Valve released Portal 2 in April 2011 as a first person puzzle game with no combat, no health bar and exactly one device: the portal gun. The single player campaign runs nine chapters through Aperture Science, and a separate two player campaign hands ATLAS and P-Body a portal gun each, putting four portals on the field at once. Everything you pick up is a testing element rather than a weapon, from the three paint gels to the Excursion Funnels and Hard Light Bridges.
Picking the right build determines how your experience plays out. These builds are ranked by overall effectiveness, factoring in damage, survivability, gear requirements, and how well they scale into endgame. New to the game? Start with our beginner's guide first.
Quick Rankings
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Core Gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATLAS, the co-op sphere | A | Balanced | Best available |
| P-Body, the co-op turret | A | Balanced | Best available |
| Momentum first solver | A | Balanced | Best available |
| Gel router | A | Balanced | Best available |
| Funnel and bridge planner | A | Balanced | Best available |
For detailed meta rankings, see our Portal 2 tier list.
A-Tier: ATLAS, the co-op sphere
ATLAS, the co-op sphere is a top-performing option in Portal 2.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Equipment | Portal Gun | The Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device fires one blue and one orange portal onto white portal conducting surfaces. |
| Core Gear | Best available for your level | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Balanced offensive and defensive stats | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Portals only stick to white surfaces | The gun places one blue and one orange portal, and both need a flat white panel that conducts portals. |
How to Play ATLAS, the co-op sphere
ATLAS, the co-op sphere focuses on a balanced approach to content.
Why this build works: Portal Gun does the damage and Portals only stick to white surfaces keeps it running, which is why this sits at the top of the list. See our weapons guide for detailed equipment breakdowns.
Pros:
- Highest overall performance
- Straightforward gearing path
- Works in all content types
Cons:
- Popular pick, resources may be contested
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
A-Tier: P-Body, the co-op turret
P-Body, the co-op turret is a strong option in Portal 2.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Equipment | Repulsion Gel | The blue paint. |
| Core Gear | Best available for your level | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Balanced offensive and defensive stats | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Momentum carries through portals | Speed is preserved across a portal and only the direction changes. |
How to Play P-Body, the co-op turret
P-Body, the co-op turret focuses on a balanced approach to content.
Why this build works: Pair Repulsion Gel with Momentum carries through portals and the build stops depending on a good start, so it holds up across most content. See our weapons guide for detailed equipment breakdowns.
Pros:
- Most versatile option
- Straightforward gearing path
- Works in all content types
Cons:
- Lower peak damage than S-tier
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
A-Tier: Momentum first solver
Momentum first solver is a strong option in Portal 2.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Equipment | Propulsion Gel | The orange paint. |
| Core Gear | Best available for your level | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Balanced offensive and defensive stats | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | The three paint gels | Repulsion Gel is blue and bounces whatever lands on it. |
How to Play Momentum first solver
Momentum first solver focuses on a balanced approach to content.
Why this build works: The three paint gels covers the gap Propulsion Gel leaves open, so the build stays usable even when a fight goes badly. See our weapons guide for detailed equipment breakdowns.
Pros:
- Best survivability
- Straightforward gearing path
- Works in all content types
Cons:
- Slower clear speeds
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
A-Tier: Gel router
Gel router is a specialized option in Portal 2.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Equipment | Conversion Gel | The white paint, made from ground moon rock. |
| Core Gear | Best available for your level | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Balanced offensive and defensive stats | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Excursion Funnels and Hard Light Bridges | Funnels are tractor beams that carry you and cubes along their length, and buttons reverse the flow. |
How to Play Gel router
Gel router focuses on a balanced approach to content.
Why this build works: This one leans on Excursion Funnels and Hard Light Bridges rather than raw numbers, and Conversion Gel is what makes that trade pay off. See our weapons guide for detailed equipment breakdowns.
Pros:
- Strong in group/team content
- Straightforward gearing path
- Excels in its niche
Cons:
- Weaker solo performance
- Requires deep game knowledge
A-Tier: Funnel and bridge planner
Funnel and bridge planner is a specialized option in Portal 2.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Equipment | Excursion Funnel | A tractor beam that carries players and cubes along its length and passes through portals without breaking. |
| Core Gear | Best available for your level | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Balanced offensive and defensive stats | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Four portals in two player co-op | Each co-op player carries their own gun, so four portals exist simultaneously. |
How to Play Funnel and bridge planner
Funnel and bridge planner focuses on a balanced approach to content.
Why this build works: Excursion Funnel and Four portals in two player co-op pull in the same direction here, which separates this from the safer picks above. See our weapons guide for detailed equipment breakdowns.
Pros:
- Unique, rewarding playstyle
- Straightforward gearing path
- Excels in its niche
Cons:
- High skill floor, punishing when misplayed
- Requires deep game knowledge
Build Progression Path
- Start with P-Body, the co-op turret: the most forgiving option for learning the game
- Transition to ATLAS, the co-op sphere once you understand core mechanics and have access to Portal Gun
- Keep a Momentum first solver setup for content that keeps killing you
- Try Funnel and bridge planner for a fresh experience once you've mastered the basics
Follow our walkthrough for the optimal progression path through each area.
Gearing Tips
- Invest in your primary equipment first, since it gives the biggest power spike. See our weapons guide for rankings.
- Portal 2 has no combat, no health bar and no permanent failure state. Turrets and acid simply reset you to the start of the room, so experimenting costs nothing except time.
- Before placing a portal, check the surface material. White panels conduct portals and Aperture's black metal, glass and grating refuse them, and half of a stuck puzzle is the one white panel you have not spotted.
- Don't spread upgrade resources across multiple builds until endgame
More Portal 2 Guides
- Portal 2 Portal 2 Overview
- Portal 2 Tier List
- Portal 2 Walkthrough
- Portal 2 Beginner's Guide
- Portal 2 Tips & Tricks
- Portal 2 Weapons Guide
- Portal 2 Combat Guide
- Portal 2 Boss Guide
- Portal 2 Maps & Locations
- Portal 2 Crafting Guide
- Portal 2 Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Portal 2, check out these related guides:
- Escape Simulator Builds: puzzle game with similar mechanics
- Pico Park Builds: puzzle game with similar mechanics
- Portal Builds: puzzle game with similar mechanics
