competitions

12. Fruit Puzzles

Fruit Puzzles are fun, shape-mod 3x3 cubes designed to look like fruits such as apples, bananas, and more. Their unusual shapes make recognition and alignment more challenging. Great for both beginners and pros, these brain-teasing puzzles have multiple solutions and offer a fun twist on the classic cube.

13. Gear Cube

The Gear Cube, designed by Oskar van Deventer in 2009, features interlocking gears that move together with each turn. Though it looks complex, only 180° turns are allowed, making it easier to solve with fewer permutations than a standard cube. Its unique design sparked a new era of geared puzzles, later leading to advanced versions like the Gear Cube Extreme and Ultimate, which add more twist and challenge while keeping the classic Rubik’s Cube notation.

14. Skewb

The Skewb is a unique twist on the classic Rubik’s Cube, featuring a cube shape that rotates around its corners instead of its faces. It’s a 3x3 puzzle with a distinctive mechanism, where turning any of the cube’s corners results in a twist, making it a challenging and fun alternative to the traditional cube. The Skewb’s different movement pattern adds a layer of complexity, requiring a different approach to solving. It’s a great puzzle for cubers looking for something fresh while still offering the familiar challenge of a 3x3.

Wrapping It Up!

Rubik’s Cubes have come a long way from the classic 3x3. From 2x2 to giant 11x11 cubes, and from mirror and pyramid cubes to creative shape mods, the variety is endless. Thanks to the cubing community’s imagination, some of the weirdest Rubik’s Cubes and craziest Rubik’s Cubes have been invented—bizarre in form, but truly fascinating to solve!