Use the arrow keys (or WASD, or swipe) to slide every tile in that direction. Tiles with matching numbers merge into one tile with the sum. Make the 2048 tile to win.

Can I keep playing past 2048?

Yes — reaching 2048 triggers a win banner, but the game keeps going. Some players target 4096 or higher.

Does my high score save?

Yes — your best score and highest tile save in your browser, and your best score also goes on the public leaderboard under your first name. You can change your name on your profile.

← Strategy

Slide puzzle · solo

2048

Score0

Best0

High tile—

You win!

Arrow keys, WASD, or swipe to slide the tiles.

Slide all tiles with the arrow keys, WASD, or a swipe. Matching tiles merge into their sum. Reach 2048 to win — then keep going for a higher tile.

How to play 2048 online

The original: 2048 by Gabriele Cirulli (2014), a free, open-source puzzle. Ours is an independent version, not affiliated with him.

2048 is the addictive single-player sliding puzzle: combine matching numbered tiles to build bigger ones, and try to reach the 2048 tile before the board jams up. Slide, merge, repeat — it's easy to start and hard to put down. This free browser version saves your best score, with no downloads or signup.

2048 rules

Slide. Use the arrow keys (or swipe on a phone) to push every tile in one direction. All tiles slide as far as they can.
Merge. When two tiles with the same number collide, they fuse into one tile of double the value — two 2s make a 4, two 4s make an 8, and so on.
New tile. After every move a new 2 or 4 appears in a random empty spot.
Goal & game over. Reach the 2048 tile to win — then keep going for a higher score. The game ends when the board is full and no merges remain.

2048 strategy — how to win

Pick a corner and stay. Keep your biggest tile pinned in one corner and never move it out — this is the core of every high score.
Build along one edge. Arrange your big tiles in descending order along the row or column next to that corner.
Use mostly two directions. Stick to two perpendicular swipes (e.g. down and left) to keep your structure; reach for the other two only when forced.
Never swipe toward your anchor's opposite. One careless up-swipe can rip your biggest tile out of its corner and collapse the board.
Keep it tidy. Merge small tiles often so the board stays open and you don't run out of moves.

Frequently asked

How do I play 2048? Swipe or press an arrow key to slide all the tiles. Equal numbers merge into their sum. Keep merging upward — 2, 4, 8, 16… — to reach the 2048 tile.

What's the best 2048 strategy? Keep your highest tile locked in a corner and build the rest in descending order beside it, using mainly two swipe directions. That single habit beats almost everything else.

Can you keep playing after 2048? Yes — reaching 2048 is the milestone, but you can keep merging for a higher score and bigger tiles.

Is it free? Yes — no signup, no downloads, no installs. Your best score saves in your browser and also goes on the public leaderboard under your first name. You can change your name on your profile.

You win!

How to play 2048 online

2048 rules

2048 strategy — how to win

Frequently asked

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