2048

Slide tiles on a 4x4 grid, merge matching numbers, and reach the legendary 2048 tile. Use arrow keys or the on-screen buttons to play.

Score

Best

Use arrow keys or the buttons above to slide tiles.

How to play

2048 — The Classic Tile-Merging Puzzle

2048 is an addictive single-player puzzle game played on a 4x4 grid. Every move slides all tiles in one direction — up, down, left, or right. When two tiles with the same number collide they merge into a single tile whose value is their sum, and that merged value is added to your score. After each valid move a new tile (worth 2 or 4) appears in a random empty cell. The goal is to build a tile that reaches 2048, but the real challenge is going even higher.

The game ends when the board fills completely and no adjacent tiles share the same value — meaning no merge is possible in any direction. Your score and all-time best score are shown above the board. Your best score is saved in your browser so it persists across sessions. Hit New Game at any time to start fresh, or keep going after reaching 2048 to chase a higher tile.

100% freeNo downloadPlay in your browserBeat your best score

How to play

1Use the arrow keys on your keyboard — or tap the on-screen directional buttons on mobile — to slide all tiles in one direction.
2When two tiles with the same number collide during a slide, they merge into one tile equal to their sum (e.g., 4 + 4 = 8). The merged value is added to your score.
3After every valid move, a new tile (2 with 90% chance, 4 with 10% chance) appears in a random empty cell.
4Keep merging to build larger tiles. Reach 2048 to win — then decide whether to keep going for an even higher tile or start a new game.
5The game ends when the board is full and no adjacent tiles can be merged. Click New Game or Try Again to play again.

Game features

Classic 4x4 grid with authentic tile-merging mechanics — identical numbers merge on collision.

Score tracker that accumulates the value of every merge you make during the game.

Persistent best score saved automatically in your browser's localStorage — survives page refreshes.

Win detection — a banner appears the moment you create a 2048 tile, giving you the choice to keep going.

Game-over detection — all four slide directions are checked; the game ends only when truly no move is possible.

On-screen directional buttons (Up, Down, Left, Right) for full touch and mobile support.

Colour-coded tiles — each power of 2 has a distinct colour so the board state is instantly readable.

Frequently asked questions

Is 2048 free to play?

Yes, completely free. There are no charges, no premium tiers, and no in-app purchases of any kind.

Do I need to download anything or create an account?

No download and no account required. The game runs entirely in your browser — just open the page and start playing immediately.

Can I play on a phone or tablet?

Yes. The on-screen directional buttons are touch-friendly and the board scales to fit any screen size, so the mobile experience is just as smooth as desktop.

What is the best strategy for reaching 2048?

The most effective strategy is to anchor your highest-value tile in one corner — usually the bottom-left or bottom-right — and never move it out. Favour just two or three directions (e.g., only left and down) to keep your highest tiles along one edge, building a descending chain of values. Avoid sliding in the direction that would dislodge your anchor tile unless absolutely necessary.

2048

2048 — The Classic Tile-Merging Puzzle

How to play

Game features

Frequently asked questions

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