3D Puzzles : Tips & Tricks
Classic jigsaw puzzles can be difficult to put together, but 3D jigsaw puzzles can be more complicated. Here's what you need to know about them.
What you need to know about 3D puzzles
What is a 3D puzzle?
Like traditional jigsaw puzzles, 3D jigsaw puzzles are also known as "brainteasers". Unlike 2D puzzles, 3D puzzles take shape in space. Generally speaking, they represent monuments and famous sites, or a spherical ball. The themes of 3D puzzle constructions can be very varied. But whether it's a Ravensburger, Wrebbit, DToys, Cubic Fun or Pintoo 3D puzzle, the game principle is generally the same.
How do I play a 3D puzzle?
Whether it's a 3D puzzle made of wood or another material, here are the steps to follow to make a 3D puzzle easily:
- Sort the puzzle pieces by colour;
- Sort the puzzle pieces by illustration (pieces with similar illustrations);
- Sort puzzle pieces by shape (generally speaking, the pieces that form the outline of the 3D puzzle have straight lines, mortises or tenons, those with protrusions and hollows make up the central part, and some pieces may also have a curved shape);
- Create sub-categories by grouping similar parts together. To do this, you need to pay particular attention to the details of the colours or patterns;
- Depending on the type of 3D puzzle, if it's a monument for example, start assembling from the bottom.
- If it's an object, such as a car, it's possible to assemble different parts and unite the whole at the end. Parts with edges usually form the frame of structures. Ideally, you should always start your 3D puzzle with the main frame. This could be a chassis, a framework or a skeleton.
What are the most popular 3D puzzle themes?
Here are the most popular 3D puzzle themes:
- For monuments : Eiffel Tower (illuminated Eiffel Tower); Statue of Liberty; Big Ben; Arc de Triomphe; Empire State Building; Football stadium (Velodrome stadium, Parc des Princes, etc.); Notre Dame de Paris; Coliseum; Taj Mahal; Tower of Pisa; Mont Saint Michel; Buckingham Palace.
- For films/cartoons: Harry Potter; Star Wars; Disney (Disney castle); Patrouille; Pokémon; The Snow Queen; Titanic; Cars.
- Other popular themes include: Dinosaurs; Horses; Cities (Paris, London, New York); Trains.
A 3D puzzle for every age
It is indeed possible to find a children's 3D puzzle and an adult 3D puzzle. However, whether for young or old, the most important thing to remember is that 3D puzzles help to improve spatial orientation, fine motor skills and the ability to observe. The aim is also to make geometric associations between the different pieces.
3D puzzles for children
For children, the ideal choice is a 3D puzzle with a minimum number of pieces, depending on their level. A child who has already had experience with Legos or other educational games and toys, for example, will have an easier time with a 3D puzzle.
Ideally, you should opt for a model with a theme that interests them, such as the Cars, Snow Queen or animal-themed 3D puzzles. Alternatively, for a child aged 8 to 11, for example, a 3D jigsaw puzzle with 50 to 180 pieces will do just fine.
3D puzzles for adults
Adults can opt for a more complex and elaborate 3D puzzle. Generally speaking, models for adults can be made up of 500 pieces or more.
