How do you play 2048?

Use the arrow keys or swipe to slide all the tiles in one direction. Tiles with the same number merge into one when they touch, doubling in value, and a new 2 or 4 appears after each move. The aim is to combine tiles up to a 2048 tile.

What is the best strategy for 2048?

Pick one corner and keep your largest tile there, then build the rest of your big tiles along the same edge. Move mostly in two directions to hold that structure, and avoid pressing the fourth direction that would break it. This keeps tiles ordered so they merge cleanly instead of scattering.

When does the game end?

The game is over when the grid is full and no two neighbouring tiles share a number, so no move would change anything. Reaching 2048 wins, but you can choose to keep playing afterwards to push your score higher.

Does my score get saved, and does this work offline?

Your best scores are saved in your own browser on this device, so they are still there when you come back. Nothing is sent to a server. Once the page has loaded it keeps working with no connection.

2048

Play 2048 free in your browser. Slide the numbered tiles with your arrow keys or by swiping. When two tiles of the same number touch, they merge into one that doubles. Keep merging to build a 2048 tile. Your score and your best score are saved on your device.

Free, with no ads in the way
No sign-up, no app
Plays instantly in your browser
Scores stay on your device
Works offline after first load

Read the guide: How to Win at 2048

Score

Best

Use the arrow keys (or WASD) on a keyboard, or swipe on a touch screen.

How to use it

1
Slide the tiles

Press an arrow key, or swipe on a touch screen. Every tile slides as far as it can in that direction, and a new tile appears.
2
Merge matching numbers

When two tiles with the same number collide, they merge into their sum. Two 2s make a 4, two 4s make an 8, and so on up.
3
Reach 2048

Keep merging to grow your biggest tile. Make the 2048 tile to win, then keep going for a higher score if you like.

When it comes in handy

A one-more-go puzzle

Quick rounds and a saved best score make 2048 the kind of game you keep coming back to for one more attempt.

Pattern practice

Keeping your biggest tile in one corner is a habit you build through play, and it changes how you see the board.

A pocket-sized challenge

It plays the same with a swipe on a phone as it does with arrow keys on a laptop.

Free, private & 100% in your browser

The game runs right here in your browser. There is no sign-up and no limit on how many rounds you play, your scores stay on your own device, and once the page has loaded it keeps working even with no connection.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play 2048?: Use the arrow keys or swipe to slide all the tiles in one direction. Tiles with the same number merge into one when they touch, doubling in value, and a new 2 or 4 appears after each move. The aim is to combine tiles up to a 2048 tile.
What is the best strategy for 2048?: Pick one corner and keep your largest tile there, then build the rest of your big tiles along the same edge. Move mostly in two directions to hold that structure, and avoid pressing the fourth direction that would break it. This keeps tiles ordered so they merge cleanly instead of scattering.
When does the game end?: The game is over when the grid is full and no two neighbouring tiles share a number, so no move would change anything. Reaching 2048 wins, but you can choose to keep playing afterwards to push your score higher.
Does my score get saved, and does this work offline?: Your best scores are saved in your own browser on this device, so they are still there when you come back. Nothing is sent to a server. Once the page has loaded it keeps working with no connection.