How To Solve a Mirror Cube?

How to Solve a Mirror Cube: Step-by-Step Guide

You solve it exactly like a normal 3x3 Rubik’s Cube. The only difference is that instead of matching colors like you normally would, you match shapes and sizes of the pieces. The process involves solving the cross, inserting the first layer corners, solving the middle layer, and then finishing the top layer using the same algorithms you already know. 

If you know how to solve a regular 3x3 cube you already know how to solve a Mirror Cube! It just takes a bit of practice to get used to the shapeshifting.

Quick Summary of the Method

Here are the exact steps we will follow to solve the puzzle:

1. The cross

2. First Layer Corners

3. Middle Layer

4. Top Layer Edges

5. Top Layer Corner Permutation

6. Final Step

What makes the Mirror Cube different?

Before we start, don’t let the scrambled shape scare you! It is just a shape mod of a 3x3. I like to compare the Mirror Cube to the Saint Bernard dog breed. Looks scary, but is pretty harmless!

• On a 3x3: You look for Colors (Red, Blue, Green, etc.)
• On a Mirror Cube: You look for Shapes (Tall, Short, etc.)

Pro Tip: If you don’t know where a piece goes, try to match it with a similarly shaped centers and then feel the pieces with your fingers. If a piece is flat with all the centers it is connected to, it is in the correct spot.

Now let’s move on to the step by step process of solving a mirror cube!

Step 1: How to Make a Cross on the Mirror Cube

Just like the 3x3, we start with the bottom cross. I’d recommend starting with the layer that has the tallest or shortest center piece. This would make it easier to search for the cross pieces as well as the first layer corner pieces as you’d only be searching for the tallest or shortest pieces. Here, we’ll be starting with the tallest center piece.

• Find the center piece that sticks out the most.
• Find the 4 "thickest" or “tallest” edge pieces.
• Match them to the center so the heights are perfectly matched with the center. Make sure to look at the middle layer centers too and make sure their heights are also perfectly matched with the cross pieces.

If the edge isn't perfectly flat against the center, the cross isn't solved, even if it looks close. If all the edge heights are matched with the cross face height but not with the 4 middle layer faces, you’ve likely jumbled up the order. They’re the correct pieces, they just have to be in their correct spots!

Step 2: How to Solve the First Layer Corners

Now that the cross is done, we need to fill in the corners to complete the bottom layer.

• Look for a corner piece that looks like it fits the "gap" in terms of width and height. You want to be searching for the tallest corners, and then trying them all out on a slot one by one to see if it fits. Eyeball it!
• Hold the corner directly above its target slot.
• Use the standard Right Trigger algorithm until the piece fits: R U R' U'

Repeat this for all four corners until the bottom layer is a solid block.

Step 3: How to Solve the Middle Layer Edges

Now that your solved layer is on the bottom, now we need to fill the four middle edge slots.

How to find the right pieces: Look at the top layer. Find an edge piece that does not stick out flat on top (just like you avoid yellow edges on a 3x3). OR, better yet, avoid the shortest pieces since we used the tallest pieces on the bottom. (The shortest pieces are very noticeable)

• Align the edge with the front center so it feels flat.
• Determine if it needs to go to the Left or the Right.
• Use your standard 3x3 edge insertion algorithms.

For moving to the right: U R U' R' U' F' U F

For moving to the left: U' L' U L U F U' F'

These steps will complete the middle layer and the cube will look something like this. 

Step 4: How to Orient the Top Layer Edges

Now you should have two layers completed. Look at the top face. You will see one of three patterns made by the pieces that are flat with the center.

1. A Dot

2. An "L" Shape

3. A Line

Use this algorithm to get a Cross on top (where all edges are flat with the center): F R U R' U' F'

(Repeat the algorithm if you have the Dot or L shape until you get the Cross).

Step 5: How to Permute the Top Layer

Now that the top is flat, we need to make sure the corners are in the right spots (even if they are twisted the wrong way).

Check the corners: Do the corners look like they belong in their current slot based on their size?

• If two corners are in the right spot, but two are swapped, use a T-Perm or your preferred permutation algorithm.
• If you are using the beginner method, swap corners until they are in the correct location.

Algorithm to cycle corners: U R U' L' U R' U' L

Step 6: Corner Orientation (The Final Step)

The corners are in the right spots, but they might be twisted (sticking up or sideways). We need to flatten them with respect to the top layer.

1. Hold the cube so the corner you want to twist is on the bottom right of the top face.

2. Repeat the following moves until that corner is flat: R' D' R D

3. Important: Once that corner is solved, turn ONLY the top layer (U) to bring the next unsolved corner to the bottom right. Do not rotate the cube!

4. Repeat R' D' R D until the cube is solved.

Warning: Do not rotate the whole cube during this step, or you will scramble your progress!

FAQs

Q1: Is the Mirror Cube harder than a 3x3 Rubik’s Cube?
It feels harder at first because you rely on shape recognition instead of colors. However, mechanically, it is exactly the same difficulty.

Q2: Do I need to learn new algorithms for the Mirror Cube?
No. If you know the algorithms for a 3x3, you already know how to solve a Mirror Cube. You just apply them to shapes.

Q3: How do I fix "Parity" on a Mirror Cube?
Good news! Mirror Cubes are 3x3 mods, so parity does not exist. If your cube looks impossible to solve, it might have been taken apart and incorrectly reassembled.

Q4: Which Mirror Cube is best for beginners?
We recommend the Drift Mirror 3x3. They turn smoothly and are very affordable.

Q5: How long does it take to learn?
If you are already a cuber, you can solve it on your first try in 10-15 minutes. Beginners to cubing might need a few days to master the 3x3 concepts first.

Conclusion

The Mirror Cube is one of the most satisfying puzzles to solve because it transforms from a chaotic mess into a perfect cube! It’s an excellent way to improve your spatial recognition and get a new twist to the 3x3 if it feels repetitive.

Ready to try a new challenge? Now that you’ve mastered the shape-shifting Mirror Cube, why not try a 4x4 Cube?

Cubelelo Shop