How to solve a 5x5 cube?

We solve a 5x5 cube using the reduction method. First, we solve the nine center pieces on all six faces. Next, we pair the pieces into 12 complete edge sets. Once the centers and edges are solved, we can treat the 5x5 like a 3x3 cube and finish it using standard 3x3 solving methods.

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5x5 Guide of GANCUBE

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Notation

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Adding [T]:

turning two layers of the corresponding side

Adding [']:

90 degree turn counter clockwise

Adding [2]:

180 degree turn clockwise

Adding ['2]:

180 degree turn counter clockwise

Pieces

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Steps Of Solving A 5x5x5 Cube

In this tutorial we will introduce the ‘Reduction method’ which will require us to first solve the center 9 pieces and turn the edge pieces to form an equivalent to the 3x3x3 cube. Then we will be able to quickly solve the cube using the methods for solving the 3x3x3 cube.

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1. Solve the center 9 pieces of all 6 sides

Step of Solving center pieces
STEP 1:

Find the center

STEP 2:

Solve the edge of the center

STEP 3:

Solve the corner of the center

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1. Solve the center 9 pieces of the white side

Step 1: Solve the center edge pieces

Facing the white side, move the center edge piece to be replaced to the black position shown in the figure, and then apply the corresponding formula according to the following situation until the center cross is completed.

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Step 2: Solve the center corner pieces

Facing the white side, move the center corner piece to be replaced to the black position shown in the figure, and then apply the corresponding formula based on the following situation until the white center 9 pieces is completed.

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2.Restore the yellow center first, followed by the remaining four center faces in sequence.

2. Solve 12 sets of edge pieces

Each group of edge pieces consists of 1 center edge and 2 side edges. First, the middle edge block is combined with one side edge block, and then it is combined with the remaining side edge block.

1. Merge a set of edge pieces

Step 1: Combine a side edge with a middle edge (We take blue/yellow edges as example.)

Move the middle edge pieces to the position as shown below,apply algorithm 5/6 accordingly to line up the edge pieces.

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Step 2: Merge the remaining side edges

Repeat STEP1 for the unsolved edges.

2.Repeat the above steps until 12 sets of edge pieces are restored.

Tips: If the last edge pairs can not be solved, apply Algorithm 8.

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Algorithm 8
TR2 B2 U2 TL U2 TR' U2 TR U2 F2 TR F2 TL' B2 TR2

3.Solve the cube

Now your 5x5x5 cube should look like a 3x3x3 cube. Apply the 3x3x3 methods to solve the cube.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What method do we use to solve a 5x5 cube?

We use the reduction method. We first solve the centers and pair the edge pieces, reducing the 5x5 into a structure that can be solved like a 3x3 cube.

How many center pieces do we solve on each face of a 5x5?

We solve nine center pieces on each face before moving on to edge pairing.

What do we do after pairing all 12 edges?

Once all 12 edge sets are complete, we solve the remaining puzzle using standard 3x3 methods. If we encounter the final special edge case, we use the corresponding 5x5 algorithm before continuing.