How to play 2048
The game starts with two tiles on a 4 by 4 board. Each tile shows a number, and every tile begins life as a 2 or, less often, a 4.
When you choose a direction, every tile on the board slides as far as it can that way until it hits the wall or another tile. If two tiles with the same number bump into each other, they merge into a single tile worth their sum: two 8s become a 16, two 16s become a 32, and so on. A tile can only merge once per move, so a row of 4, 4, 4, 4 pushed left becomes 8, 8 rather than 16.
After every move that changes the board, a new 2 or 4 appears in a random empty square. A move that would not shift any tile does nothing and does not spawn a new tile.
- Score: each merge adds the value of the new tile to your score.
- Best: your highest score is saved in this browser.
- Winning: create a 2048 tile and you win. You can then press Keep going to aim for 4096 and beyond.
- Game over: when the board is full and no neighbouring tiles match, no move is possible and the round ends.
Press New game at any time to start over with a fresh board.
Controls
| Desktop | Click the board once, then use the arrow keys or W, A, S, D to slide every tile at once. |
|---|---|
| Mobile | Swipe up, down, left or right anywhere on the board to slide the tiles. |
Tips and strategy
Pick a corner and stay loyal to it
The most reliable approach is to keep your largest tile parked in one corner, for example the bottom left. Most of your moves should then be down and left, with right used as the third option. Avoid the fourth direction (up, in this example) unless there is truly nothing else, because it tends to pull your big tile out of its corner and let a small tile slip underneath it.
Build a chain along the edge
Once your biggest tile is in the corner, try to line up the next biggest tiles beside it in descending order, such as 256, 128, 64, 32 along the bottom row. This “snake” lets you merge down the chain: when a 32 arrives next to the 32, it becomes a 64, which can then combine with the 64, and so on, collapsing the whole row in a few moves.
Keep the key row full
If your corner row has a gap, a new 2 can appear there and block your chain. Keeping the bottom row completely filled means sideways moves will not disturb it.
- Before every move, glance at where the new tile could appear and whether it could trap a large tile.
- Merge small tiles early. A board cluttered with 2s and 4s runs out of space quickly.
- Do not chase a merge in the middle of the board if it drags your big tile away from its corner.
- When you are forced to press the unwanted direction, follow it immediately with the opposite move to restore your structure.
Think one move ahead
Ask yourself what the board will look like after the slide, not just which pair merges. Sometimes the move that merges nothing but keeps the edges tidy is better than a flashy merge that leaves holes. Patience pays: steady, tidy play is how you reach 2048 and keep climbing.
About 2048
2048 belongs to a family of sliding-tile number puzzles that became hugely popular in 2014, when a free web version spread quickly and inspired countless variations. The idea is elegant: one simple rule (equal numbers combine), a small grid and a steady supply of new tiles create a game that is easy to learn but surprisingly deep.
Because every tile value is a power of two, the game also gives a gentle, hands-on feel for doubling. Reaching 2048 takes hundreds of merges, which is why a calm, planned style beats fast random swiping.
The version on this page is our own implementation, written from scratch for the browser. It runs entirely on your device, works with a keyboard or touch screen, and saves your best score locally so you can keep chasing a new personal record.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to keep playing after reaching 2048?
Yes. When the 2048 tile appears you will see a win message with a Keep going button. Press it to continue on the same board and try for 4096 or higher.
Why did nothing happen when I pressed a key?
A move only counts if at least one tile can slide or merge in that direction. If the whole board is already pushed that way, the move is ignored and no new tile appears. Also make sure you have clicked the board so the game is receiving your key presses.
How is the score calculated?
Every time two tiles merge, the value of the new tile is added to your score. Merging two 64s, for example, adds 128 points.
Is my best score saved?
Your best score is stored in your browser's local storage on this device. Clearing site data or using a private window will reset it.
