Portal 2 Laser Chamber

Portal 2 Custom Level – Final Year Project
Solo Level Design | 4 Weeks | Hammer Editor

For one of my final year modules, I designed and built a custom Portal 2 level consisting of three interconnected test chambers. The goal was to create a learning-driven experience that gradually introduced players to core mechanics, with a strong focus on the laser (thermal discouragement beam) system.

Each chamber was designed with increasing complexity, blending teaching moments with engaging puzzle design:

Chamber 1 introduced players to the laser mechanic in its simplest form. It focused on the basics of portal placement and demonstrated how lasers can be used to activate elements in the environment, such as doors and platforms.

Chamber 2 layered on complexity by introducing the Repulsion Gel. It taught players how lasers can be redirected using reflective cubes and challenged them to think critically, as the obvious solution often led to a dead end. This chamber emphasized experimentation and problem-solving.

Chamber 3 served as the culmination of everything the player had learned. It was a large, multi-step puzzle that referenced earlier mechanics and challenged players to combine them in creative ways. The chamber was designed to reward mastery and reinforce the progression in a satisfying, non-linear layout.

This project not only demonstrates my understanding of effective level design and player onboarding but also highlights my ability to learn new tools quickly—I taught myself Valve’s Hammer Editor and implemented all logic, visuals, and gameplay scripting within a four-week period.