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Puzzles & games

2048 game

Slide all the tiles up, down, left or right. When two tiles with the same number touch, they merge into one with double the value. After every move a new 2 or 4 appears. Reach 2048 to win, then keep going for a higher score. Your game and best score are saved on this device.

Score0
Best0
2
2

Arrow keys or W A S D on a keyboard; swipe on a phone or tablet.

About the 2048 game

Slide all the tiles up, down, left or right. When two tiles with the same number touch, they merge into one with double the value. After every move a new 2 or 4 appears. Reach 2048 to win, then keep going for a higher score. Your game and best score are saved on this device.

Part of SmartCalcy’s puzzles & games tools. It runs in your browser with no account, uses your own currency and units (change them at the top of the page), and gives estimates for information only, so check official guidance before you rely on a result.

How to use the 2048 game

What it calculates and when to use it

The classic 2048 sliding puzzle. Slide the tiles in one direction; matching tiles merge into one with double the value. Reach the 2048 tile to win, then keep going for a higher score.

How to use it, step by step

  1. Use the arrow keys, W A S D or swipe on the board.
  2. All tiles slide as far as they can in that direction.
  3. Two tiles with the same number merge when they collide; a new 2 or 4 appears after each move.
  4. Keep merging until you make 2048. Use Undo to take back one move.

What each input means

  • Moves – Up, down, left or right.
  • Undo – Takes back your last move.
  • New game – Starts again with two tiles.

How to read the results

  • Score – The total of every merged tile in this game.
  • Best – Your highest score on this device.
  • Top tile – Your biggest tile, shown when you share.

The formula

Merging two tiles of value n adds 2n to the score. New tiles are a 2 nine times out of ten and a 4 otherwise.

A worked example

Two 64 tiles merge into 128 and add 128 points. Building 2048 from 2s alone takes at least 1,024 new tiles.

Assumptions and limits

  • Your game and best score are saved in this browser.
  • The game ends when the board is full and no tiles can merge.

Common mistakes

  • Moving in all four directions at random. Keep your biggest tile in a corner and build towards it.
  • Moving up (or away from your corner) when you do not have to.

Frequently asked questions

How do I win 2048?

Make a tile with the value 2048. You can then keep playing for a higher score.

Does it work on phones?

Yes. Swipe on the board.

What is the best strategy?

Pick a corner, keep the largest tile there and keep the row next to it full, using mainly two directions.

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