How to Play 2048 – Controls, Rules & Winning Guide

2048 is a fun and addictive puzzle game played on a 4×4 grid. The aim is to combine numbered tiles by sliding them in any direction—up, down, left, or right—until you create a tile with the number 2048.

Controls

• On Desktop: Use your keyboard’s arrow keys (↑, ↓, ←, →) to move all tiles in the selected direction.
• On Mobile/Tablet: Swipe your finger up, down, left, or right to slide the tiles.

How to Play

• When two tiles with the same number collide, they merge into one with their total value (e.g., 2 + 2 = 4).
• Every move spawns a new tile (usually a 2 or 4) in a random empty spot on the grid.
• Keep merging tiles and try to reach the 2048 tile to win. You can keep playing for a higher score even after reaching 2048!
• If the board fills up and no more moves are possible, the game is over.

Tips for Higher Scores

• Try to keep your highest value tile in a corner.
• Plan ahead and avoid random swiping—strategy matters!
• Undo mistakes if possible, and restart to improve your approach.
• Practice makes perfect—every game is a new challenge.

Ready to play? Use your arrow keys (desktop) or swipe (mobile) and try to reach 2048. Good luck!