Portal

This section of the guide provides answers to frequently asked questions about Portal, details on alternate routes, and control schemes for different platforms.

Camera Shy Achievement: Boxes indicating camera locations are highlighted to help achieve the "Camera Shy" achievement on the XBox 360.

Alternate Routes: When multiple routes are possible, they are presented with less common routes first, followed by the most common route. The common route is generally more detailed and may contain more 'Commentary Nodes' and 'Camera Shy' cameras.

General FAQ

What is Portal?

Portal is a puzzle video game developed by Valve, released with the "Orange Box" compilation for PC, XBox 360, and PS3. It can also be purchased separately on Steam for $19.99.

How long is Portal?

A first playthrough typically takes 5-6 hours for skilled players, and up to 7 hours for others.

How do you unlock commentary mode?

Commentary mode unlocks at the main menu after completing a chapter in story mode.

Will you add alternate solutions to the guide?

Yes, alternate solutions can be submitted via email and will be added with credit to the contributor.

How can I report an error in the guide?

Report errors by checking the 'Contact Info' section of the guide, specifying the error and suggested correction. Feedback on spelling, incomplete, or incorrect information is appreciated.

What information is needed?

Information for versions other than the PlayStation 3, particularly control details and memory requirements for the XBox 360 version, is requested.

I have a question!

Refer to the 'Contact Info' section of the guide for assistance.

Controls

Playstation 3

Look Around

Move Right Analog Stick

Move Around

Move Left Analog Stick

Jump

L1 or X

Crouch

L3 or Circle

Fire Blue Portal

R2

Fire Orange Portal

L2

Pick Up Objects/Use

R1 or Square

Pause Game

Start

Quick Save

Hold Start

Computer

Look Around

Move Mouse

Move Forward

W Key

This section details the controls for Portal on PC and Xbox 360, specifically for Test Chamber 00.

PC Controls:

Xbox 360 Controls:

Test Chamber 00 (TC00) Walkthrough:

Commentary Nodes:

• The first commentary node, featuring Gabe Newell, explains how to interact with commentary nodes. To listen, aim at the symbol and press the 'use' key. To stop, press 'use' again. Some nodes may pause gameplay to show something.
• The second commentary node, featuring Kim Swift, discusses the importance of players understanding portals and how seeing oneself through a portal helps grasp the concept.

Wait for the countdown timer. After the countdown, a computer voice will begin.

Computer Voice: "We hope your brief detention in a relaxation vault has been a pleasant one. Your specimen has been processed and we are now ready to begin the test proper. Before we start, however, keep in mind that although fun and learning are the primary goals of our enrichment center activities, serious injuries may occur. For your own safety and the safety of others, please refrain from touching (bzzzzzzzzt). Por favor bord˜n de fellar. Muchos gracias de fellar gracias. Stand back, the portal will open in three, two, one."

Commentary Node:

• The third commentary node, featuring Kim Swift, explains that early playtesters thought portals led to other dimensions. To counter this, the first chamber uses a visually unique room as a reference point for when players first step through a portal.

Turn left and press the 'use' key to activate the first commentary node.

Turn right and press the 'use' key to activate the second commentary node.

You can interact with the environment in the initial room. Using the toilet (R1) will cause it to flush and trigger a computer voice. You can lift and throw the clipboard (R2), or drop it (R1). The coffee cup can be lifted and thrown to break. The radio can be picked up but has no other function.

Turn and run through the portal.

Immediately outside the portal, turn left. Commentary Node: [Ray Raitt] discusses the player's orange jumpsuit, designed to reinforce their status as a test subject and help them stand out visually. The mechanized heel spring was added to explain the player's ability to survive long falls.

To your right, you will see a giant lighted panel that describes the hazards for each test. These panels appear in every test chamber. Turn left and follow the path.

Along the path, look up to see a Commentary Node: [Realm Lovejoy] explains that the frosted glass observation rooms create a feeling of being watched while maintaining mystery, and serve as practical light sources.

Head through the door to find a button. After entering, turn right to find another Commentary Node: [Robin Walker] explains that Portal serves as an extended player training exercise, introducing gameplay tools and layering them into increasingly difficult puzzles, starting with the button/box mechanic before introducing portals.

In this room, you will find a button and a tube that dispenses cubes. The door opens when you stand on the button, but closes when you step off. To solve this, take an Aperture Science Weighted Storage Cube (using R1, the use key) and place it on the button (pressing R1 again to drop it). Head through the now open door.

[Computer] "Excellent. Please proceed into the chamberlock after completing each test. First, however, note the incandescent particle field across the exit. This Aperture Science Material Emancipation Grid will vaporize any unauthorized equipment that passes through it - for instance the Aperture Science Weighted Storage Cube."

Head through the Aperture Science Material Emancipation Grid and into the elevator.

Test Chamber 01 (TC01)

As you proceed, the panel will light up, indicating no hazards. Head to the ledge and drop off.

Commentary Node: After falling, look to the right of the portal. [Paul Graham] discusses how players are made to feel safe within portals, with objects being pushed or teleported out as a portal closes rather than being destroyed.