2048
2048 is a sliding tile game. Every swipe slides all tiles as far as they go in one direction, and two equal tiles that meet merge into one with their sum, adding it to your score. After each move a new 2 or 4 appears in an empty cell. The game ends when no swipe can change the board.
How to play
Smaller boards are harder, so the levels here are board sizes: from 6×6 at Easy to 3×3 at Expert. Each game is the same for everyone who plays it, and Hint suggests a good next swipe and why.
- Swipe up, down, left or right to slide every tile.
- Two equal tiles that meet merge into their sum; a tile merges once per swipe.
- A new 2 or 4 appears after every move that changes the board.
- The game ends when no swipe changes the board; your score is the sum of all merges.
Playing on this site
- Swipe on the board, or use the arrow keys once it has focus.
- Undo takes back your last swipe.
- When you reach the goal tile, choose Keep going to play on for a higher score.
- Hint suggests a swipe: one that merges, keeps your biggest tile in its corner, or leaves the most room.
- Your game is saved in this browser, so you can come back to it later.
Techniques by level
Every technique the solver knows, from easiest to hardest. A puzzle's level is the hardest one it needs.
Questions
What is the best 2048 strategy?
Pick a corner for your largest tile and keep it there, building a chain of decreasing tiles along one edge. Avoid the swipe that would pull the big tile out of its corner unless nothing else moves.
Why is the smallest board the hardest?
Fewer cells leave less room to line up merges, so the board fills faster. That is why the goal tile shrinks with the board.
Is 2048 free to play here?
Yes. Every level is free, with no account and no sign-in.