How To Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4: Easy Beginner Method
In this Rubik’s Cube 4×4 solution guide with 4×4 Speed Cube Video Tutorial, we learn to solve the 4×4 Cube in only 3 Steps using the easiest beginner method. This is a comprehensive Step by Step guide to learn to solve the Rubik’s 4×4 Cube in the easiest most basic way with the 3×3 Reduction Method.
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How To Solve Rubik’s Cube Video Tutorial
4×4 Walk Through Solve Beginner Method Tutorial: https://youtu.be/3U-HWJaHHwQ
Additionally I have a series of “Supplemental” videos that provide a more detailed explanation of the Steps in my Rubik’s Cube 4×4 Tutorial, including the Theory and Principles behind the Steps, along with additional Examples and Troubleshooting tips.
Titles in the 4×4 (Supplemental) Tutorial Series:
Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4 (L2C) Last 2 Centers Intuitive (SUP) Tutorial [KTFG 470]
https://youtu.be/gnBcpUzRrJU
Rubik’s Cube 4×4 Edge Flipping Fundamentals (SUP) Tutorial [KTFG 471]
https://youtu.be/g3WCRCI4Dh4
Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4 (L2E) Last 2 Edges (SUP) Tutorial [KTFG 472]
https://youtu.be/ZPwSy8PweDM
Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4 PLL Parity Intuitive (SUP) Tutorial [KTFG 473]
https://youtu.be/1Vj6gy_8-u8
Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4 OLL Parity Intuitive (SUP) Tutorial [KTFG 474]
https://youtu.be/mkwJRgwy4R4
Understanding the 4×4 Cube
The 4×4 Cube, like the 3×3 has 6 sides of different colors but unlike the 3×3, the 4×4 does not have fixed Center pieces and the Centers must be solved in the correct Color Scheme.
The 4×4 Cube has 4 Center pieces for each of 6 Centers (24 total), 24 total Edge pieces which we will call Wings and 8 Corner pieces.
(insert pic here)
The Cubes shown are the standard Wester Color Scheme with Yellow opposite White, Blue opposite Green and Red opposite Orange. I refer to this as the BOGeR Color Order, with Yellow on Top and White on Bottom the color order going clockwise is Blue, Orange, Green, Red.
Solve 4×4 Cube
3 Easy Step Beginner Method
Step 1: Solve Centers
Step 2: Pair Edges
Step 3: 3×3 Stage / Parity
4×4 Cube Terminology and Notation
Rubik’s 4×4 Notation varies from 3×3 notation because of inner layers.
Official WCA 4×4 Notation:
https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/regulations/#article-12-notation
General Notation Notes
Side/Face Names R L F B U D
Apostrophe (‘) = Prime = Counterclockwise turn
2 = Turn side 2wo 1/4 turns (180 degrees)
CW & CCW Turns are as if facing that side.
Axis Rotations same as other cubes.
Notation of Turns differing from 3×3
w = Wide turn of both Outer & Inner Layers
Lowercase Letter = Inner Layer turn only
Rw = clockwise turn of Right Outer & Inner layers.
Rw’ = counterclockwise turn.
r = clockwise turn of Right Inner layer only.
r’ = counterclockwise turn.
Lw = clockwise turn of Left Outer & Inner layers.
Lw’ = counterclockwise turn.
l = clockwise turn of Left Inner layer only.
l’ = counterclockwise turn.
So on and so forth for U, D, F, B.
Unofficial (older) Notation
Upper case & lower case = Wide turns
Rr = Rw, so on and so forth.
4×4 Cube Beginner Method Tutorial
Video Time Stamps
Step 1: Solve Centers (Top & Bottom)
Step 1: Solve Centers (BOGR)
Step 1: Solve Centers (Last 2 Centers)
Step 2: Pair Edges (Top & Bottom)
Step 2: Pair Edges (Last 4 Edges)
Step 2: Pair Edges (Last 2 Edges)
Step 3: 3×3 Stage (F2L)
Step 3: 3×3 Stage (OLL Parity)
Step 3: 3×3 Stage (PLL Parity)
Conclusion (Message from Emily)
Step 1: Solve Centers
There are many methods to solve Centers and while we can start with any color we like, its better for beginners to start with the White Bottom Followed by the Yellow Top, then solve the rest in BOGR order, starting with Blue, followed by Orange, then Green & Red.
In order to solve centers we want to form Bars which is any 2 Center pieces connected, then join 2 bars together. In order to form a Bar we just need to find 2 Center pieces and move them in a manner that they will pair forming a bar.
(insert Bar pics here)
After Solving the White Then Yellow Centers we turn the Cube in its’ side with Yellow to the Right and white to the Left and solve the Blue Center followed by the Orange.
(insert pic here)
Last Two Centers (L2C)
Now we are down to the last 2 Centers Green and Red, which will solve simultaneously. There are only 4 possible patterns for the Last 2 Centers but they all solve with the same principle of forming bars. We just need to be certain to solve then in the correct color order. BOGR Blue Orange Green Red, so we will always end with green facing and Red on top.
Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4 (L2C) Intuitive https://youtu.be/gnBcpUzRrJU
L2C Cases:
Case 1: Bars / Bars
Case 2: 3/1 / 3/1
Case 3: Checker / Bars
Case 4: Checker / Checker
Case 0: Swapped Colors
Step 2: Pair Edges
Now we have to join individual Edges or “Wings” into Solved Edge Pairs. We can start pairing any Edge colors we like but for beginners its better to start with the White Bottom first, then the Yellow Top, followed the sides last.
(insert pics and diagrams here)
Bottom White Edges First
Yellow Top Edges Next
Last 4 Edges
Last 2 Edges
Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4 (L2E) Tutorial https://youtu.be/ZPwSy8PweDM
Step 3: 3×3 Stage / Parity
4×4 F2L
The 4×4 Cube is now reduced to the equivalent of a 3×3 Cube and can be solved as such… Unless you get a Parity. There are 2 Possible parities and you have a 50/50 chance of getting each so a 75% change of getting 1 or both parities and 25% chance of not getting any parity.
50/50 Chance of each parity
25% Chance of both Parities
25% Chance of OLL Parity Only
25% Chance of PLL Parity Only
25% Chance of No Parity
Solve 4×4 OLL Parity
We can solve this “Odd” OLL Parity intuitively without the need for complicated algorithms or by using the following long difficult Parity Algorithm.
4×4 OLL Parity Algorithm:
Rw2 B2 U2 Lw U2 Rw’ U2 Rw U2 F2 Rw F2 Lw’ B2 Rw2
Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4 OLL Parity Intuitive Tutorial: https://youtu.be/mkwJRgwy4R4
Solve 4×4 PLL Parity
We can solve this PLL Parity intuitively without the need for algorithms just by using cube Edge flipping principles we have already learned here, or by using a super easy Parity Algorithm.
4×4 PLL Parity Algorithm:
r2 U2 r2 Uw2 r2 u2
Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4 PLL Parity Intuitive Tutorial: https://youtu.be/1Vj6gy_8-u8
The PLL Parity can show itself in many different forms as seen in the stellar graphics below and in the video giving showing each case.
PLL Parity Forms or Cases:
Parity Cases Overview
Edges Across
Edges Adjacent
Edges CW
Edges CCW
Edges Scattered CW
Edges Scattered CCW
Corners Diagonal
Corners Same Side
Congrats you have learned to the solve the Rubik’s Cube 4×4!
Titles in the 4×4 (Supplemental) Tutorial Series:
Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4 (L2C) Last 2 Centers Intuitive (SUP) Tutorial [KTFG 470]
Rubik’s Cube 4×4 Edge Flipping Fundamentals (SUP) Tutorial [KTFG 471]
Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4 (L2E) Last 2 Edges (SUP) Tutorial [KTFG 472]
Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4 PLL Parity Intuitive (SUP) Tutorial [KTFG 473]
Solve Rubik’s Cube 4×4 OLL Parity Intuitive (SUP) Tutorial [KTFG 474]
Rubik’s Puzzle Tutorial Videos:
Learn How to Fail Properly: https://youtu.be/NRWG0MfrAXg
Rubik’s Cube 2×2 Beginner Method: https://youtu.be/UYCeyu_pbTI
Rubik’s Cube 2×2 Intermediate Method: https://youtu.be/fDfpjC-GPBM
Rubik’s Cube 2×2 Ortega Method: https://youtu.be/dZFXDVYft04
Rubik’s Cube 3×3 Beginner Method: https://youtu.be/9spDGBeWl1o
Rubik’s Cube 3×3 Intermediate Method:
Rubik’s Cube 3×3 Intuitive F2L:
Rubik’s Cube 4×4 Beginner Method: https://youtu.be/3U-HWJaHHwQ
Rubik’s cube 4×4 L2C: https://youtu.be/gnBcpUzRrJU
Rubik’s Cube 4×4 L2E: https://youtu.be/ZPwSy8PweDM
Rubik’s Cube 4×4 OLL Parity: https://youtu.be/mkwJRgwy4R4
Rubik’s Cube 4×4 PLL Parity: https://youtu.be/1Vj6gy_8-u8
Rubik’s Cube 5×5 Beginner Method:
Rubik’s cube 5×5 L2C:
Rubik’s Cube 5×5 L2E:
Rubik’s Cube 5×5 Parity:
Pyraminx Beginner Method: https://youtu.be/gKbJOAeEkNI
Pyraminx Intermediate Method: https://youtu.be/Jl-DhDrWWNE
Skewb Beginner Method: https://youtu.be/_JaS0XB2xw4
Megaminx Beginner Method: https://youtu.be/iAf8zbq0HH8
Megaminx Intermediat Method:
Megaminx LL Beginner Method: https://youtu.be/s1FNwfFdrTM
Megaminx LL Intermediate Method:
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