Minima 2 is pretty straightforward but it is still a tricky solve. The pieces occupy 12 voxels so there are no empty spaces with this one. There are 4 pieces to insert with one of them being large and unique which makes things easier. The large piece can only fit in one spot in one orientation, so it’s just a matter of figuring out where the other 3 pieces go. Once you’ve done that, then it’s time to assemble.
As far as the minima series goes, this one is definitely on the easy side. But it’s not trivial. In fact there is a blind move that must be done and I advise taking it slow and deliberate. It’s possible to get a piece stuck in a crooked configuration with no way to access it. The only way out of this predicament is to shake or lightly bang the puzzle to try to get the rogue piece back into position.
The other thing to note on this puzzle is that outside of the entryway, there is only one other window in the puzzle. Many of the Minima puzzles have multiple windows and it can be confusing trying to figure out why they are there and what to do with them. But with this one, there is only one window and thus only one rotation.
Overall this is a fun solve and a perfect chapter in the Minima curriculum. Having solved all the Minima puzzles I can get my hands on, I definitely notice a progression with the original 12 puzzle set. Each puzzle offers a new challenge and teaches a new lesson. These lessons will help build a knowledge base of what is possible – what rotations are possible, how much space is needed and the importance of sequence. You will begin to recognize different window shapes and placements and that will help you narrow down possibilities and visualize solutions. I don’t know if Boucher intended for these puzzles to be solved in order, but, to me, there certainly feels like a logical progression from 1 to 12.
