2048

2048 is a sliding number puzzle played on a 4×4 board. Every move slides all the tiles as far as they can go in one direction. When two tiles showing the same number meet, they join into a single tile worth their total: two 2s make a 4, two 4s make an 8, and so on. After each move a new tile, usually a 2, appears in an empty square. The aim is to build a tile showing 2048 before the board fills up. The original game was created in 2014 by the Italian developer Gabriele Cirulli and became popular around the world within weeks.

How to play

1. On a computer, press the arrow keys. On a phone, swipe on the board or tap the arrow buttons below it.
2. All tiles slide together in the direction you choose.
3. Two touching tiles with the same number join into one and their value is added to your score.
4. A new tile appears after every move that changes the board.
5. The game ends when the board is full and no two neighbouring tiles match.

💡 Tips for a higher score

• Choose one corner and keep your largest tile there for the whole game.
• Use mainly two directions, for example down and left, and avoid the opposite of your corner unless you have no other move.
• Build a chain along one edge with the numbers in order, such as 256, 128, 64, 32, so they can join one after another.
• Do not chase small merges in the middle of the board if they pull your big tile out of its corner.
• When the board is nearly full, slow down. One careless move usually ends the game.

Frequently asked questions