How to Play 2048
- Swipe on the board (or use the keyboard arrows) to move all the tiles in one direction.
- When two tiles with the same number collide, they merge into one with their sum: 2 + 2 = 4, 4 + 4 = 8, and so on.
- After every move a new tile appears (a 2 or, sometimes, a 4).
- You win when you create the 2048 tile, but you can keep playing to score more points. The game ends when there are no moves left.
Tips for Reaching 2048
2048 looks like a game of chance, but it has a strategy. The best known one is to pick a corner for your biggest tile and never move it out: use mostly two directions (for example, left and down) and only use the third when you have no other choice.
Keep the big tiles lined up in a row, from largest to smallest, so they can merge in a chain. Avoid leaving small tiles trapped between two big ones, and don't fill the board needlessly: every merge frees up a cell.
Everything happens in your browser and nothing is sent to any server. Your game in progress and your best score are saved on your device.
Good to Know
- Your best score and the game in progress are saved only in this browser: if you clear the site data, they are lost.
- When you swipe on the board on a phone, the page does not scroll; swipe outside the board to scroll the page.
- You can undo several moves in a row with the Undo button or the Z key.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I play on a phone?
Swipe your finger on the board up, down, left or right. All the tiles move in that direction.
How do you win at 2048?
Slide the tiles to merge those with the same number (2+2, 4+4…) until you make the 2048 tile. It helps to keep your biggest tile in a corner and to move mostly in two directions.
Can I keep playing after reaching 2048?
Yes. When you create the 2048 tile you can choose Keep going and keep scoring points until there are no moves left.
Can I undo a move?
Yes. The Undo button (or the Z key) takes you back to the previous move, and you can repeat it several times.
Is my game saved?
Yes, in your browser. If you close the page and come back, your game and best score are still there.
Is it free? Do I need to install anything?
It is free, needs no sign-up and runs right in your browser, on a phone, tablet or computer.