The Pandora Cube is a shape mod from MoYu, sold under its sub-brand MoFang JiaoShi (MFJS): inside it’s a 3x3, but on the outside it has protruding corners, sunken edges and enlarged centres. Once scrambled it no longer looks like a cube, and it only regains its shape when it’s solved again.

• BrandMoYu (MFJS)
• Type3x3 shape mod
• MagnetsNo
• ColourBlack

What is a shape mod?

A shape mod is a puzzle that keeps the mechanism of a well-known one, in this case the 3x3, but changes the outer shape of the pieces. Because the pieces are different sizes, every turn distorts the whole thing and the puzzle takes on irregular silhouettes while it’s scrambled.

How it’s solved

It’s solved exactly like a 3x3: the same moves and the same order of steps. What changes is reading the puzzle, because the pieces don’t look like those of a normal cube and you have to get used to recognising them by their shape. For anyone who can already solve the 3x3, the challenge is moderate; many people choose it mainly for its looks.

Who it’s for

It suits anyone who already knows the 3x3 and wants a different variant without learning a new method, or anyone who collects shape mods. This version has a black body.