Ping Tool
 | This article or section may need to be rewritten entirely to comply with Portal Wiki's quality standards. You can help. The discussion page may contain suggestions. |
 | “I can't get over how small you are!” This article is a stub. As such, it is not complete. You can help Portal wiki by expanding it. |
| “ | Your ping tool is invaluable for communicating specific locations to your partner.
— GLaDOS
|
” |
The Ping Tool is a communications mechanism introduced in Portal 2. The Ping Tool is only available in Co-op mode, and is used by players in order to identify specific locations within Test Chambers, as well as synchronize activities through the use of an on-screen timer. In the Edit Keys dialog, the Ping Tool is called the Communications Menu.
The Ping Tool possesses two primary functions; the "Look" Ping and the "Timer" Ping.
Pings
Look Ping
When invoked, the Look Ping (default key "F") displays an icon that appears on the screen of both the initiator and their Co-op partner, for the purpose of pinging, or targeting, a specific location within a map. This helps players to effectively co-ordinate their actions in order to solve obstacles, and is often essential when voice communication is unavailable.
Timer Ping
When invoked, the Timer Ping (default key "F") displays an icon that appears on the screen of both the initiator and their Co-op partner, for the purpose of synchronizing a specific action. The Timer can be used for a variety of purposes, the most common of which is allowing Co-op partners to synchronize the creation of Portals, the activation of a switch or button, or most commonly the activation of Circuit Breakers. Because some game mechanics require a high degree of synchronisation in order to function, the Timer can be essential to successfully completing a Test Chamber.
"Go Here!" Ping
When invoked, the "Go Here!" Ping (default key "F") displays an icon that apears on the screen of both the initiator and their Co-op partner, for the purpose of telling their partner a location to stand on, such as a Heavy Duty Super-Colliding Super Button.
Place a portal
When looking at a portalable floor or wall, and holding down the ping key, a one of two portal icons will appear. When invoked, the “portal” ping displays an icon that appears on the screen of both the initiator and their co-op partner, to show them where they should fire a portal.
Press button
Pedestal Buttons have an additional contextual ping.
Portal enter
Two additional pings for walls and floors...
Portal exit
Two additional pings for walls and floors...
Unused pings
Turret Warning
Turret Warning ping is located in hud/commands/turret_warning. The name is self-explanatory.
Portal Move
Portal Move ping is located in hud/commands/portal_move. In Portal 2 PS3 Manual, this ping was referenced as a normally included ping.
Goo
Goo ping is located in hud/commands/slime_no_drink. Purpose of this ping is unknown, probably for identifying goo nearby.