2048

How to play 2048

2048 is played on a 4×4 grid. Press an arrow key (or swipe on mobile) and every tile slides as far as it can in that direction. When two tiles with the same number collide, they merge into one tile with double the value: 2 and 2 become 4, 4 and 4 become 8, and so on. After every move, a new tile (2 or 4) appears in a random empty cell. You win by creating the 2048 tile – and lose when the board fills up with no merges left.

Strategy tips

• Pick a corner. Keep your highest tile locked in one corner and build toward it. Most strong players only use three directions and avoid pushing away from their corner.
• Build in rows. Arrange descending values along one edge (e.g. 512-256-128-64) so tiles merge in a chain reaction.
• Don't chase small merges. A move that scores a few points but scatters your big tiles usually costs more than it earns.
• Think one move ahead. Before swiping, check where the random new tile could land and whether it might block your next merge.

A short history

2048 was created in 2014 by Italian developer Gabriele Cirulli as a weekend project and became one of the most-played browser games of all time. Its rules take seconds to learn, but reaching the 2048 tile takes real planning – which is exactly what makes it such a satisfying daily brain exercise.