In the world of Minecraft, one of the most exciting milestones for players is building a Nether Portal. It marks the moment you’re ready to step beyond the Overworld and face the fiery, dangerous dimension known as the Nether. To construct a working portal, obsidian is required an extremely durable and essential block that serves as the portal’s frame. Knowing how much obsidian is needed, where to find it, and how to use it efficiently is crucial for any player looking to explore deeper into the game’s content.
Understanding the Basics of a Nether Portal
What is a Nether Portal?
A Nether Portal is a player-built structure that acts as a gateway between the Overworld and the Nether. Once activated with flint and steel, it opens a swirling purple portal that teleports players to the Nether realm. The portal is a key feature for progressing in Minecraft, particularly for players interested in potion-making, advanced materials, or completing the game’s storyline.
What is Obsidian?
Obsidian is a rare and durable block created when water touches a lava source block. It is immune to normal explosions and requires a diamond or netherite pickaxe to mine. Due to its strength and resistance, obsidian is ideal for constructing the frame of a Nether Portal. It’s also used in other advanced crafting recipes, but its role in portal construction is by far the most common.
How Much Obsidian is Needed for a Nether Portal?
Minimum Obsidian Requirement
The absolute minimum number of obsidian blocks required to create a functional Nether Portal is10. This minimal design skips the corners of the portal frame. The standard dimensions are 4 blocks tall and 5 blocks wide (external dimensions), but the inner portal space must be at least 2 blocks wide and 3 blocks tall.
- Bottom row: 2 obsidian blocks
- Top row: 2 obsidian blocks
- Sides: 3 obsidian blocks on each side
Adding this up: 2 (bottom) + 2 (top) + 3 (left) + 3 (right) = 10 obsidian blocks in total.
Standard Frame with Corners
If you prefer a complete, polished look for your Nether Portal, including the corners, you’ll need14 obsidian blocks. Though the corners are not required for functionality, they are often added for aesthetic reasons or to match a themed build.
- Bottom: 4 obsidian (including 2 corner blocks)
- Top: 4 obsidian (including 2 corner blocks)
- Left side: 3 obsidian (not including corner)
- Right side: 3 obsidian (not including corner)
Total: 4 (bottom) + 4 (top) + 3 + 3 = 14 obsidian blocks
Where to Find Obsidian in Minecraft
Crafting Obsidian Naturally
The most common way to obtain obsidian is by pouring water over a lava source block. This method can be found or created in caves, ravines, or near lava pools on the surface. Once you locate a lava pool, place water near the source blocks, and it will instantly turn the lava into obsidian.
Mining Requirements
To mine obsidian, you must use a diamond pickaxe or a netherite pickaxe. Attempting to break it with anything else will destroy the block without dropping it. Mining a single block of obsidian takes approximately 9.4 seconds with a diamond pickaxe, so patience is required.
Finding Obsidian in Structures
Obsidian can also be found in specific world structures, such as:
- Ruined Nether Portals (often partially built with obsidian)
- Bastion remnants in the Nether
- End cities and stronghold libraries (rare loot)
While finding obsidian this way is slower and not guaranteed, it’s a good supplementary method when exploring.
Tips for Building a Nether Portal
Using a Lava Pool Without a Pickaxe
One clever method to build a portal early in the game is by using lava buckets and a water source, even if you don’t have a diamond pickaxe. By strategically placing lava into a mold and then converting it to obsidian with water, you can build the portal block by block without mining anything. This trick is commonly used in speedrunning Minecraft.
Portal Shape and Orientation
While the minimum and standard portal sizes are most common, you can also build larger portals. The maximum size allowed in Minecraft is 23 blocks wide and 23 blocks tall. These oversized portals are purely aesthetic or used for creative builds and serve the same purpose as standard portals.
Portal Placement Strategy
Placing your Nether Portal near your base is usually ideal, as it allows for quick access to the Nether and back. Be cautious of building your portal near flammable materials like wood or grass, as activation sparks can cause fires. Also, ensure the surrounding area in both dimensions is safe from mobs and dangerous terrain.
Activating the Portal
Using Flint and Steel
Once your obsidian frame is complete, you activate the portal by lighting the inside with flint and steel. This causes the portal to glow with a purple vortex. Stepping into the portal for a few seconds will then transport you to the Nether.
Alternate Activation Methods
If you don’t have flint and steel, there are alternative methods to light the portal:
- Using fire charges
- Lighting a block near the portal on fire and letting the fire spread
- Exploiting lava and wood to start a fire near the portal
These methods are more situational but can be helpful in a pinch.
Building a Nether Portal in Minecraft is a rite of passage, and knowing the exact obsidian requirements is key to your success. With a minimum of 10 obsidian blocks and a bit of strategic thinking, players can gain access to the Nether and all of its unique materials and challenges. Whether you mine the obsidian yourself, find it in ruined structures, or build it block by block with lava and water, the journey is well worth the effort. The moment you step into that purple haze, the game opens up in entirely new ways filled with danger, opportunity, and adventure. Always come prepared, and let the obsidian be your gateway to greatness.