2048
Slide the tiles. Join equal numbers to reach 2048.
How to play 2048
2048 is a sliding number puzzle for one player. The board is a 4×4 grid. Each tile shows a number: 2, 4, 8, 16 and so on. When two tiles with the same number touch, they join into one tile worth twice as much.
Goal
Join tiles until you make a tile with 2048 on it. After that you can keep going for a higher score.
Turn by turn
- Choose a direction: up, down, left or right. Use the arrow keys (or W, A, S, D) on a keyboard, or swipe on the board with your finger.
- All tiles slide as far as they can in that direction, until they hit the edge or another tile.
- Two tiles with the same number that slide into each other join into one. Two 4s make an 8. A tile can only join once per move, so a row of 2, 2, 2, 2 becomes 4, 4 and not 8.
- After every move, a new tile appears on an empty square. It is usually a 2, and sometimes a 4.
- If a move would not change the board, nothing happens and no new tile appears.
Score
Each time two tiles join, the value of the new tile is added to your score. Your best score is saved in this browser. Made a mistake? Press Undo to take back your last move.
End of the game
When you make a 2048 tile, you win. You can then press Keep going and try for 4096 or more. The game ends when the board is full and no two touching tiles are the same, so no move is left. Your game is saved, so you can close the page and come back later. Like quick puzzles? Try Block Puzzle or Sudoku next.
Strategy tips
- Pick a corner. Keep your biggest tile in one corner and build around it. Most good players use a bottom corner.
- Use mostly two or three directions. If your big tile sits in the bottom-left corner, press down and left most of the time. Use right when you must, and up only as a last resort.
- Keep the edge row full. A full bottom row cannot shift sideways, so your big tile stays put when you press left or right.
- Build a chain. Line up tiles in falling order next to your corner, like 512, 256, 128, 64. Then one move can join them all in a row.
- Do not chase small merges. Joining two 2s far from your corner can break your layout. Think about where the new tile will land.
2048 FAQ
Can I keep playing after I reach 2048?
Yes. When you make the 2048 tile, press Keep going. You can try for 4096, 8192 and beyond until the board fills up.
Why did a row of four 2s turn into two 4s?
Each tile can join only once per move. The first two 2s make a 4, the next two make another 4. Slide again to join the two 4s into an 8.
How does Undo work?
Undo takes back your last move, including the new tile that appeared. You can undo one move at a time, and it also works right after the game ends.
Is my game saved?
Yes. The board, score and best score are saved in this browser. Close the page and your game will be waiting when you come back.
