A little bit is fine, but it’s supposed to be a modeling and composition exercise. The rules only exist to motivate you.
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Super happy to see the challenge back this year as the 2024 challenge was instrumental in me learning Blender last year! Thank you for putting it together <3
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Are we allowed to use the bevel modifier, since that’s not technically edit mode?
Sure, as long as they are still identifiably cuboid, softening the corners can’t hurt that much.
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Have a look back through other peoples entries.
It will give you a far better example of what people get away with!
Esp @DNorman BBQ Volcano entry.
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Bevel modifier is pretty standard in my entries. My entries this year have more elaborate lighting and compositing than I did before as I’m experimenting with a bit more cinematic mood. Materials are rather simple and always procedural.
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1st timer here. I’m going for all 10!
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Do it! It’s fun!
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Glad to see this is back, I checked around Dec. 1st, wasn’t going on so bummed. I hope I can eek something out.
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block.blend (1.0 MB)
“Ten Cubes” is such a simple thing. Yet, I am always amazed at the creativity and variety of it. (My own puny entry this year not included.) It is one of the highlights of the year . . . and a testimony of simply playing with (!) . . . Blender. May we always continue to do so.
“It’s not the ‘Ten Cubes.’ It’s what you find to do with them.” I hope that we never forget the magic of “CG” and Blender. 
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Thank you for your kind words. It is one of the things I am proudest of in this community. I’ve seen dozens of new users first posts be 10 cubes. I’ve seen people who haven’t posted in over a decade post 10 cubes. I’ve seen excited newbies and seasoned pros side by side. It has a universal appeal that I am constantly surprised by.
It’s also a challenge that is unique to CG. You can’t smash cubes through each other as easily and fluidly in any other medium.
There is something truly special about it, and I can’t quite put my finger on it.
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So now finally it got its proper place and badges 
Thanks to @bartv (and maybe someoen else ?) for all the work and moving the entries.
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Yes there is.
I dont know what the magic is either but its great being part of it, and I like the way it makes me think.
Thanks.
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That’s great news, I got loads of notifications saying @bartv edited all my ten cubes posts to recategorize them.
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Ah yes that was me I (finally) set up the category and the badge system, and moved all the posts to their right place.
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That’s great, no more ten cubes entries filling up the finished projects. Will ten cubes works still be featured on Blender Nation?
I’m including them in the regular weekly overviews.
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