2048 Game
Slide the tiles, merge equal numbers and reach 2048
Arrow keys or WASD to move · U or Ctrl+Z to undo · you can also drag with the mouse
Play 2048 Online: The Classic Number Puzzle
Slide the tiles, merge matching numbers and build your way up to the 2048 tile.
2048 is the sliding number puzzle that took over the world in 2014, and it is still one of the best quick games to play in a browser. Every move pushes all the tiles on the board in one direction. When two tiles with the same number collide, they merge into one tile worth their sum, and a new 2 or 4 appears in an empty cell. Keep combining 2s into 4s, 4s into 8s and so on until you create the 2048 tile. This version follows the original rules exactly, runs smoothly on phones and computers, and saves your game automatically, so you can close the tab and pick up where you left off. Made a bad move? Undo it. Want a fresh challenge? Try the 3×3, 5×5 or 6×6 board.
Features
Original Rules
Each tile merges only once per move and new tiles are 2 (90%) or 4 (10%), just like the original.
Undo
Take back your last move with one tap, or press U or Ctrl+Z on the keyboard.
Auto-Save
Your game is saved after every move. Refresh or come back tomorrow and keep playing.
4 Board Sizes
Classic 4×4, a tight 3×3 or the roomier 5×5 and 6×6 boards, each with its own best score.
Swipe, Keys or Mouse
Swipe on your phone, use the arrow keys or WASD, or drag the board with your mouse.
Smooth and Clean
Fast sliding animations, readable tile colours and no sign-up. Fullscreen mode included.
2048 Strategy: How to Reach the 2048 Tile
The corner strategy
The most reliable way to win: keep your biggest tile locked in one corner.
- Pick a corner (for example bottom-left) and keep the largest tile there all game
- Mostly use only two directions, such as Down and Left, so the corner tile never leaves
- Keep the bottom row full so the big tile cannot be pushed out of its corner
- Build a descending chain along that row: 512 – 256 – 128 – 64
- Use the third direction only when you are stuck, and avoid the fourth one
Advanced tips
- Merge small tiles near the chain, not in the far corner of the board
- Snake the chain into the next row when the first row is full (zigzag pattern)
- Before each move, check where the new 2 or 4 could appear
- Do not chase every merge; a calm, tidy board beats a quick combo
- Reaching 2048 takes roughly 1,000 moves and about 20,000 points, so be patient
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play 2048?
Swipe or press an arrow key to slide every tile on the board in that direction. When two tiles with the same number touch, they merge into one tile with their combined value, and that value is added to your score. After every move that changes the board, a new 2 or 4 appears in a random empty cell. Your goal is to create a tile with the number 2048.
What is the best strategy to win 2048?
The corner strategy works best for most players. Keep your largest tile in one corner, mostly move in only two directions (for example Down and Left) and build a descending chain of numbers along the edge, such as 1024, 512, 256, 128. This keeps big tiles next to each other so they can merge, while the new small tiles appear away from your chain.
What happens when you reach 2048?
You win the game and can choose Keep going to continue on the same board and chase a higher score, or start a new game. The game only ends when the board is full and no neighbouring tiles can merge. On the 4×4 board the highest tile that is theoretically possible is 131072.
Can I undo a move or continue later?
Yes. The Undo button (or U / Ctrl+Z) takes back your last move, and it can even bring back a game you ended by pressing New Game by mistake. Your current game and best score are saved in your browser after every move, so you can close the page and continue later on the same device.
Who created 2048?
2048 was created by the Italian web developer Gabriele Cirulli in March 2014 as a weekend project. It was inspired by the games 1024 and Threes!, and because it was released as free open-source software, it quickly spread into countless versions on the web and on phones.
Is this 2048 game free, and does it work on my phone?
It is completely free, needs no account and no download, and works in any modern browser on phones, tablets and computers. On touch screens you swipe on the board; on a computer you use the arrow keys, WASD or the mouse. The page itself does not scroll while you swipe on the board.