Portal
Developed by Valve · Published by Valve
At a glance
Overview
An action game by Valve, published by Valve — single-player.
Steam’s own one-line description: “Portal™ is a new single player game from Valve. Set in the mysterious Aperture Science Laboratories, Portal has been called one of the most innovative new games on the horizon and will offer gamers hours of unique gameplay.” — developer/publisher text via the Steam store page.
Reception & community
Review sentiment, ownership and peak-concurrent estimates via SteamSpy; tags are player-voted on Steam. Estimates change over time.
What players say about Portal
Distilled by AI from 44 real Steam player reviews + verified Steam facts. The honest picture — praise and criticism both.
👍 What players love
- Innovative and clever puzzle mechanics that challenge spatial awareness.
- Engaging story and dark humor, especially through the character GLaDOS.
- Short and concise gameplay that doesn't overstay its welcome.
- Visually impressive for its time, with a unique art style.
- High replay value due to its tight design and satisfying puzzles.
👎 Common complaints
- Some players experience motion sickness due to the game's mechanics.
- The game is quite short, which may leave some players wanting more.
- Technical issues such as crashes have been reported by some users.
- Visuals may feel dated to some players, despite the game's charm.
Is it worth it?
Portal is an iconic puzzle game that combines innovative mechanics with engaging storytelling and humor. It's a great choice for both newcomers and seasoned gamers looking for a short but rewarding experience, despite some technical issues and its brief length.
Getting started — quick tips
- Utilize quick saves and loads to navigate tricky puzzles more easily.
- Take your time to explore each test chamber; the solutions often require creative thinking.
- Be mindful of motion sickness; if you're sensitive, consider taking breaks.
Features & modes
Derived from the gameplay modes and feature categories Steam lists for Portal.
| Feature | Supported |
|---|---|
| Single-player | Yes |
| Multiplayer | No |
| Co-op | No |
| Online co-op | No |
| PvP | No |
| Cross-platform multiplayer | No |
| Full controller support | Yes |
| Partial controller support | No |
| Steam Cloud saves | No |
| Steam Achievements | Yes |
System requirements (PC)
As published on the Steam store page. Requirements can change between updates.
Minimum
- 1.7 GHz Processor, 512MB RAM, DirectX® 8.1 level Graphics Card (Requires support for SSE), Windows® 7 (32/64-bit)/Vista/XP, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection
- Pentium 4 processor (3.0GHz, or better), 1GB RAM, DirectX® 9 level Graphics Card, Windows® 7 (32/64-bit)/Vista/XP, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection
Supported languages (27)
Portal FAQ
Answered from the official Steam listing as of September 2026. Data stamp: September 2026 (oldest record; newest recorded refresh: September 2026). Recorded refreshes can include failed attempts; check Steam for current facts. Where something hasn't been announced, we say so rather than guess.
Is Portal suitable for newcomers to gaming?
Yes, many players recommend it as a great entry point due to its simple mechanics and engaging design.
How long does it take to complete Portal?
The game can typically be finished in one sitting, often within 2-4 hours.
Are there any technical issues I should be aware of?
Some users have reported crashes, particularly on certain systems, so it's advisable to check for updates.
Does the game have replay value?
Yes, players often find it enjoyable to replay for the puzzles and humor.
Is the humor in Portal suitable for all ages?
The humor is generally well-received and suitable for a wide audience, though it has a dark undertone.
What kind of game is Portal?
Steam classifies Portal as a Action game, developed by Valve. Portal™ is a new single player game from Valve. Set in the mysterious Aperture Science Laboratories, Portal has been called one of the most innovative new games on the horizon and will offer gamers hours of unique gameplay.
How much does Portal cost?
As of September 2026, Steam lists Portal at $9.99. Prices and regional pricing change — check the Steam page for the current figure.
Is Portal single-player or multiplayer?
Steam lists these modes for Portal: Single-player. It lists a single-player mode.
Is Portal on PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch?
Our data comes from the Steam (PC) store, which lists Portal for Windows, Linux. Console availability isn’t in our Steam-sourced data — check the official site or the console store.
Is Portal out yet?
Yes — Steam lists a release date of Oct 10, 2007.
What platforms is Portal on?
Portal is listed for Windows, Linux on the Steam (PC) store. Console availability isn't covered by Steam's PC store data — check the official channels.
Is Portal single-player or multiplayer?
Steam lists these modes: Single-player.
How much does Portal cost?
Steam lists it at $9.99.
Does Portal have achievements?
Yes — Steam lists 15 achievements for Portal.
What is Portal's Metacritic score?
Portal has a Metacritic score of 90/100, per the Steam store listing.
Who made Portal?
Portal is developed by Valve and published by Valve.
Where to get Portal
We don't sell games or track prices — this links to the official Steam store page.
View on Steam →Listing details from Valve's public Steam store data · official site. Not affiliated with Valve/Steam, Valve.