Play 2048 online for free, the number puzzle that is easy to start and hard to put down. Slide all the tiles on a 4×4 board, merge matching numbers and keep doubling until you build the 2048 tile. Use the arrow keys, WASD or swipe on your phone. Reach 2048 to win, then keep going for an even bigger tile and a new best score. If you close the page, your game is still there when you come back.
How to play
- Use the arrow keys or swipe to slide all tiles in one direction.
- When two tiles with the same number touch, they merge into one.
- A new tile appears after every move.
- Reach the 2048 tile to win, or keep going for a higher score.
Controls
- On a keyboard, use the arrow keys or W, A, S, D to slide every tile in that direction.
- On a phone or tablet, swipe up, down, left or right.
- Use Undo to take back your last move, or New game to start over.
Tips and strategy
- Pick one corner for your biggest tile and keep it there.
- Mostly use two or three directions. Avoid the move that would pull your big tile out of its corner.
- Build a chain of descending numbers along one edge, so tiles can merge into each other in a row.
- Keep the board as empty as you can. Merging small tiles early gives you room to maneuver.
- Save Undo for real mistakes. It only takes back one move.
Game modes and difficulty
2048 has one mode, but you decide how far to go. When you reach the 2048 tile you win and can choose Keep going to aim for 4096 and beyond. Your score grows with every merge, and your best score is saved in your browser.
History and background
2048 was created in 2014 by an Italian developer as a small weekend project and released for free. It was inspired by earlier sliding-tile number puzzles and became a worldwide hit within weeks.
Because the original code was open source, countless versions and variations followed. The game remains popular because a round takes just a few minutes, yet good players use real strategy to keep the board under control. Many people also enjoy it as a gentle way to practice powers of two.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when I reach 2048?
You win. You can then choose Keep going and try for a bigger tile and a higher score.
Can I undo a move?
Yes. You can undo your last move once.
Does 2048 work on my phone?
Yes. Just swipe in any direction. It works on phones, tablets and computers with no download.
Is my best score saved?
Yes. Your best score is stored in your browser on this device.