Number Merge – slide and join the numbers to reach 2048
Score
0
Best
0
Join the numbers to reach 2048
2
2
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Quick answer
Number Merge is a free sliding number puzzle that plays instantly in your browser on phones, tablets and computers, with no download, sign-up or ads. Slide all tiles at once so equal numbers merge into their sum; reach the 2048 tile (256 on 3×3, 4096 on 5×5) and keep going until no move is left.
Number Merge at a glance
What it is
Sliding number puzzle
Goal
Slide all tiles at once so equal numbers merge into their sum; reach the 2048 tile (256 on 3×3, 4096 on 5×5) and keep going until no move is left
Modes
Board sizes 3×3, 4×4 and 5×5; one-step undo; best score saved per size
Controls
Swipe on the board, arrow keys or WASD; Z to undo
Players
1
Price
Free, no ads, no sign-up, no download
Works on
Phones, tablets and computers, in any modern browser
A daily wheel (the same for everyone) and unlimited wheels; ranks from Beginner to Genius
Tap or drag across letters, or type; Enter to submit, Shuffle, Give up
A sliding number puzzle with simple rules
Every move slides all the tiles at once. Equal numbers that meet join into one tile with their sum: two 2s make a 4, two 4s make an 8, and so on up to 2048. A new tile appears after each move, so the board slowly fills up. The skill is keeping it tidy enough to keep merging.
Tips for a high score
Pick a corner. Keep your highest tile in one corner and never let it leave.
Build a chain. Line up the next numbers along the edge beside it: 1024, 512, 256… so one swipe can merge them all.
Use three directions. Avoid the direction that would pull your corner tile out. When you must use it, undo can rescue a bad swipe.
Merge small tiles early. Lots of 2s and 4s fill the board fast; join them before they block the chain.
Three boards
The 4×4 board is the classic. Try 3×3 for a short, tense game where every cell counts, or 5×5 when you want a long, relaxed session chasing 4096 and beyond.
How to play Number Merge
1
Slide the tiles
Swipe on the board, or press the arrow keys or W, A, S and D. Every tile slides as far as it can in that direction.
2
Join equal numbers
When two tiles with the same number meet, they merge into one tile worth their sum, and you score that value.
3
Watch the new tiles
After every move a new 2 (or sometimes a 4) appears in an empty cell, so keep space free.
4
Reach the target
Make the 2048 tile on the 4×4 board (256 on 3×3, 4096 on 5×5) to win, then keep going for a higher score. The game ends when no move is left.
Spell as many words as you can from seven letters. Daily wheel, unlimited play and ranks.
Frequently asked questions
How do I play Number Merge on a phone?
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Swipe up, down, left or right anywhere on the board. All the tiles slide that way at once. Undo takes back your last move if a swipe went wrong.
What is the best strategy?
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Keep your biggest tile in one corner and build a chain of falling numbers along the edge next to it. Use mostly two or three directions and avoid the move that pulls your big tile out of its corner.
Why can a tile only merge once per move?
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A tile made by a merge cannot merge again in the same move. Four 2s in a row slide into two 4s, not one 8. This is what makes planning ahead worthwhile.
What do the board sizes change?
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The 3×3 board is quick and tight; its target is 256. The classic 4×4 board aims for 2048. The roomy 5×5 board aims for 4096 and lets very long games run.
Is my best score saved?
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Yes. The best score for each board size is kept in your browser on this device. Nothing is sent to a server and no account is needed.
Like logic puzzles?
Sudoku has four levels, each puzzle with exactly one solution and no guessing needed.