How popular is the megaminx among Dutch speedcubers?

The Megaminx is a popular puzzle within the Dutch speedcubing community, but it is by no means a mainstream choice. Most active speedcubers are familiar with the Megaminx and many have tried it at some point, but only a smaller portion solves it regularly or actively competes with it at competitions. Interest is growing every year, however, including in the Netherlands. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the Megaminx for Dutch puzzlers.

How many speedcubers in the Netherlands solve the Megaminx?

There is no exact count, but based on WCA competition data and the Dutch speedcubing community, the Megaminx is a niche puzzle practiced by an enthusiastic minority. Dutch WCA competitions regularly feature Megaminx participants, but the numbers are clearly lower than for the 3×3 or Pyraminx. Estimate: several hundred active Megaminx solvers in the Netherlands.

The Megaminx primarily attracts speedcubers who are already more advanced and looking for a new challenge. Many beginners start with a 3×3 or a Pyraminx and only move on to the Megaminx later. The puzzle has a loyal fanbase, partly because it is visually impressive and offers a unique technical challenge that differs from all other polygon-based puzzles. In 2026, we are also seeing more Dutch online content about the Megaminx appearing, which is further boosting its popularity.

How difficult is the Megaminx compared to a 3×3?

The Megaminx is considerably more difficult than a 3×3, but not in the way most people expect. The fundamental solving method is similar to that of the 3×3, but the Megaminx has twelve faces instead of six, making the puzzle longer and more complex. Anyone who already has a solid grasp of the 3×3 can learn the Megaminx, but should expect a steep learning curve.

The biggest difference lies in the number of steps and the mental load involved. An average Megaminx solve takes much longer than a 3×3 solve, simply because there are more layers and more pieces. The algorithms you use are partly comparable, but the pentagonal faces require adjustments in your way of thinking. Those with experience solving a mirror cube or other shape mods will find that spatial awareness plays a major role with the Megaminx as well.

In short: the Megaminx is accessible to anyone who has already mastered the 3×3, but expect to invest more time and patience than with other puzzles.

Which Megaminx is best for beginners?

For beginners, a magnetic Megaminx from a reputable brand is the best choice. Magnets provide more stable turns and fewer misalignments, making the learning process considerably more enjoyable. Popular choices for beginners include the QiYi X-Man Volt and the MoYu Meilong Megaminx — both affordable and turning well straight out of the box.

When choosing your first Megaminx, there are a few important things to consider:

• Magnets: A magnetic version gives you more control and fewer mistakes while turning.
• Turning feel: A smooth-turning cube prevents frustration during longer solves.
• Price: As a beginner, you don’t need to buy the most expensive Megaminx. Mid-range models perform excellently.
• Color scheme: Choose a clear, easily distinguishable color scheme so you can quickly identify the faces.

With us you’ll find a selection of speedcubes and puzzles for every level, including suitable options for those just getting started with the Megaminx.

How do you solve a Megaminx?

You solve the Megaminx by following a layer-by-layer method, similar to the beginner’s method for the 3×3. You start with the white face, then work through the upper layers, and finish with the bottom half of the puzzle. Most of the algorithms you already know from the 3×3 are usable, but you apply them to pentagonal faces.

A general approach looks like this:

1. Solve the white face including the adjacent white edges.
2. Complete the first layer by correctly placing the corner pieces.
3. Continue with the middle layers by inserting edge pieces step by step.
4. Solve the bottom layers using Megaminx-specific algorithms for the last corners and edges.
5. Finish with the yellow face, similar to the OLL and PLL steps of the 3×3.

There are excellent tutorials available on YouTube that explain the Megaminx step by step. For those who already have experience with the Pyraminx or mirror cube, learning new algorithms goes relatively quickly, as spatial thinking is already well developed.

What is a good Megaminx time for Dutch competitions?

A good Megaminx time for Dutch WCA competitions is roughly between 1:30 and 2:30 minutes for recreational participants. Consistently solving under 2 minutes is above average. The very top in the Netherlands achieves times under 1 minute, but that requires years of training and advanced methods.

For comparison, world records are around 27 to 30 seconds, which shows how much room there is for improvement at every level. For someone just starting out with the Megaminx, a time under 5 minutes is already a great milestone. As you gain better command of the algorithms and improve your lookahead, your times will drop quickly.

At Dutch WCA events, the Megaminx is one of the less crowded categories, meaning that a solid average can already place you high in the rankings. That makes the Megaminx an attractive discipline for speedcubers who enjoy competing without having to go up against hundreds of participants right away. Whether you are just starting out or already more advanced, the Megaminx always offers a new challenge to work toward.