Choose Portal 2 if you want the more versatile single-game purchase: it has a solo campaign and a separate two-player co-op campaign. Choose Portal if you specifically want the original’s single-player experience. If you play on Nintendo Switch and want both, Nintendo lists them together in the digital Portal: Companion Collection.
Portal vs. Portal 2 at a glance
| Game | Release date | Campaigns | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portal | October 10, 2007 | Single-player | Players who want the original solo game |
| Portal 2 | April 18, 2011 | Single-player and a separate two-player co-op campaign | Players who want solo play plus a cooperative option |
Valve identifies Portal as a single-player game. Its Portal 2 listing describes distinct solo and co-op campaigns; the co-op has its own story, chambers, and characters.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Portal 2 - Xbox 360 | $5.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Portal 2 - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $15.08 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Portal 2 - Xbox 360 | $19.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Portal The Uncooperative Board Game | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Which Portal game should you play first?
If you’re choosing between the two and don’t have a specific reason to start with the original, Portal 2 is the more flexible pick: you can play its solo campaign and also have a separate co-op campaign available. If your aim is specifically to play the original Portal, choose that instead. The recommendation is about the campaign options each game offers, not a claim that one is objectively better.
Should you buy both Portal games?
If you play on Nintendo Switch and want both games, Nintendo lists the digital Portal: Companion Collection as containing Portal and Portal 2. Nintendo says the collection’s Portal 2 co-op supports local, split-screen, and online multiplayer.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- The single-player portion of Portal 2 introduces dynamic characters, fresh puzzle elements, and a larger set of devious test chambers
- The two-player mode features a separate campaign with unique story, test chambers, and two new player characters.
- Advanced use of physics allow for the creation of a whole new range of interesting challenges, producing a much larger but not harder game.
- A massive sequel to the title named 2007's Game of the Year by over 30 publications worldwide.
- Players explore areas of the Aperture Science Labs and reunite with GLaDOS, the murderous computer companion.
For another platform, check the relevant storefront for availability and the current price in your region before buying. Prices, inventory, and whether an offer is digital or physical depend on the seller; the cited product pages do not establish current prices across sellers.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Designed by Valve staff, the makers of Portal & Portal 2!
- Includes a free Steam code for a copy of Portal 2!
- Fast and fun gameplay
- Modular board
- Includes miniatures of popular Portal game elements
Rank #3
- Extensive single player game featuring next generation gameplay and a wildly-engrossing story
- Complete two-person cooperative multiplayer game featuring its own dedicated story, characters, and gameplay
- Advanced use of physics allow for the creation of a whole new range of interesting challenges, producing a much larger but not harder game
- Win/Mac software is PC and Macintosh compatible
- A massive sequel to the title named 2007's Game of the Year by over 30 publications worldwide.
Rank #2
- The single-player portion of Portal 2 introduces dynamic characters, fresh puzzle elements, and a larger set of devious test chambers
- The two-player mode features a separate campaign with unique story, test chambers, and two new player characters.
- Advanced use of physics allow for the creation of a whole new range of interesting challenges, producing a much larger but not harder game.
- A massive sequel to the title named 2007's Game of the Year by over 30 publications worldwide.
- Players explore areas of the Aperture Science Labs and reunite with GLaDOS, the murderous computer companion.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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