How to play 2048
The goal
Slide the tiles and merge matching numbers until you make the target tile: 2048 on 4 × 4 and 5 × 5 boards, or 512 on a 3 × 3 board. Then keep going for a bigger score.
The rules
- Every move slides all tiles as far as they can go in one direction.
- Two matching tiles that meet become one tile with their total, and that new value is added to your score. A tile can merge only once per move.
- A new tile appears after every move that changes the board.
- The game ends when the board is full and no neighboring tiles match.
Controls
Use the arrow keys or WASD, swipe or drag the board, or tap the direction buttons. Press U to undo and H for a hint in Classic and Journey, which keep your last 30 moves.
Modes
- Classic: choose a 3 × 3, 4 × 4, or 5 × 5 board and a difficulty. Gentle spawns only 2s, Classic spawns 4s one time in ten, and Bold spawns 4s one time in four.
- Daily challenge: one shared 4 × 4 Classic board each day (new at midnight your time), the same for every player, with no undo or hints. Replays are welcome; each day counts once toward your streak.
- Journey: eight chapters with different boards and targets, from 128 up to 4096. Reaching a target unlocks the next chapter.
Tips
- Keep your biggest tile in a corner and build toward it.
- Favor two or three directions and save the fourth for emergencies; a stray move can pull your big tile out of its corner.
- Leave a little breathing room. A crowded board leaves fewer safe moves.
Questions
What happens after I reach 2048? You can keep playing for a higher score and bigger tiles.
Can I undo in the daily challenge? No. The daily board is the same for everyone, so it has no undo or hints.
Do I need an account? No. Your game saves on this device automatically. An optional account adds cloud saves across devices.
2048 was created by Gabriele Cirulli; this version is Goldensun’s own take on the idea.
