How to play 2048
- Press Start. Level 1 shows a swipe: every block slides as far as it can in that direction.
- Two blocks with the same number that bump together merge into one block worth their sum.
- After every move a new 2 (sometimes a 4) appears in an empty spot.
- Watch the tilt meter. When it counts down to zero, the tray tips in the arrow's direction and every block tumbles that way.
- Make the target block shown at the top to finish the level. If no block can move, the tray is jammed and you can try again.
- Want the plain version? Choose Classic tray under the Start button or on the level map: a 4 x 4 tray with no rocks and no tilting, played until it jams, with your best score saved.
About 2048
2048 is a number merge puzzle with a restless tray. Swipe in any direction and every block slides as far as it can; two blocks with the same number bump together and become one block worth their sum, so two 8s make a 16 and two 16s make a 32. After every swipe a new 2 or 4 drops onto the tray, so space is always running out. The twist is the tilt meter. Every few moves the tray tips by itself in the direction the arrow shows, and every block tumbles that way whether you like it or not. A careful player reads the arrow and gets ready for it, keeping the biggest block safe in a corner the tilt will not pull it away from. Each level asks for one target block, from a 32 on the first tray to a 256 on rocky five by five boards, and finishing in fewer moves earns more stars. The daily tray has no target: just one shared board for everyone and a score to beat.
Controls
| Input | What it does |
|---|---|
| Swipe | Slide every block |
| Arrow keys or WASD | Slide every block |
| P and R | Pause and restart |
Tips and strategy
- Pick a home corner for your biggest block and build the rest of its row in falling order, like 64, 32, 16, 8. Merges then roll down the line into the corner.
- Read the tilt arrow before every move. If the next tilt points away from your corner, make sure the row behind your big block is full so it cannot slide out.
- Use the tilt as a free move. When the arrow points the same way you were going to swipe, let the tray do the work and spend your move somewhere else.
- Rocks split a row into two short lanes. Merging inside a short lane is quick, but a lane of two can jam fast, so empty those first.
- Do not chase every merge. A swipe that merges two small blocks but drags your big block out of its corner usually costs more than it earns.
- When the tray is almost full, look for a move that merges twice. Every merge makes a hole, and holes are what keep the round alive.
Questions and answers
How is this different from other number merge games?
The tray tilts on its own every few moves, in a direction you can see coming, and later levels add rocks that never move. Each level also has a clear target block instead of an endless climb.
Is there a classic mode without tilting?
Yes. Classic tray is a 4 x 4 tray with no rocks and no tilts. Keep merging until no move is left; your best classic score is saved on your device.
How do stars work?
Every level has a par number of moves. Reach the target within par for three stars, within about one and a half times par for two, and in any number of moves for one.
What happens when the tray tilts?
All blocks slide in the arrow's direction and merge just as if you had swiped, then a new block appears. The meter shows how many moves remain until the next tilt.
Can every level be finished?
Yes. New blocks come from a fixed sequence for each level and the targets are tuned so a careful player reaches them, though a careless swipe can still jam the tray.
What is the daily tray?
One endless tray per day with the same blocks for everyone. There is no target: play until it jams and compare your score and best block.
Do I need an account?
No. 2048 runs in your browser on phones, tablets and computers, and your progress is saved on your device.
