2048 - Puzzle Game

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Game Details

Category: Puzzle Games
Developer: Gabriele Cirulli
Release date: 2014-05-28
Platform: desktop, mobile
Orientation: portrait
Source platform: GamePix

2048 is a puzzle game played on a 4x4 grid that starts with two random numbered tiles. You use the arrow keys to slide tiles, and tiles with equal numbers merge when they meet. The goal is to reach the 2048 tile.

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About 2048

The board is smaller than Sudoku and seems mostly empty at first, but tiles fill it quickly. Planning space is restrictive, and each move can help or disrupt progress. You hope for at least one free cell to allow movement.

Tiles move in the direction chosen with the arrow keys. All tiles that can move do so, and collisions affect decisions. For example, if the top row is filled and a lone tile sits below the far-left tile, pressing right moves only that additional tile.

Tiles travel until they hit a wall or another tile. When two tiles with equal numbers collide, they merge into one tile whose number is their sum. This creates space for new tiles and larger numbers. After every slide, a new tile numbered 2 appears.

The small board needs little in the way of difficult controls. To reset the grid, click the New Game label.

How to Play 2048

Slide equal-number tiles together to add them. Merging creates space for new tiles and larger numbers. The target tile is 2048. There is little need for difficult controls on this small board. Click the New Game label to reset the grid.

A chosen direction moves all tiles that can move. Collisions affect your decisions. For example, if the top row is filled and you command right, only an additional lone tile below the far-left tile moves.

Tiles travel until they hit a wall or another tile. When equal-number tiles collide, they merge and their numbers sum. After every slide, a new tile with the number 2 appears.

Controls

Desktop Controls

W, up arrow — up
A, left arrow — left
D, right arrow — right
S, down arrow — down

Gameplay Video

2048 | Release Trailer · Lucas Alexander Visual Arts

Watch on YouTube

Tips

Focus on tiles along the perimeter first and preserve space in the middle of the board. This can reduce the risk of early overcrowding in the middle, which could cut off movement. Random factors play a large role. The usual opening numbers are two 2s, but occasionally one tile can be 4.

FAQ

Is there a winning pattern?

A common practice is to keep the largest numbers in a corner, but there is no guarantee of winning every game.

Can you go past 2048?

If you have space to move, you can continue playing toward a higher number. Reaching the 2048 tile counts as a win.