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- Classic 2048
Classic 2048
The original number puzzle: merge equal tiles from 2 all the way to 2048.
Arrow keys, WASD or swipe · U undo · N new game
Play Classic 2048 online
Classic 2048 is the original sliding number puzzle, free to play in your browser on a phone or a computer. Every move slides all the tiles on a 4×4 grid, and two tiles with the same number merge into one with double the value. Keep merging until you build the 2048 tile.
The game was created by Italian developer Gabriele Cirulli in March 2014 as a weekend project and became a worldwide hit within days. He built it on ideas from the earlier games 1024 and Threes. Its simple rule, that equal numbers combine, hides a surprisingly deep puzzle about space, patience and planning ahead.
The 11 tiles in Classic 2048
Every tile is a power of two. You start with 2s and the odd 4, and each merge doubles a number: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024 and finally 2048. That makes eleven steps, and a single 2048 tile holds the value of 1,024 starting 2s. After you win, you can keep playing for 4096 and beyond, and board sizes from 3×3 to 6×6 change how much room you have to plan.
- 22Tile 2 · Start
- 44Tile 4 · 2 + 2
- 88Tile 8 · 4 + 4
- 1616Tile 16 · 8 + 8
- 3232Tile 32 · 16 + 16
- 6464Tile 64 · 32 + 32
- 128128Tile 128 · 64 + 64
- 256256Tile 256 · 128 + 128
- 512512Tile 512 · 256 + 256
- 10241024Tile 1024 · 512 + 512
- 20482048Tile 2048 · The goal
How to play Classic 2048
Slide every tile at once
Use your arrow keys ( ← ↑ ↓ → ) or W A S D to move the tiles.
All tiles slide as far as they can in that direction, and a new number tile appears after every move.
Play on your phone
On a phone or tablet, swipe anywhere on the board to move the tiles.
Your game is saved in your browser, so you can pick it up later on the same device.
Match two to unlock the next
When two tiles with the same number touch, they merge into one.
Two 2 tiles make 4, and every merge adds the new tile’s value to your score.
Reach the final tile
The goal is to build the 2048 tile: 2048.
You can keep playing after you reach it and chase an even higher score.
Tips to win Classic 2048
- Pick one corner for your biggest tile and keep it there. Most strong players use a bottom corner and mostly press down and toward that side.
- Build a chain of shrinking numbers along the edge next to your big tile, such as 512, 256, 128, so each merge rolls neatly into the next one.
- Avoid the direction that pulls your big tile out of its corner. If you have to use it, undo is there for an emergency, but planning ahead is better.
Classic 2048 FAQ
What is the final tile in Classic 2048?
The 2048 tile, made by merging two 1024 tiles. Reaching it wins the game, but you can choose to keep going and chase 4096, 8192 or an even higher score on the same board.
Who invented 2048?
Gabriele Cirulli, an Italian web developer, released 2048 in March 2014. He based it on the earlier games 1024 and Threes, and published the code as open source, which is why so many versions exist.
Is it possible to always win 2048?
Not always, because new tiles appear in random empty spaces. With a steady corner strategy most players win a large share of games, and computer programs can reach far higher tiles than 2048.
Does Classic 2048 save my game?
Yes. Your board, score and best score are saved in your browser, so you can close the tab and continue later on the same device. Clearing your browser data resets them.
