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7 Things to Consider Before Buying Your First 3D Puzzle

7 Things to Consider Before Buying Your First 3D Puzzle

To many, 3D puzzles are a momentary escape from reality, a therapeutic retreat from the hectic world of today. Couple that with how they are bound to hone your cognitive skills, and you have plenty of reasons to try them out yourself. And, once you’re done assembling your very first 3D structure, a magnificent wonder awaits, the kind you can easily put on display and amaze your friends with.


Exciting as the idea may be, it’s recommended to step back for a bit and think things through. After all, this is going to be your first experience with a 3D puzzle, so it makes sense to make it an enjoyable one. For instance, you shouldn’t go for the hardest 3D puzzles straight off the bat - you’ll give up prematurely, which would be a shame. Now let’s take a look at what else goes into the equation of picking a suitable one.


1. Design and theme


Do you have a thing for animals? Are gigantic buildings and robotic structures more to your liking? Look for a theme that resonates with what you’re passionate about. It may sound trivial, but in reality, it shares a deep link with your interests.


In other words, you’ll be much more motivated to get started and complete it if it presses the right buttons of your soul. So if we were to pretend this is the only factor that comes into play when choosing a 3D puzzle, pick something you’d love to put on display after finishing it.


2. Assembly method


Did you know that there are certain 3D puzzles that require special tools to assemble? The good news is that you’ll often receive these tools as part of the bundle, but some may prefer one method of assembly over the other. Even if you’re adamant on using your hands exclusively, some mechanisms rely on the snap-in method, others you’ll have to twist or slide into place, etc. There are even some 3D puzzles that feature a magnet mechanism. Take your pick!


3. Time commitment


How much time do you have on your hands? Can you afford to spend an entire afternoon solving a puzzle or would you rather pick up something to fiddle with while watching a movie? Different 3D puzzles require a different amount of time commitment, and this is closely tied to the concept of varying difficulty levels we’ve discussed in one of our previous posts. In terms of time commitment, this translates as follows:


  • Easy 3D puzzles: 1-3 hours to solve

  • Medium 3D puzzles: 5-10 hours to solve

  • Hard 3D puzzles: 20+ hours to solve


Mind that one difficulty group isn’t necessarily better than the others; it all comes down to your unique tastes and preferences. As a beginner, you should try your hand at one of the easier puzzles before upping the difficulty level.


4. Material type


3D puzzles come in a wide array of materials, each with their own distinct texture and feel. Beyond mere aesthetics, this also affects their durability aspect - for instance, metal 3D puzzles tend to be tougher than their wooden counterparts.


Technically, there is even such a thing as 3D puzzles made out of cardboard or foam board; these are a great option for small kids, since you won’t have to worry about them swallowing something potentially dangerous.


If you have a tight grip (or are prone to outbursts of rage when you just can’t figure things out), go with metal 3D puzzles. If aesthetics are a priority, wooden 3D puzzles are some of the most visually appealing options. This is by no means a rule, however - more of a guideline.


To summarize some of the popular 3D puzzle material types:


  • Wood

  • Metal

  • Plastic

  • Foam


5. Skill level


You should also choose your first 3D puzzle based on your existing level of experience and appetite for challenging yourself. If you’ve never even held one of these in your hands, it’s probably best to start with a beginner-level puzzle. It should be composed of no more than 100 individual pieces, otherwise you’ll get overwhelmed.


After you’ve become comfortable with solving some of these, it’s time to move on to medium difficulty. These puzzles kick things up a notch by introducing intricate shapes and moving parts.


Finally, when you’re ready for the ultimate challenge, give the hardest 3D puzzles a try, the kind that play around with the concept of interlocking systems, gears, mechanical structures and more. The idea is to find a fine line between challenge and fun - misjudge your own capabilities, and you could end up either frustrated or bored.


6. Price range


While the price tag should never be the only consideration, it certainly is something to bear in mind. So with that in mind, what’s a good price you should be paying? The answer depends on the 3D puzzle material quality and several other factors. You should be asking yourself questions such as:


  • Is it built to last?

  • Is it from a reputable brand?

  • Are there multiple pieces involved?

  • Does it have special features like lights and moving parts?


You should factor all of this in to determine if the 3D puzzle’s price tag is justified. Generally speaking, reputable brands are known for precision engineering and making sure to use only high-quality materials that won’t bend or break as easily. They’ll also go out of their way to include helpful instructions so you’ll have an easier time assembling it.


Speaking of which…


7. Instruction clarity


Having clear instructions at hand contributes to a much more fulfilling experience overall. However, it’s crucial for the manual to be easy-to-read; nowadays, simply having it is no longer enough. At the end of the day, having an illustrated guide is much more helpful than having to stare at an endless wall of text.


In addition, it certainly helps if individual pieces are numbered and the instructions do a good job at explaining their functionality. As you probably know already, solving 3D puzzles requires a sequential approach, and that’s what numbers are for. And, if there is some form of video materials accompanying the written instructions, even better (although certainly not a must).


Conclusion


From budget and all the way to skill level, there are many things that go into picking a 3D puzzle. But if we were to condense it down to a single thing, it’s simply what captures your attention the most. The next important aspect would be nailing the right level of challenge; something that doesn’t bore or frustrate you.


Armed with what you now know, it’s time to hunt down that perfect 3D puzzle!

 

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