2048
Play 2048 online with arrow keys or a swipe. Combine matching tiles, protect your open spaces, and work toward the 2048 tile on a classic four-by-four board.
How to play 2048
- Press an arrow key, swipe across the board, or use a direction button.
- All tiles slide as far as they can in that direction.
- Two equal tiles merge once per move, adding their new value to your score.
- Plan around the new 2 or 4 tile that appears after a valid move.
- Reach 2048, then continue if you wish. The game ends when no moves remain.
Controls: Arrow keys, swipe gestures, or on-screen direction buttons.
A board with just sixteen spaces becomes a lesson in planning in 2048. Slide all tiles in one direction to bring equal values together. Each matched pair becomes a single tile worth twice as much, and a new tile appears after every successful move. Your score grows with the values you combine. The challenge is to build toward 2048 without filling the grid with tiles that cannot merge. You can keep playing after reaching the target or start fresh whenever you like. Arrow keys and touch swipes offer the same rules on a desktop or phone.
A few useful tips
- Keep your largest tile near one corner when possible.
- Build a descending line of values along an edge.
- Leave empty spaces so an unexpected new tile does not trap you.
Find your next puzzle
Frequently asked questions
Can I play 2048 on my phone?
Yes. Swipe across the board or tap the direction buttons below it.
Why did a tile not merge twice?
A tile can participate in only one merge per move. You need another move to combine the resulting tile again.
Does reaching 2048 stop the game?
You receive a success message, but can continue merging toward larger tiles until the board has no legal moves.