2048

2048 is a free number puzzle where you slide tiles and join equal numbers until you make the 2048 tile. This version runs in your browser with no download or sign up, works on phones and computers, and keeps working offline once the page has loaded.

Inspired by: 2048, the sliding number puzzle from 2014.

How to play 2048

1. Slide all the tiles in one direction with the arrow keys, WASD or a swipe.
2. When two tiles with the same number touch, they join into one tile with double the value.
3. After every move a new 2 or 4 appears on the board.
4. Join tiles until you make 2048. You can keep playing after that for a higher score.
5. The game ends when the board is full and no tiles can be joined.
6. You get one undo per game. Use it when a move goes wrong.

Controls

• Keyboard: Arrow keys or WASD slide the tiles. P or Esc to pause.
• Mouse: Click the Undo button to take back your last move, once per game.
• Touch screen: Swipe up, down, left or right anywhere on the board.

Tips to score higher

• Pick one corner for your biggest tile and never move it away.
• Use only three directions as much as you can, for example left, down and right, and press up only when you must.
• Keep your large numbers in a row along one edge, in order, so they can join in a chain.
• Save your undo for a moment when the board is nearly full.

The story behind 2048

2048 was made by Gabriele Cirulli, a young Italian developer, and released in March 2014. He wrote it over a weekend and it was inspired by earlier games like 1024 and Threes. It spread quickly across the web and became one of the most played puzzle games of that year, with many copies and versions on phones. The rules fit in one line, yet the game asks for real planning. If you remember the long train rides and waiting rooms where everybody was sliding tiles on a phone, this one is for you.

Questions players ask

Is 2048 free to play here?

Yes. It is free, with no sign up, no download and no in-game purchases.

What happens after I reach 2048?

A message appears and you can choose Keep going. The tiles keep joining into 4096 and beyond.

Can I undo a move?

Yes, once per game. The Undo button takes back your last move and the new tile that came with it.

How do I play on a phone?

Swipe in any direction on the board. All tiles slide that way at once.

Is there a way to always win?

No sure method exists, but keeping your biggest tile in a corner and moving in only a few directions helps a lot.