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2048
2048 is a single-player sliding puzzle created by Gabriele Cirulli in 2014. You slide numbered tiles on a 4×4 grid, combining matching numbers to create larger ones. The goal is to create a tile with the value 2048, though you can keep playing for higher scores.
2048 Rules
The game starts with two tiles (each a 2 or 4) placed randomly on a 4×4 grid. Use the arrow keys or swipe to slide all tiles in one direction — up, down, left, or right.
When two tiles with the same number collide, they merge into one tile with their combined value. For example, two 4-tiles become an 8-tile. Each tile can only merge once per move.
After every move, a new tile (usually a 2, occasionally a 4) appears in a random empty cell. The game ends when the board is full and no adjacent tiles can merge.
2048 Strategy & Tips
Pick a corner and never leave it
Keep your highest tile locked in one corner. Most top players use the bottom-left or bottom-right. Build a chain of descending values along the edge — this keeps your board organized and prevents your big tile from getting stranded in the middle.
Work in two directions, not four
Once you commit to a corner, only use two primary directions (e.g., down and left for the bottom-left corner). Use the third direction sparingly and avoid the fourth entirely. Swiping toward your corner's opposite side is almost always a mistake.
Keep the bottom row full
If your corner is on the bottom, keep that entire row filled. A full row won't shift when you swipe left or right, which means your corner tile stays put. An incomplete row is where runs get ruined.
Don't chase the 2048 tile early
Focus on keeping the board clean and merging small tiles efficiently. The 2048 tile comes naturally from good board management. Tunnel-visioning on one big merge while the rest of the board fills up is how most games end early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest possible score in 2048?
The theoretical maximum tile is 131,072 on a 4×4 board, which would require every merge to be perfect. In practice, very few players reach beyond 8192 or 16384. The highest confirmed scores are above 3.8 million points.
Is 2048 a game of luck or skill?
Mostly skill. The random tile placements add some luck, but consistent strategy — especially the corner method — will win far more often than random swiping. Top players can reach 2048 in the majority of their games.
What happens after you reach 2048?
You can keep playing. The tiles keep doubling — 4096, 8192, 16384, and beyond. Many players treat 2048 as the starting point and see how far past it they can go.
Why do I keep getting stuck with a full board?
Usually because tiles are scattered without a clear order. The fix is to always keep your largest tile in a corner and build a descending chain. When tiles are ordered, merges happen naturally and the board stays open.