2048
By Chris Morris,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Addictive math-based puzzle game with a focus on strategy.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this app.
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
2048
Community Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
2048
Report this review
What’s It About?
Users slide numbered tiles around a 4x4 grid, matching up similar numbers in an effort to get a cube that adds up to 2048. When users can no longer combine numbers, they'll see their score.
Is It Any Good?
Like Threes! before it, 2048 is a math exercise hidden in a terrifically addictive matching game. Rather than simply trying to post as high a score as possible, though, this one sets a task, users must combine numbers to the point that they add up to 2048 in a single box. That means initially matching 2s, then 4s, then 8s, etc., until a pair of 1024s are next to each other. It's a small, but wonderful twist that makes the gameplay seem new. And having a task to aim for keeps people playing (as well as trying to better the scores of their friends). Like any of the best games, you'll quickly understand the point and do fairly well -- but it will be a long, long time before you truly master the game.
Keep in mind, though, that the app versions of the game are not made by the creator of the original game -- which was a playable in a browser. There are several 2048 clones flooding both app stores now, so parents should be aware that developers of some of these may not make them as family friendly as the one we tested.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how math is used in everyday activities.
Families can also talk about why it's important to think ahead.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Subjects: Math: addition
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: strategy
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: March 25, 2014
- Category: Puzzle Games
- Topics: Numbers and Letters
- Publisher: Ketchapp
- Version: 1.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.3 or later
- Last updated: July 12, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Download
Our Editors Recommend
Top Puzzle Apps
Tools to Turn Your Kid into a Math and Science Pro
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate