TIC Vault by Andrew Crowell

This puzzle need no more introduction. As of May 2, 2025, TIC Vault was ranked on MPD as the 4th favorite sequential discovery puzzles released since July 1, 2022. Previously it also received a Jury Honorable Mention at the 2023 Puzzle Design Competition.

From the designer, Andrew Crowell: "TIC Vault is a hybrid puzzle, combining Sequential Discovery puzzle box aspects with a Turning Interlocking Cube (TIC) puzzle.  The TIC portion has a unique feature, but should not frighten anyone, it just requires a bit of logic.  There are 2 goals to the puzzle. First, is to unlock the vault.  Second, is to find your unique ID number.  Because each puzzle will have a unique ID number associated with it."

A note on 3d print tolerances: I discovered that one step of the solve can be performed a bit earlier (if you discover it earlier :-)). I have confirmed with the designer, Andrew Crowell, that this does not impact the core logic or meaningfully change the solve. I also noticed a similar behavior in a solve video of this puzzle, so it is likely not uncommon given the nature of PLA.

The puzzle currently sold out on ARC Puzzles at $240. I purchased it on March, 2025 as the first owner, and solved and resolved it a few times with care.

The puzzle is located in the US. Shipping costs $10-12 within US. PayPal F&F is appreciated.