4×4 Beginner's Guide: How to Solve a Rubik's Revenge
The 4×4 Rubik's Cube (Rubik's Revenge) is the next challenge after mastering the 3×3! With movable centers and edge pairing, it introduces new concepts while building on what you already know. Ready to level up?
What You'll Learn
- The Reduction Method: solving 4×4 by converting it to 3×3
- Center solving strategies for all 6 faces
- Edge pairing techniques to create 12 paired edges
- How to identify and fix parity errors
Understanding the 4×4 Cube: Core Concepts
The 4×4 introduces several new concepts that don't exist on the 3×3:
Movable Centers (Unlike 3×3)
- ✓The 4×4 has 24 center pieces (4 per face) that can move around
- ✓You must solve centers first to establish color scheme
- ✓Centers can be scrambled and need to be reassembled
Edge Pairing is Required
- ✓The 4×4 has 24 edge pieces that must be paired into 12 double-edges
- ✓Edge pairing is the most time-consuming step for beginners
- ✓Once paired, edges behave like 3×3 edges
The Reduction Method
- ✓Solve centers first (6 center blocks of 4 pieces each)
- ✓Pair all edges (12 paired edges total)
- ✓Solve the resulting 'virtual 3×3' using your 3×3 method
Parity Errors (New Challenge)
- ✓Even-layered cubes (4×4, 6×6) can have unsolvable-looking states
- ✓Two types: OLL parity (single flipped edge) and PLL parity (swapped edges)
- ✓Special algorithms exist to fix parity—it's not a mistake!
Reading 4×4 Notation: Beyond the Basics
The 4×4 uses all standard 3×3 notation plus new moves for inner layers:
🎯Basic Face Moves (Same as 3×3):
Fouter front faceRouter right faceUouter top faceLouter left faceDouter bottom faceBouter back face🔄Inner Slice Moves (NEW for 4×4):
rinner right slicelinner left sliceuinner top slicedinner bottom slicefinner front slicebinner back slice↔️Wide Moves (2 Layers):
RwRw (or r) - turn R and r together (2 layers)LwLw (or l) - turn L and l together (2 layers)Wide moves turn 2 layers together (outer + inner)
⚡The Symbols:
RClockwise 90°R'Counter-clockwise 90°R2180° rotationThe 4-Step Reduction Method
This is the beginner-friendly approach to solving the 4×4. Follow these steps in order:
Goal: Create six solid 2×2 center blocks, one for each color. Start with white centers, then move to yellow (opposite face), then complete the four side colors. Use intuitive moves to bring center pieces together. Tip: Solve opposite colors together (white/yellow, red/orange, blue/green) to maintain relative positioning. Use slice moves (r, u, f) to move pieces without disrupting completed centers.
✓ Success Check: All 6 faces should have solid 2×2 center blocks. The centers establish your color scheme for the rest of the solve.
Goal: Match all edge pieces into 12 double-edge pairs. Find two matching edge pieces and bring them to the top layer. Use the slice-flip-slice algorithm (r U r' or Rw U Rw') to pair them together. Work systematically: pair all white edges first (4 pairs), then yellow edges (4 pairs), then remaining middle layer edges (4 pairs). Store completed pairs on the bottom layer to keep them safe while working on new pairs.
✓ Success Check: You should have 12 fully paired edges. Each pair acts as a single 3×3 edge. No loose edge pieces should remain.
Goal: Use your 3×3 beginner method to solve the paired cube. Now that centers are solved and edges are paired, the 4×4 behaves exactly like a 3×3! Use the exact same method you learned for 3×3: white cross, white corners, middle layer, yellow cross, orient yellow corners, permute last layer. Treat each center block as a single center piece, and each edge pair as a single edge. Important: If you encounter a seemingly impossible situation (single flipped edge or swapped edges), don't worry—you have parity, which we'll fix in Step 4.
✓ Success Check: The cube should look solved, OR you may encounter a parity error. If you see a single flipped edge or two swapped edges, proceed to Step 4.
Goal: Resolve any parity errors that prevent final solving. Two types of parity exist: OLL Parity (one edge appears flipped) - use the algorithm r2 U2 r2 Uw2 r2 Uw2 to flip the edge. PLL Parity (two edges swapped) - use a specific PLL parity algorithm, then apply a 3×3 PLL algorithm. Not all solves have parity! About 50% of 4×4 solves complete at Step 3. If you see parity, apply the fix algorithm and continue with 3×3 solving as needed.
⚠️ Important: Parity errors only occur on even-layered cubes (4×4, 6×6, etc.). If you encounter a seemingly unsolvable situation during the 3×3 stage, you likely have a parity error. Don't worry—specific algorithms exist to fix them!
✓ Success Check: Congratulations! Your 4×4 cube should now be completely solved. All centers are solid 2×2 blocks, all edges are paired and positioned correctly, and all corners are in place.
Complete 4×4 Reduction Method Algorithms
| Step | Goal / Action | Algorithm / Key Moves | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Solve All 6 Centers | Solve All 6 Centers (2×2 blocks) | (Intuitive) | Use intuitive moves and slice moves (r, u, f). Solve opposite colors together. |
| Step 2: Pair All 12 Edges | Pair All 12 Edges | r U r' / Rw U Rw' | Basic pairing: r U r'. Store completed pairs on bottom layer. |
| Step 3: Solve Like a 3×3 Cube | Solve as 3×3 Cube | (Use 3×3 Method) | Use your complete 3×3 beginner method. Treat center blocks and edge pairs as single pieces. |
| Step 4: Fix Parity Errors (If Needed) | Fix Parity Errors (if encountered) | r2 U2 r2 Uw2 r2 Uw2 | OLL parity algorithm. Apply when you see a single flipped edge or swapped edges. Not all solves need this. |
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Not Solving Centers First
Always solve centers before edges! Without fixed centers (like on 3×3), you must establish the color scheme first. Trying to pair edges before centers leads to confusion and wasted effort.
Breaking Paired Edges During 3×3 Stage
After pairing edges, they can still be broken apart if you turn inner slices (r, l, etc.). Only use outer face moves (R, L, U, D, F, B) during the 3×3 solving stage.
Panicking at Parity Errors
Seeing a single flipped edge or two swapped edges is NOT a mistake—it's parity! This is a normal part of 4×4 solving. Simply apply the parity fix algorithm and continue.
Inefficient Edge Pairing
Don't search randomly for edge pieces. Work systematically: complete all white edges first, then yellow, then middle layer edges. Store completed pairs safely on the bottom layer.
Not Using Slice Moves for Centers
Trying to solve centers using only outer layer moves is extremely inefficient. Learn to use inner slice moves (r, l, u, d, f, b) to move center pieces without disrupting other centers.
FAQs & Pro Tips
🚀 Next Moves
Learning Resources
- World Cube Association (WCA)– Official 4×4 competition rules and world records.
- SpeedSolving.com Wiki– Advanced 4×4 methods, parity algorithms, and community discussion.