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.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATLAS, the co-op sphere | A | Balanced | Portal Gun | Yes |
| P-Body, the co-op turret | A | Balanced | Repulsion Gel | Yes |
| Momentum first solver | A | Balanced | Propulsion Gel | Yes |
| Gel router | A | Balanced | Conversion Gel | Yes |
| Funnel and bridge planner | A | Balanced | Excursion Funnel | Yes |
New player? Start with P-Body, the co-op turret. See our beginner's guide for why.
ATLAS, the co-op sphere
ATLAS, the co-op sphere is a strong option in Portal 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Portal Gun |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Portals only stick to white surfaces |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Portal Gun
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Chapter 1: The Courtesy Call to learn ATLAS, the co-op sphere-specific mechanics
- Focus on Portals only stick to white surfaces. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Portal Gun as your first major upgrade
- See our full ATLAS, the co-op sphere build guide for the optimal gear progression
P-Body, the co-op turret
P-Body, the co-op turret is a strong option in Portal 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Repulsion Gel |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Momentum carries through portals |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Repulsion Gel
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Chapter 1: The Courtesy Call to learn P-Body, the co-op turret-specific mechanics
- Focus on Momentum carries through portals. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Repulsion Gel as your first major upgrade
- See our full P-Body, the co-op turret build guide for the optimal gear progression
Momentum first solver
Momentum first solver is a strong option in Portal 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Propulsion Gel |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | The three paint gels |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Propulsion Gel
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Chapter 1: The Courtesy Call to learn Momentum first solver-specific mechanics
- Focus on The three paint gels. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Propulsion Gel as your first major upgrade
- See our full Momentum first solver build guide for the optimal gear progression
Gel router
Gel router is a strong option in Portal 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Conversion Gel |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Excursion Funnels and Hard Light Bridges |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Conversion Gel
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Chapter 1: The Courtesy Call to learn Gel router-specific mechanics
- Focus on Excursion Funnels and Hard Light Bridges. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Conversion Gel as your first major upgrade
- See our full Gel router build guide for the optimal gear progression
Funnel and bridge planner
Funnel and bridge planner is a strong option in Portal 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Excursion Funnel |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Four portals in two player co-op |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Excursion Funnel
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Chapter 1: The Courtesy Call to learn Funnel and bridge planner-specific mechanics
- Focus on Four portals in two player co-op. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Excursion Funnel as your first major upgrade
- See our full Funnel and bridge planner build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
P-Body, the co-op turret is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
ATLAS, the co-op sphere is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Portal Gun for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Funnel and bridge planner offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Gel router shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Portal 2 Guides
- Portal 2 Portal 2 Overview
- Portal 2 Best Builds
- 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
Similar Games
If you enjoy Portal 2, check out these related guides:
- Escape Simulator Classes Guide: puzzle game with similar mechanics
- Pico Park Classes Guide: puzzle game with similar mechanics
- Portal Classes Guide: puzzle game with similar mechanics
