Score
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Best
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Swipe on the board or use the arrow keys.
How to play 2048
Every swipe slides all tiles as far as they can go in that direction. When two tiles with the same number collide, they merge into one tile worth their sum — two 2s become a 4, two 4s become an 8, and so on. After every move a new tile (usually a 2, sometimes a 4) appears in a random empty spot. Reach the 2048 tile and you've won — though you can keep going for 4096 and beyond. The game ends when the board is full and no two neighbouring tiles match.
Each merge adds the new tile's value to your score, and your best score is saved on your device so there's always something to beat.
Strategy that actually works
- Pick a corner and defend it. Keep your biggest tile in one corner and avoid ever moving it out. Most strong players only use three of the four directions.
- Build a staircase. Arrange tiles in descending order snaking away from your corner — merges then flow naturally into each other.
- Don't chase single merges. A swipe that scrambles your structure costs more than the points it earns.
- Think one tile ahead. Before swiping, ask where the new random tile could land — the dangerous spots are next to your big tiles.