How do you start a game of 2048?

The game starts automatically with two tiles on a 4×4 grid. Use your arrow keys (or swipe on mobile) to make your first move in any direction.

What happens when there are no moves left?

When every cell is filled and no two adjacent tiles share the same value, the game ends. You can start a new game immediately.

Do new tiles always appear after every move?

Yes - after every valid move (one that actually changes the board), a new tile with value 2 or 4 appears in a random empty cell.

Can I play 2048 on mobile?

Yes! Use swipe gestures on a touchscreen - swipe left, right, up, or down just like pressing arrow keys.

How to Play 2048

2048 is a single-player sliding tile puzzle. The goal is simple: slide numbered tiles on a 4×4 grid, merge identical tiles, and reach the 2048 tile. This guide explains every rule, control, and concept you need to get started.

The Rules of 2048

The game is played on a 4×4 grid. Two tiles (each showing the number 2) appear at the start. On each turn you choose a direction - up, down, left, or right - and every tile on the board slides as far as possible in that direction. When two tiles carrying the same number collide during a slide, they merge into a single tile whose value is the sum of the two: two 2s become a 4, two 4s become an 8, two 128s become a 256, and so on.

After every valid move (a move that changes the board in any way), a new tile appears in a random empty cell. New tiles almost always show 2, with occasional 4s. The game ends when the board is completely full and no two adjacent tiles share the same value - meaning no move can change the board.

Controls

There are three ways to control 2048:

Arrow keys: ↑ ↓ ← → - the most common method on desktop
WASD keys: W (up), A (left), S (down), D (right)
Swipe: On touchscreens, swipe in any direction

How Scoring Works

Your score increases every time two tiles merge. The points gained equal the value of the merged tile. Merging two 64-tiles scores 128 points; merging two 1024-tiles scores 2048 points. There is no time bonus - only merges count. Your best score (the highest you have ever reached) is saved automatically.

Winning and Losing

You win when a tile reaches 2048 for the first time. A congratulations screen appears, and you can choose to keep playing (to chase 4096 or higher) or start a new game. You lose when the board is completely filled and no valid merge exists.

Step-by-Step: Your First Game

Press any arrow key. Two tiles will slide in that direction and a new tile appears.
Look for two tiles with the same number next to each other - slide toward them to merge.
Try to keep your highest tile in one corner.
Build a chain of tiles along one edge in decreasing order.
Keep playing until you reach 2048 or run out of moves.

Next Steps

Now that you know the rules, read our 2048 Tips and Tricks to improve quickly, or dive into the full 2048 Strategy Guide for advanced techniques. Ready to play? Play 2048 Online.