Bubble Shooter 2048 is a merge game based on the 2048 tiling game with bubble-popping and black-hole elements. The player attempts to create a 2048 bubble by shooting numbered projectiles at an indented black disc similar to a black hole that serves as the merge playfield. They also attempt to earn a lot of points.
On the disc, the player can merge identical-numbered bubbles. For example, two 2 bubbles merge to become a single 4 bubble. The central indentation on the disc acts like a gravity well without the hole. It pulls bubbles shot from the shooter and bubbles already upon it toward the center. This movement results in automatic merges. The player can also rotate the disc, which makes it easier for them to shoot a projectile at its target.
Bubble Shooter 2048 also features black bubbles of varying sizes that block empty space on the disc and merge opportunities. These bubbles aren't visible when resting on the shooter. The player can only assume that they're dealing with a black one since the bright, colorfully numbered projectile bubbles show up well in contrast against the black screen background. They must shoot each black bubble at the disc to continue shooting numbered ones. They pop black bubbles by merging two with a shot.
If the player allows any bubbles to extend beyond the edge of the disc for more than a few seconds, the white dashed border around the disc turns red, and the game ends.
