Top 10 hardest Cubes to solve

RELATED: HOW TO SOLVE A RUBIK'S CUBE BY USING ALGORITHMS

A very brief history of the Rubik's Cube

The Rubik's Cube was first invented in 1974 (and patented in 1975), since then, it has come to be one of the world's most popular puzzle games of all time. 

Ernő Rubik was a professor at the Budapest Academy of Applied Arts and Crafts who devised the cube as a means of solving the structural problem of moving the parts independently without the entire mechanism falling apart, and to aid students in understanding the structure of 3D objects.

When he devised his twisty-turny robust and colorful device, he had no idea just how popular it would come to be, in fact, according to some reports, he didn't realize that the cube could also be a puzzle until he scrambled his new cube and then tried to restore it.

When Ernő Rubik built his first cube, it took him over a month to solve it — just to make you feel a little better about yourself (and if we ignore current developments in AI).

What are some examples of interesting Rubik's cubes?

And so, without further ado, here are some examples of the most interesting variants on the standard 3 by 3 Rubik's cube. This list is far from exhaustive and is in no particular order. 

1. The Pentamix may be the hardest take on Ernő Rubik's Cube

This Pentamix is certainly a sight to behold. It is considered to be one of the hardest Rubik's cubes to solve. For many, the traditional cube is hard enough, but this take on Ernő Rubik's classic is enough to scare even the most tempered Rubik's Cube enthusiast.

All told, it is made from 975 individual parts and more than 1,200 stickers. It was designed by Jason Smith and took about 75 hours to build. As for solving it — that might take considerably longer than that in the hands of a beginner. 

2. The Mirror Cube Puzzle is one of the most unique takes on Ernő Rubik's original

This Mirror Cube lacks any colored stickers, and instead consists of various pieces of different sizes. Although it sounds simple enough, a quick glance at the uncompleted state should be enough to perplex any Rubik's Cube veteran. 

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3. The Quadruple Cube is certainly an interesting take on Rubik's cube

The Quadruple Cube is one of the more unique modifications on the traditional Rubik's Cube. It is, in effect, four mini-cubes in one and one that is certainly a fun alternative to one of the best-loved puzzles of all time.

Not only is this cube a challenge, but it is also aesthetically intriguing. 

4. The Gearball Brainteaser is another, seemingly impossible to solve, take on the Rubik's cube

The Gearball Brainteaser is one of the most intriguing and complex forms of the Rubik's Cube around. If you think the original cube was hard, you should try this magnificent beast of a puzzle.

Not only that, but you can watch the gears turn as you try to solve it. Satisfying and challenging all at the same time.

5.  The Megaminx Speed Cube is something to behold

The Megaminx Speed Cube takes the concept of the standard 2 by 2 or 3 by 3 cube and throws it in the bin. It looks hard and plays even harder.

It is branded as "challenging and fun," but many may consider the latter a bit of a stretch. Unless being incredibly challenged and frustrated by your own incompetence falls under your definition of "fun," of course.

6. The Irregular Rubik's cube will drive you crazy

The Irregular IQ Rubik's Cube is billed as a groundbreaking change to the classic game. If you struggle with the original, it's probably best to give this one some time.

If you fancy trying your hand at this one you are a brave Rubik's Cuber indeed.

7. The Idiot's Rubik's Cube is tantamount to sacrilege

Ernő Rubik may have considered the Idiot's Cube as possibly the very antithesis of his vision for the world-renowned toy. Lacking any colored stickers, it is literally impossible not to solve. Or, looking at it from another perspective — it is extremely easy to solve.

An ideal gift for anyone who struggles with Erno's original brain-game, this cube is the perfect 'ironic' gift. Never again will the owner fail to solve a Rubik's Cube — sort of.

8. The CuberSpeed Moyu 13 by 13 Magic Cube is another interesting Rubik's cube variant

The Cuberspeed Magic Cube certainly takes Ernő Rubik's concept to new heights. It's certainly imposing to look at and even more intimating to try to solve.

Judging by its size, this will certainly keep the hands of the most dedicated Rubik's cube enthusiast busy for many hours, if not years. If all else fails, you could just use it as a brightly-colored paperweight.

9. The Braille Rubik's Cube means even the visually impaired can get frustrated trying to solve one

"Share and share alike" as the adage goes, so why should the visually impaired be spared the frustration of trying to solve a Rubik's Cube. This is where the Braillecube comes into its own. 

Specifically designed for the blind, this cube is a true 'leveler' of a puzzle. Now not being able to see is no excuse for trying your hand at this classic puzzle.

10. This Mega Sudoku-Rubik's Cube Hybrid is a challenge on many levels

This somewhat obvious upgrade to Ernő Rubik's classic mixes the Cube with another challenging cube-shaped puzzle — Sudoku. This is where this ingenious amalgamation of Sudoku and the Rubik's Cube comes in.

The V-Cube, Sudoku themed 3 by 3 by 3 Rotational Speed Cube is the perfect blend of these two well-loved puzzles. It will test you on many levels and is certain to be a worthy challenge for any Sudoku and Rubik's cube enthusiast.

11. The V-Cube Maze Puzzle Rubik's cube should be a worthy challenge

The V-Cube 3-Maze Cube is certainly one of the most interesting takes on Erno's original. It comes in 75 different designs and should be a great challenge for any Rubik's Cube veteran.

It looks great and would be an intriguing addition to any Rubik's Cube collection. Its labyrinthine combinations and unusual take on the classic puzzle is certainly worth a crack — good luck.

To be fair, if you can solve the classic Rubik's cube, this cube shouldn't be that tricky to solve 3 it will just take you longer. Still, you won't be speed solving this bad boy anytime soon. 

Bonus 1 - Possibly the hardest-ever Rubik's cube is the 1 by 1 by 1 cube

If you think the other cube's on this list are tricky, wait until you cast your eyes, and fingers, on the might 1 by 1 by 1 cube! 

In case you hadn't noticed, we are actually joking. This cube comes solved and obviously can never be scrambled. But it would make a great little practical joke for that Rubik's cube fanatic in your life!

Bonus 2 - The Ghost cube will certainly challenge you

And finally, another interesting take on the Rubik's cube is the so-called Ghost Cube. A shape-shifting cube, this variant of the classic Rubik's cube will drive you crazy.

It was invented in 2008 by Adam G. Cowan and is widely considered to be one of the hardest 3 by 3 by 3 family of Rubik's cubes. If you fancy a real challenge, this one might be the perfect choice for you!

And that, Rubik's cube fans, is all for today. 

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