Exploring the Nether is a key part of any Minecraft adventure, whether you’re looking for rare resources, preparing for the End, or just expanding your world. But before stepping into that dangerous dimension, you’ll need to build a Nether Portal and for that, you’ll need obsidian. Many new players ask the same simple question how much obsidian is required to make a Nether Portal? The answer can vary depending on how efficient you want to be with your resources. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about obsidian requirements, portal sizes, and efficient building methods.
What Is a Nether Portal?
Purpose and Use
A Nether Portal is a structure that allows players to travel between the Overworld and the Nether. It’s essential for progressing through the game, especially when trying to gather blaze rods, nether wart, or ancient debris. Once constructed and lit with flint and steel, the portal becomes a swirling purple gateway to the Nether dimension.
Basic Structure
The standard portal shape is a vertical rectangle, formed by placing obsidian blocks in a specific arrangement. When built correctly and ignited, the frame activates and can be used to travel between dimensions instantly.
Minimum Obsidian Requirements
Efficient Portal Frame
To build a functioning Nether Portal, the absolute minimum number of obsidian blocks you need is10. This is done by creating a portal frame without the corner blocks, which are not required for activation. Here’s the basic layout using the fewest materials
- Vertical sides 2 blocks each (4 total)
- Top and bottom horizontal sides 3 blocks each (6 total)
10 blocks in total allow the portal to work just like a full-frame version. Most speedrunners and experienced players use this method to conserve obsidian and build portals quickly.
Full Portal Frame
If you want your Nether Portal to look symmetrical or aesthetically complete, then you’ll need14 obsidian blocks. This includes the four corner blocks
- Vertical sides 3 blocks each (6 total)
- Top and bottom 4 blocks each (8 total)
This full frame looks more polished but serves the same function as the minimum design. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference and how much obsidian you have available.
How to Get Obsidian
Mining Requirements
Obsidian can only be mined with a diamond pickaxe or a netherite pickaxe. Trying to mine it with anything else will destroy the block without dropping it. When mining, it takes about 9.4 seconds to break one block of obsidian using a standard diamond pickaxe, or slightly less with efficiency enchantments.
Creating Obsidian
To make obsidian, you need water to flow over lava source blocks. The most common method is finding a pool of lava underground or in a ravine and pouring water over it using a bucket. Note that pouring lava into water does not create obsidian; it creates cobblestone instead.
Where to Find It
You can also find obsidian in various structures, including
- Ruined Nether Portals
- End cities (within chests)
- Stronghold libraries (as loot)
- Bastions or bastion remnants
Looting these structures can be a time-saving way to gather enough obsidian without mining.
Tips for Building Your Nether Portal
Ideal Placement
Place your Nether Portal in a secure location, such as inside a base or behind a wall, to prevent mobs from walking through it. In the Nether, consider building a small shelter around your portal to protect it from ghasts, which can shoot fireballs and potentially deactivate the portal temporarily.
Lighting the Portal
Once your portal frame is constructed, you’ll need to activate it using a flint and steel. This item is made from one iron ingot and one piece of flint. Simply right-click the inside of the frame with the flint and steel to light the portal and create the purple portal field.
Travel Distance in the Nether
Each block traveled in the Nether equates to eight blocks in the Overworld. This makes the Nether an efficient way to travel long distances. Many players build portal networks using this mechanic to fast-travel across their world.
Advanced Nether Portal Designs
Larger Portals
While the standard Nether Portal frame is 4 blocks tall and 5 blocks wide (including corners), Minecraft allows for larger portals. You can make a portal up to 23 blocks tall and 23 blocks wide. These giant portals require significantly more obsidian, but they function the same way and can be used for decorative builds or transporting large mobs.
Creative Uses
Players often build themed portals to match their bases such as castles, temples, or sci-fi gates. Others use redstone and command blocks in Creative mode to automate travel or integrate portals into adventure maps. With creative design, your portal can become more than just a transportation tool it can be a focal point of your build.
Summary of Obsidian Requirements
Portal Type and Obsidian Needed
- Minimum Frame (No Corners)10 Obsidian
- Full Frame (With Corners)14 Obsidian
- Maximum Size Portal (23×23)Minimum 84 Obsidian
Remember, only the frame needs to be made of obsidian. The interior can’t be filled with blocks; otherwise, the portal won’t activate.
Other Uses for Obsidian
In addition to Nether Portals, obsidian is used for crafting and building
- Ender Chest– Requires 8 obsidian and 1 eye of ender.
- Enchanting Table– Requires 4 obsidian, 2 diamonds, and 1 book.
- Beacon Base (for decoration)– Obsidian blocks can be used as decorative base layers.
Because obsidian is blast-resistant, it’s also useful for building secure shelters or storage rooms that can withstand explosions from creepers or TNT.
Knowing how much obsidian you need for a Nether Portal is a crucial piece of Minecraft knowledge. Whether you’re looking to build a quick portal with 10 blocks or aiming for a symmetrical design with 14, having the right amount will save you time and resources. Gathering obsidian can be slow, but it opens up a world of possibilities literally. Once your portal is built and lit, the Nether awaits with valuable materials, unique mobs, and critical steps in your game progression. Plan carefully, mine wisely, and soon you’ll be walking through the purple shimmer of your very own portal to another dimension.