The 21x21 Rubik's Cube and Its Impact on Speedcubing

Posted by paul walker on April 25th, 2023

Introduction

Rubik's Cubes have been a popular puzzle toy for decades, with the 3x3 speed cubes being the most well-known and widely used. However, in recent years, speedcubers have expanded their horizons to larger and more complex cubes, such as the 21x21 Rubik's Cube. In this blog post, we will discuss the 21x21 Rubik's Cube and its impact on the world of speedcubing.

The 21x21 Rubik's Cube

The 21x21 Rubik's Cube is a massive puzzle, with a total of 4,410 stickers and 1,019 individual pieces. It was first created by Oskar van Deventer in 2017 and has since become a popular challenge for speedcubers around the world. Due to its size and complexity, solving the 21x21 cube requires advanced techniques and algorithms, as well as a great deal of patience and perseverance.

Impact on Speedcubing

The introduction of the 21x21 Rubik's Cube has had a significant impact on the world of speedcubing. While solving the 3x3 cube in record time is still the most popular event in speedcubing competitions, larger cubes such as the 21x21 have given cubers an opportunity to show off their skills and creativity in new ways. Additionally, the creation of such large and complex cubes has led to the development of new and innovative solving methods and algorithms, which can then be applied to smaller cubes as well.

3x3 and 4x4 Speed Cubes

While the 21x21 Rubik's Cube may be a fascinating and challenging puzzle, it is important to remember that the 3x3 and 4x4 speed cubes are still the bread and butter of speedcubing. These cubes are the foundation of the sport, and mastering them is essential for any aspiring speedcuber. The 3x3 and 4x4 cubes are also more accessible to beginners, with a wide variety of affordable options available on the market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 21x21 Rubik's Cube is an impressive feat of engineering and a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of puzzle designers. Its impact on the world of speedcubing cannot be overstated, as it has pushed cubers to new heights and encouraged the development of new solving techniques and algorithms. However, it is important to remember that the 3x3 and 4x4 speed cubes are still the foundation of speedcubing and essential for any aspiring cuber.