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Category Logic Games
4096
Join the numbers to get the 4096 tile!
SCORE 0
BEST 0
Game Over

HOW TO PLAY: Use Arrow Keys or swipe to move tiles. Tiles with the same number merge into one!

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About

The 4096 Challenge is a mathematical sliding block puzzle that exploits the properties of exponential growth. The objective is to slide numbered tiles on a grid to combine them and create a tile with the number 4096. The game logic rests on the power of two: 2n. While it appears simple, the rapid escalation of values requires forward-thinking strategy to avoid gridlock.

Unlike simple arithmetic games, this tool simulates a confined system where entropy (disorder) increases with every move. Each swipe introduces a new random variable (a 2 or 4 tile), reducing the available free space S. The risk of failure occurs when S (empty set) and no adjacent values satisfy xi = xj.

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Formulas

The scoring function Score accumulates the sum of all merged tiles. When two tiles of value v merge, the score increases by:

Scorenew = Scoreold + ki=1 (vi + vi)

Where k is the number of merges in a single turn. The minimum theoretical score to reach 4096 involves summing the partial products of the chain:

Total12n=1 (n1) × 2n

Reference Data

Power (n)Value (2n)Tile ColorProbability
12Beige90% Spawn
24Cream10% Spawn
38Light OrangeMerge Only
416OrangeMerge Only
532Burnt OrangeMerge Only
664Red-OrangeMerge Only
7128Yellow-GoldMerge Only
8256GoldenrodMerge Only
9512GoldMerge Only
101024AmberMerge Only
112048Dark GoldMajor Milestone
124096Black/GoldTARGET

Frequently Asked Questions

The game notifies you of your victory, but allows you to continue playing to reach higher powers like 8192 or 16384, or until the grid locks.
Yes. The state (grid configuration and score) is written to your browser's LocalStorage after every move. You can close the tab and return later.
Yes. A new tile spawns in a random empty cell. There is a 90% probability of a 2 and a 10% probability of a 4.
This implementation adheres to the strict "Iron Mode" rules of the challenge. Once a move is made, the entropy of the system increases irreversibly. No undo function is provided.
The score is not based on the tiles on the board, but on the act of merging. If you merge two 4s to make an 8, you get +8 points.