GET TO KNOW THE GAME
How to play 2048
2048 is a number merging puzzle played on a 4 × 4 board. Move all tiles in one direction, combine equal values and work toward a 2048 tile. Each successful move adds a new tile, so keeping room to move is part of the puzzle.
The rules
- Slide the board up, down, left or right to move every tile as far as it can go.
- Two equal tiles combine into one with twice their value. A tile can merge only once during a move.
- Reach 2048 to win, or keep playing until no legal moves remain. You can also finish and save the current score using the on-screen button.
Controls
Use arrow keys or WASD on a keyboard. On touchscreens, swipe across the board or use the direction buttons.
How scoring works
Each merge adds the new tile’s value to your score. For example, merging two 8 tiles adds 16 points. A higher total score is better.
Tips for your next round
- Try keeping your largest tile near a corner and arranging smaller values around it.
- Before making a move, check whether it will leave empty spaces and useful adjacent pairs.
Can I undo a move?
This version does not include undo. Restart creates a fresh round, so consider the whole board before moving.
Does the round continue past 2048?
No. Reaching a 2048 tile completes this version’s round. You can start again to try for a different score.