2048 is an addictive game available on both computers and mobile. This game is easy to understand, but hard to complete. You can play the game online on your computer, or download it on iOS or Android.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Basic Instructions and Tips
Step 1. Know how to play
You probably know how to play this game. But just in case there are those who don't know, here are the basics. Please note this guide will explain how to play the official game, because there are many parodies, clones, or even predecessors of this game that have different mechanics.
- Swipe your screen up, down, left, or right to move all the number squares in the desired direction. Each square moves in the desired direction until it is stuck on the other side (not just moving one tile).
- Each time you make a move, a new square of 2 or 4 will appear in a random location.
Step 2. Try to make a square with the number 2048
When a move makes two squares that have the same number meet, the two squares will merge into a new square that is the sum of the two numbers. For example, two squares of 2 will merge into square 4. The object of the game is to make a square that has the number 2048.
Step 3. Think carefully and forward of your movement
When playing this game, you can easily fall for it to move as fast as possible. If you want to win, counter the impulsive effect and make moves when you're sure it's the right move. Take a look at what's likely to happen in the future and imagine what the board will look like once you make your next move, or at least what will happen to some important squares on the board.
Step 4. Focus on the corners
The most common strategy that many players use is to create and develop the largest number in the corner. Any corner does not matter, which is clear once you choose a corner, stay glued to that corner.
This tactic is the most effective, especially rows where your corners are completely filled, as it will allow you to move in one more direction without making any important squares reposition. Because if you use this tactic, you can usually only use two directions of movement freely (up/down and right/left)
Step 5. Take the opportunity to merge the two squares
If you see more than two squares that can be combined in one move, it's usually a good idea to combine them all at once as it will give you more room to move next time.
Step 6. Swipe in both directions alternately
One of the basic approaches in this game is to move the board in two directions (right/left and up/down) alternately continuously until there are no squares to move. If there are no more movable squares, do one move in the opposite direction of what you specified, then repeat the initial two movements continuously. This will not guarantee you a win (in fact, you usually won't win just this way). However, it will give you a high score, and is a quick way to beat your previous record.
When you have determined two directions of your movement, for example right and up, don't move in the other direction unless the board is no longer able to move
Part 2 of 2: Strategy Guide
Step 1. Swipe right and left several times if you want
Start a new game, then swipe left and right continuously. Keep doing this until you get a few squares of 2s, 4s, and 8.
Step 2. Create and expand the box with the highest number in the corner
Merge your initial squares into squares 16 and 32, then place them in the corners. The goal of this strategy is to leave the largest square in the corner as long as possible (even during the game) and gradually expand it to get bigger.
This strategy is used by the fastest record holder for this game, which is 1 minute 34 seconds
Step 3. Create rows or columns with the largest squares full
For example, if your largest box is in the far right corner, fill in the row above or column to the right. If you want to fill in the top row, for example, move the board in both directions to that corner, i.e. right and up to fill the row. When the row is full, you can move it to the left without moving your most important square in the corner.
- Always pay attention to the row or column, and always fill in any gaps in the row or column without moving the important box in the corner.
- From the instructions you've read, it follows that once you've determined the corners for your largest square, you'll only be able to make three moves, two of which are free to do, and one must be in the right situation.
- For example, if the corner you selected is the top right corner, then your two free moves are to the right and up, while the other move is to the left (if your top row is full).
Step 4. Focus on combining the small number squares
Usually, your more important task is to make squares of 8, 16, and 32 rather than trying to focus on one larger number. Ideally, these intermediate squares are gathered near the corner you selected. This will allow you to be able to combine multiple squares in a row, and it will make your game easier than focusing on developing a single square with big numbers.
Step 5. Make a movement around the small trapped square
Often your strategy doesn't work out perfectly, and you'll find squares 2 or 4 stuck between big squares or other tricky positions. Pause for a moment and think about your future moves, and focus on freeing the little box. There are several methods you can use:
- Select one of the boxes next to this small box, then plan how to expand this small box so that it can be combined with the box next to it. If the box turns out to be large, you need to plan a few steps ahead. If successful, you just combine them and continue the game with the initial strategy.
- Alternatively, try creating an empty space in the row or column where the little squares are, and then moving your board carefully until the squares are in the same row or column as the squares they can join. This method usually cannot be done on a board that is already quite full.
Step 6. Move the box in the corner only when you have to, then immediately return it to the corner
In almost all games, you'll find yourself in a situation where you inevitably have to move the box in the corner out of position. Observe your move forward and see which moves are the most profitable. Swipe in that direction, then immediately swipe back in the opposite direction to bring back your important box in the corner.
In some mock versions of this game, you can make moves that do nothing (eg go right but you can't actually move to the right anymore), and new squares will appear randomly. If the mechanism is like that, you may not need to move your important box from the corner. But you may still need to do it if your board is too full with no squares to fit into one another
Step 7. Keep trying until you win
You still need a little luck to finish this game. So, don't expect to get it done in one go. If you are forced to move your important square from a corner, and it turns out that a new box appears right in that corner, your chances of winning will decrease considerably. But you can still finish if you clear five or six squares, or if your most important square isn't too big (64 or 128). But if the important box is big, usually it will be very difficult to win.
