2048

Use the arrow keys, swipe, or tap a direction. Equal tiles merge once per move; each legal move adds a 2 or 4. Reach 2048 to win, then keep playing if you like. The game ends when no moves remain. Undo takes back a move, including its new tile.

What happens when you slide?

Every tile moves as far as it can in the chosen direction. Two equal neighbors combine, but a tile can merge only once in that move. For example, a row of 2, 2, 2, 2 becomes 4, 4, empty, empty when moved left; it does not become 8 immediately. The value of each merged tile is added to your score. A move that changes nothing does not add a new tile.

Keep space for your next move

Try keeping your largest tile in one corner and arranging smaller values beside it. Before moving away from that corner, check whether the move will leave a gap that a new tile could occupy. Empty squares give you room to bring equal values together. Undo lets you compare a different direction from the same position. Reaching 2048 is a milestone; Continue keeps the current board so you can chase a larger tile.

Questions players ask

Does an ineffective move add a tile?

No. A new tile appears only when the slide changes the board.

Why did four 2s become two 4s rather than an 8?

Each tile merges only once per move. Merge the two resulting 4s on a later move.

Can I continue after reaching 2048?

Yes. Choose Continue to keep the board and chase a larger tile or score.

Keep playing and learning

For a different use of limited board space, try Snake; for planned moves without a timer, try Solitaire.