2048 game: play free online
Slide the tiles and join matching numbers to reach the 2048 tile. Works with arrow keys or swipes, and your game is saved automatically.
How to play 2048
- Use the arrow keys (or swipe on a phone) to slide every tile on the board in one direction.
- When two tiles with the same number touch, they merge into one tile worth their sum: 2 + 2 = 4, 4 + 4 = 8, and so on.
- After every move a new tile (a 2, or sometimes a 4) appears in an empty square.
- Make a 2048 tile to win. You can keep playing for a higher score. The game ends when the board is full and no move can merge anything.
Your score goes up by the value of every merged tile. Your current game and best score are saved on your device, so you can close the tab and come back later.
The corner strategy
Almost every strong player uses the same idea: keep your biggest tile in one corner and build a chain of decreasing tiles away from it.
- Choose a corner, say bottom-left.
- Use mostly two directions: down and left. Use right when you must. Avoid up, because it can pull your big tile out of the corner.
- Keep the bottom row full. A full row can't shift sideways, so your big tile stays put.
- Build a "snake". Order the bottom row from biggest to smallest (for example 256, 128, 64, 32), then continue the chain on the row above in the opposite direction. Each merge then cascades down the snake into the corner.
How many moves does 2048 take?
A 2048 tile is worth 1,024 small "2" tiles. Since most new tiles are 2s, you need roughly 1,000 moves to win. Don't rush: thinking one move ahead is worth more than fast swiping.
Common mistakes
- Pressing the fourth direction in a panic. Before you press up, check whether any other move is possible.
- Chasing small merges far from your corner. They clutter the board with tiles you can't use.
- Leaving a single gap in your main row. A new 2 can land there and block your chain.
2048 was created in 2014 by Italian developer Gabriele Cirulli as a weekend project and became a worldwide hit. Our version is built from scratch for fast play on phones.
Frequently asked questions
What happens after I reach 2048?
You can keep playing to build bigger tiles and a higher score.
Is my game saved?
Yes. Your board and best score are saved in your browser on this device.
What is the best strategy?
Keep your biggest tile in a corner and mostly use two directions so it never moves out.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. Swipe in any direction to move the tiles.
How many moves does it take to win?
Usually around 1,000 moves, since a 2048 tile is made from roughly a thousand 2s.