How to play 2048
2048 is the classic free sliding tile puzzle. Swipe or use your arrow keys to slide every tile, merge equal numbers when they collide, and keep building until you create the 2048 tile.
How to play
Slide the whole board
Press an arrow key or swipe up, down, left, or right. Every tile slides as far as it can in that direction until it hits the wall or another tile.
Merge equal numbers
When two tiles with the same number collide, they join into one tile of double the value. Two 2s make a 4, two 4s make an 8, and so on.
Plan around the new tile
After every move that changes the board, one new tile appears in a random empty cell, usually a 2 and occasionally a 4.
Reach the 2048 tile
Keep merging up the chain: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048. Build the 2048 tile and you win, then keep going for 4096 and beyond.
Do not run out of moves
The game ends when the board is full and no neighboring tiles match. Watch your open space and keep your options alive.
Tips
- Pick a corner for your biggest tile and keep it there. Most strong players only use two or three directions.
- Build a descending chain along one edge, like 512, 256, 128, 64, so merges cascade into each other.
- Avoid moves that shift your big-tile row or column unless you have no choice.
- Empty cells are breathing room. A move that merges nothing but opens space can still be the right move.
About 2048
2048 on 100 Daily Games is the classic number sliding puzzle in its purest form: a 4x4 board, tiles that glide with your swipes or arrow keys, and the simple, satisfying rule that equal numbers merge into their sum. Each merge adds to your score, and your best score is saved so every run has a target to beat.
The rules follow the original game faithfully. Each tile can only merge once per move, merges resolve from the edge you are sliding toward, and a new tile appears after every move that changes the board: a 2 most of the time, a 4 now and then. Reaching the 2048 tile wins the game, and you can keep playing the same board to chase 4096 and higher.
The board is built for smooth play on any device. Tiles slide with quick, fluid animation, merged tiles pop as they combine, and swipe controls on mobile respond without scrolling the page. On desktop the arrow keys give you fast, precise control for long focused runs.
Like every game on 100 Daily Games, 2048 runs free in your browser with no download. It is a quick brain workout that rewards planning over luck: a few thoughtful moves at the start of a run set up the big merges that carry you to the 2048 tile.
Frequently asked questions
How do you win 2048?
Merge equal tiles until you create a tile with the number 2048. You can then keep playing on the same board and aim for 4096 and beyond.
Why did my move not spawn a new tile?
A new tile only appears after a move that actually changes the board. If nothing can slide or merge in that direction, the move does not count.
Can a tile merge twice in one move?
No. Each tile can merge at most once per move. A tile created by a merge has to wait until your next move before it can merge again.
What is the best 2048 strategy?
Keep your highest tile locked in a corner, build a descending chain of values along one edge, and avoid the direction that would pull your big tiles out of position.