How to Play 2048

THE PLAYBOOK · ACSIWANG

Use a short break to learn the rhythm of 2048. Reach a 2048 tile, then continue as long as a legal move remains. A full board with no adjacent equal tiles ends the round. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. Look at what changes after your first action.

Make the controls familiar

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

Reach a 2048 tile, then continue as long as a legal move remains. A full board with no adjacent equal tiles ends the round. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. The example below illustrates a decision.

Step by step

Move the board using an arrow key, swipe, or a direction button.
Equal adjacent tiles combine once per move; their new value is added to your score.
Keep an empty lane where possible. Undo reverses the most recent move.
Use New round to begin with two tiles.

Controls

Use arrow keys, swipe across the board, or tap the four direction buttons. Use the control method described here for this activity. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

A useful example

Moving a row of 2, 2, 2, 0 to the left creates 4, 2, 0, 0 before a new tile appears. The newly merged 4 does not merge again in the same move. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Verify the rule before continuing.

Watch out for this

A swipe that leaves the board unchanged does not add a new tile. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.

Common questions

Before I begin, what is the goal of 2048?

Reach a 2048 tile, then continue as long as a legal move remains. A full board with no adjacent equal tiles ends the round.

For this browser game, how do I control 2048?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use arrow keys, swipe across the board, or tap the four direction buttons.

While reading the Guide, what example helps explain 2048?

A row containing 4, 0, 4, 0 can slide left and join into an 8. The empty cells between equal values do not block the merge.

When I return, what should I watch out for in 2048?

For clarity: A swipe that leaves the board unchanged does not add a new tile.

For this browser game, what format does 2048 offer?

Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

For a quick reminder, which play mode does 2048 use?

Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.