2048 Challenge Game Review

2048 Challenge Game Background

2048 Challenge is a set of 2048-inspired number games that you can customize. Play the classic number merger (or modify it as you’d like) or play any of its four geometrically distinct variations that you can also customize. In all games, merge pairs of identical numbers until you form the 2048 tile.

This game was released by Demonisblack.

How to Play 2048 Challenge

To select, left click with your mouse or tap on the touchscreen to begin. On the welcome screen, select Play at the center to set up the game. You can customize the game according to the available rules and grid sizes. Once you’re finished, select Start to begin.

Select and swipe with your mouse or fingers or press the arrow or WASD keys on your keyboard to move the numbers.

Basic Gameplay Advice

Universal Rules

The game generates the number tiles valued 2, 4, and 8 at random. Merge identical numbers together to form numbers of a larger value. Each larger number formed is twice the value of its predecessor (e.g. merging a pair of 2s yields a 4, and so on). Keep merging number tiles until you form the 2048 tile while earning as many points as you can. The game ends when you run out of space to make new moves.

You earn points based on the sum of the numbers you’ve merged. For instance, if you merge a pair of 2s, you get 4 points. Merging a pair of 4s will yield 8 points, and so on. Once you’re done, select the social media button on the game over or win screen to share your score and the game with other players.

Difficulty in the game is determined by the size of the playing field. The bigger the field, the more moves you can make and the easier it is to play. However, the game often defaults to the smaller sizes.

Variations

The Classic version of the game uses a square grid. Move the tiles from one side to the next. The tiles move in unison, and each time you make a move, another tile is generated on the side opposite of there you moved the other tiles.

The Hexagonal version trades the grid for a set of hexagons. Instead of moving the tiles horizontally and vertically, the tiles move diagonally. On a keyboard, the moves translate as follows:

• W or up arrow: top left
• A or down arrow: bottom right
• S or left arrow: bottom left
• D or right arrow: top right

The Merge Number version of the game returns to the square grid. Select the number tiles fromt he middle right of the game screen, then drag and drop them onto any space on the grid. Place identical numbers on the grid to merge them.

The Shoot Number version trades the grid-styled fields for a series of tracks. Form rows of number tiles on each track by “dropping” them in place; the tiles will automatically move upward. Placing any set of numbers adjacent to one another (be it on top, on one side, or both) will cause them to merge in the direction of the last number tile you dropped. The game also shows you the next tile you’ll be releasing on the middle right edge of the game screen.

The Solitaire version of the game involves moving the numbers (now in the form of cards rather than tiles) to foundation piles shown on top of the game screen. Put identical cards on top of one another to merge them. To keep the game going, make sure at least one of the foundation piles is arranged from biggest to smallest. You receive cards from the bottom left corner; the game shows you both your current and next cards. You can drag and drop cards you don’t want on the discard pile; you can do this up to three times.

In the Merge Number, Shoot Number, and Solitaire versions, putting three or more identical numbers merges them into the next number in the sequence. Thus, merging three or more 2s will always yield a 4. Most game modes also generate 2s and 4s. The Number Shoot version, however, generates 8s while the Solitaire version generates both 8s and 16s.

Advanced Playing Tips & Strategy

Pay attention to the rule sets of each type and tailor your playstyle to the game’s rules.

The tiles move in unison in the Classic and Hexagonal Mode. Here, your main goal should be keep the number tiles in order. Try to move the numbers in only two directions so the largest one (which will become the 2048 tile in time) will form in one easily accessible corner.

For the Shoot Number and Solitaire versions, keep the number tiles properly sorted in each row. Ideally, you should try to keep each of the columns arranged from biggest to smallest to make it easier to form the biggest number. In Shoot Number, the numbers can merge laterally, so you can eventually correct disorderly columns. You don’t have that luxury in the solitaire version.

In the Merge Number version, try to avoid forming a checkerboard patter over much of the board. Once the pattern has completely taken over, it’s usually next to impossible to continue the game as there’s often no way to actually merge the tiles.

None of the game variants are timed. Move slowly and methodically and pay attention to where the larger number forms. This way, you’ll reduce the likelihood of making critical mistakes that will throw off your game.

Educational Aspects

This game hones a player’s logical thinking skills and concentration while also fostering patience.

Player Age Recommendations

This game is suited for players school-aged and above. We recommend it for players who enjoy 2048 or any of its number-merging derivatives.