After five years in development, a dedicated team of modders has finally completed Portal: Java Edition, a fan project that brings the puzzle-solving gameplay of Valve’s classic Portal into Minecraft: Java Edition. What makes this project even more impressive is that it runs entirely in vanilla Minecraft, meaning players don’t need to install additional mods.
This ambitious creation allows Minecraft players to experience the full mechanics of Portal, or even create their own levels, making it both a faithful recreation and a sandbox for creativity.
Portal Meets Minecraft
Portal and Minecraft originally launched within just two years of each other—Portal in 2007 and Minecraft in 2009. Both games became cultural phenomena, but their journeys diverged. Minecraft has continued to evolve with constant updates and new content, while Portal has remained dormant since Portal 2 launched in 2011. For fans missing the unique puzzle platforming of Portal, this project is the perfect way to revisit the experience.
Classic Portal Gameplay in Blocky Form
According to the developers, Portal: Java Edition faithfully replicates the iconic mechanics from Portal 2. A demo video showcases fan-favorite features such as:
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Portals
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Light bridges
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Excursion funnels
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Lasers
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Emancipation grills
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Mobility gels
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Aerial faith plates
The similarities are so close to Valve’s original games that many fans have expressed shock, noting the footage looks nearly identical to official Portal gameplay.
50 Levels and Map Editor Included
Portal: Java Edition doesn’t just stop at recreating the mechanics. It also comes packed with 50 playable levels and eight map packs, providing hours of puzzle-solving fun. Even more exciting, the project includes a map editor, allowing players to design and share their own Portal-inspired test chambers directly within Minecraft.
This feature adds near-endless replayability, turning Minecraft into a true Portal sandbox.
A Tradition of Reimagining Games in Minecraft
Minecraft’s endless creativity has allowed fans to reimagine countless classic games inside its blocky world. From Tetris to Super Mario Bros., Pac-Man, and even a recreation of The Legend of Zelda, fans have consistently pushed the limits of what’s possible without mods. Portal: Java Edition now stands among the most impressive of these fan-made projects, combining nostalgia with innovation.
The Best of Both Worlds
With its combination of Minecraft’s limitless building tools and Portal’s mind-bending puzzle mechanics, Portal: Java Edition is a dream project for fans of both franchises. Whether you’re revisiting Aperture Science or discovering Portal for the first time, this fan creation proves that great games never truly fade away—they just find new ways to live on.